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 I was somewhere around San Rafael , Ca on a beach. This specimen was 100' on shore to a 2 or 3' rise in the topography. Buried about 6-8" under in what was half sand and half soil. It was completely covered in green. It was there a long time. Heres the deal. This was the General area of the Sir Francis Drake Expedition in I think 1579. Turquoise in the Scepter. It is silver. Not marked. It is cast in 2 pieces left half to the right half. Notice that the head on one side seems different than the other.Any way, I will be quite grateful if someone can dial this one in for me. Best Regards,Mike Palumbo  |
 Not sure if this is a door knocker or not, I found this item while digging in an old basement of a house built in 1927. It is heavy a looks to be brass, can't figure out the company on the bottom, it looks like adderson or similar. Thank You so much, Sonia Harder |
 Couper 15mm x 15mm, I was thinking that this is a fibula,but IT suggests to me that this is a sign lapel Any help will be appreciated Josifoski |
 I found this medal while metal detecting around a home built in 1890 on the west coast of Florida. It says gold filled on the back and appears to be some sort of military medal. Thanks for your help. |
 My Grandfather passed away, and left me with two 1840 Beaver Ten Dollar Oregon Eschange company coins. Both appear to be copper, not gold. Any ideas on what they are? Thanks!!Bill Burton Redfish on the FORUM says: Here is what I found on your coins. OREGON BEAVER DOLLAR Issued by North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce to defray "expenses of Centennial events…in county"; 20,000 struck; sold for 50 cents. On both obv. and rev., in a center circle, is replica of Beaver $10 gold piece of Oregon Exchange Co. (see same in any complete catalogue of U.S. coins) |
 I found this in the bottle dump of a home from 1915, just yesterday. It looks mandarin? Anyone know what this could be? Thanks!! Cheers Stefanie John Gergen says: Its Chinese. Common in Nevada minig camps, too. |
 
Hello, I have a I believe antique Russian hand hammered copper teapot. It has a two headed eagle on it with some wording that looks like Russian. I think it was made in the 1800 because of the marking. I would like to know the value of this item, and any details would be great. I have pictures attached and can send more.
Thank you,Katie Fletcher |
 This powderhorn was unearthed from underneath an oak tree. It is made out of some sort of metal and is ten and one half inches long. It has a family crest, double eagle design, and other beautiful designs. Could it have been made as an achievement or commerative award for someone special? We've been told that it is European. So far no one has been able to solve this mystery. Your help will be much appreciated. Additional photos can be seen HERE Thank You,Mrs. June Scott |
 I found this locket at a thrift store and have been trying hard to identify it. By looking on the web I have not seen one like it. Any info would be appreciated, I am not a collector but really like this locket. Opens to show two pictures and has markings under them. Thank you so much Becky |
 I metal detected this first item at 200 SW 21st Road, in the Brickell Hammock neighborhood of Miami Fl. which is on the Miami Ridge one mile south of the mouth of the Miami River. It was about 4-5" deep. It appears to be a crude effort at a short sword or long dagger made of bronze bar stock. It has what appears to be a crudely ground-to-shape, double-edged blade, a guard, and a hilt or handle. The tip is broken and bent. 17" long as-is. You can see photos of it and a bit of a romantic but roughly accurate description of the historical context HEREI checked with a couple or three archeologists, one of whom had some experience with a forge, and we all agreed it was modern torch brazed bar stock ground with belt sander or grinder. Does anyone have a different take on it? There were some boat related items, cotter pins, and a shear pin, that i dug up, so I thought it might have been made as something to do with boating. Thank you for your time Pavo |
 Here's another item, a pendant of a full length standing Jesus of the Sacred Heart, wearing a cape, eexactly 5cm in height (2"). Dug up in the grass strip alongside a school in s. miami (est.1930's), it is unmarked and it acid tests as sterling or better. No magnetic response. I think it was dropped relatively recently, that is within the last 20-30 years judging by its fairly shallow depth in the ground. A great many exile Cuban families live in the affluent area of the school. They were the upper classes in Cuba. Among the Cuban middle and upper classes, devotion to the Sacred Heart was, and still is to a degree, very deeply instilled, both religiously and politically. It is very white in color, it makes my other .925 sterling objects appear dark. Although it has fairly fine sculptural details, it is somewhat crudely cast, which I have read, may be typical of Cuban silver. It weighs 13.31 grams. Considering the large number of upper class exile Cuban families in this very affluent neighborhood, and the predominance of the Sacred Heart "cult" among them; considering also the fact that it is unmarked high quality silver, artistically rendered, but somewhat crudely cast, makse me think it is Cuban in origin. I cleaned it in Tarn-x before taking the first 4 pictures. It was not much tarnished at all, but there were some odd spots like on the knee and in the drape folds. There was a sort of rosy cast in the cape.The 5th and 6th pictures show it before cleaning. There was a very badly rusted steel ring through the bale, which I broke off easily with a needle nose pliers. It had left some rust stains on the bail, which cleaned off pretty easily, as far as I could reach the stains in the crevices without too much trouble. Thank you for your time Pavo |
 I am trying to identify this insignia I have had for about 45 years. I was told by one friend that it probably is a 1902 Army medical corps hat badge. Is that correct? Also would you know an approximate value as I am contemplating selling it on eBay. Thank you for your time! R.W. Bowers Your find was identified on my forum at http://tomstreasuresforum.com it is a Spanish American War Hat Badge, there is one on ebay selling for 429.oo here is the link |
 Could someone please help me identify this item. I found it in Memphis, TN sometime back. It looks old. I think it's brass. It's 12" x 9" with multiple henges. It maybe Catholic in origin (sword, cross, rooster). If anyone could help find out what it is, its meaning, value and where it came from I'd be very greatful. Thanks for your help!Judy |
 Hi!,I was wondering if someone could identify this coin. My Mom found it in the 1970s in a barn in the middle of a crack in the floor. It looks really old and has very uneven edges, I can't tell if it's copper. It's the exact size of a quarter, and when flipped toward you the picture is right side up (unlike a regular coin). If anyone could help find the value and where it came from I'd be very happy. Thanks for your help, Sarah Dave McMahon says: Sarah.. Here's your coin and a link to a page with some info.. I tend to agree it is probably a copy, but u never know. U need to Get it to someone who can examine it.. Can u take closer pics.. How are the edges, and is there designing on the edges??, Dave also says: Philip II 359-336 BC- |
 I am gardener and dug this medallion up in Ontario Canada while making a new garden. It is approximately 4 inches from top to bottom (not including the loop on top) and 3.5 inches wide. There is no design on the back and is not magnetic. It appears to be of a figure of Royalty or possibly a religious figure. There also is some left over residue of white paint on it as you can see in the photos. There appears to be 2 angels on either side of the figures crown as well as a halo emanating from behind the figures head surrounded by stars. Any information on it and it's possible value would be greatly appreciated. Jimmy Nichols says It is most likely bronze.Asforage, it is very hard todate due to the fact modern items relplicate the older (100yr) items. But I bet it dates to the forties would be my best guess. Value? the joy knowing you have a one of kind item from your garden may be the biggest reward to consider. Nice find. Thank You Tracey |
 1864 antique medal silver 80mm round for the completion of the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul need info. On this so I can sell it. email me Thank You Katie |
 Hi , I found this item whilst metal detecting in Essex England . It is gold and is 10 mm x 8 mm and 8 mm deep with a pin/ nail 12 mm long on back of it . Please can anyone give me any more info . Many thanks Pete |
 We have found this coin but are having a hard time identifying it because it appears to have been mis-stamped on the back side. Thanks So Much, Celina |
 Hi, I found this snuff box at an estate sale in a box surrounded by very very old antiques. I have been told by a snuff box "expert" that is is British & it was Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, relief facing left, which was probably made after his death in 1808 in commemoration and made it to the States during the War of 1812 along with the British. I was also told that it was rare to see him wearing his bicorn or Chateau type naval hat although he did wear a tricorn as well. I am trying to get a second opinion on this find, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kathy |
 Found both of theses items in a area that I find a lot of things from the early teens to the twenties. The monkey man object is the size of a penny and has nothing on the back. The oriental piece looked as if it were attached to something, it has a small brad hole on each end. Information on these items would be much appreciated. Thank you, Kevin |
 The pictures of the ring I'm sending you were found on a private farm in Orleans VA. West of Warrenton VA. The Farm was built pre American Civil War and was in the direct path of Lee's Marching Army headed North to circle up into the Battle of Bull Run. Ive hunted this land many times as it is owned by a close friend, the majority of hunts have turned up numerous Confederate and Union Relics including slave tags and shackles. Most everything I've found on this pre Bi-Centennial homestead I have been able to identify fairly easily. I do believe its copper or bronze from the awesome patina. This ring has me stumped!!! Charlie Harris says: I may be wrong, but I think this ring to be post-Civil War. It is of the type of cheap ring that is "one size fits all." I believe that they date to the 1900 era. This one almost seems to have an Egyptian flair to it, esp. on the side view. Maybe some one else has some better ideas on it. Colin found out what the ring was: Thank you so much for you help, I really appreciate what your doing for us hunters! I have figured it out! Like many of the people on this site I was obsessed with with finding out what it could possibly be from, it's a 1947 Lone Ranger ring! The symbols on the top are cattle brands and on the side is a western saddle! At one point there was actually a small peacemaker revolver on the top, not a stone! Great price of American nostalgia!! Here it is in its original glory! Notice the saddle on the side  Colin Radka. |
 Hi, This site was so helpful with my last find, that I thought I would send in my Union Button. I think its a 1852 to 1864 Civil War Union Button, but would really like to clarify. We found this in the same area as the Brass sash buckle. It says Hortsmann Bros & Comp. Phila. On the back. Charlie Harris This is actually a post-Civil War button. The small shield in the eagles chest denotes the later style. It also has a higher dome than the Civil War buttons Larry Hockman Charlie's right. That button also has what we always called a turkey necked eagle. They started using that type of eagle in 1872 and it was used until 1902 when they changed to the Great Seal. Sorry it isn't civil war Stefanie, Austin, Tx. |
 Hello, I found this object on the Florida Gulf Coast. I thought it was a sand dollar until I picked it up and felt how heavy it is. It is not magnetic. Have been researching online websites dealing with old medallions and coins but nothing matchs. Measures 3 1/2 inches across and 2 1/2 inches high, very thin. Heavy gold gilted, when we chipped a corner of it the color is still the same inside. Any help would be greatly appreciated. JIM LAMP'L SAYS: It looks like a fossil ( sand dollar) that has been altered or replaced with pyrites. We have perriwinkle shells and ray's teeth here in nj that have been totally replaced by pyrite, and they usually start to break up when out of the water. The organic material is replaced by local available inorganic material. Kind of like when pyrites are replaced by iron and are called siderites. Pretty cool! Basic fossil making. You can do a streak test on the suspect pyrite (use streak plate) the streak should be blackish in color. Thanks, Amy Cook in Oklahoma |
