What in the world is this?

[Gregory]

Hi Pappy,
Any ideas on this piece?
It measures 5 1/2 X 3

Found it at that early site I was detecting.

[PAPPY]

FIND IT AT THE MILL??? IF NOT CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU LOCATED IT AND WHAT WAS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA? I THINK THE HOLE IN IT IS JUST A RUST HOLE AND NOT ORIGINAL..SOLID PIECE....THIS ONE IS GONNA TAKE SOME TIME...LOL...PAPPY

[Gregory]

Found it at an old log cabin homesite that is probably older than the Mill. My guess is 1750 - 1825

Sure looks like the hole is original and if you look closely you'll see a notch on the right side.

Also what would be the best way to clean this thing up with out breaking it?

[PAPPY]

GREG, I sure would love to see it after it's cleaned. I would use an oil soaking to clean it the best you can. According to it's size, I THINK that it is possibly a Log Coupling or spacer. Used to place between logs when building a house. The couplings were placed on top of the logs at the corners each time a log was placed and nailed into place. The nib's on each side helped secure the logs in place while laying on another log...If this is what it is, there should be more around the area. Like I said, I would like to see it after it's cleaned then we will take another look at it and see....PAPPY

[treasurehunter00]

hello greg ,ain't it great to have old pappy to help on the what is it's, he has been of great help to us all . thanks pappy

[zmart42]

Greg, Sometimes you can heat these items up to a high degree, like red hot, and plunge them into cold water and the scale will just blow off. Not really dangerous.
Jack

[Gregory]

Thanks Zmart,I might just try that

Your right Jack, he certainly is becoming a well known expert in this field, I might add that the word is spreading fast and soon "Pappy" will become a household name if it isn't already I know it is in my home.

Great job Pappy and sure am glad your a part of our Great forum!

[robzombie852]

here come pappy to save the daaaaaaay.

[PAPPY]

THANK you ALL for the kind words. No One will ever understand just how much this site means to me and how much metal detecting means to me. I have Been metal detecting going on 47 years now and have seen a lot along with running my flea-market, auctions and estate sales. I HAVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT...BUT NOT NEARLY AS MUCH AS I ENJOY WORKING WITH GREG AND TQXLT AND ALL MY FRIENDS HERE ON THE SITE !!!! THIS IS THE BEST...HANDS DOWN....PAPPY

[Jeb]

Your a Nice Guy PAPPY! The world could do with more of your sort of person to have around.