Ugly, but to me, a beauty!

[mfjohnson]

This past June, while hunting a local battlefield, I located an object in/beneath a live tree. Normally, I would not worry too much about an object if I couldn't retrieve it after 30-45 mins. I simply would move on, looking for another target. However, this one was different. The signal was much "bigger" than what I was use to and wouldn't disc out, even at the highest level. But, I couldn't retrieve the object. It was beneath a mature ceder.
After talking with a few friends, I started believing the object was most likely an artillery shell of some sort. On my return trips to this area, i always would return to this tree and "play around", hoping my trusty wal-mart shovel and vibra-probe would, just maybe, help me get a glimpse of this mystery target. However, recently my curiosty took ahold, and I decided I would bring a few tools (hatchet, cordless drill with various bits) to see what kind of shell was in the ground.

After removing about 8 inches of wood, the probe finally located the object. It was almost dead center under this tree, about 5-6 inches below ground level. After removing the wood chips, I noticed it wasn't iron at all, but brass. Now moving at a slower, more careful pace hoping something might be left of it, I was able to free the object. Below. are some pics.

As you can see, it sure took a beating! But, there's probably not many recoveries as difficult as this one; a delicate object surrounded by thick, live wood underground.

Nevertheless, this was my first plate/buckle and to me, it's beautiful



Thanks for reading,

Mike

 

[mfjohnson]

Hey fellas,

Thanks for the nice words.

I know I damaged the plate during it's recovery, however I strongly disagree with one member with his statement that "it should be tossed after another one is found", or something along those lines. Yes, it's monetary value is decreased, but that doesn't concern me one bit. What I enjoy about personally found CW relics is the historical value attached them and the resulting ability to further study troop positions/ movements/ encampments/ etc. Furthermore, every CW relic I find (just shy of a thousand) I number with a sticker and catalog date, location, and any other pertanent info. I do this in hopes that none of my relics ever become like the countless ones on eBay and all over the web; simply titled "Civil War relic..." with all their history lost.

Mike

 

[kindafoundabuckle]

I would cut down a freakin forest if I knew there was a plate under one of the trees!

My old dealer did the same thing and found a square CSA plate. He could tell where someone tried to get it out before and gave up on it. His came out undamaged. The tree went through some rehab and pulled through.

KFB

 

[1235CE]

nice find!......big congrats! .......and remember, trees can come back but history can't.

HH all!

Greg

 

[BureFreak]

Hey Mike!

"Tink, tink tink"

ha! Nice find cousin.

Everyone needs to trust me that this area where Mike hit this plate is in the middle of some of the roughest terrain a battle could be held on, and he has all the permission in the world to do what he needs to do on this land, without worry of losing it. I only wish I were there to see this baby pulled. Mike, you make me proud bud.

 

[jeff of pa]

Mike.

Awsome Find Considering what you had to do to Retrieve it.

I'v Chopped through Blacktop with a Screwdriver & Hammer,
for Can tabs,
But Never a Tree with a Drill.

It's Great to see a Dedicated Relic hunter,
come up with such a Great Idea.

I'll have to Remember that Option.

 

[Burdie]

I forgot to tell you great determination. Sounds like you represent our field well. Keep up the good work.
Burdie

 

[BuckleBoy]

Good post. I know of a plate * I THINK it is a plate* right now in someone's front field on Lee's Retreat route that is in the root system of a tree that has blown over. I have narrowed it down to brass or lead and it is a good size target. Next time I hunt the site I'm going to bring my sawzall and some batteries and cut a larger then needed chunck out of the root that is blocking it. The tree is already blown over and is almost 5 ft in diameter. My friend Sal and I dug some minnies about 30 yards from the tree. I'll post pics when I recover it.

So the roots are blocking it, or have they grown around it. If they're blocking it, you've got a chance...otherwise you might have to release the termites! LOL. Please post photos of the recovery process. I'd love to see it! Be careful with that beauty.

Regards,

Buckleboy

 

[karib2517]

nice find .