 Hi, I found this detecting in the hill country near Austin Tx. I did find a civil war button in the same area. It looks old, and I have researched the internet and I just can't find out what it might be. Obviously, it's a buckle of some sort, but it may just be to obscure to identify. Any info is greatly appreciated =) . Charlie Harris says: It is lightweight stamped brass & you only have about 1/2 of it. There will be another identical except for the center barpiece. It is a woman's overcoat or sash buckle. The cloth belt or sash wraps around the bar on the reverse. The other half is the same, but it also has a hook that hooks into this part for closure. Originally it was a shiny brass. Stefanie, Austin, Tx. |
 We gave each other metal detectors for Christmas, without knowing :) We were relic hunting New Years Eve and found this wrench. We believe it was blacksmith made. Found 8in under the soil. It is 9 and 1/2 inches from tip to tip. It weighs 14 oz. We would like to find out what it may have been used for.... and approx when it may have been made. Found near railroad. Happy New Year hunting! Thank you! CJ PAUL HUBNER SAYS: It's a Wrench that came with a piece of Horse Drawn Era Farm Equipment. International Harvester made many different variations of wrenches like this. If you could find the casting number, it could be ID'ed Exactly which machine it came with. I-H had kinda Squarish letters and numbers. |
 I would be so delighted if someone could help me identify these objects. It all started when my father found a small bunny rabbit playing the horn/trumpet in his back garden here in England during the 1960s. Since starting my research I have uncovered many simular rabbits, all the same make but in different poses. Some play musical instruments, some using jump-ropes, some pulling carrots from the ground etc All items are unmarked and every single one seems to come from the USA. They range from 3/4" - 1 1/2" and are simply adorable! I have purchased a few but none of the sellers can tell me who made them or when. If anyone can give me any information about these rabbits I would be forever grateful! Naomi Moore, Devon, England |
 This object was found in the back yard of our historic home in Maryland. It seems to be a casting of yellow brass or copper because of its color. It has what seems to be an embossed arrow symbol that might have been carved into the casting. Its about 5/16 thick and weighs a little less than a pound.Can you tell me what it might be? Thank You David |
 I have another item that I would like to see if any of your readers could help me with. I found this in an area where an old 1840 ish old school was located. The building was torn down years ago but I have found lots of interesting things there. Thought it was a spark plug when I first dug it up, but I don't think it is. It has copper/brass top the looks to screw in and out possibly moving the rod at the end. The body is porcilen. Thanks for any help! VR Curt ROB LANGDON SAYS: You were correct in your initial thoughts. It is an old spark plug. The porcelain has popped out of its base, but that is what it is. PAUL HUBNER SAYS: Its a spark plug see here |
 Metal spear head found in Kent garden uk. 3 more pics to follow, please be so kind to date and identify. Thanks in advance for your help Mr Gual Ian John Hennwinkle says: Most likely post medieval & probably a decorative item from a stately house. I doubt if this has come out of the ground, it's in too good a condition. A nice find non the less. |
 I found this at an old homesite in maine. Seems to have a plated surface . I cant tell what letters are intertwined a AV or a AM. There is no markings on it at all. Because of this I am have trouble identifying its origin and significance. Any info would be more than appreciated ! Thanks, Nate Charile Harris says: I looked at my humongous list of Fraternal Organizations & find 2 different AOMs. They are Ancient Order of Muts (Muts is said to be a name from ancient Egyptian mythology.) The other is Ancient Order of Mysteries. You might Google these 2 & get more information on them. The other combinations of the AOM, AMO, MAO, OMA, OAM come up with nothing. |
 My father found this brass bar on our 15 acre property backed up to the Joshua Tree national park.We have had offers in it and would love to know What it may be worth..The Bar weighs about 10 lbs. Any help would be appreciated, Mike KDenby says: Respectfully, it appears to be an ingot of brass as it comes from the smelter. (I have seen 1000 oz silver ingots and they look exactly like this with just a few hand stamped markings hammered in). Kevin |
 I found this item in Hampton Va and cannot figure out what it is. It is probably brass or copper about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. I think it is British due to the crown, but I'm not sure if it is a uniform item, a saddle part, or what it could be. It was down approx. 5 inches and was found with lots of other items including a 10-16 in long blade (not sure if it was a knife or small sward.) Any help would be appreciated, Curt KDenby says: Not sure what it is, but I know it is not British - the crown is not correct for a British crown (there are too many arms on it and way too many pearls on each arm.) If it were British military it would have had a 'broad arrow' and the letters: BO or WD (Board of Ordnance or War Department) stamped underneath it. Now after taking a few moments to ponder your 'treasure' it might very well be a hook for the tensioning cords of a drum - the large hook goes over the upper or lower hoop and the tensioning cord is draped tightly over the two upper hooks to hold them in place whereupon the rest of the cord snags and is held under tension by the lower side hooks, pulling the hoops towards each other thus tightening the drum skins. Best I can do for you. Cheers. Kevin Rob Langond says: Here is an ARTICLE on an Item Like Yours. Hope this helps solve the mystery, Happy Holidays Rob |
 I found a token it has cleveland first best peas on one side nothing onthe other and its hand struck Thanks in advance for your help |
 Not found with a metal detector but maybe someone can help. While clearing out the in-laws house, this item was discovered. It looks like a bullet, brass base with a silver metal top. USN insignia on the outside. Inside there is a glass cup. The father-in-law was an officer aboard the USS Dortch during Korean conflict. The item is 3 ½" tall and 1 ¾" dia. Thanks in advance for your help or insight. KDenby says: It appears to be what is known as 'trench art'. Typically, 'trench art' consisted of items and mementos made by soldiers, sailors, air-men, etc from battlefield scrap - usually the brass from artillery shells and ammunition. It was limited only by the imagination of the individual making it. In many cases, trench art was produced by the wounded recovering in military hospitals. I have also seen trench art made by POWs out of every imaginable material including cigar boxes, Red Cross packages, and bone. You item looks like it was produced on board ship by stokers or articifers as a gift - in this case, it looks like an ink well. Check the silver top to see if it is hall marked as silver. If not, it could be polished aluminum or some other white metal. Very interesting item nonetheless. |
 Found this button along with a 1943 War Nickel and a 1941 Mercury Dime. I think it is a WW2 military button, it is the size of a dime. Need help identifying it, also cant tell what the eagle is grasping in its mouth. Thank You Kevin Pierre LaVoie says: Do some research on presidential inauguration buttons…These chicken looking eagles go back further than WWII it seems like. President Washington wouldn't allow his name on some of these commemoratives. Good Luck! |
 Found this in a box of nails could you please tell me what it is? THanks for your time 5/8" square stem says PAT NOV 1881 OR 1891. 1/2" DIA circle. Thanks for Your Time KDenby says: My first impression is that it could be a bronze cuff-link with a bent stem at the button. As the button is 1/2 inch, it is probably too big to be a shirt stud, and, as the design looks like it is hand etched and more decorative than symbolic, it is unlikely to be a lapel pin, either.. Cheers. Kevin |
 This pin was found along with my dad's WW II insignia and uniform metals and decorations. I'm making a display case for them and need to know what this is. He was in the ambulance corps, 57th Medical Battalion European Theater. I have searched all of the WW II sites and pin sites I can find but nothing that identifies this. It is 1 1/8th inches high by 7/8 wide and has a MEYER INC, New York stamp on the back. Thanks for any help Scott |
 I found this medallion 20 years ago while metal detecting at Drakes Beach on the California coast. I was informed that it could have some historical significance and would like to know more about it. any information would be greatly appreciated. it is made of iron and has indistinguishable markings on one side it looks like a circle of chain around the outer edge , and on the other side an anchor. Thanks for any info. Secondly only Commissioned officers and Petty Officers had anything that even remotely resembled uniforms for that period. Commissioned officers had to purchase their own uniforms and equipment, and metal items were not only made of brass but they were guilded in a gold wash. Thirdly, I can't see how that piercing at the top would work as a button if it was only secured at the top. I have never seen a button that had decorations on both sides (makers marks perhaps, but not what appears on yours). Finally, if it were military, one would expect to see it having national insignia of some kind on it. I have to admit, that the anchor is typical of the Royal Navy's 'fouled anchor' insignia, but it is missing the royal crown and the royal cypher. It is an interesting 'treasure' nonetheless, but I really think it will prove to be a medallion or keepsake of some kind. Hope this helpsKevin |
 I am at a loss.. I have even sent this to an appraiser and we can't figure out exactly what this lapel pin is. It is about 1/2 inch wide and has a screw back. A friend found it Detecting in Northern California. It was badly caked with dirt and grime and I cleaned it to see the image. . Thanks so much for your time! Doug Shiela Holt says: After searching the net it is Russian/Ukranian for Freedom. The "CC" on top is "SS".. Best I could find out. Good Luck KDenby says:I have no idea what this pin represents, however I did find it quite interesting that the flag on the left is a tri-colour with no other apparent badge in its fields, and that the US flag has 12 stars and 6 bars. (Probably more manufacture's artistic licence or convenience than any intentional slight). The tri-colour flag looks a lot like the present day Russian Flag. Good luck with this one. Kevin |
 I found your site today on the internet and hope you can identify this lapel pin I found in my father's personal box when he died. I believe it has to do with his mother, an Irish woman who immigrated to New York in 1906 or 1907. She was an 'attendant' at Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital in Kings Park, Long Island. Indian Park is another name for Kings Park. I believe the pin has the initials HNS which I interpret to be Health National Service. As you can see, the pin has the left profile of a young lady, there is a clover in the 7 o'clock position and she appears to be overlaid a steering wheel. It's the wheel that has me confused. Maybe she was an ambulance driver training for WWI? Her husband did not serve, but maybe she did for the homefront? I would apprecitate any help you can give me! Thank You Sophie TOMSTREASURES SAYS: Your pin/button is from the (click on this Link) Holy Name Society Some of the buttons Ive seen date to 1908 but dont know if your button is that old or not. |
 Hi, I'm a researcher for a new Canadian docu-series featuring an eclectic artefact collector. He has recently acquired a strange looking belt that he claims to have been used on harem slaves but it looks more like a medieval type of armour that a horse may have worn. A breeching maybe? I've attached some photographs of the artefact for you to look over. We're trying to identify exactly where this thing comes from, what type of metal it's made of and what it had been used for. Any insight you might have will be extremely helpful. Kind Regards FABIENNE L'ABBE Trish Braucksick says: I was looking through Tom's Treasures site and I saw where you had identified a piece as an Arabian horse bridle part. I've been horse person for 30 years and a bridel maker for a couple and I can tell you there is no way it is a noseband, it's way too big to go around a horse's nose, especially an Arabian. And it's doubtful that it is a headstall strap - there's no place for adjustment or for bit attachment that I can see. A headstall has to have someplace for the bit to attach. It wouldn't be a continuous circle. A horse headstall strap measures roughly 36 inches from bit end to bit end, it can be a little smaller or larger depending on an individual horse. The bit itself should be about 5 inches in width. A noseband for an average horse would run about 20 inches. An Arabian would likely be a little smaller as they are a small, fine headed breed. Hope this helps ,trish Braucksick, trish@celestialbridle.com |
