Pressed thin copper

[Smorriso]

Rectangular metal block approx 4 inches by 3 inches by 1/2 inch. Material appears to be very thin copper sheets pressed together. Sheets are splayed and spreading on one of the long ends. Found about 8 inches deep under a layer of topsoil then deep brick pieces at a site where the last building was approx 120 years ago.

 

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[bigfoot1]

my best guess.....the copper sheets may have been intended for etching artwork.etching goes back over 500 years.unlikely pressed together,more likely,"aged"together.I am not aware of sheet pressing for any application.
cool find...I hope someone versed in this guess will come along and confirm or dispel it.

 

[Breezie]

my best guess.....the copper sheets may have been intended for etching artwork.etching goes back over 500 years.unlikely pressed together,more likely,"aged"together.I am not aware of sheet pressing for any application.
cool find...I hope someone versed in this guess will come along and confirm or dispel it.

I agree! Breezie

PS: BigFoot, I almost didn't recognize you with your new avatar. I changed mine a while back, and no one recognized me, so I we're stuck with my cheesy grin.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I think bigfoot is basically correct. Google "copper printing plate" because I will guess that is what they are most likely. Used for etching, engraving and yes printing when backed up with a wood block. Look carefully and you may find a manufacturers mark on the underside in the center and I can look it up for you. This is similar to one of the first IDs I made here at TN years ago. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/130962-makers-mark-id.html

The kids and staff from Woodland Detectors lodge used to make bets on who would make the IDs first here at TN. That was fun back in the beginning days. Now its a bit different.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Did you find a manufacturers mark?

 

[Smorriso]

Haven't been able to ID a mark yet. I've been reluctant to do much aggressive cleaning. Any suggestions for cleaning other than a water and soap soak? Peroxide? I'm not going to be in the area for a little while so I'll start a cleaning later next week hopefully.

 

[bigfoot1]

My impression is that the value attached to your find may well be its copper weight.I could most certainly be wrong and others may know better.If you find that that is the case....heck...clean away on the top couple sheets and see who made them and when.