This Old House

[thrillathahunt]

I had the opportunity to metal detect the yard of a house built in 1894 today! The wonderful 86 year young lady who owned the house has lived there all her life. Can you imagine that?

"There must be some old stuff around the yard, because look what I found in the garden" she said as she showed me an old rusty square nail. We chatted for some time and I learned some fascinating history about the house and some stories of days gone bye. I was excited to say the least and ready to get started!

The drought has taken it's toll on many of the lawns here in central Texas and most of the grass is dead, but I found the ground powder-dry and surprisingly easy to dig.

Two hours later I had completed a sweep around the house (I am sure there is lots more there) but I had to leave so I knocked on the door to show her my finds. She was as excited as a school girl as she carefully looked at the dirty pile....I hoped she wouldn't notice or say anything about the "Merry Widow" container....and she didn't. I also asked her if the little ring might have been hers back in the day, but she said she didn't recognize it. I was hoping she would have said "Oh I had that ring when I was a young girl"!

Ladys and gentlemen, the house and my finds!

 

[joeyfresh]

Great finds. Hopefully she'll let you back to do some more

 

[nhagan]

I had found an early 3 merry widows tin some time ago which was in great shape (pulled it open and there was what looked like red wax in there). I honestly had no idea what it was so at the time i had tossed it (in a buddies scrap pouch as I didnt have mine on me at the time). we hit up another park where he must have dumped his 'trash' (throwing everything away into a garbage can). well I got back home and asked if I could see that tin and clean it up a bit not knowing he actually scraps his scrap haha. thats the last time ill throw something questionable into anyones scrap pouch but my own.

neil

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

I always wondered about those things.
Did people collect the whole set?
Did you have to buy them with your girlfriend or wife's name,
or could you use them with just anyone, and hid the lid?
I mean come on, Agnes? Mabel?
Carl

 

[thrillathahunt]

I always wondered about those things.
Did people collect the whole set?
Did you have to buy them with your girlfriend or wife's name,
or could you use them with just anyone, and hid the lid?
I mean come on, Agnes? Mabel?
Carl

you forgot Beckie!

I am afraid to open it........

 

[Burdie]

Go ahead open it. Jane may jump out. Hope you get to go back.

Burdie

 

[PikesPeakCharlie]

I found one in Cripple Creek back in the late 80s. It was in perfect shape,came out of a privy while bottle digging. I opened it and there was still one inside,hard as a rock,,,,,,,, no pun intended. Somebody offered me $100,,,, I took it

 

[ppratt]

Whats the date on that wheat? looks like a 22 and I dont see a mintmark

 

[Nana40]

That's a great buckle, TATH! I'm sure that sweet lady enjoyed the company.

WTG on the keepers!

Nana

 

[thrillathahunt]

Thanks all for your kind replies! She said I could come back anytime...yep Nana, I think she likes the company.

 

[thrillathahunt]

Whats the date on that wheat? looks like a 22 and I dont see a mintmark

It looks like it IS a 1922...I will peroxide it a bit and see if I can get a better look.

 

[thrillathahunt]

The little ring cleaned up nicely....it is marked sterling.

 

[texan connection]

Wow that ring looks great and probably is 100 yrs old. I bet there is a ton of stuff there.

 

[Lanny in AB]

Sweet digs!

All the best,

Lanny

 

[steelheadwill]

Great story, Nice old ring., trapezoid buckle
Hope you got the right 1922