 My dad brought this back from Russia a few years back. It says FRAGET N PLAGUE. Which has alot to do with candlesticks .We cant find anything about it but it looks like a spice rack of some kind. I hope you can help. Thank You Sophie Mike Robinson Says: Hi Sophie,This is a condiment set around 1880 produced by the Polish company Fraget and Plaque is french for silver plate.All the bottles are more than likely lead crystal as the compny was quite high class and actually were allowed to sell designs by the top class French company Christofle and sell them with the mark Fraget.The bottles are for vinegar, olive oil and mustard(spoon missing) ,the extra bottle may have come from another set with the same bottles (there was very often more than one set on a large table) as it destroys the symmetry,and yes it should have a crystal stopper.This bottle may look out of place but it could be used for Balsamico. Dont worry about the value just use it on your table and pep up your salads. Best wishes Mike(Berlin) |
 I found these at yard sale..the man that sold them to me said he has had them in his shed for the last 25yrs. The Big One is 2ftx2ft. tow of them are 14 inches and two of the are 12 inches. It was a set of 5. If anyone could help me I would be very thankful Thank You Michelle KDenby says: Well, I hate to say this but I have a feeling your 'gems' are most likely contemporary brass wall decorations. These things were rather common in the late '50s and '60s for those who liked the Spanish-style of decorations. (My parents had the same 2 x 2 brass charger on their kitchen wall for years). If they are what I suspect they are, they are not terribly valuable. I suggest you polish them up and hang them behind the bar in your rec room. Cheers. Kevin |
 I also have a South Carolina brass hat pin like one owned by another person making an inquiry through your website. I have never seen another one like it, and I am a native South Carolinian. I bought the pin at a local yard/estate sale approximately 12 years ago. An online dealer of Civil War relics told me that the pin is one that Civil War re-enactors use. I will appreciate any information about the pin including a link to any site or individual who can confirm that the pin is not an authentic relic. Thank You Ann KDenby says: As you have requested, I can confirm that your 'treasure' is a reproduction. I do this by two reasons: 1. The pin on the back is a modern brass spring type and probably came from one of those pin-on name badges you see everyone wearing at conventions. Further, there is no way they would have used such a crude soldering method to attach it. (It is probably 50/50 plumbers solder). 2. From the condition of the back of the badge, it is clear that it is a sand casting which means that an original was used to create the front of the badge in sand and then probably bronze was poured in (you can see the file marks used to try and flatten the back out). These badges were not originally cast but rather, were 'die-struck' - a process where a plate of brass or copper was placed over the 'female' die (which produced the front of the badge) and then using tremendous weight, the 'male' die was driven down, mating to the female. This produced a well defined badge of limited weight. The badge was then placed under a second set of male and female dies which cut the badge to shape. Hope this helps.Kevin |
 I found this item while metal detecting at a very old train crash site in Georgia. It is very heavy.There are 2 screws where it attaches to something. Also, the shield shape is the same on both sides with a slot in between them. There are 3 screws in the shield shape. Thank You Lara KDenby says: Do you think it might be a drawer handle-pull from a chest? Kevin |
 I found this pendent in the backyard while digging a small pond. I've had this a few years now and have never seen anything like it. The color on the pictures are a little brighter than the actual piece. And it looks to be silver in color. I live in Southeast Texas near Houston if this helps any. Thank You Tammy KDenby says: Tammy - Your pendents are all costume jewellery. The quickest way to confirm this is by looking at the casting - respectfully, yours show a crudeness in detail and they are unfinished (take a peek at the suspension loop - see how rough and uneven it is finished). Same with the enamelled ones - the very rough edges, the uncentred decoration in the field all suggest mass white-metal castings for costume jewellery. All look like they are annodized plated. (Wish I could have told you that they belonged to Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery collection, but alas no...lol) Cheers. Kevin |
 Found this at a state park, not sure what it is. Civil war went through this park in ga. Thank You Kirk Sheree Wolf says: I don't know if anyone has responded to you yet or not, but what you found is a US Air Force Hat insignia for an enlisted person…still in use. A new one can be purchased for under $10. See the info at this link: I'm retired Air Force and recognized it right away. Sorry! |
 I found this artifact in the Southwest part of Germany near what is now known as Bitburg, the area we detected has artifacts back to the Roman era ( we found pieces of roman pottery, this area was also very active during WW2, I found this article and not sure exactly what it is or what era it is from, I do suspect that it is some kind of hinge. Any help that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated Thank You Terrie MIKE ROBINSON SAYS: The artifact is half of an 18th C hinge from a cupboard,Mike (Berlin) |
 I live in the southern part of Texas and I fond this on the ground at a neighbor's house. I kept it because it looked real old. After examining it I knew that it was real old, it's not marked and the way it was made is real unusual, it is not solid as there is some blackish material as the base with the metal wrapped around it, but, it seems like it is two pieces somehow soldered together, only thing is that I can only see the line and no soldering. Any help would be greatly appreciated. What the metal is I have no idea, I'll probably take it by a jewelers to see if they can tell me what it is, it does have oxidation on it. I'm thinking it is tumbaga metal. Thank You Mario |
 Old pin bought off Ebay… uncertain origins. Can you Identify Thank You Lacey |
 I found this oddly shaped token while metal detecting. Its copper I believe and the back has no writing at all. I know it a post exchange token. I found it in a park on tybee island georgia. This park was once part of a military base that is not in opperation any more. I believe it is WW1 era but I have foumd civil war bullets and buttons in the park as well. My question is how old is it and how common? Thank You Brian David Spangler says: Probably from a military Post Exchange as a token to be used in place of coins.My guess based on style would be circa 1880-1940. |
 Victor, Pat. July 4, 88 .. I have no ideas? These three photos are done under a 30x loop. The face of this is only 12 mm in diameter (15/32 of an inch) and looks like there may have had something on it, but I can't make out what it was. The back only measures 8.5 mm (21/64 of an inch) The total thickness is 8.5 mm as well. I am assuming that it is a pants rivet or belt rivet, but have never seen one quite like this one. Has anybody ever seen one like this before? Thank You Rob Kerry Dennison says: Looks like they may have came off of a artillery horse collar? |
 I will buy dinner for the person who can identify this. It was found near Cold Harbor. 5 feet away from this find were confederate buttons found. The image you see is the exact same on the reverse. there is a tiny hole in the feather on top of the head. there are no other markings or holes. Someone said it was from a confederate sword design but I can't see that.It is heavy non metallic and at the end of the tail it is broke off. I would love to know if this is from the civil war. Thank You Regards Keith KERRY DENISON SAYS: I saw a pic of this in a 1970,s dixie gun work,s catlog.may be off of a flint lock weapon?sidelock plate? FRANK W PANDOZZI OF EXPLORING HISTORYS TREASURES SAYS:I believe that piece is a winged serpent. This symbol was also used by the Knights Templars, as well as later on by the KGC, Knights of The Golden Circle. Because it was found near Cold Harbor, leads me to believe it is KGC. The KGC were very involved with the Civil War, as southern sympathizers |
 Can someone please tell me what this is or What it was used for We fond it in our backyard meany years ago its 2 1/2" long and is 1.0 oz This is all I know Thank You Emily KDenby says: It is possible that it is a novelty wooden match container? Cheers. Kevin |
 My husband gave me this key as a gift. We don't know much about it. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I am sending pictures. The Key is from Williamsburgh, VA. Please let me know what you find. Thank You Shayla Terry says says: I believe this is a citizen award plaque that presents some lucky person with a key to the city. My dad has the same thing in his basement but the plaque has a name on it and says the key to the city. Hope this helps Terri |
 What is this?? Shazam Robert Langdon says:Your item is an oriental (chinese actually) trunk lock. You can see one similar at this site: CHINESE LOCK |
 Found this at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland sticking out the sand at low tide,,its 10cm wide,,been told its possibly a button but seems a bit big for a button,,can anyone help or suggest someone i could take it to, to find out more. Connie |
 I have recently come across an extremely rare find, this is a ring that perhaps dates back to the time frame of BC but I am unable to identify the royal emblem which is cut into an original carnelian stone (unheated) very rare, I am needing help on trying to find perhaps the royal family this belonged to and the time era, give or take a century, but I have done several test to prove the stone is in fact authentic but i have no way of discovering the time frame in which it came from,but i believe its going to be persian, I am currently stationed over seas in a disclosed area |  Thanks for any Help ROBERT |
 Found in grandmothers garage. Any idea ? it is over 12" tall. Thanks for any help. Thanks for any Help Connie |
 Any info on identifying this is much appreciated. I found this in a field,it wieighs 14oz. and it is 8 inches in circumference. I scratched it with my knife and it seems to be lead .. its to heavy for it to be alum. Thank You JW Steve Says: Sir, first off, I am attending Explosive Ordnance Disposal school a.k.a. "Bomb Squad" School, at Eglin AFB just north of destin, I live in niceville. What you have there is a Military UXO, or unexploded Military ordnance, specifically it is a scatterable landmine submunition, definately of the fragmentation type, and possibly incendiary. If you still have this item, DONOT DISTURB it, and contact the local police and tell them you need the bomb squad for the item, describe it as you see it, and tell them what I called it. If you have any questions, please email me back, and I will do my best to answer them. I am not a bomb tech yet, still in school, but I am 100% certain that is what you have there, please take my advice sir. John Spangler says: This is a cluster bomb circa 1960s-80s. They come in several different sizes and configurations. Most encountered are inert dummies for practice use, but some might be filled with explosive charge, so be careful with this one. Search BDU cluster bomb photos for more info |
 This is a metal detecting find from an old farm/dairy. It is aluminum, just over 5" long. One side is fixed while the other appears to be made to slide, as to measure something. I did put an egg on it and it did fit rather well. There appears to have been some engraved writing on the side(s), but it is not legible. Thank You MudPuppy EEAW58 Says: It looks to be a striker to light a torch a found one and was told the same
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 . I could use some help trying to identify these items. They are about the size of a US quarter. There appears to be an eagle looking to the left on one side. Most are beaded around the front also. There does not appear to be anything on the back side. They are rather thick & heavy & I believe might be made of lead. They are not magnetic. The patterns are not all the same either. I got them in a small box of coins that were a mix of US and Canadian and dating from the first half of the 1900's. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You CHARLIE Frank J Colletti Says: I don't believe that they are coins. Although the design is similar to the design on the Massachusetts colonial cent, there is no legend. Gut reaction is that they were either copies made as buttons or gaming chips. Esp. since they appear to be lead. Brian says: Hi this is brian I found some lead pieces like that once with potamic virginia stamped on them. I was told they were lead seals that were used with a piece of wire running through it to make sure deliverd documents wernt opened prior to delivery |
