This Colonial-Era Find Has Me Stumped!

[Erik in NJ]

Continued to work the Colonial-era house for a couple hours this afternoon. Yesterday I found some very cool iron relics (yet to be posted) including two heavy iron rings bringing my total to three there so far. Dug an IH cent (1903) and Merc dime literally almost at the surface. A nice little finial and another today (spherical with a nipple). I also unearthed a broken pewter spoon end and 1/2 of a silver plated handle to another utensil as well as a couple other interesting relics

I decided to try a section today that had yielded nothing on my initial random walk on my first visit to the property. I fairly quickly got a sweet deep signal that I thought would be a silver dime. Turned out to be a Draped Bust Large Cent! My second in a month! This one is pretty toasted but you can make out the bust when it's wet...will be treating it with hot peroxide to see what happens. I know what area I'll be going back to now and gridding in the future.

Today's biggest surprise was a colonial-era pewter relic that was quite deep and beautifully cast. The diameter is about the size of a half dollar on one end and large cent on the other. It's about an 1-1/4" tall. It has a hole in the side for something and a thin lip on the inside of the smaller end. The detail is amazing! No idea what it is, but it's just a beautiful colonial relic. It was deeper than the Draped Bust Cent in the same undisturbed strata near the cent. I hope it turns out to be something special!

 

[WHADIFIND]

My first impression would be a pipe bowl. That make any sense?

Great finds!

HH!

 

[Erik in NJ]

My first impression would be a pipe bowl. That make any sense?

Great finds!

HH!

It's about the right size, but it's made of pewter and I don't see any place for a stem to attach. The hole in the side is quite small like about the size for a screw. This is a very interesting piece whatever it is!!

 

[FoundInNC]

It is very interesting but I have never seen anything like it!

 

[Erik in NJ]

It is very interesting but I have never seen anything like it!

Yes, the detail on it is quite amazing! Sorry for the quality of the pics -- I took them with my iPhone because I didn't think the item would scan well. I have never seen anything like it myself! When I first dug it, I thought perhaps a napkin ring, but the inner lip and the hole in the side would preclude that.

I've only washed it with soap and water...hoping someone can give me some advice on cleaning pewter. Can I use aluminum jelly on this thing?

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

I'm thinking lamp or candle holder of some sort.

 

[Erik in NJ]

I'm thinking lamp or candle holder of some sort.

Thought about that too, but you would think that one end would be solid. The inner lip is difficult to explain. Someone went to a helluva lot of trouble to give it all of that outer detail.

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

This is one that I found a couple of years ago.

 

[granthansen]

I smoked a pipe for about a week in college. I decided that since I was an English major I should have a pipe and smoking jacket. It didn't last. But I'd say that's about the right size for the hole where the stem would attach. However, a pewter bowl would seem pretty heavy. Definitely cool. Would a tealight candle fit in it?

 

[Erik in NJ]

The diameter of the top hole where the lip is is 15/16". Of course without a bottom, if the candle wasn't sized eactly right--say 1" tapered down to 15/16" or less it would fall through the holder. The hole in the side may have attached it to a candelabrum or some sort. Just a theory. Still hoping someone has some definitive insight into this unique relic.

 

[leaker]

Me thinks a candle snuffer. Don't drink and drive you might spill your drink

 

[JimDon]

I think it is part of an ink well set.

 

[Erik in NJ]

I think it is part of an ink well set.

I have been doing some searches on the Internet and I am inclined to agree with you. It would seem that a glass jar for the ink would be nicely held by the lip and the missing bottom of the item would not be required. What is it that makes you think it's part of an inkwell set? Have you seen any similar items? Thanks for your post!

 

[wheatfinder13]

Here here what a good pun cool thing whatever it is

 

[Gunrunner61]

Looks kinda like a tree trunk..........I know but I was thinking out loud......................HH

 

[DonDon]

This is a very interesting piece that has me baffled. It is pretty cool looking though.
The only thought I had was it looks like something with a definite shape to it was
fitted into or rested on top of it.
It looks like one of at least a two piece set.
I like the candle holder and ink well ideas but, it seams it would be a bit unstable to support those items.
And the side hole for sure has something to do with what ever it is because of the shape that surrounds it.
You for sure will have to keep us posted on your findings.

 

[granthansen]

Erik, does this match up?
Cat by Tree Stump Inkwell.

 

[fishstick]

Simply AWESOME ERIK!! I luv seein things that no one else has seen, makes it that much more special.. That truly is a one of a kind piece and place. Can't wait to see what comes up next bud.. CONGRATS.. HH

 

[Erik in NJ]

Grant looks like you nailed it brother! Great job. I hope the cat is out there too. I even recognize some of the remaining green paint along the grain of the stump! Wish there was a bit more info on it on that site, but it's great to get an ID on it! Thanks!!

 

[granthansen]

Grant looks like you nailed it brother! Great job. I hope the cat is out there too. I even recognize some of the remaining green paint along the grain of the stump! Wish there was a bit more info on it on that site, but it's great to get an ID on it! Thanks!!

SWEET!!! You must find the cat now. It can't be too far, so I'd say dig every darn signal you get near the original dig.