Wanted to share an extraordinary relic I found with its history! SIMPLY ASTOUNDING!!!

Devonrex

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Location
SE Virginia
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Detector(s) used
XP DEUS, Nautilus DMC IIB
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Thought everyone who lives in this area might find this fascinating. The US buckle is for size reference only. The relic wasn't found today but it was identified. This is either a horse harness or a carriage mount I found relic hunting. It was finally identified as belonging to the Carter family of Virginia. I'm sure everyone has heard of Carter's Grove in Williamsburg. What's even more fascinating is General Robert E. Lee's mother was a Carter! So, in a way, this relic is connected to the most beloved and revered general the South has ever known! The dog is called a Talbot, a classic hunting dog of its time and the heraldic way of describing its posture is "sejant". It is holding a shield under its dexter (right) paw and the shield (or escutcheon) has a cart wheel or Catherine wheel depicted on it. The rope like item the dog sat on is called the torse and it represents the twisted ribbons used to cover the joint between the knights armoured helmet and the crest that sat on top of it and is sometimes called a wreath. The back has 8 prongs which attached to leather. For all I know, Robert E. Lee could have been riding in the carriage this item was secured too when it was lost! How about that!
 

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Thats a awesome piece of history. Thanks for sharing..
 

Can we see the back? That thing looks great.
 

Very nice find!
 

awesome job by you!!!
 

I won't say it belongs in a museum, though it's certainly worthy of it. What an awesome relic to have recovered.
 

Now that is an INCREDIBLE piece with an even more INCREDIBLE connection. Thanks for sharing this history with us
 

Here is the coat of arms from the Carter family of medieval times and as you can see, the Carters of Virginia incorporated some of the symbols from the medieval coat of arms into theirs. The talbot symbolizes vigilance, bravery and loyalty. The wheel on the shield is known as a Catherine's wheel and symbolizes St. Catherine's martyrdom. The Latin phrase translates as, " From God comes grace and we are grateful."
 

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Awesome! History is a hundred times more fascinating when you have an artifact directly attached to it!
Amazing discovery! :treasurechest:8-)
 

That's nice! - what metal is it? Bronze?
 

Devonrex would you pick my next powerball numbers that is unreal , way to go.vanzutphen
 

Great find Mate :thumbsup: The Dog is a Talbot Hound sitting in the sejant pose as you say, The Talbot hound was a white hunting Dog now extinct and is used on coats of arms in various poses. Here is one on a Irish Livery Button, Family name of Laghlin ...Great find.:thumbsup:

SS
 

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This piece is what metal detecting is about. Its recovering history like this and having it tell it's story for all to enjoy. Thank you for sharing this and it has to be a crowning achievement for you, would be for me.
 

Great find Mate :thumbsup: The Dog is a Talbot Hound sitting in the sejant pose as you say, The Talbot hound was a white hunting Dog now extinct and is used on coats of arms in various poses. Here is one on a Irish Livery Button, Family name of Laghlin ...Great find.:thumbsup:

SS

Pretty sure I have a Livery button of the OP's item!

Anyway, very cool find, CONGRATS
 

Interesting, great find. I feel like I should be clicking on the banner button?
 

Interesting, great find. I feel like I should be clicking on the banner button?

I agree Treb but I don't think they'll allow where it was found awhile ago and this info just came to light
 

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