 I found this piece just recently..just a bit was uncovered out of the ground, and I thought I was about to find an arrowhead but nope! Not sure what it could be but it's beautiful..found it on family's land about 50 yards from fort moultrie..its in amazing condition considering the salty land (marsh and creek 10 ft. from where i found it). I was thinking maybe some sort of women's decorative piece? Thought maybe a hair pin but it's just too heavy...any ideas? Thank You Lauren GILLIAN WELLS SAYS: Your find is a sword scabbard hook of the 17th Century. The spatulate plate at the rear of the decorative hook was sewn into a slot in the leather material of the rear of the scabbard just below the mouth and this allowed the hook to engage with a sash style harness hung across the body from shoulder to waist. (Baldrick) I saw one illustrated in a nice portrait in Warwick Castle, with the actual sword and scabbard, complete with hook, hung on the wall beside the portrait. Great evidence! Nice find, Bob |
 I wonder whether you may be able to identify the age and material of this ring please? It was found in a field in Kent, was reasonably easy to clean up, feels quite heavy, is blackened silver, that when scratched is silver underneath. Any help would be much appreciated, or advice where I could send a photo or take the ring, for advice.NOTE: There are no markings on the ring that I could see. Thank You Stephen Richard Smith Says: Looks like a lapis lazuli stone from afganistan RelicHunter Says: I was just browsing around this morning and stumbled upon the picture of a ring you found near "Kent". Is that Kent, Ohio? I am a pretty much died in the wool relic hunter and have found several very similar rings, one with the same blue stone, others with clear stones. I found mine in the Mid Ohio area at an old Native American encampment dating in the 1750 to 1775 era. The ones I found were "trade" items and worn by the Native Americans. Just curious if you are in Ohio too. |
 Hi, I've been trying to identify this parking token I found. It was buried underground in my backyard. The token is a little bit bigger than a quarter.(I keep it in a coin case like it is in the photos) I can't find any information online about it. I was hoping you could help me find out more about my token's history and things like that. Thank You Katie Rick says: VINTAGE OLD MODEL T CARD BALD EAGLE STARS PARKING TOKEN, this is being auctioned off on ebay, current buy price $3.99 |
 I have attached a picture of a heavy metal piece that I recently found. It is heavy...probably over 100# and about 4'4" long to the end of the spindles. Any help identifying what it is would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Russ Beyer |
 Front view and rear view. Length (Height) 2.5 inches, width at top 2 1/8 inches, diameter of round raised feature in center .5 in. Thank You Bruce Taylor |
 The piece is 4 inches in height and 3.75 inches in width The hook is 2 3/8 inches long and the outside diameter of the ring is 11/16" The band width is 2" Thank You Bruce Taylor Rob Langdon says: Your item is a portion of a team pad from a work horse harness. |
 At its widest point it is 5 1/16 inches (outside to outside) The height is 5 3/8 inches revbtaylor Thank You Bruce Taylor Rob Langdon says: This is an old iron stirrup from a saddle. |
 I found this what appears to be silver at the Boston Common. It has an Roman head on the front and what appears to be 4 horse and carriage on the back it has letters on the front all I can make out is jvervsvgar In that order. So many events in history happpened on the Boston Commons. It is about the size of a silver dollar but heavier Thank You Scott John says: it is a fake SEE HERE FOR INFO |
  I came across your website and was hoping you could help me identify a medal/medallion we found on (under) our property here on the gulf coast of Alabama. It was dug up about 16, 17 years ago by my son just playing with his trucks outside in the sand. It has always had me curious. I have searched online many hours throughout the years but have not found anything like it. The only thing close that I have found is the Order of the White Eagle (Serbia). Thank you in advance for any help you can give me. Connie KEVIN of Toronto Canada SAYS: From what I see in your pictures, I get the feeling that you have a piece of costume jewelry that looks like a european decoration. The picture with the ruler shows that the reverse of the item is a very poor sand-casting finish with a huge casting flaw in the centre - definitely not the standard of quality of a formal award . Another observation is that the suspender ring is cast into the medal itself - most of these awards were very detailed and finely finished with separate suspension rings (usually also hallmarked). Most of these kinds and ranks of decorations were made by jewelers often appointed by the Royal families of the various countries. Crudeness just never happened, and all decorations, honours and high awards were both hall-marked and had the makers name on it. The double-headed eagle is typically a pre-revolution Russian Royal family badge, but the rest of the features look invented. Sorry, but I am afraid you do not have a Faberge made court order. HAROLD SAYS: I saw your "medallion" that you found on tomstreasures.com and I can tell you that it looks to me like a "Jewel" that is used in the Ancient and Accepted Order of the Scottish Right. It is a branch off order of Free Masonry, and the double headed eagle set over a Maltese cross is the symbol for a 33 degree Mason who is a member of the Scottish Right. It is not particularly valuable unless you could find out which Lodge it belonged too?? These "Jewel's" are typically mass produced (as far as Masonic Jewels can be?), and there quality reflects that. That's why it's not as "refined" as something of greater value. Hope this helps. Harold. |
 I am new to metal detecting and my children found this in Ogdensburg, Wisconsin in a mill pond that is being drained. This pond has not been drained in over 60 years... and we found it about a foot under the mud. I will attach some photos here in hope someone can help Identify it. Thank You Tanya Steven says: That piece is off a 1976 starcraft boat rear corner top rail support Jeff says: Here may be some help in identifying the item found in the pond. It is one of the corner brackets used on smaller boats that is fitted at the rear between the transom and gunnel. The loop handle is made into the bracket to help move the boat around. Hope that helps |
 What I found I believe is the front of a button. Its the american eagle and had a crest of some type in the middle. Its from my hometown of tybee island ga. I have a lot of finds from the same area from indian pottery and tools to civil war. This is a dug find I also bottle hunt these areas and of all my finds this is the only one I cant seem to accurately id. Any help would be greatly apreciated. Thank You Brian |
 Hi! I found these buttons at a local thrift store..owner said a lady had recently passed away (at 100y/o!) and the family had donated her house along with everything in it. She apparently lived in PA for a while before moving to SC, and the husband (or father?) served in military during either wwI or wwII..They're in amazing shape..top 5 and 2 on bottom left read 'wm scully, ltd. Montreal' on the back. I've spent hours searching countless websites in attempts of finding exact match--(my head hurts from squinting so much!)--but I can't find much of anything that has helped with identification..there are so many different kinds of buttons with similar characteristics! Any feedback would be fantastic Thank You Lauren KEVIN SAYS: Scully's is still very much in business and you can contact William Scully jr who runs the place. Those are not British Commonwealth crowns, but appear to be Guelphic or Germanic. Also, the "fouled' anchor of the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy does not look like that. (Also, the Canadian pattern navy buttons had C A N A D A at the bottom). They are probably buttons from the tunics of officers of a shipping line. (Scully's made buttons and accoutrements for world-wide clients.) The bottom left button looks like a yachtman's blazer button, perhaps for a yachting club. |
 New to the metal detecting hobby and seem to be finding things from the Civil War era. I've been hunting for coins in areas that are rich with Civil War history in the northwest Atlanta metro area (from Marietta to Kingston) and haven't found any old coins but some of the attached finds I think are from the Civil War. Any help with identifying the items would be greatly appreciated? Thank You KEITH Scott Anderson Says: This item is a buckle of sorts for many things. For instance I have one just like that, that is used for my baseball umpire chest protector. Cheap tin like metal, Sorry and good luck. |
 New to the metal detecting hobby and seem to be finding things from the Civil War era. I've been hunting for coins in areas that are rich with Civil War history in the northwest Atlanta metro area (from Marietta to Kingston) and haven't found any old coins but some of the attached finds I think are from the Civil War. Any help with identifying the items would be greatly appreciated? Thank You KEITH Jimmy D. Says: It is a Broken Hand Dart,Most likely a plastic fin was screwed into the end and the pointy end is broken off. |
 Looking for info sources on my recent find: Insignia pin South Carolina soldier's cap. These were used on SC soldiers uniforms during the War Between the States, not sure if used prior to the war (info obtained from local historian@ museum) Location of find was York County, SC
This is other info I have found on something similar: PALMETTO PRIDE  This item is 2-1/2" in diameter and made of brass, with a lead filled back and three brass wire hooks. Although a note found with it in a box reads, "Medal given...for defending a pass in the Catskill Mountains in 1776," I believe it to be a South Carolina belt buckle. Is this correct?
It's a mid 19th century South Carolina shoulder belt plate and, if genuine, should have a retail value of $3,500-4,000+. The design elements are those of the state seal: a palmetto tree and two shields, with the date 1776 below. Rising from a fallen oak, the palmetto represents the victory of South Carolina patriots over British ships at Sullivan's Island on June 28, 1776. The Latin mottoes on the shields are Animis Opibusque Parati ("Ready in Soul and Resources") and Dum Spiro Spero ("While I Breathe I Hope"), along with the word Spes (Hope). Obviously, the note found with it was based on a misunderstanding of the plate's true age and usage, unless of course it refers to an actual medal no longer in the box
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 I'm trying to find someone who can identify the bullet and cartridge shown in the attached photo. The two were not found together but probably 1/4 mile apart on a piece of land we own and over which Sherman and his troops passed as he marched from Vicksburg, MS to Meridian, MS. Both were found near the old road by which his troops traveled. I don't know that the bullet is of the Civil Ward era but think it is old. The land patent for the property was issued in 1841. While they weren't found together they do seem to match. The bullet -- Lead 0.25 inch in diameter (base measurement) 0.55 inch long The base is relatively flat with only slight indentation The bullet had a rust-colored coating when found probably due to the red clay. Under the rust coating was a white chalky patina.
The casing/cartridge --
Appears to be copper
Has a serrated ring about 2/3s of the length measured from the bottom, seems to correspond to the ring on the bullet.
Vertical lines along full length of casing that seem to be imprinted on the bullet.
Bottom with slight concave indentation and smooth edges.
No visible head stamp.
No firing cap
One side of casing is blown open with the metal curled back Faint indication of rim fire below the "blown open" area
What you are calling a casing or cartridge is not that at all. It is, in fact, a half jacket, from a soft nose, high powered rifle, hunting bullet. The lead has been torn out of it, most likely from impact, the crimping was meant to prevent that from happening but evidently wasn't successful at keeping it together, the vertical lines are the marks left from the rifling as the bullet went down the barrel at firing. If you watch any CSI at all you will see them comparing the grooves of 2 or more bullets to see if the came from the same gun, those vertical lines are what they are comparing. Neither of these are military, while the lead bullet may be old enough to be from the Civil War era, it is too small, to have been from a military weapon from that time, and the Civil War was long over before the high pressures of smokeless powder made jacketing at least the base of bullets necessary to keep from fouling the rifling of the barrel with lead torn from the bullet. When the military switched to jacketed bullets the used Full Metal Jacket bullets. Civil War Era weapons all used black powder.
