Revolutionary War artifacts....Value??

[Evolution]

I found all of these items in the same location. A series of farm fields located in an area with known Revolutionary War activity. I have identified these items in a Revolutionary War collector items book (I'm just about positive these are the correct ID's. I've included pictures from the book as examples) I'm not necessarily saying these are war artifacts but I know they are from the time period. The horse bit looks like the piece #25 in the picture (the middle portion of it). The jew or mouth harp is a no brainer, as is the key. The stirrup looks identical to the one in the picture (#16).

My question is this. Does anyone know of the value (if any) of these items. This particular book doesn't include this information, just pictures and a little background info on the items. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

I will probably post this in the War artifact section as well but I thought it might get a few more views here. Thanks again.

 

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[Iron Patch]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Revolutionary-War-Relics-British-Camp-Schuylerville-NY_W0QQitemZ140175341356QQihZ004QQcategoryZ10951QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And you're comparing that to an iron key?

Apples & oranges.

 

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[Montana Jim]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Revolutionary-War-Relics-British-Camp-Schuylerville-NY_W0QQitemZ140175341356QQihZ004QQcategoryZ10951QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And you're comparing that to an iron key?

Apples & oranges.

I disagree... unless I'm missing something...

The key is every bit the relic as a buckle, or a musketball. It's a piece of that era... period. The only distinction might be made for a soldiers uniform item, as you can ASSUME that piece may have been in a battle.

A stirrup is just as cool as a crotal bell or a lockplate... IMO.

 

[Iron Patch]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Revolutionary-War-Relics-British-Camp-Schuylerville-NY_W0QQitemZ140175341356QQihZ004QQcategoryZ10951QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And you're comparing that to an iron key?

Apples & oranges.

I disagree... unless I'm missing something...

The key is every bit the relic as a buckle, or a musketball. It's a piece of that era... period. The only distinction might be made for a soldiers uniform item, as you can ASSUME that piece may have been in a battle.

A stirrup is just as cool as a crotal bell or a lockplate... IMO.

That might be the case in your eyes but the majority of those who collect colonial items would rank A nice Colonial shoe buckle, or canister (or grape) shot, well above an iron key. Saying that everything other than soldier items or things directly related have the same value makes no sense to me. But it is interesting to hear other points of view, keep posting.

 

[Evolution]

Ok, picture this. I kind of like this debate now so I'll add fuel to the fire. A nice wood 2 foot by 2 foot display case (velvet lined of course) with the original four items. I add the items in the picture below to the case (cleaning all iron items with electrolysis prior to display) I document the War activity and the location of the recoveries....possibly a few pictures of the site where the items were located and then offer it up for sale.
Relic hunters like us might not pay alot for this because we can just find the items but relic collectors? Again, I'm not saying I'm selling these items but I can see diggummup's point. Might look attractive to a collector. I appreciate all points of view here guys and everyone likes a good debate.

 

[Iron Patch]

A point I should have made before now is the supply and demand factor. Artifacts might not have a Red book to determine the value but it's just the same when trying to place a value. What you have pictured are very common items, why should they command a premium price? Sure you can dream about the circumstances they were lost, or the hardship encountered on the site, but the bottom line is ...it is what it is and not worth much to most people who are serious about collecting. And those that aren't won't pay you much either, because they're not serious.

Keep the thread going and prove me wrong!

 

[Montana Jim]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

 

[Iron Patch]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

Perhaps but if he is a serious collector 1) He most likely already has as many of those iron keys as he wants. 2) Still isn't going to pay much because he knows there is another one right around the corner. In my opinion there's no reasoning to call those valuable items.. meaning a $50 iron key.

Havin fun ain't we.

 

[Evolution]

Since the iron key is part of the subject matter here, I have a question. Why did they make keys out of iron? Iron is obviously succeptible to rust and corrosion. I figured they would make all their keys out of brass or copper.

 

[Iron Patch]

Since the iron key is part of the subject matter here, I have a question. Why did they make keys out of iron? Iron is obviously succeptible to rust and corrosion. I figured they would make all their keys out of brass or copper.

My guess would be it was cheap and they held up plenty good above ground.

 

[Evolution]

Since the iron key is part of the subject matter here, I have a question. Why did they make keys out of iron? Iron is obviously succeptible to rust and corrosion. I figured they would make all their keys out of brass or copper.

My guess would be it was cheap and they held up plenty good above ground.

Fair enough. I guess if you kept them dry you'd be fine.

