First post, todays find

[usndocgreen]

So,

My dad found a meteorite years ago metal detecting and he finally convinced me to get into detecting. I got an etrac and have been out beating the bushes while on private land in West Virginia. Anyway hello to all on the forum. I have been learning the machine finding cans, shotgun brass, nails, pull tabs foil wrappers etc but have found some old copper pipe, brass tags etc. Today in a creek bed I got a deep hit about 15-35 and dug down to about 16 in. Hit a large metal object then wound up digging another foot down and around to unearth this thing. It ruptured as I was digging and dark black sludge came out. Looks like its older with copper fittings and some wiring Inside through the hole I see. Something heavy is rolling around inside. What is this thing? Compressor? Pressure cooker? Part if an old still? Should I crack it open?

 

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[doninbrewster]

My guess would be part of an old still. Interesting.

 

[arrowhead82]

nice find, and welcome to treasurenet!
HH

 

[vpnavy]

1st - Notice this is your very first post - so, welcome aboard from the great state of Pennsylvania (USA) usndocgreen.

2nd - You didn't mention your state (or country) - but you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forums: Select Your Area.... and selecting your state for information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country).

3rd - Haven't a clue what that puppy actually is - but, a member will jump in shortly to ID it.

 

[usndocgreen]

Sorry I am military in the US Navy. In West Virginia for another month then to Maryland for 9 months..

 

[doc-d]

Very cool, please let us know what it is when you find out.

 

[Limitool]

So,

My dad found a meteorite years ago metal detecting and he finally convinced me to get into detecting. I got an etrac and have been out beating the bushes while on private land in West Virginia. Anyway hello to all on the forum. I have been learning the machine finding cans, shotgun brass, nails, pull tabs foil wrappers etc but have found some old copper pipe, brass tags etc. Today in a creek bed I got a deep hit about 15-35 and dug down to about 16 in. Hit a large metal object then wound up digging another foot down and around to unearth this thing. It ruptured as I was digging and dark black sludge came out. Looks like its older with copper fittings and some wiring Inside through the hole I see. Something heavy is rolling around inside. What is this thing? Compressor? Pressure cooker? Part if an old still? Should I crack it open?

First of all welcome guy.... interesting find. I don't have a clue what this thing is... but with wires inside can't be "real old". I'd say an old still also... but with wires inside I assume the rolling around object won't come out the small hole seen in side & top... I'd wait to crack open until someone can ID within a reasonable amount of time. Anyway keep us posted on what you believe and/or find out... Brad

 

[noble]

looks like the motor from an old refrigerator

 

[JunkShopFiddler]

Cool find, welcome to Tnet and thank you so much for your service to our wonderful Country!

 

[Wildcat1750]

Interesting find, usndocgreen in WVa (don't know what it is) and Welcome to TNet from Nick in CT!

 

[usndocgreen]

Thanks everyone. We went back and looked around the area some more and found two old refrigerators just pitched into the woods upstream. So that could be it. I may just bust it open to see what's inside and the salvage the copper fittings.

 

[usndocgreen]

Hated dumping this thing out in the woods but no way was I gonna be able to carry it full of whatever that crud was.

 

[wvwildman]

yes a Compressor and welcome to the forum fayette county here

 

[wvwildman]

what part of the state you in?

 

[usndocgreen]

Thanks! Right south of Charleston.

 

[VERDE]

Looks as if it is a compressor off a 1721 Spanish Galleon lost in the waters of West Virginia or possibly the Beale Treasure Bucket! Great Find to my 2 Treasure Hunters!! Good Luck!! VERDE!!

 

[usndocgreen]

Haha thanks Dad!

 

[g-olden years]

Welcome to t-net! With your energy, you'll be pulling something really cool from the ground soon! Though not relevent to your current find, in general DO NOT BUST OPEN OR TORCH OPEN ANY CLOSED CONTAINER! Old explosives can deteriorate and explode; a friend lost her 15-year old son that way a few years ago. That said, HAVE FUN & WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT POST! Andi

 

[vpnavy]

Oh man - leave it to the U. S. Navy to go in the woods with a MD and find a compressor! GO usndocgreen!

 

[VERDE]

vpnavy! Thanks for the reply! Now the rest of the story from a very proud popa! He actually played football for navy, center and right tackle, but would never mention it, during his four years and then won the award for the highest GPA in the athletic department during his tour!! I'ts really great having a son who can read and cipher!! AMERICA!! GO NAVY!! VERDE!!