Old pocket pistol and Chinese opium/ medicine bottle

[dagaro17]

Hi everyone,

I found a pistol and bottle at what I believe was a small camp near a hydraulic pit in the Northern California. I was digging lots of square nails and out popped the bottle. The pistol was found about 10 feet away. Couldn't believe it. I'm new to detecting and it is very addictive! If anyone knows any info on the gun it would be much appreciated. It's a five shot, .30 or .32 caliber. Thanks.

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

You will also typically find fragments of “black glass” bottles. Very darkly colored green bottles that look black till you hold them up to the light.

Even though you will get tired of digging up fragments of opium tins, dig carefully. You are in a location where it would not be out of the question to find gold coins.

Many Chinese did very well at mining and accumulated large sums of money. However you are more likely to find cash coins.

Let me know if you need some help, I could probably do some digging during the week while your busy at work.
That would be the most efficient method.

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

If you look around. Long enough, you might find a loaded cartridge that would make a good companion in a display.

That is a neat revolver. 30 some odd years detecting these types of areas and I’ve never found one myself.
I’ve found lots of pieces of firearms, but nothing complete.

 

[Rookster]

That's what im talkin about. Nice digs.

 

[civil_war22]

Camp life, leisure & food | Tracking The Dragon | NSW Migration Heritage Centre

This site says they held tincture of opium, which appears to be laudanum or morphine.
Could it have been taken by adding drops to tea, or rubbing directing on the gums around rotten teeth?

You’re correct on the laudanum theory. One reason I know is I use a form of it now for my Chronic Migraines, it’s now called Fioricet. They came in bottle forms, with either a cork top, or a little dropper to put some on your fingers to rub across your gums. Needless to say folks got so addicted to it they didn’t have to use the dropper, they would drink it out of the bottle, causing near or complete overdose. Even Mattie Earp used Laudanum for her severe migraines.

 

[SanMan]

You’re correct on the laudanum theory. One reason I know is I use a form of it now for my Chronic Migraines, it’s now called Fioricet. They came in bottle forms, with either a cork top, or a little dropper to put some on your fingers to rub across your gums. Needless to say folks got so addicted to it they didn’t have to use the dropper, they would drink it out of the bottle, causing near or complete overdose.

Even Mattie Earp used Laudanum for her severe migraines.

As did Doc Holiday for consumption, (tuberculosis).

 

[civil_war22]

As did Doc Holiday for consumption, (tuberculosis).

That’s true. It was definitely a heavy pain killer back then.

 

[dave wiseman]

Doc Adams on the old Gunsmoke TV show dispensed Laudanum on a regular basis.

 

[SanMan]

Doc Adams for "Honorable Mention!"

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Cool Stuff...!
Yes, metal detecting is VERY addictive...!
Neat part of it is, identifying your finds,
learning that goes along with it, too...!
Good Luck and Happy Hunting...!

 

[xcopperstax]

Very cool finds!!! That gun would make a great display piece!!!