To dig or not to dig?

[DeAnn]

That is the question.. Hello all i am new here , my name is Heather.
I just moved to a new house and there is a lot of broken glass practically everywhere in this yard. There are certain areas where there is more and i have already found some intact bottles right on top of the ground. The bottles i found are kind of old and very interesting , i also found a locket styled piece of hair jewelry .
The question for me is , do i go out and start digging up the yard or not? The people who lived here before us decided to push most of the trees down and so there is already some erosion problem that i am currently trying to mend, i want to dig down a little further but do you think it will be in vain? my neighbor says the land around us was an inert landfill? what say you

 

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[root]

Hi DeAnn....

I would certainly dig a test pit since you're seeing surface shards. How old is the property? Any coloured glass??

HH,

root

 

[TreasureTales]

First, I say welcome to TreasureNet. So happy you joined us! You've come to the right place.

Second, I say try scraping around with a rake first, so you don't break anything that may be within an inch or so of the surface. Then, as root suggests, you have to determine if the glass is old or colorful or both. No use digging up yesterday's ketchup bottles. LOL I would definitely use a rake to start and then if things looked intriguing, I'd dig down about 12" and look for some indication of more bottles being buried. I'd dig several test holes like that. I'd also consider screening or sifting the soil, if case there are coins or jewelry or old marbles...things that are impossible to find with a metal detector OR difficult to find due to the surrounding metallic trash. It could be a long project, but might be a great way to find some treasures and also learn a little about the history of the place. As far as the erosion is concerned, plant trees ASAP.

Please keep us up-to-date with photos of your finds. Good luck.

 

[desecrator]

If possible, I would post pics, or at least descriptions of the bottles you've already found. There are many experts on here that can help you date the finds and determine if excavation is a good idea.

 

[chong2]

i agree with SWR, a 4 foot probe. they will tell you spring steel, that stuff wont work in the hard soils where i live, i got a steel dowel rod from home depot or lowes, and put a handle on it.i just found a whole bunch of bottles from late1800's to very early 1900's. its a good way for the beginner. youll start to get the feel if your hitting glass. also see if you can post up some pics

 

[DeAnn]

Thanks y'all, so far i have marbles , a few old Pepsi coke and ball s.. lots of broken older stuff, oh the neatest thing so far is this little locket made with hair woven in the back cool !!! thx again will post pics soon ttoy