✅ SOLVED Brass trade bead

Mar 17, 2015
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So, I am new to all of this (tech challenged). I found this in the vicinity of a known trade route between Charleston and Moncks Corner S.C. Any help or advise is appreciated. image.jpgimage.jpg
 

Sure looks like a brass trade bead. How large is it?
 

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I read the thread "read this before posting here" after I posted the thread. Rookie. Anyway I will post a couple different pics. I thought was fishing lead when I dug it up. It has a flat spot in it with what appears to be a cross. There is three of those "v"s crudely scratched in it. Are these common? Love history more than dollars, but is there any value associated with it? image.jpg
 

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Looks like a trade bead. Are you sure it's brass? The way the marks are cut into it makes it look soft. Tony
 

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No. Not sure if brass. I cleaned it with water and a soft toothbrush. The whitefish patina comes right back. Any way to know?
 

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Here are some brass trade beads, and there two things to note, first and foremost is the size of the hole for stringing them. They didn't have fine wires like we do today for stringing beads, they made their own cordage, and number two is the seam where the folded bead comes together.

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Thanks to all. It was fun. I put a pair of needle nose pliers to it...and it is lead!thanks again . Lovin the diggin!
 

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