First good hunt of 2025

[arbuckle]

Trying different settings to see how they do recently, running 10hz on the Equinox 600.

Went out yesterday morning to scope out a new area. Beer can city while we moved through the woods and froze.

After we turned around to head back to the cars, I got a nice fat 2 piece sporting button. Unfortunately the only pick from that area.

When I got home, the fiance had some errands to run for a few hours so I snuck back out to a permission up the street, I’ve gotten 10 silver coins and relics from this yard so far, so it’s been good to me.

To my surprise, the first target was a first time find, a nice #0 crotal bell that was fully intact. Unfortunately no maker’s mark, but still very happy with it.

A few minutes later, a scratchy high 20s tone got me excited, out pops a nice gilt Dandy button.

Super happy to finally find some 18th century stuff in this yard, it’s right next to a very old road and I’ve dug all the way back to the 1600s nearby.

A few other bits and bobs.

Unsure what the last piece is, but it has iron coming out of the small end, assuming a knife or tool handle.

Enjoy!

 

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[robertk]

Neat finds. That's a really nice bell.

 

[beepbleep]

Faucet handle?

 

[arbuckle]

Could be!

Faucet handle?

I’ll get a better picture of the ends when I get home.

 

[arbuckle]

Neat finds. That's a really nice bell.

Thanks! I seem to have luck with good examples for most of my “firsts”. A good thing to have in this hobby

 

[pepperj]

Well done on the recoveries.
Digging the Crotal bells never gets old.
Does it still ring?

Personally I have to say in the relic recoveries, the Crotal bell is on the top for one reason.
It can be buried for 100s of years. Clean the dirt out, shake it, and it comes back to life. That's so cool.

 

[arbuckle]

Well done on the recoveries.
Digging the Crotal bells never gets old.
Does it still ring?

Personally I have to say in the relic recoveries, the Crotal bell is on the top for one reason.
It can be buried for 100s of years. Clean the dirt out, shake it, and it comes back to life. That's so cool.

Yes it still rings!!!

 

[pepperj]

Yes it still rings!!!

Very cool. Love that sound.
I have a few that are 500 yrs old, and they still ring.

What you have looks like a Crotal bell from a strap or it was attached to wood. (Hence the rust instead of the loop)
This site has some great information explaining the different types.

Classic Bells: Sleigh Bell Straps and Brackets

Classic Bells restores antique sleigh bells and manufactures bell home decor. Wholesale. Retail.

classicbells.com

 

[arbuckle]

Very cool. Love that sound.
I have a few that are 500 yrs old, and they still ring.

What you have looks like a Crotal bell from a strap or it was attached to wood. (Hence the rust instead of the loop)
This site has some great information explaining the different types.

Classic Bells: Sleigh Bell Straps and Brackets

Classic Bells restores antique sleigh bells and manufactures bell home decor. Wholesale. Retail.

classicbells.com

Thanks for the info! I was trying to date and arrived at early to mid 19th century based on the details. No maker’s mark unfortunately.

 

[robertk]

Yes it still rings!!!

That's awesome.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Great finds - good to see you could get out on a hunt !

 

[pepperj]

Thanks for the info! I was trying to date and arrived at early to mid 19th century based on the details. No maker’s mark unfortunately.

Sometimes the suspension loops, the petals, or even the size number can indicate age.
Getting just the size # n a bell is good.
Getting a maker's mark is great.
I have only a couple with a maker's mark.
Also the use of the bell when it was introduced to the market.

Having found 100+ bells, I smile every time I dig one up, and when it rings.

 

[arbuckle]

Sometimes the suspension loops, the petals, or even the size number can indicate age.
Getting just the size # n a bell is good.
Getting a maker's mark is great.
I have only a couple with a maker's mark.
Also the use of the bell when it was introduced to the market.

Having found 100+ bells, I smile every time I dig one up, and when it rings.

Cheers to 100 more 🍻