I hope this helps. |
 I found this pin with my fathers WWII medals. I can not find out what it is I have been every where no one knows. It is like a little shield with a flower in the center with 2 pine trees on either side with a pair of ski's and ski poles on the top with what looks like 2 hiking boots hanging off the bottom. I don't know if this was his or he just found it. He was in the Navy during WWII. He was a Pharmacists Mate 2nd class, he was attached to the Marines he went ashore with them when they landed. This almost looks like it would belong to some one that was fighting on ski's that would not be the Navy. I would really like some help in finding out what this is. Thank You Mark Western KEVIN SAYS: The badge is not military. German Army Mountain troops wore the 'Aidelweiss' flower badge in stamped metal on the side of their field caps, between the eagle/swastika and cockade on the peaked cap, and on an oval shaped cloth patch on the sleeve. They never had any kind of badge where parts dangled. I suspect this is a badge for a x-country skiing club perhaps commemorating a tournament or weekend competition. A good identifier for anything German made or issued during the NAZI time in power was the inclusion of a swastika on it and typically adorned with oak leaves. Judging by the tarnishing, it is probably white casting metal and plated in silver. |
 I have found these pieces and have tried to find them on the internet, but to no avail; can you please take a look and see if you can help? Thank You Kimberly ROB LANGDON SAYS: Your insignia, featuring crossed M1903 Springfield Rifles and a wreath, is part of a USMC Rifle Expert achievement badge. Here is a picture of what it looked like in its complete state. JIM CAROZA SAYS: The upper right one with the square holes is a "Concho" Went on the sides of your chaps, a leather strip went through the squares to hold it on. HMS Antique Trunks.com |
 Hi, I found this coin on Sunday in Derbyshire. I am not sure of it's origin, wondering if you may be able to identify it. the coin is silver 20 mm in diameter. It looks like it has a face on one side. The reverse side has some lines running across it. I would appreciate any help in finding out what this coin is thank you . Best Regards Helena |
 Hi,just wondering if you could please help me try and find out what this is. Its round,it looks to me like some kind of bangle or bracelet made from metal well of course. Its a bit heavy ,its got a hinge in the middle of it and the two ends ,one is pointy,and the other is hollow where they meet to lock together.The bit which is pointy has some kind of pin mark,which to me looks like some thing locked it. Thanks Will BUD says: I think what you have is a ring that goes though a bulls nose to make it easier to lead him around and to control unruly critters..........Bud |
 This is a metal detecting find I need help identifying. It's made of copper and measures 2 1/8 x 1 inch. The 9 holes are just under .5 inch dia. and don't go completely through the piece. The back is slotted and appears to have been brazed or soldered to something at one time. The holes have a coarsely woven strip of material tightly wound inside them. There are 6 holes evenly spaced around the circumference that are appx. 3/16 inch dia. Thanks for any help you can give. Terry Hall |
 Hello, I can just make out the word "of" in front of Wales . I can not find it on any British site. I do not think it is military and not positive it is British. Thanks, Carleton KEVIN FROM TORONTO ON. SAYS: Regretfully, while the picture quality is very poor, I believe the button says "PRINCE OF WALES". I am confident that it did not belong to any regiment of the time. The button could have a number of sources: it could be a livery button for a footman's uniform of some private club or estate, perhaps worn by the staff of an inn or coaching house that called itself the PoW. (It was quite a favorite and frequently used name for pubs, inns and the like). |
 Hello, I found this piece while digging up a garden for my parents in Northern Michigan. It measures 2 1/2 " in diameter and appears to be copper. It responded well to cleaning and polishing with a gentle metal cleaner. It appears to (at one point) to have been in-set in something else (based on the ridge around the outside edge). The picture is of a young girl holding a tray and a man dressed in colonial garb drinking from a goblet. There is a house in the distance as well as a church steeple.
I am very curious to find out it's origins and can't seem to find the right place to get an answer or suggestion. Thank you in advance for any help!! |
 I found this metal object on a small island in the licking river in cynthiana, ky. has three letters that i can see on it c h a just would like to know what it could be. it did have wood inside the round part with a metal pin through it. Thank You BRIAN ROB LANGDON SAYS: I think the item on Toms is an early cable hook , used by lineman to either lift or tug the power lines/phone lines as needed. See this LINK for a photograph PS: I suppose the same configuration could be used for ropes on boats, etc, too, although I have never seen that application. The technical name for them is a "Hot Stick," but don't know where to go to find a photo of one that old, if in fact that is what it is. You might want to take it to your Electric Power Company, and ask some of the seasoned lineman if they have ever seen anything like it. If it turns out not to be one, then I have no idea what it is. |
 Could you please help me out. I have this item for some time now but I cant identify what the markings mean. All i know is Dieges & clust by what the card says that its on and by what I gather on the internet but the marking I have no clue. Thank you BRIAN |
 Hi, I found this piece embedded in the ground at an old camp ground retreat in NC mountains. I believe it may be a brass civil war button. It is quite rusty, looking closely you can see that there was once a symbol of some sort on it. It is heavy in weight and a bit larger than a quarter. I am sending photo of front and back. I would be interested to know if it is. Thank you for any assistance |
 Hello, I could use some help identifying a small metal bird I found while metal detecting. The bird was found in Kentucky on land where a cabin was built in 1817. The weight is 4 3/4 oz it is 2 " tall and 4" in length. Not sure what the metal is, the feathers appear to be stamped but the sides of the bird appears to be shaped by hand. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Shannon |
 Old beer bottle found in woods on Grosse Ile MI while metal detecting above ground. It is green and has Stroh Detroit Registered stamped on it. Probably WWI issue from Stroh's Brewery Detroit. Please confirm if possible. Thank You James |
 I am requesting some help to find the meaning of an old Dieges & Clust pin I have. I acquired the pin a number of years ago from my grandfather before he passed away. I have been trying to find out information on what the specific meaning of this pin is but I have not been able to find any information about the pin.. The front is gold with a blue background and shows the letters 'A B D'. On the back it says 'D&C 1/20 10K G.F.' I have no idea as to how old the pin is or where my grandfather got it from. Thank you for your help! I am attaching a picture of the front. Michael Ryan HAROLD SHAVER SAYS: This is a wild guess but in college there is a "ALL BUT DISSERTATION" OR ABD, which is the status of a graduate student that has completed all requirements with the exception of the dissertation. Blue and gold could be the school colors or perhaps have something to do with the graduate school. |
 This item was found at a old homestead that also contained War of 1812 buttons and items up onto the mid 1940's. This item is about 4.5cm in length minus the chain and about 3.5cm wide. I can see what looks like three claws coming down it towards a banner like thing. On the back are three eyelets for attachment and seems to be of white metal texture. My first thought was of a cloak clasp but not sure and can't find anything about it on the net as of yet. Any help would be greatly accepted about the age and what it is, Thanks in advance!! Wayne KDenby says: Greetings - Your item looks very much like half of a closure set for a gentleman's riding cloak or cape. There would be a matching "opposite" badge with a large hook attached to its front, which the wearer would link the chain to when closing the front of the cape or cloak without having to button up the front. I believe that the chain is missing a number of links, as it should be a lot longer. Hope this helps.Kevin |
 I dug this up between an old canal bed and Erie RR line near Port Jervis NY. There was a Fowler House in town in the 1800's that later became the Hotel Mitchell. The number on the larger part was the address of the Fowler House. I have been unable to find any information about the Holland House. It appears to be made of brass or copper and the large "horseshoe" has 3 legs on it that remind me of a trivit. The large shoe is approx 4" by 31/2" and the total lenght of the tow pcs together is about 7 1/2" I checked online and with local historians and have no idea what it was used for. Any ideas? Thanks for any help you can be, Jim Smith Port Jervis NY |
 This item was found on the westside of Fort Worth, Texas 6-8" down with a Confederate spur. The metal looks somewhat home-made with no identifying numbers or letters on either side. Not a pin-back or button, but maybe remains of an attachment for a small strap to go thru. Perhaps part of a uniform or harness.Does not match to any Civil War corps badges, etc. found on internet sites. Any ideas would be appreciated for the owner who found it . Regards, Carol L. Davis, Museum Manager, White Settlement Historical Museum |
 I need help identifying this. It's fairly heavy but does not appear to be Iron as It has no rust except on the thumb screw. Eagle holding arrows and 13 stars with floral display. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You Terry Hall ROB LANGDON SAYS: Your item is a Civil War era pewter hand-stamp. Please VISIT HERE and scroll down to items 31, 32, 33. Nice find! Rob Patriotic, Pewter Handstamp. Lovely handstamp with a very pretty patriotic motif. Recovered from a Union camp in Central Virginia, this piece was designed to enable its owner to personalize and mark his camp items. Unfortunately, only three of the letters were in place when the stamp was recovered or we would have had the soldier's name. What we have appears to be the letters JHT or JHN. Beautiful patriotic eagle with scroll work embellishes the piece. There is a leaf, which appears to be an oak leaf on each side and a five pointed star with three arrows (it appears to begin as an olive branch and transitions into the arrows) running through the star. This design is located below the stamp well. I have included another font so the viewer may understand how the type inserted into the stamp well, but please be advised that this font was not found with the stamp. A very rare and unusual item. I hope the stamped card helps you see the detail of the exquisitely designed and delicately rendered piece of art that you must study under magnification to fully appreciate. Nicely displayed in a 6" x 8" Sgt. Riker Display Case (glass top) with a red velveteen background. (There is ample room to include other related items.) Item MS1002 $175.00 |
 I would like to have some information on this bridal bit.not sure if its civil war.but was found in a camp.i would be varry grateful. Thank You Billy |
 Hi there,thought maybe you could help a friend found these and we have been trying to find them on the internet ( to no avail) was hoping you guys might have some insight. Thanks DEE ROBERT LANGDON SAYS: Your item with 13 stars is a universal Jeans fastener or stud. JOHN LEMANDRI SAYS: Those buttons were issued to the US Army during WWII. |
 I found this in a civil war camp.It is made of brass.the words stamped on it or SP.KITTLE BUFFALO N.Y. 1863 Thanks Billy Rob Langdon says: I am pretty sure that your piece is off of an early folding box spring mattress. Click on this link take a look at the image on the right hand side of the page. |
 I found this while metal detecting and shark teeth hunting on the beach in Hunting Island South Carolina. When I found this arrowhead it was in the water line with a bunch of shells and stuff. Since I was looking for sharks teeth, the shape of this caught my eye and I thought I found a large tooth. As soon as I picked it up I knew it was an arrowhead, not a sharks tooth. When it was wet, it was black in color. After it dried out, it is now grey. On the edges you can see the shaping marks. I know Hunting Island had Indians a long, long time ago. Does anyone have any information on what type of arrowhead this is or what tribe it could possibly be from? Any help at all will be greatly welcomed!!! Thanks Kristen, Burlington, Kentucky Carleton Jones says: I believe it is in that Mississipian time period. Google that and look at those points. Could be a different culture out west but probably same time period . |
 I found this while metal detecting and shark teeth hunting on the beach in Hunting Island South Carolina. When I found these bullets, they were brass in color. Since drying they have tarnished. They have a lot of "stuff" molded to them from being in the ocean. Does anyone have any idea about the caliber or age of these or what they could be from? Thanks Kristen, Burlington, Kentucky LUCAS SAYS: That is almost certainly a military 30-06 bullet. The serrated ring around it deff. identifies it as Military & almost certainly U.S.. |
 Hello, I was looking to see if you can identify this item. I found it when I was a kid - the house we lived in was built in 1727, it was in the grass. Is it a button? It measures 1-7/16" across and is a light metal or tin material. I am attaching photos of the front and back. Thanks, Julie from NH Thanks for the help Julie from NH |
 Hi, I am very new to detecting, but am loving it. My daughter and I found this awhile back. I cant find anything like it online. I have found so spear tips that look close? My guess is it is some kind of tool,key, or something along those lines. Thanks for the help Will Greetings, I just returned from a trip that took me through Grantsville, MD, where I stopped at Penn Alps, an 1818 stagecoach stop on the National Pike. There they had a neat place called the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, a reconstructed village of restored log cabins, school houses, a church, and other rustic buildings that house working artisans, one of which was a period blacksmith shop. There, hanging on rack of hand-made period replica tools, was a tool that looked exactly like your item on Tom's Treasures. It was identified as a gardening tool. Another one had the same spade design, was a bit longer, and had a wooden handle applied. So, perhaps your tool is in deed a blacksmith made gardening tool from the early 1800's as well. Regards, Anthony TOWN ANTIQUES SAYS: Your piece is hand forged. What it actually is, is an early hide stripping tool. Town Antiques 51566 |
