Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

[Whippetdog]

Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Can anyone help out with this? This is a find that we have been trying to dig out on 2 seperate occasions. It is in the woods behind the line of where the Confederates had a row of 12 canons on the battlefield/farm that we have begun to hunt. It is the same location that we have found a lot of artillery scrhapnel and a whole 3 in Dyer shell.

One side you can defiantly make out that is is a large section of chain and it runs under the large root. The left side is hard to make out if it is more chain or something else. Was chain link this large used for anything during the Civil War? Judging from the size and age of the tree, it has to be old enough. This thing runs under the root.

Anybody have any ideas? Still trying to get it out

Thanks

 

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[savant365]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Now that is just too cool! I would be going nuts not knowing what was at the end of that chain. Please keep us posted.

Charlie

 

[slingchine]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Just my opinion, but, I think if I were you I would take a pair of bolt cutters with me next trip and cut one or two of the links of and have them analysed maybe by a history buff or someone that could tell aproximate age and aparent use. Might be worth a try. Sometimes you can learn alot that way. ..........awright then ......ummm....hmmm

 

[newbob]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Just a guess could it be a cannon anchor?

 

[Rob-IL]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Could be logging related, possibly part of a chain log choker

 

[troyx5]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Looks just like the place I hunted in Williamsburg, VA. I knew I would get someone to try to dig that chain I put there hahaha.

 

[BioProfessor]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Just because it was found in an area that produces Civil War relics doesn't mean this item is from the civil war. If the chain was being used to pull up the tree root, that tree is not 150 years old. It looks more like a farmer was trying to use it to clear the area. Now it is possible that it was left in the ground during the Civil War and the tree grew up around it.

Daryl

 

[Whippetdog]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Williamsburg, Va ?? Actually this was at a farm in the Petersburg/Dinnwiddie area.

 

[troyx5]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Hahahaha your hunting partner is scared to come around that area.

 

[trish76642]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

whippetdog? dont you know somebody with a fireplace who might need some 'firewood'?

 

[savant365]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&sa=N

ARTILLERY EAR PLATE CHAIN, USED TO SUPPORT WORM UNDER CARRIAGE

This item is a Civil War ear plate chain - thirteen chain links and end bar. It was recovered in relic condition at an unknown non-Gettysburg location. Lightly pitted, the "O" ring's outside diameter measures 4 inches and is made of an iron/steel 5/8 inches thick. There are twelve links of chain each link measuring 3-inches long by 2-1/8 inches across. They are made of 5/8-inch thick iron/steel. The non-"O" ring end has a large chain link and heavy bar. This chain link is oval and measuring 5 1/8 inches long by 2 � inches across; the end bar is 7-� inches long by 1 inch across and attaches to the chain by a center hole. All components are solidly attached and have not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This piece weighs 11 pounds, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label, and would make an inexpensive display item for an Artillery or Civil War collection.

 

[BioProfessor]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Get 'er out of the ground and lets see. Take some wood chisels along.

Daryl

 

[troyx5]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Daryl....Where did you learn so much about the war of the Northern Agression all the way up there? I appreciate your viewpoints but I'd like to know your backround. I've seen your posts in a lot of the "civil war" type posts and you always have an cough interesting cough opinion. But everyone knows the saying about opinoins ....

 

[BioProfessor]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Born and raised in Elberton, GA. Always been interested in the Civil War. I read a lot and look up stuff on the Internet. I used to teach how to use the Internet for research and can tell a good site from a bad one. Just something I like to do. I will stand behind my responses and provide references in my posts if possible so others can see what I see and let me know if I am stupid. I can take it. I am really putting my reputation as a professor on the line when I post so I take it very seriously and do my homework before I post. I work hard at being non-biased and historically accurate.

How's that?

Daryl

 

[stefen]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

When someone posts an item in the 'What-Is-It' column, opinions can be expected and are far more reliable that a WAG (Wild A$$ Guess)

Opinions usually lead to an identification...

Daryl's responses are usually reliable...

 

[Old Dog]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Troy,

Go read the rest of the posts Daryl has made. His record of accuracy is superb.

As far as I'm concerned his opinions are super as well, and oft times are most humorous.

I enjoy his posts and hope he continues in like fasion.

BTW...you are,
Welcome to post your opinion as well

LOL
OD

 

[troyx5]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Born and raised in Elberton, GA. Always been interested in the Civil War. I read a lot and look up stuff on the Internet. I used to teach how to use the Internet for research and can tell a good site from a bad one. Just something I like to do. I will stand behind my responses and provide references in my posts if possible so others can see what I see and let me know if I am stupid. I can take it. I am really putting my reputation as a professor on the line when I post so I take it very seriously and do my homework before I post. I work hard at being non-biased and historically accurate.

How's that?

Daryl

Adequate. I was just wondering b/c I have seen some of your posts. I wouldn't worry about your reputation as a professor on the line. My last professor was a stupid south african who couldn't even speak english trying to teach economics. Just the word professor doesn't have any pull anymore

As for my guess. That isn't anything but an old chain under a tree root in Williamsburg, VA.

 

[savant365]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Daryl (bioprof),

Thats is interesting that you teach how to research on the web, I would appreciate some tips (in another thread so we don't hijack this one) on internet research. As far as justifying your posts to other members (that have been registered less then 2 months and only 29 posts) don't worry about your reputation. I have read most of your posts and worked with you on one in particular that has yet to be finalized and your knowledge and abilities are very apparent. I found the link to the "artillery ear plate chain" and posted the link and the subject matter that I thought might be relevant along with a picture (post# 11). I don't know for sure that this is what is under the tree but I would like to help ID it if possible and welcome any other opinions. If nothing else maybe it will help send someone else in the right direction so it can positively be ID'd or ruled out as a possibility.

Charlie

P.S. I hope you got something for that cough Troy, it sounded pretty bad.

 

[oldbuzzard]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Hello all,
The "what is it" is my favorite section of the forum.
In my own personal experience every dig and every find is a treasure. In my opinion, I'd have that chain hanging from my ceiling with a gold chandalier on it. I really hope you find a canon on the other end. If you do, put in your front yard and make sure it's pointing at the neighbor you don't like.
Please post more pics and let us know what you find.

H.H.
Oldbuzzard

 

[Kas]

Re: Civil War Battlefield Find "What Is it"

Daryl....Where did you learn so much about the war of the Northern Agression all the way up there? I appreciate your viewpoints but I'd like to know your backround. I've seen your posts in a lot of the "civil war" type posts and you always have an cough interesting cough opinion. But everyone knows the saying about opinoins ....

Cough, cough? I'd a been offended.

Kudos Biopro.
The gray beard is enough for me.

Older people have a lot of interesting info to pass on, if we listen.

I think it's a piece of farm chain and rusted hook.

No I'm not a professional, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.