What do ya think??

[courtjesterclown]

The gf and i were out detecting by an old home nearby this past week and we weren't having much luck. Mostly old nails, rifle cartridges, and farm implement stuff. Then i got a really good clear signal, and i knew it was worth digging right away. Put the shovel in about 6 inches and this came out. I have some ideas of what it is, mainly because i found it located about two foot away from an old dug well. The engraving on it is beautiful, not sure how well it will show through on the pictures. Also it is very heavy for its size, maybe it could be silver? Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

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[Roland58]

Maybe a soapdish?? I don't think it is silver......it may have been silver plated at one time. If it were silver, it would be more of a black color than red from being in the ground.

 

[Monty]

I agree, soapdish is the first thing that came to my feeble mind. Monty

 

[Got_4by4]

Because of the holes I think that the flat side is the top
on which a clock(?) was attached. Therefore my guess
is a decorative base of some sort.

 

[Roland58]

Because of the holes I think that the flat side is the top
on which a clock(?) was attached. Therefore my guess
is a decorative base of some sort.

Great eye!! I'm betting you are correct. However, being next to the well, I'm still thinking soapdish......the clock my have crapped out and they used the base (with pre-made drain holes) for something useful. Just a thought. So, courtjesterclown, what are your thoughts on it??

 

[Breezie]

Yes, it looks to be a base of some type, and I'm thinking it may be a base to a late Victorian wind-up music box. The larger hole may have been where the winder was located. Nice find, Breezie

 

[courtjesterclown]

Great ideas everyone! IT really is a beautiful piece with all the engraving. At first i thought it was a butterdish, then the location next to the well made me think it could be a soapdish. But looking at the holes in the bottom, it definitely could be the base to something. Possibly an old electric toaster? OR i like the clock idea as well. At the least, I would like to put an approximate date on it, any guesses?

 

[Tony in SC]

Yes, it looks to be a base of some type, and I'm thinking it may be a base to a late Victorian wind-up music box. The larger hole may have been where the winder was located. Nice find, Breezie

I'm leaning toward music box, with the little dancer spinning around on top. You can see a ridge around the top where a glass dome would have fit. Tony

 

[Breezie]

Great ideas everyone! IT really is a beautiful piece with all the engraving. At first i thought it was a butterdish, then the location next to the well made me think it could be a soapdish. But looking at the holes in the bottom, it definitely could be the base to something. Possibly an old electric toaster? OR i like the clock idea as well. At the least, I would like to put an approximate date on it, any guesses?

It's too ornate to be an electric toaster. The date is late Victorian. Excuse my manners; WELCOME to the Forum! Breezie

 

[CRUSADER]

Because of the holes I think that the flat side is the top
on which a clock(?) was attached. Therefore my guess
is a decorative base of some sort.

Clock was my first thought