I need some help to identify this, thanks, Jon

[M_d_in_guy]

In the same area I found the native copper I also found this, it was in a small meadow in the sand under about 6 inches of soil, it measured about 8 inches down from the surface, it looks to have had a wooden handle and perhaps used for digging out, possibly hollowing of wood, only my thoughts, as what I saw online last night there was nothing to compare it to. Any thoughts to add here, I'm at a loss.

HH

ty for any ideas you may have.

Jon

 

[Grubstake]

I would say, its maybe, a furrowing hoe, from around the late 1700's to the earl 1800's, Although, while spending two years in Vietnam back in the 60's the people over there used them also, its my guess, I could be totally wrong. Grubstake

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Hi GS never thought of that, sounds could be eh, thanks for the idea.

sorry, I didn't put a comparison up. It's 3 inches long, 2-1/4 wide by 1-1/4 tall, with a hole for roughly a 3/4 inch handle.

HH

Jon

 

[mudpuppy]

So its sort of like a very small grubhoe then...could be a small adze for bowlmaking is just a guess...Grubstake, I always wondered why grubhoes never really took off over here? They are a fabulous tool for moving a lot of dirt. Really cool find, MD, Nice!
Mud

 

[upnorth]

I'd keep it and hang tight. It's interesting how a guys knowledge base widens later on in the hobby. I threw some small junk looking pieces away only to realise later that they were fur trade related. To my amature eye the piece looks crude and localy forged, which happened at some trade posts with limited resources. I bet that the other fellows have it right on the age also.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

When I first dug it and looked at it being all dirty and such, the first thing that crossed my mind was a big push down thumb latch button. But that just doesn't cut it. Thanks so far for your info on it, it sure is a cool piece and yes it it crude made.

Jon

 

[M_d_in_guy]

What would be the best way to clean this and keep the nice rust patina intact? I welcome your thoughts.

Jon

 

[fongu]

I can't tell myself, but it's a nice find. Hope you post a photo after you get it cleaned up. HH.

 

[Grubstake]

Navel Jelly works pretty good, and will leave it. grubstake

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Thanks Grubstake, I have some of that in the shed, had it for probably ten years and now it's going to get used lol. Cheers and hh

Jon

 

[upnorth]

I have seen guys use many methods on iron. Some use a brass wire brush then dip the piece in oil. Myself, I used electrolysis, then a fresh water rinse, followed by 2 hours in a 200 degree oven to thoroughly dry. Then I applied Conservators wax that I got from Lee Valley. My pieces are stable after several years. My level of effort is dictated by historic value more than anything monetary. It can be kind of a cruddy piece, but if it is from a rare or unique location, or has interesting historic connotations, I will try my best to save it. I have also seen guys with collections of fur trade knives that simply did the brass wire brush and oil. Everyone must make their own decision on a conservation method. If a piece is worth conserving.

 

[M_d_in_guy]

Thanks UN for the post, I'm new at trying to clean different things I've found, the ways you suggested I'll also try, cheers

Jon