A couple interesting finds from a new 1600s site

[Bill D. (VA)]

I was finally able to make contact with the owner of this early property following one of my most extensive research efforts that I finally completed last summer. I won't go into the details of how I pinpointed the exact location of this site, but it involved a trip to the local museum, researching an old obituary, some genealogy work, and a major rural utility project from 25 years ago. This was also the site of an archaeological dig back in the late '80s when the construction work cut right through it. The dwelling was said to date to 1681, but I've found other evidence that indicates it was probably occupied earlier. Plus it was "post-in-hole" type construction which also leans toward an earlier date. Anyway, I knew exactly where the old house was and saw a little brick in the field from what was probably the chimney, but there was little iron and pretty much no pottery or glass although I did eyeball a large chunk of 1600s tin-glazed earthenware. The targets were very few as well, and most were either buckshot or can slaw. I only managed a 2 or 3 keepers, and one was an interesting little button with a cool design. At first I thought it was a thistle button but I don't think that's what it is. I also dug part of a 1600s spectacle buckle as well as this cool looking lead piece. On one side it looks like it has the numbers 1 and 7 across the top with a 3 and 1 below it. Could that be the date "1731"? Overall the site was quite disappointing, but I may go back there when things are slow elsewhere and maybe I can get lucky and pull out a random find or 2 away from the dwelling site.

 

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[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

"A" for effort Bill. As we know not every site is a great one, but maybe today it was just not ready to give it up. I'd go back for sure, you just never know, with different conditions, after a plow, after a rain, walk a different angle. Maybe even a different amount of electricity in the air, yes that sounds stupid, but hard to explain how you find little one day, and lots another. I had a prime example of that this year, all I got one day was a few pieces of lead, and almost wrote the place off, next time got my oldest french silver.

With that "babble" out of the way you did get a couple nice buttons/keepers, and I'm sure you enjoyed yourself. I look at it this way, you're that many holes closer to the next great find. (my last three hunts in a row were probably worse)

 

[Valley Ranger]

Great work and nice finds!

 

[Hunthicks]

I'd be happy with those finds, and like Rick said different days seem to yield different results. I've headed to a site that was pretty beat after there had been snow cover that melted and there seemed to be targets everywhere. Good luck with it!

 

[gwdigger]

Bill, is the button upside down? it looks like 2 baby angels. Great button! It could be 2 angels holding a crown above the virgin Mary cradling baby Jesus. If so, that's an uncanny find to make a week before Christmas.

 

[johnnyblaze]

Nice digs Bill that is and early button and buckle for sure

Persistence pays off....

Blaze

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Bill, is the button upside down? it looks like 2 baby angels. Great button!

Great catch GW! I can't believe I didn't see that .... DUH! But like I said, I was thinking it might be a thistle button like the one below I found a couple years ago. I wonder what that thing is supposed to be in the center that the angels or cherubs are hanging onto? Thanks a bunch for your input.

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Some great finds Bill, I agree with GWD that button looks like angles or cherubs.
We just got another big dump of the white stuff up here, so any hope of Rick and I hitting up another site this year is really looking slim now. Oh well I will stay reved up through your hunts untill I can start hunting again. I can't even get in the water lately due to the weather.
Good luck Bill, hope you have a fantastic season.
ZDD

 

[gwdigger]

Bill it could be the baby angels are holding a crown above the virgin Mary cradling baby Jesus

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Bill it could be the baby angels are holding a crown above the virgin Mary cradling baby Jesus

I think you could be right on that. Would love to see a detailed pic of what that button should look like. Maybe on the UK Finds database?? Thanks again ....

 

[ModernMiner]

Fantastic relics Bill.
-MM-

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Some great finds Bill, I agree with GWD that button looks like angles or cherubs.
We just got another big dump of the white stuff up here, so any hope of Rick and I hitting up another site this year is really looking slim now. Oh well I will stay reved up through your hunts untill I can start hunting again. I can't even get in the water lately due to the weather.
Good luck Bill, hope you have a fantastic season.
ZDD

Dang Dave - sounds like you have cabin fever already and its not even Christmas yet. I feel the exact same way every year from spring to fall when I can't get out due to the crops. Year-round hunting would definitely be nice.

 

[terpfan]

It must have felt great to have all of your research validated by those nice finds. I'm looking forward to learning more about that spectacular old button, as hopefully more experts will chime in soon.

 

[RELICDUDE07]

Great button-i'm with you on the angels..You may not find another 1 like it anywhere, but it is what it is!Look the site good, great chance to turn up a old gold coin at that site.......Congrats LADY OF PILLAR 17th century

 

[Limitool]

Bill, is the button upside down? it looks like 2 baby angels. Great button! It could be 2 angels holding a crown above the virgin Mary cradling baby Jesus. If so, that's an uncanny find to make a week before Christmas.

gwdigger... Good eye... it sure looks like your right. And great find sir... I'd go back also.

 

[metalev4]

Nice digs Bill. I like that spectacle buckle, never did find one when I was in VA. Good luck friday.
-Evan

 

[Msbeepbeep]

There's more there it's just taken it's sweet time getting closer to the surface. Congrats on your finds! I like the buckle. Can slaw is just about every where.