Gold Again!

[steelheadwill]

Back out at low tide,
found this round item.
Tests 14K+, 29mm, 2.4 Gr.
some of the design aspects resemble a Dandy button,
I'm thinking it is the face to a brooch or pendant.
Note one side is more worn, has a single slightly off center hole.
Anyone got an idea on date, usage ?
.50 Cal practice round, Adjustable square,
remains of a cigarette box with Chinese lions,
more numbered brass tags, think I got these IDed, old lobster trap tags
Other whatsit items,
Something that looks like a hanger of sorts, the angled slot would hold something..
Thought the next one was a radiator cap, til I cleaned it, and saw the gear and spiral inside.
Also the small caps with slot, about .5 inches Diameter,
have found many at different sites.
Anyone seen any of these items before?

Hoping to get back out in the woods today, away from the mudflats,
that snow is melting fast !!
Thanks for looking, HH All

 

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[MaineRelic]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

I think The gold piece is a watch face Herbie . It has 12 segments to it ! Nice find Gold M.R.

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

I think The gold piece is a watch face Herbie . It has 12 segments to it ! Nice find Gold M.R.

The thought never crossed my mind
Surely could be, that small central hole & 12 segments..
i'm going to search for a match, Thanks MR
now wondering why one side is worn

 

[gwdigger]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Thats awesome. Is it a sundial held in ones palm?

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Thats awesome. Is it a sundial held in ones palm?

Thank you
Another possibility, I'm looking around the web

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Given the area found with the large quantity of nautical items,
I'm thinking pocket compass face. but still, that wear issue.

 

[pennyfarmer]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

The round thing with a gear in it looks like a fishing real of some type. The spiral might have held a spring that would be the drag on the real.

 

[ivan salis]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

my guess is --- a early auto retract "pocket" say 6 foot type tape measure ? as one pulls the tape out the spring goes under pressure when done one pushes the button on the outside of the case (missing) which trips the spring geared wheel *auto winding the tape back in -- somewhat like a early automatic fly casting reel in design.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Wow Herbie... That is Banner material buddy. I was thinking in the same lines as you at fist being a decorative Dandy button. Way to go on a great dig buddy

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Wow Herbie... That is Banner material buddy. I was thinking in the same lines as you at fist being a decorative Dandy button. Way to go on a great dig buddy

Thanks Mike!
Maybe an early Two piece button? rather than make the entire piece from gold,
A thin decorative face, on top of an iron back with a thru pin that holds them together
and acts as a shank...
firstly I didn't want to rub this on the test stone, so put a bit of brass polish on it,
(visible on left in pic one) when it stayed white, I put a little rub on the stone,
14+K it is
Shown below, nice old sundial face...

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Pennyfarmer and Ivan,
Both possibilities,
Here's some more detailed pix, #1, attachment for hanging?
the thru hole in pic 2 exits thru the round hole at the start of spiral in pic 3,
looks like there's two adjustment screws...
Gotta get out to get some work done, (and some diggin I hope )
Be back in a bit, Thanks All ! HH

 

[ivan salis]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

the small slot caps -- think christmas tree glass balls* the metal caps on the top of the glass bulbs normally they have a bit of u shaped wire that goes thru the slot for the hooks connect with for putting them on christmas trees.

 

[ivan salis]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

the loop or attachment point is to prevent loss / keep it handy while working * there is a press type button for a "release" on the case outside -- please note the design of the item * note how the case has a openinng thru which a carpenters tape / or marking string for a carpenter could come out -- however a watch you would want "sealed" from outside elements to prevent junk from getting into the gearing of the watch and gumming up the works

 

[savant365]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

I was thinking of a retractable key ring like the school janitors use.

 

[deathhare]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Pretty sure the spiral thing is a lost part of the Antikythera mechanism.

 

[umrgolf]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Neat find old gold is always awesome

 

[artyfacts]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Herbie, Your always stepping in it... Nice finds. Arty

 

[auprospector44]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

I think the spiral groove thingy is a percussion cap dispenser for muzzleloading firearm percussion caps...possibly a Colt pattern.

 

[MK111]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

Pennyfarmer and Ivan,
Both possibilities,
Here's some more detailed pix, #1, attachment for hanging?
the thru hole in pic 2 exits thru the round hole at the start of spiral in pic 3,
looks like there's two adjustment screws...
Gotta get out to get some work done, (and some diggin I hope )
Be back in a bit, Thanks All ! HH

I feel you have found a muzzleloading capping device. It is used to carry and install the percussion cap unto the rifle nibble. The other side that is missing would have a cutout at the outlet to expose the cap. The small screw was to hold the retaining spring to hold the caps from falling out. A similar unit is still sold today.
Just my thought.

 

[SwampCreek]

Re: Gold Again! But What Is It?

+1 for what MKIII said.
http://www.drake.net/products/Snail-Brass-Cap-Dispenser?id=26094