Unexpected find makes my day.

cje

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Apr 7, 2009
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clinton ma
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I haven't been out much this summer due to the heat and humidity. Last weekend I went digging at my go - to dump. I've mentioned it before. It's a neighborhood dump on a wooded slope. The dump is pretty big and I've been digging there for awhile. Most of the dump dates from the 1890's til 1920 or so, but I often find pockets that date into the 1870's. I started to uncover the last hole i had dug so that I could get into the thick ash layer under the table of roots. I'm not sure how deep the ash goes, because the steep slope will eventually collapse into any hole i dig. I've been down four feet in places and still been in ash. Sometimes fine wood ash, but mostly nasty coal ash. At this dump the glass usually comes in pockets. I've had good days where I can't hardly carry all of the glass out, but I've had more not so good days where I move a ton of ash and only find a handful of whole bottles. Sunday started not so good. First half hour i didn't find anything other than some busted dinnerware. I finally found my first bottle, and in the hole it felt like a blob soda. Turned out to be a Lea & Perrine's Worcestershire sauce. Disappointing but typical. I could see what looked like a stone in the sidewall above where I was digging. I decided to dig it out so that it wouldn't fall in me. The first thing I noticed was that the stone was light. Really light. It took a second but I realized it was a bottle, and a second later to recognize it as an historical flask. I couldn't believe it. I've dug broken ones before in other dumps, but this one was whole. The pictures aren't very good but one side has an eagle perched on a shield and the other side has an American flag with a motto underneath " For Our Country ". I don't know how that flask ended up in a 1900's layer of coal ash. A foot away i dug a broken DrView attachment 1631060View attachment 1631062u Hartshorn's Family Medicine bottle with the bullseye. I can only guess that the two old timers were late throw aways. Thanks for looking.
 

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That looks like a dandy .Finding stuff like that is what keeps us digging .As far as finding bottles where they seem out of place .I have often wondered the same thing . But I just say a quick thank you and start looking for another just like it
 

Yup, you never know what is going to turn up. I like the old whiskey flasks. I have all clear ones and one amber. Just neat to have. Congratulations.
 

I'm seeing a strapside Hennessy flask here, not a "For our Country". Are these the right pictures? And of course the two attachments won't open as usual, showing as invalid or some nonsense. Anxious to see your find!
 

Sorry about that Sandchip....I hope my edit fixed the problem.
 

GII-53 or 54. Sweet. Comparatively scarce flask right there pal. That’s an awesome find. Don’t see those everyday that’s for sure. Get that puppy tumbled if ya dare to try. Scary tho on thin flasks. I know. Great digs. Congrats. That’s a banner find in my book. Jgas.
 

Here ya go. ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1536753453.521928.jpg


Again. Congrats. Jgas.
 

Thanks for the link JGAS. Definitely the GII-54. The photos aren't great, and the embossing is a little weak.
 

Congrats on the super finds.:icon_thumleft:
 

Wow, congratulations! I'm assuming this one's pontiled?

I'd go back and keep digging where you left off. I wonder if these aren't late throws, but if there is some older "pocket" that's waiting to be discovered. Maybe there's more!
 

When I dug it I thought it was a smooth base. When I cleaned the bottle I discovered that there is a pontil scar. It's different from the other types of pontil scars that I have encountered.IMG_20180911_175535_hdr.jpg
 

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Sorry about that Sandchip....I hope my edit fixed the problem.

It did indeed and what a great flask, not to mention an incredible survivor. I agree with JGas that this is a banner find. You really need to post this upstairs in "Today's Finds" where it might get the attention it deserves. A lot of folks won't see it down here in the basement. Wow, that is the find of dreams. My vote is in.
 

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I agree with sandchip. Post it on Today’s Finds. I’d like to see more glass make the banner. I think your bottle deserves a trip across the top as well. Good luck!
 

Stunning to say the least. This flask is one of the best I’ve seen posted on here as finds. Awesome. Congratulations to you. Banner find for sure. Hope you post on Today’s Finds as well
 

Thanks for the support Bass. Is there an easy way to crosspost to Today's Finds? Or would I have to compose a new post?
 

Thanks for the support Bass. Is there an easy way to crosspost to Today's Finds? Or would I have to compose a new post?

I would just copy and paste the text and make a new post. 'Pretty sure most of us here have already voted banner, but it's such a quiet forum, so it should get more support in "Today's Finds".
 

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I would just copy and paste the text and make a new post. 'Pretty sure most of us here have already voted banner, but it's such a quiet forum, so it should get more support in "Today's Finds".

Correct. We want to see you get a banner vote so post it over there and we’ll talk the dirtfishers into voting
 

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