 I have a boxing medal from my grandfather back from 1917. I have been trying to identify it but haven't seen anything on the web even close. Maybe you can help. In the back it is stamped Dieges Clust, and in the middle of the back stamped ORT 1917. At that time my grandfather was in WWI in France. I would appreciate any help you can offer. Thank You, Bob |
 I have some old buttons that belonged to my Grandmother. I know they are old but not how old. I think they are from Germany but not sure. Any information would be greatly appreciated . Also if they are worth anything. Thank You, Valerie Zenor |
 I recently found this tab in the Seira Mts. in California. I dont know what it is or how old it is but it is stamped very well, I have searched the internet deeply and can not find a thing about it. Could you please help, not knowing what it is just drives me crazy. It's tin i think and the stamp reads. SEAL ROCK TOB CO. EXPRESS It has a circle with a another circle inside and a small circle that connects to a wheel with wings on it. I cant seem to find this mark anywhere. I truly hope you can help. Thank You, Jamie Callahan ROB LANGDON SAYS: Seal Rock Tobacco Company,San Francisco, CA Express Brand snuff tin lid, Circa 1889 |
 Hi. My husband found this medal along with a 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition - Chicago token. The medal is brass. It has the Masonic all seeing eye and the Odd Fellows rings on it. We can't find anything about this medal anywhere. Any information you may be able to give would be very much appreciated. It was found in Shelburn Indiana. Thank You, Cathe and Dan Pinkston Larry Murray says: I don't think it is a masonic, but instead is an odd fellows - Sovereign Grand Lodge. And of course PENNA is short for Pennsylvania |
 I FOUND THIS BRASS BUCKLE IN SOUTHERN NY, NEAR WARWICK, IT HAS SOME KIND OF EMBLEM ON IT. I MADE A RUBBING OF THE BUCKLE TO HELP I.D. IT. IT WAS 4 FEET BENEATH THE SURFACE, AND WAS AMONGST SOME TURN OF THE CENTURY/DEPRESSION ERA TRASH. SOME CAR PARTS A BOY'S RED TRUCK. SOME CERAMIC OR WHITE GLASS LITTLE BOTTLES AND I EVEN FOUND A CERAMIC MARBLE. I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS. NEXT TO THE DRAPING FLAG IS A MOUNTAIN WITH THE SUN AND RAYS ON TOP. THE CROSSED RIFLES HAVE BAYONETS ON THEM AND THERE IS GILDING ON THE BADGE AND IT IS SURROUNDED BY A WREATH WITCH APPEARS TO HAVE SILVER PLATING. THANK YOU MIKE ROB LANGDON SAYS: In Michael O'Donnell's book, American Military Belt Plates, this type of plate, with three long narrow slots, is a 1900-1960 era buckle. It was made primairly for military schools and the National Guard. While this one shows the emblem of the New York Military Academy, this pattern buckle was manufactured as a blank or generic plate, allowing for the application of whatever emblem a customer requested. PHOTOS FROM NY MILITARY ACADEMY |
 Can anyone identify this? Found it today while digging Size7/8" On the medal it has a clenched hand holding lightning bolts. In the middle an lamp On the lower right looks like what could be an old microscope On the lower left atomic or universe symbol?On the bottom it says Italy Thanks for any help you can send my way LH I believe your medalia to be Rosicrucian. Although freemasonry boorrowed heavili;y on our symbolism and allegory our alchemical nature has always been interested in Science , alchemy and healing. The lightning bolts and fist at the top are a Representation of the Great Architect of the Universe and transversley our creation in his image and ability to control the elements of nature. And the Pythagorain squares at the bottom are a link to the Hermetic arts. Hope this helps in your research Retired Police Chief and amature metal detector James Griffin |
 My husband found this in our yard, it showed up as copper on our metal detector. It seems to be some sort of key with the number 39 on it. Thank You Marjorie Robert Langdon Says: Having shown your photo to several people, it is a unanimous belief that your key is an antique watchman's key, probably circa 1880 or so. A watchman would find the key chained to a station along their tour. They would insert the key into their watchclock, where it would cause a paper disc to be stamped with the station number, date and time. The piece extending from the side caused the marking. The number on the key would correspond to the station to which it was assigned. Very Nice find!! I wonder if there was an old train station or factory nearby? Rob |
 I have just found this badge amongst a lot of bibs & bobs that I inherited many years ago and have never gone through. I know the elderly man from whom it came was a commander in the Australian navy and was seconded at some stage of WW11 to the American navy - not sure where. Many thanks. Lois Harkess New Zealand I am relatively certain that your item is a WWII era U. S. Naval officer's hat pin. Very nice keepsake, Lawrence KEVIN SAYS:I was looking at your naval officer's badge. Quite interesting - regretful you do not mention the size of this treasure. It seems awfully small for a cap badge and I know the US navy has always been sticklers for uniformity. Respectfully, what with it being silver, privately made at Meyers in NYC, plus having a closing pin on the back, I am going to suggest that it is a ladies or sweetheart pin. Sweetheart pins are very typical for British Commonwealth troops, sailors and airmen (I have purchased a few myself for lady-friends over the years), Revisiting my original comments - at first glance, I would be tempted to believe this is a US Naval officer's wedge cap badge (not the peak cap), except for the clasp pin on the back. US forces used (and continue to use) clutch pins and screw back pins to hold the badge on. The British Commonwealth used both slides and "lugs" (a pair of copper loops that a brass cotter-pin like wire pin slid through). I am still leaning towards a sweetheart pin - the clasp pin placement is deliberate and was part of the top overlay's original casting - I don't believe it is a modification to an existing badge, and is very high on the badge which would make this badge flop around on a cap, but hang nicely on some lady's lapel. Cheers. Kevin Denby Victoria, BC, Canada Robert Langdon says: I would have to agree with Lawrence on this one. There were lots of insignia pins made by Meyer's. I think a google search will confirm. |
 Hi,I found this in yorkshire UK,it is half the size of a 1p coin(or a 1 cent coin) and twice as thick,blank on the reverse,any ideas would be great,unsure of the metal,found with a garrett ace150 MANY THANKS AND ALL THE BEST! CHRIS John Lemandri Says: The bronze coin is Roman, probably late 300s early 400 period. |
 thanks Randy Howard Rob Langdon: Replies: That is part of a keyhole dust cover from an old S&Company wrought Iron lever lock. |
 I'm trying to find out more about this side saddle I picked up in Ohio a long time ago meaning to research and restore it. I have not had any luck finding information about it. I found your site and thought you might have something by looking at the saddle skirt decorations? Thank you! Julie
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 Thank you. Mark |
 I have here a bayonet scabbard that I can not identify. I have done a lot of
research on this item and came to no conclusion. This item was bought in the
States. The shape is triangle. Total length of the scabbard is 56cm. The tip is
9.5cm long. Please note the pattern around the tip and how it is secured to the
scabbard. An original M1855 Springfield bayonet fits in this scabbard perfectly.
I have no clue to the function of the leather strap with the two holes. I would
appreciate any help. Thank you.
Gunter Gunter says: This scabbard has now been identyfied. It is a: Spanish scabbard for the long M1871 socket bayonet used with the Remington rolling block rifle. |
 I found this button in Virginia at an old colonial house spot. Need help to identify: information will be great. Thanks Eugene ROB LANDON SAYS: Your button is a United Railways Company of St. Louis button. It dates to 1914. Nice Find! What it was doing in Virginia is anybody's guess. Rob |
< My FriendNeed help indentifying a piece he found on mississippi shore in MN..It is a piece of metal shaped like a triangle about the size of quarter..(not sure of type of metal, it non-magnetic), on one side there is a donky(or mule) on the other side is square boxes with some type lettering..the two sides look like the were joined together Thanks |
 This was found in river on Colorado river in Colorado... Appears to be brass or Copper. Very thick and heavy. Perhaps a "brass" from a rail car? Thanks |
 Hello, found this ring with 2 crotal bells in a back garden any idea of the age? Thanks Chris |
 My Builder found this pewter button when digging out for our extension in Greater Manchester. Just wondering if anybody knows anything about the history around this. It must have been very special to someone as the original fastener had split but 2 holes had been made so the button could still be worn. I would be grateful for any information. Jill
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 Hi, I found your page during a search while trying to find information about the attached key. It was found with some brass railroad switch keys in an old toolbox. The person it belonged to worked for the railroad for forty years and retired about 20 years ago. He is now deceased. It is a little smaller than a regular switch key and the only marking is the small "x" in the corner. The stem is moveable or hinged. I have posted to several boards without any results. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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 Hello, I found this coin shaped object at the side of tree roots in the local woods ,its metal as my detector picked it up but its got like a ring of hands/paws in a circle and one in the middle ,nothing on the back ,they looked to have been hammered into it .can you help ,its puzzling me ,ive attached a few pics that might help Thanks Sarah |
 I found this metal detecting in South Carolina. The location this item was found also contained other items like buttons and coins dating back to the Revolutionary and Civil War. It is ~ 5" in length and so far I have been told it is gold gilded. And possibly the image of The French icon Marianne. I also have made no attempt to clean the item, it is still covered in sand and dirt. I have only been metal detecting for a few months so this is all new to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Stephen Mike Robinson says: Hi Stephen,You really found a goodie there,it is an ormulu bronze applique for furniture, probably French and from the Napoleonic period circa 1810. Google `french empire mirrors´ pictures and you will see how these were used on furniture. If you wish to clean it, you may contact me and I will tell you how to do it.There is no guarantee how it will turn out but the gold on the bronze is very often in good condition and the results are amazing.Well done Mike(Berlin) |
 We found this item this past weekend at Virginia Beach. It was about a foot deep in the softer sand. So far I have heard a type of bullet (which I hope it is) to a weight for a crab net to part of machinery used to help build the hotels and also a ball for a hitch. So if anyone can please help us clear this up, I would greatly appreciate it. Its about 3 inches tall and it appears to have brass or copper around the bottom of it. Under the "cemented sand" it appears to be painted metallic blue. Thanks I have finally found out what this is....Its a 40mm Dummy/Training Grenade Round for an MK19. This site talks more about it, if anyone is interested. GRENADE LAUNCHER Steve says:Hi, We also live in Virginia Beach. My son found a round similar to that. His was live!! Yes, at Dam Neck Navel Station, there was a 40mm gun school, but they also shot live rounds. These rounds have been washing ashore due to storms and such. I work with EOD navy guys. They took it and detonated it. There were no fragments left (i.e.. it was a live explosive round.)Please ensure you have it thoroughly checked out. My son almost took out our whole family. |
 I found this at a old farm field in VA looks to be brass or copper. And what is the face of . He has a helmet and a dragon on his head any help would be great. Thank You ,Eugene MABRY TYSON SAYS: I don't know what the item is, but I hope this will help you figure out where to search for more info. The helmet looks very much like those worn by these Brazilian troops: That picture is from 1944. More views of their helmets are at MILITARY PHOTOS I found this: CHARACTERISTIC UNIFORM The characteristic uniform worn by the Independence Dragoons, which lends glamor and elegance to the ceremonies held at the Office of the President of the Republic, was designed by the French painter Jean Baptiste Debret during a French artistic mission to Brazil in 1816. The uniform pays homage to Empress Maria Leopoldina, archduchess of Austria, and was inspired by the Dragoon Cavalry troop of that Empire. Originally metallic, the helmet is now golden and scaled, bearing a heraldic dragoon of the Bragança Family blazon, with an abundant mane between its framed open wings. Today, the color of the panache obeys the following pattern: white is exclusively used by the commander of the Regiment, yellow is used by senior officers, red is used by soldiers and green is used for the Fanfare |
 I found this while metal detecting at a old church yard in south ga. It was ten inches in the ground and it looks to be military. the back is to rusted to tell anything other that it may have had a belt ran threw it.It is a little larger than a half dollar. if you have any idea what or when please send me a e-mail Thank You ,Ben |
 Found this button in the yard of an old home, the back is missing. Any information on this button would b greatly appreciated. Thank You ,JOE CobaltMoonglass says: The National Emblem of France is backed by a fasces, representing justice. |
 This is a piece of metal that I found in our allotment it is magnetic one side but not the other could you please help thanks P.S I have a orbiter prospector T200, any ideas would be great Thanks,PETER |
 Have this round 2" copper belt buckle found crated with normal household items from an estate sale in pennsylvania several years ago. any help would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks,Marc Marc, The old buckle you have is a world war 1 copper standard belt plate, the buckles can be worth from $4-$50 based on the item condition. Based by the picture yours is worth about $30-$35. If you find one you are very likely to find a second so keep looking at the location of the find. good luck with the piece, Troy DAVE HANDLEY SAYS:The item is actually a WWI US Army bridle rosette. |
 I found this old bronze skeleton key near the water in a park near a historical area of Norfolk ,VA. Unfortunately before I knew what I was doing, I cleaned the key with a wire brush and according to the antique dealer, damaged the patina and lessened the value. It is still neat-looking. It has the number 14 imprinted on the bow. Can anyone identify the year of this key? Thank You Justin |
 THIS WAS FOUND IN CHARLES CITY, COUNTY, VIRGINIA. I WOULD APRECIATE ANY HELP IN IDENTIFYING THIS FIND. Thank You Christ Hello this is Thorsten from Germany,Please have a look here on this PAGE I´m sure you will find this or a simular piece.
