Revolutionary War Encampment hunt... How do I clean my finds?

[zags08]

I just came back from hunting at a revolutionary war encampment in central nj. i hunted along what seemed to be headrows of rock. i found three items can open (not from revolution time period, being cans were not used) a knife of some sort and another item that seems to be a buckle of some sort. How do I clean and id my findings? this is my first hunt.. I will have pictures posted by the end of the day.

 

[CRUSADER]

I just came back from hunting at a revolutionary war encampment in central nj. i hunted along what seemed to be headrows of rock. i found three items can open (not from revolution time period, being cans were not used) a knife of some sort and another item that seems to be a buckle of some sort. How do I clean and id my findings? this is my first hunt.. I will have pictures posted by the end of the day.

Firstly, never clean until you have IDed them. That way you can't ruin a valuable item. There is a cleaning section on this site, & different metals need different techniques. Take pictures before cleaning & we will ID them in the 'What Is It' section.

Welcome from the UK

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

I am looking forward to seeing your finds. Like Crusader said, don't clean what you may think is valuable.

Congrats!
Neil

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

I can always come out and clean them for you. No problem at all. Same with you guys in England. Anytime.

 

[allen]

sounds like you hit a wonderful place to detect !