 

[Montana Jim]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

Perhaps but if he is a serious collector 1) He most likely already has as many of those iron keys as he wants. 2) Still isn't going to pay much because he knows there is another one right around the corner. In my opinion there's no reasoning to call those valuable items.. meaning a $50 iron key.

Havin fun ain't we.

Having fun? No... mostly I'm tired of being your entertainment.

Evo - I have never dug a rev war relic... only much more modern Indian war stuff (1860s-1890s). I guess I only ever shoulda said; "it's worth what you'll get for it, and nothing more".

Scroll through these pages... lots of Rev War stuff... gives prices "sold for" and may be helpfull. Or maybe not. http://www.horsesoldier.com/catalog/c0024.html

 

[Iron Patch]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

Perhaps but if he is a serious collector 1) He most likely already has as many of those iron keys as he wants. 2) Still isn't going to pay much because he knows there is another one right around the corner. In my opinion there's no reasoning to call those valuable items.. meaning a $50 iron key.

Havin fun ain't we.

Having fun? No... mostly I'm tired of being your entertainment.

Evo - I have never dug a rev war relic... only much more modern Indian war stuff (1860s-1890s). I guess I only ever shoulda said; "it's worth what you'll get for it, and nothing more".

Yes we better get back to making this stuff serious business.

You seem to have no problem with making your points but heaven forbid someone try to keep the atmosphere light.

I will continue to correct people when I think they're wrong as the person asking the question deserves a truthful answer.

PS... All I look for is Rev War period Relics.

 

[Montana Jim]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

Perhaps but if he is a serious collector 1) He most likely already has as many of those iron keys as he wants. 2) Still isn't going to pay much because he knows there is another one right around the corner. In my opinion there's no reasoning to call those valuable items.. meaning a $50 iron key.

Havin fun ain't we.

Having fun? No... mostly I'm tired of being your entertainment.

Evo - I have never dug a rev war relic... only much more modern Indian war stuff (1860s-1890s). I guess I only ever shoulda said; "it's worth what you'll get for it, and nothing more".

Yes we better get back to making this stuff serious business.

You seem to have no problem with making your points but heaven forbid someone try to keep the atmosphere light.

I will continue to correct people when I think they're wrong as the person asking the question deserves a truthful answer.

PS... All I look for is Rev War period Relics.

I should not have adressed this - the internet research I found was obviously not to be trusted... I was inaccurate from the begining. I never stated you cannot have a point of view, or even correct me - I mearly gave my opinion. I am always glad to be corrected and would hate that I was helping someone with bad information. I tried to correct my previous statements by saying I should have NOT said anything... In fact , admitted that I rarely do in my first post because there is always someone who has better information.

My comment; "mostly I'm tired of being your entertainment." was outta-line, childish, and rediculous... I do appologize.

I have never found, bought, sold, dug, or hunted for rev war relics... again, I gave bad info. I did learn, and I appreciate correct information... 50 bucks for a key was a terrible example for me to use.

Iron Patch... I am fine, just wrong... and humbled I would never in a million years expect you to otherwise advise someone except to be truthful, and correct bad information.

 

[Iron Patch]

Iron Patch... I am truely giving my own opinion and agree with your assessment of what I said to a point...

There are those who collect "era" pieces.
There are those who collect "militaria" from those "eras".
There are those who ONLY collect certain peices at all... like keys, or what have you.
And... there are those who only collect anything at all that was dug from that old house, city, what was dug at "Point - A" or "battlefield - B".

I'm thinking it just depents on the collector's taste for that item.

Thats all I mean... maybe that colonial key collector passed on coins, buttons, stirrups, and lantern parts to buy only "keys".

Perhaps but if he is a serious collector 1) He most likely already has as many of those iron keys as he wants. 2) Still isn't going to pay much because he knows there is another one right around the corner. In my opinion there's no reasoning to call those valuable items.. meaning a $50 iron key.

Havin fun ain't we.

Having fun? No... mostly I'm tired of being your entertainment.

Evo - I have never dug a rev war relic... only much more modern Indian war stuff (1860s-1890s). I guess I only ever shoulda said; "it's worth what you'll get for it, and nothing more".

Yes we better get back to making this stuff serious business.

You seem to have no problem with making your points but heaven forbid someone try to keep the atmosphere light.

I will continue to correct people when I think they're wrong as the person asking the question deserves a truthful answer.

PS... All I look for is Rev War period Relics.

I should not have adressed this - the internet research I found was obviously not to be trusted... I was inaccurate from the begining. I never stated you cannot have a point of view, or even correct me - I mearly gave my opinion. I am always glad to be corrected and would hate that I was helping someone with bad information. I tried to correct my previous statements by saying I should have NOT said anything... In fact , admitted that I rarely do in my first post because there is always someone who has better information.