With best regards Thorsten Germany |
 can anyone tell me what this is. It was found in the UK Thank You Chris CHRISTIAN STORM SAYS: This looks like knight templar money/Mason.Illuminati money HAROLD SAYS: Christian: I believe you are partially correct. Masons and Knights Templar didn't have their own money?? They would have used the same currency as everyone else in their area or time frame. I believe, however, that this object could possibly have belonged to a Templar, or more accurately, a crusader Knight? During the crusades, all of the city's in the holy land were walled city's, and at night, the city gates would have been closed until morning. If a Knight or crusader were to find himself outside the city walls after dark (a VERY dangerous place to be) he could approach the "man door" that was situated beside the main gate and present the guard with a "token" that would have been issued to all Knights and crusaders at the time. This would allow him to be admitted into the city after dark. These "tokens" were very highly prized be those who carried them (as you could probably have guessed) because they had the potential to save their lives. So, many returning crusaders would have still carried these back to their homeland and kept them for as long as they lived. If you could find out if the metal it's made from is either zinc or a copper/zinc alloy, that's probably what it is. Hope this helps, Harold. |
 can anyone tell me what this is. It says U.S. House of Representatives Thank You |
 can anyone tell me what year this is |
 what can anyone tell me about this rosette |
 What is the value of the above medal. 1906 Olympic Medal Ex. fine condition, gold plated with seals of Greece & USA centered winged figure. Stamped Dieges & Clust - 29 John St. , NY Thanks, Bob |
 THIS ITEM WAS FOUND IN THE MAINE WOODS ALONG AN OLD NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD. IT SEEMS TO BE A BRONZE MEDAL OR BADGE WITH A GLOBE, POWDERHORN & WREATH. IT HAS A HIDDEN SEAL INSIDE THE BACK OF THE GLOBE THAT READS "THE GREAT STATE SEAL OF OKLAHOMA 1907". IF ANYONE CAN HELP IDENTIFY THIS FIND IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. JASON KEVIN SAYS: The badge you are asking about looks like a cap badge of the Royal Marines Light Infantry, most likely made during the very late Victorian period. It may be something that was picked up at some point by a US soldier and he had the Oklahoma seal added later. It definitely is not US by manufacture, as the globe shows Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia which how it is displayed on the Royal Marines badge. Also the horn is not a powder horn but what typically is used in the British Commonwealth as a light infantry bugle. |
 Here is a picture of a gold ring I found while hunting a Civil War battle site in Arkansas several years ago. I was hunting with a group from our local metal detecting club here in Tulsa,Ok. It is called, "The Indian Territory Treasure Hunter's Club" The stone was missing already and the band was broken too . I would like to be able to research it and find out, if possible, the approximate age or era of it, and the karat of gold it is. It appears to have no markings of any kind. Take care, Gary Raney Jr MIKE ROBINSON SAYS: Hi Gary,The ring you found could well be a love token worn by a soldier(without doubt C.W.period) to bring him back safely to his loved one, obviously not successful. The ring is of typical Victorian design,somewhere between 1845-1860 and may one time have had a diamond,sapphire or garnet. The type of stone would depend on whether it is 9,10,14,15,or 18 carat and as there are no stamps inside the ring this can only be verified with an acid test. If the ring is American it will be most likely 14ct. but to get an exact verification you would have to ask your local jeweller. Hope that helps you ,Mike (Berlin) |
 I bought this knife off a guy that said he found it metal detecting off the coast of Maine. I have been unable to identify how old it is or the story behind it…..can anyone give me more information about it? Thanks a lot. Thomas TJBarfield says: What you have is a solingen germany pommel part of a knife from the 1940`s or 50`s, they have them on ebay,look under head knife,or solingen knife |
 Bought this at a yard sale not sure of what it is side has 995/1000 with 3 halmarks an 1935 its 1 3/4 across an is 43.5 grams of 995. The back of the coin says La Fundation De Permanezca El munda Y la Gloria,Di Mexico Tenochtitlan Thank You Eric KEVINS SAYS: Your Mexican coin is probably a commemorative coins of sorts. Judging by its condition it is probably not terribly old. What I can tell you is that if it is marked .995/1000 with three hallmarks then it is solid silver and .995 pure. I suggest you research the hall marks and they should reveal where it was made and when. You might even get the makers name too. Good luck - it is a really interesting bit of numismatics. Cheers Kevin Denby Victoria, BC Canada GILLRaker says: This is a religious token, early Roman Catholic.. It's not a coin |
 This is a brass button i found close to Elizabeath town N.C.,It is about the size of a nickle.There was a reveloutinary battle near where i found it.I was told it could be a button from a scotsman shoulder Thanks Eric |
 Know what this button represents? Thanks John |
 This was found at the C&O Canal at Lock 23, Montgomery County, MD. It was on the bank of the Potomac. There is a half marble sort of thing with a piece of metal wound around it. I was looking at your site and think it might be a part of a bridle, a decorative bridle? Underneath, it shows where something was broken from it so it must have been attached to something once. That spring thing doesn't seem to fit a purpose other than decoration. There is green tarnish and two small stamps in the metal. I think the stamp is an eagle with 100 under it. It could also be two triangles. Any ideas? Thank you for your help. Claudette and Andrew. |
 Hi,I have a set of cufflinks they have n.s meyer Inc new York on the back Can anyone Identify? These are United States Air Force cuff links. Michael A. Hamilton Major, CmlC, USAR, Retired |
 Hi, Today I found this button with my metal detector. Do have any information about the button? Thank you, Lee Your "button" looks to be a collar disk, I hope this helps. |
 Found in front of house built in 1913 over older house in front yard down about four inches. I think it is an old horse post tie up ring. It measures two and a half inches in dia and eight and a half in circum. Made of brass like material. James |
 Can anyone identify this militayr button found in southeast lower MI. James KEVIN SAYS: This is an "Indian War" period US Army Eagle Button. From 1870s to 1902. Backmark can give better dating by who made it. |
 Trying to identify this piece, was found in a field in NW Mo. Wrapped in cloth. Have attempted to identify the crest though unsuccessful. Thanks for your help
Ed Meyer |
 Found a Silver Indian Head ring. The Indian head is a side view of the mans head/face with braided hair coming down over his shoulder with feathers coming off the top of his head and down the back of the Indians head, on both sides of the ring is a spear head with turquoise. The only marking on the inside of the ring that I can make out are squiggly marks almost like stitching Thank You Cassie Morrow |
 I have something I need some help in trying to identify. This was found in my yard in Altoona, PA. I believe my house was built in the 1920's. I live approximately 4 blocks from a historical site called Baker Mansion. Elias Baker was an 1800's ironmaster and also owned an iron furnace which is about 5 blocks from my house. I don't know if there's any correlation between that and what I found, but this item appears to be something that was made in a foundry. If you have any information that may be helpful, Thank You Amy RICK SAYS: The item reminds me of a marker found in cemeteries. Markers would be on an iron post and set into ground at grave site and might indicate membership in an organization. Rick I don't know if this helps but the horseshoe with an anchor on the inside is a mariners charm Keith Travis |
 This button is about 24mm in diameter and has a "CM" in the center of a starburst design. It was found in the town of Niagara, Ontario, Canada and was in an area of war of 1812 buttons so possible same era. It's silver gilted and has a backmark of, Firmin & Westall, Strand. Maybe it's Canadian Militia but have no real idea. Thanks for your help!! KEVIN SAYS: It is quite possible that it is a Canadian Militia button of the GEO II period. If it is silver and made by Firmins, then it a button from an officer's tunic, however officers tended to have regimental numbers on their buttons, etc, because they privately purchased their equipment. Still, if it is silver it is an officers button. Firmins is still around in the UK, and was still making buttons, badges, buckles, swords and other military ceremonial items for the British forces as well as for a lot of the armed forces of various middle eastern and african states. Interestingly enough, they not only made kit for the Brits and we Colonials, but they also made a lot of buttons, badges and belt buckles for both the North and the South during the US Civil war. (Next time you get a chance compare a US and a CS belt buckle.... you will see that they look a lot alike, and that is because Firmins happily sold their stuff to those on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line...) Cheers. Kevin |
 got a metal detector this weekend and went down to a stream in the swiss alps found this button 3 to 4 inch down near and old bench. I see you had one on your site from what ive seen from a few other ones on the net, this one looks maybe a little older, still have no idea the true origin of this item wether it is military but the other one was found in the US. Can anyone identify thanks and best wishes Gregg I know Latin, and the writing on the button says, clockwise starting from the cross: "Francisc(us) D(ei) G(ratia) Francor(um) Rex", which stands for: "Francis, King of the French for God's Will". I made a Google search for "franciscus dei gratia francorum rex" and got this link: http://edit16.iccu.sbn.it/scripts/iccu_ext.dll?fn=10&i=73263 So Franciscus stands for Francis I. The French had only two kings named Francis: Francis I Francis II Should the button refer to Francis II, the writing would have said Francisc*II indeed. So we've got a button "named after" Francis I, King of France. Francis I of Valois was Born in 1515 and died in 1547. In 1523, Francis I started the colonization of the Americas, which reached its maximum expansion in 1712. The French colonies in America were called "Nouvelle France". Please refer to this link, it's in Italian but I hope you are able to get an automated translation: http://wapedia.mobi/it/Nuova_Francia#1. IMHO, assuming the buttons found in America and in Europe are original, they could have belonged to French military. They would not necessarily date to the reign of Francis of Valois, but they could likely be a standard issue to a corps founded while he was a king. Just my 2 cents. Cheers, Alecs Fetisc
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 I wanted to know if anyone had an idea of what this object may be? I found it under my home and everyone that I ask seems to think it is a key but I would really like to know, so if you could offer any help please let me know. Thank You Joseph Thompson In the late 1800's- early 1900's when people of importance(sports figures,movie stars,or important people from other countries) came to cities. the towns folk would have a welcoming ceramony,and bands played(a kind of carnival atmosphere) usually the mayor or governor would give the visiting person a key to the city on some type of plaque. My great,great grandmother(105 yrs old) has one that looks identical to yours,but hers is still mounted on the plaque(just a basic piece of wood with the town name on it). I truly believe that is what you have. I am no expert, but when I seen the one you posted, I dug out an old photo with my grandmother and grandfather holding it, and to me they are exactly the same, except theirs is still mounted on the plaque. I'm about 98 percent sure that's what you have..look on the front of yours and see if you can see a small nick or a little gouge by the handle and towards the other end.these two spots would be were they had mounted it to the wood.
