Firsts: Dug gun & complete pocket watch (silver?)

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Thx for the ID forum help on confirming this was a real gun frame vs the typical cap gun find. I guess this is the frame of a small caliber revolver or possibly a derringer style boot pistol. If anyone can provide further research links, would be appreciated.

Only other find at this 1750-1950 site was this item. Looks like tombac material.


Thx to Steve in Pa for sharing one of his 1700’s permissions this weekend . Congrats to Steve on popping a old KG, fun moment.

Here is today’s lunch handful. (1863 Fatty IHP)

Pocket watch was a deep high tone 10’ from the edge of an 1800’s cellar hole. Ran the pinpointer in the hole and got the chain, then another signal 3” deeper and the Sterling pocketwatch keeper popped out.


The pocket watch is totally intact and tight. I think it is coin silver (found a back earlier this year that was stamped coin silver on inside). I really, really want to open it up. There is a slight notch near the winder, tried popping it, but no luck and I don’t want to destroy it. Any tips? Heat? Soaking in oil or water? (I have not submerged it yet. Just wiped it down.)

Good luck out there!

 

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[The Dirt Pirate]

Nice finds.

 

[Tpmetal]

You're killing it lately. I too have a silver watch I can't get open. Its bound by rust from internal springs and such

 

[Steve in PA]

Nice group of finds Thad. The pistol frame is a nice relic. Good luck with the pocket watch - maybe it will have treasure map inside
I'm surprised that you found a site as early as 1750 around here considering the only white men in this area at that time were a few Indian traders. The French didn't even build Fort Duquesne until 1754. Maybe you meant 1850?
Here is my KG II. If I can get the green encrustations off it might look a little better.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Nice group of finds Thad. The pistol frame is a nice relic. Good luck with the pocket watch - maybe it will have treasure map inside
I'm surprised that you found a site as early as 1750 around here considering the only white men in this area at that time were a few Indian traders. The French didn't even build Fort Duquesne until 1754. Maybe you meant 1850?
Here is my KG II. If I can get the green encrustations off it might look a little better.
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Nice KG Steve! The gun frame and tombac piece (I thought was a powder flask spout) came from the woods by the site of the Whiskey Rebellion uprising in Scott Twp which took place 1791. 10 minutes from my house and yours... I figure the disgruntled Whiskey “Farmers” had to have been working the land for a while before George Washington sent his troops in.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

You're killing it lately. I too have a silver watch I can't get open. Its bound by rust from internal springs and such

Thx! I’ve found a few dozen pocket watches over the last couple years. Older ones have always been in pieces, newer ones have been the glass front style and mostly corroded and filled with dirt. I’m sure if I pry it open the inside will be trash, but.... I would love to see the condition, makers mark and possible treasure map...

 

[glass half fool]

That pocket watch is really neat .However I bet the owner spent a lot of time looking for it

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Awesome relic hunt, congratulations!

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

PM Nitric regarding the old pocket watch..I’ve heard he/she knows something about old watches.

 

[A2coins]

Amazinf finds cool pistol Ive found many pocket watches none silver Well done

 

[Whyme]

Nice finds! That watch is really cool. Hope you get it open.

 

[Argentium]

Even without risking the opening of the watch , could you clean the outer surfaces gently to determine if it is silver or not ?

 

[Gridwalker306]

Great looking finds! The boot pistol is really cool, as well as the rest.

I found a silver plated pocket watch last month, and I was able to get it open. Amazingly the cover snapped back together nicely too. Good luck!

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Ok, one side open. This is the side that had the fingernail slot. Not a lot happening here, just a number, no maker mark. The other side has no access slot. Still noodling how to get that side open.

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!!

 

[Johncoho]

View attachment 1640414
View attachment 1640415View attachment 1640416
Ok, one side open. This is the side that had the fingernail slot. Not a lot happening here, just a number, no maker mark. The other side has no access slot. Still noodling how to get that side open.

That inner dust cover should also pop open with a watch case opener or a sharp pocket knife. There should be a small indentation to insert the knife and gently twist to open that dust cover. It is also attached to the same hinge.

 

[TomW244]

I've no idea how to safely open the watch, but PLEASE post the results if and when you do. That is an amazing find!

 

[against the wind]

Congrats on some sweet finds.
If the watch case is pre 1890's,, it will be Coin Silver.

 

[Kace]

VERY NICE Pa!! I really like that watch!

Kace

 

[Calabash Digger]

nice!