Patriot Relics
Silver Member
Hey guys,
Gheenoe78 and I, in search of new ground and potential uncharted Rev War/War of 1812 sites, took to the back water of the lowcountry in SC. The site that we had originally intended on hunting was unfortunately under 3 feet of river mud so that certainly was out. Instead we opted for our plan B- boating inland and using our eyes rather than goggle earth to identify the small clues of occupation that have yielded solid sites in the past.
After an hour or so we landed at a promising new site. While the targets were scarce, we did manage to save some history...UNION history...from the saltwater river bank. The big surprise was my first target- a near flawless federal general service button, Waterbury Button Co, just inches from the high tide line.
No chance this would have survived long so must have recently eroded in the flooding earlier this month. Could not believe the intact shank and visible benchmark...rarely intact from water recoveries. Next up was a pair of 3 ringers and a fired musket ball. About 20 ft from the button, I dug my first half dime- 1856! Crazy to think of the solider that may have lost it all those year ago. I know how we all love to debate silver cleaning techniques so I posted my before and after. Given its ruff shape and low numismatic value, I figured I'd try a few of my coin tricks. I started with lemon juice soaks...no effect of the heavy toning. Ended up utilizing short blasts of electrolysis and that got it to where I was happy. Before and after are side by side.
Another hour of swinging yielded a few eariler flat buttons and an interesting bronze/copper decoritive piece...? Kind of looks like a sea horse without the head, but ID help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for looking!
Gheenoe78 and I, in search of new ground and potential uncharted Rev War/War of 1812 sites, took to the back water of the lowcountry in SC. The site that we had originally intended on hunting was unfortunately under 3 feet of river mud so that certainly was out. Instead we opted for our plan B- boating inland and using our eyes rather than goggle earth to identify the small clues of occupation that have yielded solid sites in the past.
After an hour or so we landed at a promising new site. While the targets were scarce, we did manage to save some history...UNION history...from the saltwater river bank. The big surprise was my first target- a near flawless federal general service button, Waterbury Button Co, just inches from the high tide line.
No chance this would have survived long so must have recently eroded in the flooding earlier this month. Could not believe the intact shank and visible benchmark...rarely intact from water recoveries. Next up was a pair of 3 ringers and a fired musket ball. About 20 ft from the button, I dug my first half dime- 1856! Crazy to think of the solider that may have lost it all those year ago. I know how we all love to debate silver cleaning techniques so I posted my before and after. Given its ruff shape and low numismatic value, I figured I'd try a few of my coin tricks. I started with lemon juice soaks...no effect of the heavy toning. Ended up utilizing short blasts of electrolysis and that got it to where I was happy. Before and after are side by side.
Another hour of swinging yielded a few eariler flat buttons and an interesting bronze/copper decoritive piece...? Kind of looks like a sea horse without the head, but ID help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for looking!
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