🥇 BANNER Colonial/Civil War site yields unusual silver object

[Jason H.]

Last Sunday I headed out to a mixed colonial and Civil War site with my buddy Ron. After five years of going to this place, we have a good feel for where the old home sites are and where the Civil War camp relics are. I like to dig both. Recently, we discovered another home site near the back end of this property, so I decided to check it out in the late afternoon. On the way there, I dug a crusty 1798 Large Cent. Once there, one of my first finds was the 1875 Seated Liberty dime. Then followed flat buttons and some Civil War relics- a knapsack triangle and a variety of bullets. Then I get a decent reading in the button range. After removing a nail, it becomes an awesome signal, reading in the mid-90s on my MXT. I get out the pinpointer and hand digger and begin to uncover something silver about 10 inches down. Taking it out of the hole, I am thrilled but curious- what is this? It's either a dog or a bear, I think. It's handmade, heavy, and it appears to be pure silver. It looks like the top to a cane, but what is that atop its head? Looking inside it, something iron went through the top. Something went through its teeth and one ear is drilled out- but not the other. Does anyone know what this was or what time period it's from?
Thanks and HH,
Jason

Update: This little work of art has been identified as a officer's sword pommel from the Revolutionary War era.

 

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[CRUSADER]

Thank you sir! That is quite a compliment considering what you've found. Do you have any idea as to whether it's British or American? I am happy either way. Thanks!

Sadly, one reason I like it so much, is because I have a lack of knowledge of this design, I 'think' it's because it's rare but it might be because its a hole in my study (born from the fact these are very unusual 'British finds', many more end up in the colonies than homeland). If I had to guess I would edge towards British manufacture, but I hope someone will chime in & fill in the gap?

However you look at it, it's one of the first ones ever in Silver I have seen posted on Tnet & that has to say something!

(it also has a kind of German 'look'??)

 

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[Wildcat1750]

Beautiful find and very interesting to follow how the ID unfolded.

 

[Jason H.]

Awesome find...my banner vote is in. I would focus on that part of the property for a while. Good luck on future hunts.

NJ[/QUOTE

I appreciate it! I will be going straight to that spot very soon and spend some quality time there!

 

[Jason H.]

Sadly, one reason I like it so much, is because I have a lack of knowledge of this design, I 'think' it's because it's rare but it might be because its a hole in my study (born from the fact these are very unusual 'British finds', many more end up in the colonies than homeland). If I had to guess I would edge towards British manufacture, but I hope someone will chime in & fill in the gap?

However you look at it, it's one of the first one ever in Silver I have seen posted on Tnet & that has to say something!

(it also has a kind of German 'look'??)

Thanks, most dug pommels do seem to be made of brass. I took this by a guy who's knowledgeable about military items and he feels certain it's English in origin. Like you, I'm not very familiar with this type of relic- it could indeed be German. I still haven't found an exact match, just some very similar ones. Thanks for your reply!

 

[sorahc]

Jason H, thanks for the shout out. There are lots of good books on military swords through the ages. I have a few and have seen lots of early swords first hand. The more research knowledge you have the more fun the hobby.

 

[Jason H.]

Jason H, thanks for the shout out. There are lots of good books on military swords through the ages. I have a few and have seen lots of early swords first hand. The more research knowledge you have the more fun the hobby.

You're welcome, and I agree- learning about this stuff is fun and when you know what you've dug it's a more meaningful experience. Thanks again!

 

[ivan salis]

it might be british made (things made with loins were quite popular in british culture (the loin and unicorn are well known pottery symbols for old british pottery) *"brave as a lon or fieirce as as a loin" when thinking of a sword = easy to think of ) --being british made does not mean it fought on the british side during the war for independance however --remember that americans were former british colonials --and many a british made sword or musket were used by americans against their former british makers.

plus looking at it a bit more it the hole for the handle seems a bit ovalish thus more for a sword handle --* (pipe tamper holes tended to be more rounde for a round rod type handle )

 

[CRUSADER]

I thought this would be on the banner by now. When will we see another one?

 

[DirtyMike]

Congratulations on such a beautifully unique find.

 

[Jason H.]

it might be british made (things made with loins were quite popular in british culture (the loin and unicorn are well known pottery symbols for old british pottery) *"brave as a lon or fieirce as as a loin" when thinking of a sword = easy to think of ) --being british made does not mean it fought on the british side during the war for independance however --remember that americans were former british colonials --and many a british made sword or musket were used by americans against their former british makers.

plus looking at it a bit more it the hole for the handle seems a bit ovalish thus more for a sword handle --* (pipe tamper holes tended to be more rounde for a round rod type handle )

That is a good point- I find British made buttons all the time, but that's because they were imported. Lafayette camped near this area during the war, so it may have been dropped then. Thanks!

 

[Jason H.]

I thought this would be on the banner by now. When will we see another one?

I can't recall seeing another one quite like this that's been dug. Hopefully I can find the rest of the sword tomorrow!

 

[Jason H.]

Congratulations on such a beautifully unique find.

Thanks Mike!

 

[ivan salis]

well when a brit like crusader * says he hasn't seen one quite like it thats saying something since he lives in england and digs nice british relics all the time -- I think its "banner" worthy

 

[Tnmountains]

Seek and Ye Shall Find by John R.S. Dobozy



also see Christies auctions

THE SAMUEL BLODGET SILVER-MOUNTED SWORD AND SCABBARD** | THE HILT AND SCABBARD MOUNT SIGNED BY JOHN BAILEY (C.1737-1815), VERPLANCK'S POINT, NEW YORK, 1776-1778 | American Furniture & Decorative Arts Auction</li> | Christie's

I would be back looking for the guard as it might be silver and survived as well
Good luck and nice find
TnMtns

 

[Jason H.]

Thanks Ivan! Detecting in England would be amazing to say the least.

 

[Jason H.]

Seek and Ye Shall Find by John R.S. Dobozy

View attachment 744752

also see Christies auctions

THE SAMUEL BLODGET SILVER-MOUNTED SWORD AND SCABBARD** | THE HILT AND SCABBARD MOUNT SIGNED BY JOHN BAILEY (C.1737-1815), VERPLANCK'S POINT, NEW YORK, 1776-1778 | American Furniture & Decorative Arts Auction</li> | Christie's

I would be back looking for the guard as it might be silver and survived as well
Good luck and nice find
TnMtns

Thanks for the link! Wow, an undug sword with provenance can muster some serious money. I went back to the site last Monday and searched it thoroughly but couldn't find the rest of the sword. I did find a neat 18th century buckle and a few buttons, but that was about it. Maybe someday it will turn up.

 

[HISPAN]

Nice Revolutionary Sword pommel ...I vote banner !

 

[Steve in PA]

JASON!! Congrats on the BANNER

 

[Gridwalker306]

This thing is freaking awesome. I started reading this thread from the top, curious to learn what the item is. The pipe idea sounded plausible, maybe the end of a cane, then maybe this or that.

Then Iron Patch chimes in and tells us what it IS. There be some knowledgable dudes on this site...

Again, great find!

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice Banner Jason. Looks good on top .
Congratulations.