Colonial iron display

[Bill D. (VA)]

Since relic hunting season is over for me now I decided to take time to put some of my cleaned iron artifacts into one of my new display cases. These are some of the larger items I've dug, and quite a few were recovered this past season. More than half of these are hoes and pot parts, but there are some other interesting items as well. Still have several glass shelves to fill up, but haven't decided what to put on those just yet although early pottery and stoneware might be the best option. To make this happen I may need to consider rearranging stuff in all my cases, or just wait and see what I can dig next season. Sorry for the lousy quality pics, but taking them indoors with all the bad lighting and glare didn't do these artifacts the justice they deserve. But it looks awesome in person. After this past season I definitely have acquired a newly found appreciation for iron.

 

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[beez0404]

I would love to put together a display of the iron pieces I've found. Just not too sure if anyone would have an interest in seeing a bunch of nails on display.

 

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[joeyfresh]

Those are beautiful displays, Bill. It is obvious from reading your articles and seeing these photos that you truly love what you do and are darn good at it too. Thanks for sharing with everyone.

That's an understatement, lol. When Bill cleans out a county, he sells his house and drags his poor wife to a new one. She's the one who deserves all the recognition

Great display Bill. What's the piece above the clothes iron?

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

That's an understatement, lol. When Bill cleans out a county, he sells his house and drags his poor wife to a new one. She's the one who deserves all the recognition

Great display Bill. What's the piece above the clothes iron?

Joey, I recently posted that in the what is it forum and I think it turned out to be some kind of a colonial chisel tool. I found it on a site where Dan and I were finding 1700s stuff so I guess that's what it dates to.

 

[ColonialDude]

Great finds Bill...and very nice display! I too appreciate the early iron and have a good collection going now. Once you know how to properly clean and treat it it comes to life!

 

[el remolino]

Yes that is a fantastic collection of OLD iron.

Exactly how did you clean your items, and keep the "orange" rust color from coming back. I live in the desert so we typically don't have a lot of corrosion but the orange stuff always has a tendency of coming back. Thanks for showing those great artifacts!!!

Kinley

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Yes that is a fantastic collection of OLD iron.

Exactly how did you clean your items, and keep the "orange" rust color from coming back. I live in the desert so we typically don't have a lot of corrosion but the orange stuff always has a tendency of coming back. Thanks for showing those great artifacts!!!

Kinley

After I finish cleaning the item using electrolysis I soak in alcohol to remove all remaining moisture. Then after it dries it starts to acquire a bit of an orange haze, so I spray it liberally with WD-40, let it soak for a bit, then dry with a clean cloth. Then I apply a coat of polyurethane, let it dry thoroughly, then repeat again as necessary. That process generally works well for me, although there have been some exceptions where small spots start turning orange again for some reason.

 

[el remolino]

Ok, thanks for the info!!

 

[AQUA]

That is a sweet display....looks totally awesome in your room !!!

Gotta get around to getting one started for myself .......... obviously more to this hobby than just finding coins and buttons !

 

[relicmeister]

Enjoyed looking at your iron displays, Bill. I love my iron relics and good thing, cause they keep me going between the less frequently found coin, buckle, button, etc.
I have our enclosed porch for displaying my finds, which is visible from inside the living room/dining room, as well as a scattering of them throughout the house.
great job.

 

[ModernMiner]

Simply fantastic Bill. Beautiful display of iron relics that usually get no respect. I wish I had some of the axe heads and hoes I dug early on in my detecting career.
Great job,
Doug

 

[BuckleBoy]

Killer Iron! Great display, my friend.

 

[Old Dude]

Awesome display of some quality finds. You definitely have some conversation starters. No silence in that room!