Is this an old explosive?

[Enquirer]

IS THIS AN OLD EXPLOSIVE?

I found this in my front yard which is on the former grounds of the antebellum "Belle Meade Plantation" in Nashville, Tn. It was about 12" deep in the ground. It either looks like an old stick of TNT, or perhaps some kind of candle or something. Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

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[diggummup]

The "wick" or "fuse" is metal?

 

[Enquirer]

I have been scared to mess with it too much, but it appears to be wiry and firm if that helps.

 

[vhs07]

zinc anode

 

[Enquirer]

Can you elaborate more by "Zinc Anode?" I can't seem to find anything else on the internet that makes me think that is what it could be. I need some evidence before I touch this thing to be safe. Thanks for the help!

 

[Kurios1]

I'd probably leave it be under the circumstances. Not afraid BUT, always safe rather than sorry. Someone will come to your rescue. Nice Find!

 

[vhs07]

Can you elaborate more by "Zinc Anode?" I can't seem to find anything else on the internet that makes me think that is what it could be. I need some evidence before I touch this thing to be safe. Thanks for the help!

I know they're also used on oil and gas pipelines to prevent corrosion. (Somehow the corrosion attacks the Zinc). I've seen them as big as 6" square and 4 to 5 feet long.
We get them here at the scrap yard at time in all sizes. They always have the appearance of corroded aluminum to me. Hopefully someone who knows about the stuff will
chime in.

 

[vhs07]

Check out this page:
https://www.farwestcorrosion.com/zi...rol-in-soil-by-farwest-corrosion-control.html

 

[Madmox]

In the gas business we use magnesium anodes also. You could file a bit off and see if the shavings light and burn freakishly bright. Magnesium is really soft.

 

[Rookster]

RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Enquirer]

If it is indeed an anode of some type, is there a safe way to clean it up? I would love to get it cleaned up to verify what it is specifically. Thanks so much to all who have chimed in. There are some knowledgeable folks on here for sure.

 

[Enquirer]

I went ahead and took some better pictures after trying to clean the dirt off of it a little bit. It looks like a hard black plastic in the center by the “wick”.

 

[kudzu74]

Oooo, FREE PUBLICITY/RESEARCH call the local PD and tell them you dug up something in your yard that you think is a possible explosive...let them come out and blow it up with the bomb disposal unit. I am sure the media would show up and interview you and perhaps find out what it actually is after the fact. Just sayin' ... rare opportunity bro! HAHA But seriously whatever it is whatever you do...do not try to light it or zap it with electricity.

BTW, what did they say about 'Jack and the candlestick'? Sorry, I am just really getting a hoot outta this but if you suspect it could explode or cause harm...seriously nothing wrong with calling the local law enforcement for some assistance.

 

[boogeyman]

Can you elaborate more by "Zinc Anode?" I can't seem to find anything else on the internet that makes me think that is what it could be. I need some evidence before I touch this thing to be safe. Thanks for the help!

They are used to prevent corrosion, if it was dug, I'd say it was to protect a tank or metal structure on or in the ground. There's tons of different types for different applications. If you're close to gas or oil pipe lines you'll see what looks like a pipe with an octagonal box on it. That's a test point to ohm for how much of the anode is left. A lot of larger metal hulled boats have them, they look like a block or plate bolted to the hull. A current is applied to the anode(s). Basically boils down to impressing a current so that the system is trying to plate the structure with the metal from the anode. An easy way to test yours is to take an ohm meter and scrape down to see if you can get to some metal touch one probe to the wire and on to the metal.

If you'd like to see some examples Google up Cathodic Corrosion Control. You can also try magnesium anodes or ingots.