Probably Seeing Things, but...

[Subterranean]

I found this copper disc using my White's Prism V at an older homestead site with a corral in Taney County, Missouri. I pulled it out of the rocky Ozark soil from about 6-7 inches down, with my first impression being, "Another tin can lid to take home and throw away." It sat at the bottom of my pouch for the remainder of the hunt until I was home, tossing the junk into the trash can. I pulled it out of the pocket and had a last-minute "it is heavier than a tin can lid" moment. I then saw engravings on one side, barely distinguishable but deliberately made.

I followed instructions found here on the forum for an electrolysis machine and built one. After about twenty minutes, I checked the disc and saw what I believe to be a remarkable resemblance to the 1851 painting by Emanuel Leutze, "George Washington Crossing the Delaware." Clearly visible were two cloaked figures standing in a small boat with an American flag flying behind them with the head of another figure visible near the flag pole. There is some kind of shooting star or sunburst pattern in the sky above the boat. Due to the bent edges being brittle, I chose not re-bend them back to the circular shape. In its original form, the disc would have been two inches in diameter and circular.

I have added a crude drawing of what I see in the disc. I hope it helps!

I may be an optimist, but it is an uncanny resemblance to the painting that was soon mass produced to the public in 1853. Any observations, opinions, and comments on what this would have been used for, attached to, decorated with, are always welcome.

 

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[Subterranean]

Any speculation that the star in the sky above the boat could be the Christmas star? I learned that the Washington's crossing of the Delaware River took place on the eve of December 25th, 1776.

 

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[oldsalty19]

but very interesting

 

[mikusek]

The Christmas Star idea could explain the sky.

If it is copper, heating to a red color ( http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/mats05/mats05118.htm ) will anneal the copper so it can be bent, but will destroy the patina and leave it with a rainbow color effect. A search on annealing copper sheet will list videos and text instructions.

I haven't worked with brass much, never tried annealing it, since it is hardened with another metal. Copper gets hard as it is worked or combined with another metal, but not by heating, heating will only soften it.

If it is brass, heating may destroy it.

Looking at it again, regarding the figure that appears to not be wearing a hat, depending on which way his head is turned, what appears to be his big exaggerated nose may be a corner of his hat.

 

[jrpoppapump]

trench art maybe? neat find

 

[JmCraz8]

Very neat!!!

 

[werleibr]

what about taking a piece of paper and a pencil and rubbing the paper? Much like kids do to copy gravestones? Will that help shed more light on the scratches?

 

[Westfront]

what about taking a piece of paper and a pencil and rubbing the paper? Much like kids do to copy gravestones? Will that help shed more light on the scratches?

You can use graphite powder (or a pencil) right on the surface. Rubbing with the thumb will leave the graphite in the lines and will not harm the metal. Works good on coins too.

 

[mikusek]

If you look at the painting, Washington's hat does not readily show in outline as a three corner hat, so it may be a better fit than first thought. I don't think it can be anything other than a depiction of Washington and his Men crossing the Deleware River.