What the @#*! is this object 2 feet underground - cache? cremation urn? time capsule?

OhioTrevor

Full Member
Jan 2, 2020
137
543
Ohio
Detector(s) used
Equinox 800
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Last weekend I was metal detecting with a friend at a scout reservation established in the late 1940s. Near the traditional (main) camp fire circle, at the bottom of a grassy amphitheater-like hill where scouts would sit to watch skits, my little 6 inch coil detected a faint high tone signal. Almost half an hour later, I discovered a circular, round iron object 18 - 22 inches under ground. Thumping the top of it makes a hollow sound, as it it is made of sheet metal. Its definitely not solid or cast iron but its also not thin enough to disintegrate when I tapped it with my shovel. There is no sewer at the camp and we were far from any septic system. The fire circle is beside a creek. We had been very careful in excavating the dirt so as not to detract from the site - in fact, when I expanded the hole, I piled dirt onto a tarp. Since we were short of time and not knowing what it was, we decided to not be reckless and try to break through the top. When we did try to get hold of it or pry it up, we were unsuccessful. It definitely goes down a bit further than we dug. We marked the location, filled the hold back in and decided to do some research. I suppose it could be a manhole cover or cap of some kind (do you cap a well?) but it was nearly two feet underground and hollow sounding. Anyone have any ideas? I placed my Garrett carrot on top of the object for scale in the second photo.

IMG_0120.jpg IMG_0121.jpg IMG_0122.jpg

I feel a bit (no, a lot) silly asking but should I bother to return and try to expand the hole a bit more to see what it is, or am I wasting my time? You can imagine where the imagination goes...
 

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Could it be an old septic tank lid? If so, DO NOT UNLEASH THE BEAST! lol

Last weekend I was metal detecting with a friend at a scout reservation established in the late 1940s. Near the traditional (main) camp fire circle, at the bottom of a grassy amphitheater-like hill where scouts would sit to watch skits, my little 6 inch coil detected a faint high tone signal. Almost half an hour later, I discovered a circular, round iron object 18 - 22 inches under ground. Thumping the top of it makes a hollow sound, as it it is made of sheet metal. Its definitely not solid or cast iron but its also not thin enough to disintegrate when I tapped it with my shovel. There is no sewer at the camp and we were far from any septic system. The fire circle is beside a creek. We had been very careful in excavating the dirt so as not to detract from the site - in fact, when I expanded the hole, I piled dirt onto a tarp. Since we were short of time and not knowing what it was, we decided to not be reckless and try to break through the top. When we did try to get hold of it or pry it up, we were unsuccessful. It definitely goes down a bit further than we dug. We marked the location, filled the hold back in and decided to do some research. I suppose it could be a manhole cover or cap of some kind (do you cap a well?) but it was nearly two feet underground and hollow sounding. Anyone have any ideas? I placed my Garrett carrot on top of the object for scale in the second photo.

View attachment 1865307 View attachment 1865309 View attachment 1865310

I feel a bit (no, a lot) silly asking but should I bother to return and try to expand the hole a bit more to see what it is, or am I wasting my time? You can imagine where the imagination goes...
 

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AARC, Kray Gelder, I will definitely give you and update. The camp is an hour drive and I have to work during the week but everntually, I will return and solve this mystery! When I do, you guys will be the first to know and Gray, you'll owe AARC $5. :icon_thumleft:
 

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AARC, Kray Gelder, I will definitely give you and update. The camp is an hour drive and I have to work during the week but everntually, I will return and solve this mystery! When I do, you guys will be the first to know and Gray, you'll owe AARC $5. :icon_thumleft:

An hour away?! I drive that far just to get a good bacon cheese burger!
 

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Me... I would do my homework first. Find out what used to be in that location thru old maps and old aerial photos. It will give you a better understanding of what the area was like years ago.
 

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AARC, Kray Gelder, I will definitely give you and update. The camp is an hour drive and I have to work during the week but everntually, I will return and solve this mystery! When I do, you guys will be the first to know and Gray, you'll owe AARC $5. :icon_thumleft:

Sorry I doubted you. Now I owe AARC a beer. Er, rum.
 

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