I have never found, bought, sold, dug, or hunted for rev war relics... again, I gave bad info. I did learn, and I appreciate correct information... 50 bucks for a key was a terrible example for me to use.

Iron Patch... I am fine, just wrong... and humbled I would never in a million years expect you to otherwise advise someone except to be truthful.

Not a big deal. What I will admit on this deal is I used the key as my example because I am not familar with the stirrup so wouldn't want to say what it might, or might not fetch for price. Most of the other items I do know what they usually sell for.

The bottom line however, is exactly what you've stated, it's basically worth what the finder wants it to be worth. Some of my finds I wouldn't part with even for several times what they're worth. Others? ... catch me on the right day and I might give em away.

There's a few people who think I try to cause s**t but that's not the case (most times ) , I just believe everyone benefits from the most accurate information possible and if it takes a thread three feet long to get there so be it. No doubt a few more will come along with their own opinion and disagree with both of us... Frig em I say!

 

[MarkDz]

I couldn't bear to read the entire discussion/argument above, but I think I got the gist of it and would like to add a thought.
Both of you gents are great relic hunters and find a lot of really impressive stuff. I know Iron Patch finds Rev War stuff that I'd drool over if I saw in a museum. But a lot of people (a) relic hunt but don't find old stuff, or (b) don't relic hunt at all. For these people, an iron key might be a fantastic relic.
I'm familiar with EBay and other sites and know that some people are willing to pay big bucks for items that would strike you guys as laughably common. (Recently someone bought a single musket ball for $115+ because the seller claimed it was from King's Mountain!)
If you find a rich person who has more money than ability/desire to dig stuff up personally, you might make a pretty penny. It's up to chance. That key might sell for nothing, $50, or $100. There's no book value... the value depends on the buyer.

 

[Evolution]

I couldn't bear to read the entire discussion/argument above, but I think I got the gist of it and would like to add a thought.
Both of you gents are great relic hunters and find a lot of really impressive stuff. I know Iron Patch finds Rev War stuff that I'd drool over if I saw in a museum. But a lot of people (a) relic hunt but don't find old stuff, or (b) don't relic hunt at all. For these people, an iron key might be a fantastic relic.
I'm familiar with EBay and other sites and know that some people are willing to pay big bucks for items that would strike you guys as laughably common. (Recently someone bought a single musket ball for $115+ because the seller claimed it was from King's Mountain!)
If you find a rich person who has more money than ability/desire to dig stuff up personally, you might make a pretty penny. It's up to chance. That key might sell for nothing, $50, or $100. There's no book value... the value depends on the buyer.

Excellent point mark. You never know when you'll bump into someone from the "more money than brains" club. I would never try to take advantage of someone but as they say, you can't take advantage of the willing. Thanks for the response. I've got about 10-15 musket balls. If I ever need to make a quick buck I'll put them on e-bay and say I found them on Kings mountain. (I wont really do this)

 

[Mainedigger]

NIce finds and great job on the i.d....Can;t help ya with the value on them. What is the name of the book that you and Romeo have? Looks like a great book and would be a nice one to have.

Thanks for the response Mainedigger. The name of the book is "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution".......by George C. Neumann and Frank J. Kravic.

Evolution...thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Looks like a great book and I will have to keep my eye out for a copy of it, for I think a copy of it needs to be on my bookshelf...

 

[Iron Patch]

I couldn't bear to read the entire discussion/argument above, but I think I got the gist of it and would like to add a thought.
Both of you gents are great relic hunters and find a lot of really impressive stuff. I know Iron Patch finds Rev War stuff that I'd drool over if I saw in a museum. But a lot of people (a) relic hunt but don't find old stuff, or (b) don't relic hunt at all. For these people, an iron key might be a fantastic relic.
I'm familiar with EBay and other sites and know that some people are willing to pay big bucks for items that would strike you guys as laughably common. (Recently someone bought a single musket ball for $115+ because the seller claimed it was from King's Mountain!)
If you find a rich person who has more money than ability/desire to dig stuff up personally, you might make a pretty penny. It's up to chance. That key might sell for nothing, $50, or $100. There's no book value... the value depends on the buyer.

Yes but when someone asks for the value of something should we go with the price it gets 90% + of the time, or what some eccentric millionaire might pay if he's board and online at 4am?

Maybe we'll just call everything a cool $1,000 and sit back and put our feet up. Think I dug a good 5K worth today.

PS... What you say makes sense for something with decent value but not an iron key.