Like I said before I am no expert...I really hope this is what you have because historically, they are a great piece of history and there are not to many of them. what a great find..no idea of what the value is,but I would not get rid of it.i would put it on display in you home.as I stated before that is a rich piece of history.. you could have a real treasure. |
 We found this brass hinge at Nagshead, NC and thought it might be fairly old given the amount of encrustation it has. Also, note that the hinge isn't quite symetric; perhaps indicating that it was not machine made. It measures 2 3/4" x 1 3/4" and is 1/4" thick with a 1/4" hinge pin. Any idea what this could have been used for or how old it might be? Thank You RAY GILLRAKER SAYS:This is a crushed electrical plug |
 My name is Jonah I am a 14 year old boy, and have been metal detecting for about 2 years, and I have thee attachments to show you. The first one I found wile hunting on some privet land. It is a flat piece of metal about 14 inches long and a steal ring 4 inches in diameter it was about 4 inches down. I think it is Something that could have come off of a wagon. The second is a bullet that I fond in an area that I fond some civil war bullets, it has Two big rings and one small one. The Third is an Enders lock that I can not find on the web and Has a 5 on the top of it. Hope you can help, Thank you Jonah. |
 It was found in the South, is non magnetic, initials CS, appears very old, pendent loop may have been added, perhaps it was a hat or lapel pin, insignia or metal, any info would help, measures 1-1/2 x 3/4" Thank You KEVIN SAYS: Greetings! Your pendant appears to be 3 letters making up a cypher of the letters: S I C not just 2. Looking at the suspender loop, I doubt it was a hat or lapel pin because it would not hang properly, but it is possibly a privately made watch fob. You need to determine if it is silver or not, and if there are hallmarks or a makers name. this will give you a date of manufacture, where it was made and possibly by whom. Being non-magnetic is certainly indicative of it being silver, however this could also be a casting of zinc or white casting metal which is also non-magnetic. Time for a trip to a jeweller.... Good luck Kevin |
 I found this while scuba diving in NC, it’s a tile? of some sort with US marked on it about a 1/4 of an inch thick and about 2 inches in length, any idea where/when these were manufactured? possibly military?? Thank You Chris |
 can anyone identify this buckle. Thank You john tobia John, Your buckle dates to the Spanish-American War. I used to have one just like it in my collection until I sold it off a couple of years ago. Hope this helps. Steve Warren |
 Found this while walking on the coastline of Washington State, Its thin as tinfoil, lightwieght and nearly impossible to bend, Can anyone Identify this Thank You joe This sounds very much like the material that the U.S. Air Force recovered in Roswell, New Mexico back in 1947. It was spread out over a large debris field. Several large pieces were found, and like yours it was almost impossible to bend. Can you crinkle yours up in your hand, and does it return to its original shape? If so you may have a piece of an extra-terrestrial, (ET) space ship. Much like what the U.S. Air Force denied existed days after they had stated they originally had found. You my friend may have found the rarest artifact on this info page! But, just don't tell the government you have it, or those guys in the black suits might be knocking on your door and confiscate it. Enjoy it while you have it. It looks like a real conversation piece. Thanks, KT KEVIN SAYS: I would rather not comment on the possibility of you having a hunk off the front fender of ET's ride, but didn't the USS ACRON airship go down around that area? I have heard that on several occasions components of that airship have been either washed up or snagged by fishing vessels all up and down the US west coast. I understood that there was a lot of aluminum (and probably magnesium) used in its construction . Good luck with your research. Kevin LUCAS SAYS: If it has magnesium & any age to it, forget that angle. Ask anybody who has restored a Spitfire made with magnesium alloy rivets. It corrodes badly & fast. |
   I acquired these buttons from my grandmother who once worked in a fabric mill calle Stryer's in Old Town Maine. They are just a few examples of a vast hoard of all types of buttons. Any help identifying them would be greatly appreciated Thank You M. Hatt Matthew Fanning SAYS: The button (with the coat of arms and 30 KR) ? looks like it was made from a coin- 30 kroner: could be danish or swedish in origin. |
 This item was found in New Kent, VA. Would appreciate any infomation you can provide. It is 13mm X 13mm, 3mm thick. Thanks John Jim and Diana Say: That looks extremely old, probably 16th or 17th century, maybe older.I would see what the folks at Williamsburg know about it. |
 I found this with my metal detector at a old shot gun house in south ga. I don't know how old it is but i did look up lucky mule trace chains on the internet and there was a site were three other people had found one of these and did not know how old or what this item is. Around the coin it says the chain prod. company Cleveland OH Can anyone help me find out what and how old it is. Thanks for any help you can give |
 This was found in a school yard and was wondering if anyone knows what it is and how old Thank You Joe Emmanuel Francois says: the small coin with 'napoleon III empereur' - that's a french coin from the second empire (somewhen between 1851 and 1870) there should be a 'x francs' or 'x centimes' mention on hte other side and maybe a date LUCAS SAYS: I have a coin almost exactly the same. He was appointed emperor of the Netherlands. Mine is dated 1854 I think(it is in a shadow box & hard to see right now) |
 This was found at an old home place. can anyone tell me what it is and how old Thank You Joe Rob Langdon Says: The item you have listed is a Texas-style saddle skirt ornament, and probably dates to the Civil War. I can send you a photo if you would like. They were also occasionally seen as saddle blanket ornaments as well. |
 ANY IDEA WHAT IT IS MADE OUT OF AND VALUE. BOTTOM MARKED 3740 DIEGES & CLUST MAKERS. SIXTH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD MEET MAY 19 1923 WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY.. THANKS KEVIN SAYS: Your trophy could very likely be made of white casting metal (so don't drop it, because it cannot be welded or soldered back), and silver plated. This has been a long practiced means of making inexpensive trophies and awards. It would be sand-cast, polished and then silver plated.
The numbers on the bottom probably refer to the model or style of the cup, and the makers. |
 My friend found this horse some time ago on a beach on the south coast of England...He used a metal detector and believes it is pewter It has evidence of some sort of soldering at the back, the horse is coming through a flower or leaf and the bit in its mouth is separate but fixed. I am very interested to know what it could be....any ideas? Many thanks |
 This button was found in a C.S. camp but i need thelp to try to identify it. A silver Louisiana coat button and a virginia coat button also were found close by along with several flat buttons. This button is a cuff with no back mark just some little slash marks the best that I can tell. It has a bust porfile on what looks to be a stone of black glass, The side of the button has a wave style to it. Any Help would be of great help. Thank You |
 found this token in Southeast Michigan, Can anyone identify Thank You |
 Hi there! I wouldn't be so curious about this if it didn't have the keyhole in the center. It really is a keyhole cutout, it does not appear to have been a jewel or anything else in the center. It is on a piece of leather and it has a patent date of 1858 on it.
Nothing Masonic matches and I can't find any info about an emblem or insignia that has a keyhole in it, much less incorporated with the Maltese Cross. Any ideas? |
 I found this button in an old park where I have also found late 1800 coins and WWI buttons. I am pretty sure the three initials on the bottom are RSG. The only button I could find in a book that had a similar looking eagle was a confederate button make in France. Any help would be appreciated.
Louis Linn |
 MY NEIGHBOR FOUND THIS IN THE SAINT JOHNS RIVER=PALATKA FL. Can you Identify THANK YOU. GENO Rob Langdon says: I am pretty sure that is a water jug with a brass spigot on it, and probably dates to the mid 1800's, or a little earlier. |
 Indian found in Southeastern Michigan cemetery 10 miles south of Detroit. is about 2 inches tall by 3 inches wide and solid. Both the indian and the dog are made of lead. The inidan hods a spear and I believe it may have come from a home made father and son kit popular in the 1920's.. The Scotty dog found in SE MI is about a inch long and one forth high but hollow Thank You |
 I have a pair of shoulder boards of a very unusual insignia rank of Major. The branch of service is orange.The measurements starting from border to border are 42mm x 100mm boarder is 11mm wide. I have not seen one like this. I cannont identify if this is an original and if so to which era it might belong to. I would appreachiate any help one could give me. Thank you Skip Wendall Says: This is a Confederate staff officer's button |
 This button is very strange to me. I recieved this button as a present when I bought an original M1840 whristbraker with no maker mark.. After many years of search I could find none like this one. I have seen many similar and with 11, 12 14 sourounding stars but none with 13. This button has no maker mark and to me it remains a mistery. It measures 25mm. Any advise would be very appreachiated. Thank you Skip |
 Here I have a CS belt buckle that was missused on a cartridge box. The cartridge box was definitive not original. This buckle seems to be weard as a replica and as an original as well. Deep research gave me no satisfaction. If someone could help me to identify this item I would be very thankfull. It measures: 82mm x 51mm Thank you Skip wilson6124@sbcglobal.net Says Confederate states belt buckle, see antique roadshow, worth lots. MARCUS SAYS: Be wary of this buckle, pretty sure that it is a poor reproduction that was made in the '60s or '70s for reenacting purposes and Civil War interest revival. The fact that it was found on a reproduction cartidge box, and that it is a buckle not a cartridge box plate, shows that the person who put it on there didn't know what he was doing and also a reproduction. The buckle itself is meant to represent a stamped brass plate that old timers used to call a Breckenridge. |
 Need to know what kind of buckle this is. It was found in an area that dates back to the early 1800's in Texas Thank You MARCUS SAYS: What you have here is the left hand piece of a two piece tongue and wreath buckle, in the picture actually holding it upside down. The laurel wreath pattern was common during the Civil War period on sword belts. Have not been able to identify the exact buckle yet. Most wreaths have the slot in a horizontal format versus this vertical one. |
 Please could you identify this copper stud. I found it on the beach at Port Charlotte, Islay on the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. It measures 17x15x20mm deep. Anyone any ideas? Many Thanks John. |
 This button was in a box of Civil War Era buttons I acquired at an Estate Sale. Any information as to what it is would be very much appreciated. Thanks Dennis |
 This was found by a detecting buddy Bill on the river thames in london, I realise it's not that old but it would be great to find out what it is, no one that has seen it has any idea what it is. Best Regards Pat Barnett Plasty892 has identified this as a marijuana leaf grinder. |
 Hello Everyone, This was given to me and I was told it was made in the 1938's and that was it. I don't even know what to call it. I search online for many years now and still nothing. Can any one tell me what this it? or what you would call it? maybe I can start from there. PLEASE!!! On the back it says "Would you please hold the picture in a vertical position when winding up and playing back the musical box. Made in Germany" It stated that in English and 3 other different language. |
 Found East of Pittsburgh area. Heavy metal not magnetic. Feels lead but husband says cast iron or pewter. |
 Gentlemen, |
 My ten year old son found this buckle in our back yard in the first hour of using his new metal detector. The markings on the back are very faint but can be read as N.S. Meyer, Inc. New York. Does anyone know what BMI means |
