Elad
Hero Member
I have an interesting story for you all today.
It all started back in early spring, when I was still learning to master my new machine. I returned to the first place I ever metal detected, determined to find something new. I found a hotspot in the middle of the woods that included a small amount of early relics such as old flat buttons, buckles and of course this old token that I posted in the cleaning forums. All the relics found at the site were obvious in identification, however, one small relic was an unknown. It was a flat little brass piece (I think?) that was broken on one side with a small hole in the center of the circular end. One side was flat with no markings, but the other had small curved grooves in it, curling towards the outer parts. It was clearly possible that this was hand made, and judging from the age of this site, it was probably part of some antique... thing. But what?
Fast forward 10 months. A few of our crew have been hunting an early site that has produced 6 old coppers & lots more in a very short time. Well I was there the other day, and I noticed a small 1x1 spot on the forest floor that had it's debris cleared away - someone had dismissed a target. I walked up to it and beeped away. It was a low signal, but digable in my book. I did my thing and ended up finding this strange relic 6 inches down. As I held it in my hand and closely inspected it, apart from it being bent, I immediately recognized something else - this is the relic from the other site, just not broken! What an amazing coincidence! these old relics, found so very far apart from each other. Could this indicate that it was a common item?
This complete version of the partial relic has the same flat back, with the same curved grooves on the other side. Comparing the two, it is noticeable that the grooves are generally the same size and shape, but vary in location. This may be an indication of hand made craftsmanship.
Upon further inspection it is logical to assume that if the relic were to once again be flat, that the center hole would be key-hole shaped, leaving the outer 2 holes to act as fasteners. One theory I have is that this is a keyhole plate, either for a door, a strong box or a desk drawer.
It is very interesting to find these similar relics so far apart from each other. What would be even more interesting is to learn exactly who made them and for what. Factoring in all the early British relics and coins found at both sites, leads my to suspect British settlers were the owners of these lost items.
My question to you all - Anyone recognize this relic?
It all started back in early spring, when I was still learning to master my new machine. I returned to the first place I ever metal detected, determined to find something new. I found a hotspot in the middle of the woods that included a small amount of early relics such as old flat buttons, buckles and of course this old token that I posted in the cleaning forums. All the relics found at the site were obvious in identification, however, one small relic was an unknown. It was a flat little brass piece (I think?) that was broken on one side with a small hole in the center of the circular end. One side was flat with no markings, but the other had small curved grooves in it, curling towards the outer parts. It was clearly possible that this was hand made, and judging from the age of this site, it was probably part of some antique... thing. But what?
Fast forward 10 months. A few of our crew have been hunting an early site that has produced 6 old coppers & lots more in a very short time. Well I was there the other day, and I noticed a small 1x1 spot on the forest floor that had it's debris cleared away - someone had dismissed a target. I walked up to it and beeped away. It was a low signal, but digable in my book. I did my thing and ended up finding this strange relic 6 inches down. As I held it in my hand and closely inspected it, apart from it being bent, I immediately recognized something else - this is the relic from the other site, just not broken! What an amazing coincidence! these old relics, found so very far apart from each other. Could this indicate that it was a common item?
This complete version of the partial relic has the same flat back, with the same curved grooves on the other side. Comparing the two, it is noticeable that the grooves are generally the same size and shape, but vary in location. This may be an indication of hand made craftsmanship.
Upon further inspection it is logical to assume that if the relic were to once again be flat, that the center hole would be key-hole shaped, leaving the outer 2 holes to act as fasteners. One theory I have is that this is a keyhole plate, either for a door, a strong box or a desk drawer.
It is very interesting to find these similar relics so far apart from each other. What would be even more interesting is to learn exactly who made them and for what. Factoring in all the early British relics and coins found at both sites, leads my to suspect British settlers were the owners of these lost items.
My question to you all - Anyone recognize this relic?
