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First Time Relic Hunting... What Is It?


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Greetings,
Today was my first time relic hunting and I really enjoyed it. A tip from my neighbor led me to an area that was frequented by prospectors. I wasn’t sure what I would find today, maybe a stash of $20 gold coins or perhaps something more modern.  Well of course my first target was a bullet, then the casing and of course square nails.  It wasn’t until I detected under a tree that I got a booming iron grunt.  Since I knew it would be deep, I decided to dig.   After about a foot down I could see the iron staining from the target.  I knew I was getting close so I slowed down on my digging.  The iron staining is a great indicator of where the target lies.  Once out of the hole, I was optimistic that I had found something special, at least I hoped, but what was it.  After about 10 minutes of staring at this item, I decided it was very cool and I would figure it out later, because I had no idea what it was. 
 
Once home, I cleaned it up and I could see writing on it. It appears to say patented July 17, 1849.  I searched the internet but found no useful information.  I have pictures of the item below and I’m hopeful that someone on this forum will be able to identify it or provide some ideas.

Thank you,

Brian  

8AC9E632-5829-438A-9E2D-8413A7D698F8.jpeg

F9BEBEEC-89AA-465F-BAAC-C1CE7FCE41D9.jpeg

7FAB66B2-27C4-4932-99F2-208E3ABE8B38.jpeg

D3EB6DBE-DA6C-40E2-9591-CBF4BD1F1539.jpeg

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I will be interested to find out as well. Thanks form posting it.

                                                                     Norm

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That looks like an early 1700's horse shoe puller.

You place it around the shoe and drive off the shoe with a hammer.

I have not seen them but once before and it sure looks like the same item that I had looked at.

Should that be it, it is very hard to find and has some value to it.

Great find

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I forgot to ask, how bad is the rust?

Does it still move in a open and close position?

Is there any movement on the spike?

I think I got it covered now.

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2 minutes ago, 2Valen said:

I forgot to ask, how bad is the rust?

Does it still move in a open and close position?

Is there any movement on the spike?

I think I got it covered now.

I would say the rust is minimal.   Keep in mind it was found in the Nevada desert.  It freely moves but with limited movement due to its age and the spike is in a fixed position.  

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12 minutes ago, caprock said:

It's an ox bow pin

I stand corrected, and I also looked at my past notes on what I had stated and I believe you are correct. It does match your item to a T.

I am sorry for rushing to a conclusion so fast, as I should have asked questions first.

Glad that someone was able to correct me an you found out what it is.

Still a nice item!

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10 minutes ago, 2Valen said:

I stand corrected, and I also looked at my past notes on what I had stated and I believe you are correct. It does match your item to a T.

I am sorry for rushing to a conclusion so fast, as I should have asked questions first.

Glad that someone was able to correct me an you found out what it is.

Still a nice item!

No worries 2Valen, I really appreciate your willingness to help.  

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Here is a picture of a pair of them Nevada.

 

2-matching-vintage-ox-bow-pins-to-adjust-bow-into-yoke-image-No.jpg

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