BREAST PLATE my first one

[ResurrectedVirginia]

Found this beauty in November 2013. Absolutely amazing. I found it only an INCH DEEP!!!!!! thought it was a can at first. This is the first one that I have ever held, seen, felt, smelled.... it came out back side up and when I turned it over my heart stopped. I knew what it was instantly. When I got it home the thick dirt façade dried and cracked and I was able to pull most of it off with a dental pick and don't worry the pick never touched any part of it other than the dirt. IT HAS BOTH HOOKS COMPLETE AND INTACT. The only damage is a slight bend on the outer edge and unfortunately a hole on the eagles left leg. ( where the center dirt mass is ). Every one tells me that its very rare to get one in this good of shape and cleanliness. I now believe them. I am considering cleaning it more. If not all of it then just around the edge where the crusty dirt still remains. I've been told not to touch it at all and that I "would get punched if I were to mess with it" I want to get it as clean as possible but not ruin it. I am looking for more advice on how to preserve it best and how to protect it. Someone said to put oil or Vaseline on the hooks and lead fill. Any ones comment is appreciated.

For cleaning I was thinking just distilled water and a soft tooth brush or Q tips. I don't plan on using anything with acid in it or chemicals.

sorry idk how to rotate pics

 

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[DigIron2]

Very nice find man.Great shape.it should clean up really nice.I would just scrub it with a old toothbrush ,warm water and soap.More uncommon to find,but it might have a contracters mark in the middle between the hooks. Condradulations.That find should give you plenty hunting motivation for awhile

 

[Tnmountains]

Beautiful right out of the ground. Congratulations,

 

[DiggerinVA]

Congrats....found my first this fall also, mine was missing the hooks though. Use olive oil....let it soak 24 hours then rinse off the dirt. Works great on belt plates and buckles! No damage...i promise...just found U.S. boxplate..worked great on it also.

 

[ResurrectedVirginia]

Thank you everyone for the compliments and cleaning advice. DigIron2 : I do not see a contractors mark present and yes it sure did. Funny thing is it took a few days for me to completely grasp that I even found the thing. haha
DiggerinVA : Congrats for your plate as well. Do you have any pics up?

 

[DiggerinVA]

Both before cleaning...

 

[Bass]

Very nice recovery. Thanks for sharing

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[ResurrectedVirginia]

DiggerinVA: Your finds are in great shape. I probably would have left them alone haha. How much cleaner did they get after the olive oil soak?

 

[DiggerinVA]

I'll post some pics tomorrow.....working tonight.

 

[ResurrectedVirginia]

awesome thanks and take your time.