| Author |
 Replies: 6 / Views: 1,353 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
193 Posts |
I found this several years ago when digging in Northeast Ohio. It was about 8-10 inches deep. It's not magnetic, and, as it was caked with clay like soil, I had to clean it pretty good to get an idea of what it even was. It is not magnetic. I've taken it to an art historian, a big time museum, the local historical society and a jeweler. The first three gave me their best educated guesses, and the jeweler told me it was just "junk metal". Obviously, it's not gold, but, I debate that it's "junk". I also disagree with most of the educated guesses that were thrown out, which I will let everyone know after I hear what most people think. Oh, and it measures 1 3/8" across and weighs 10.9 grams.     |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3079 Posts |
First off "junk metal" in the jewelry or in the metal art adornment trade is any thing that isn't a precious or noble metals. Some alloy of zinc or easily cast/stamped metal. Since from the broken bezel ring it appears to br the same coloring through and what appears to be zinc rot(corrosion spots). What it is, is a cheap piece of costume jewelry,from the not to distant past. Due to the lack of damage from any chemical interaction with the soil.
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Front of a watch FOB perhaps?
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Also,Circus - the content of the soil a metal item is exposed to has much more influence on the oxidation process than the length of time the item was buried.
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
193 Posts |
moxking, I think it's too large to be a watch fob, no? It's almost an inch and a half in diameter.
Circus, what would you say would be the not too distant past?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3079 Posts |
Quote:
Circus, what would you say would be the not too distant past? Due to what looks like black enamel paint/coating on the face background, along with the letter H's centers section. With the brightwork to show through rather than a watch fob it reminds me of the devices they sold to mount on leather work key tags with a strap through a flat loop at the top. I made more than one key tag, with that style and look. when I was doing leather work back in the day. 1960's,70,s and 80's they were popular. I would also say from the photo's that ther4e is still some shine to the plating on the piece most likely the chrome look rhodium plating used for silver costume jewelry and accessories.  |
|
Valued Member
United States
193 Posts |
Hmm, OK. Well, thank you for your input!
Interestingly, most everyone that I took it to said that it was probably from early 20th century. That includes the art historians. There is no evidence of black paint, but I can see, from the picture, how you would say that
|
| |
Replies: 6 / Views: 1,353 |
|
Posted 07/05/2015 12:09 pm
