Last hunt before the white death

[Geologyhound]

Got out for a day before the white death arrived. We have over a foot of snow on the ground now and it doesn’t look like it’s going to thaw off before the end of January. More snow forecast for tonight.

So, I used my set of Andres crayons to clean up the IHC I found. Before and after pictures are attached. It looks to be one of the best condition IHCs I have found!

The Lincoln next to the IHC is a 1929. I am not sure what the little oval brass piece is, but it still has gilt on it. All three of these finds were very close to each other, and I found them as it was getting too dark to see. It was in a portion of the site I haven’t hunted yet, so I am planning on going back there when the snow is gone…

The button is a two piece, but I’m thinking it’s probably more modern. The lighter is a Zippo. They repair or replace their nonworking lighters for free, but you have to pay for postage.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Captjack6]

Thanks for posting. I always like to find Indians.

 

[fwcrawford]

You did a fine job of cleaning that IH cent…. Looks great!!

 

[Ted S]

That Indian does look nice! What type of crayon and how to use it? I have a bunch of Indians that could clean up!

 

[floodplaindetector]

Nice patina on that Indian Head. I enjoy getting padlocks also.
I like that Bell System tag also. I've never came across one of those before.
Dave

 

[Geologyhound]

That Indian does look nice! What type of crayon and how to use it? I have a bunch of Indians that could clean up!

I purchased a set of Andres crayons on-line. Crayon is sort of a misnomer. There are two “pencils” with different hardnesses of what I think might be pencil lead. There is another for coarser work with a fiberglass core. The last one has a fine grade steel wool brush which can be pulled out and trimmed. I tend to use a pencil sharpening sandpaper pad for sharpening until they get down too far and then I have to sharpen them with a pencil sharpener.

Practice with a common wheat penny or two first. I recommend letting them dry for a few days before trying to clean. That helps the patina to harden up. I use the fiberglass to take off the thicker layers and switch over to the black ones as I get closer to the metal. If it’s really cemented on, the black ones may just polish the surface and you may have to switch back to the fiberglass. Occasionally, a thin layer of cementation may flake off with a little pressure from the tip of one of the black pencils. But, go at it really gently until you get used to the feel. I also have been using a small paintbrush to brush off the dust, as the steel wool sometimes leaves fine scratches. The scalpel I tend to not use at all.

You might want to stop just short of your intended state, as it can be easy to go too far if you’re not careful. Then give it a light dusting with a small paint brush or soft bristle toothbrush to clean off the last of the loose dust.

Let me know how it works!

 

[Geologyhound]

You did a fine job of cleaning that IH cent…. Looks great!!

Thanks! They don’t always come out that nice. For some reason the rims of IHCs tend to be delicate and can start flaking off. But I am pleased at how well this one came out.

 

[Geologyhound]

Nice patina on that Indian Head. I enjoy getting padlocks also.
I like that Bell System tag also. I've never came across one of those before.
Dave

Thanks!
I am wondering if the Bell System tag might be from a pole. I know poles used to be numbered. But all the ones I have seen were rectangular and nailed on both ends.

 

[Ted S]

Thank you! I have a few hundred Indians as I have been hunting a long time! Most of the ones coming from fields are pretty rough from farm chemicals..

 

[north1]

Thanks for posting. I have experienced “white death” since October. Nice to see finds 3 months after my area turned to frozen tundra.

 

[Explorer.se]

Thanks for posting. I always like to find Indians.

Same here!