Driveway find, NOT what you might think.

Just to let you know that you don't have to go very far to find the good stuff, at least that is what my wife is saying now.

My son, who will be 3 in July, wanted to go tecting this Sunday, so I thought that we would mess around in the yard for a little while.

There used to be a home place between my house and the road. I say "used to be" because when we built our place we cut the hill down around 5' and scattered the dirt over 3 acres.

Like I said my 2 yr old and I were working our way across the yard, a place we have hunted many times. Nothing notable mostly nails and other odd iron signals. I dig a plug and let him pick through it until he pulls out the find. Boy does he get excited for whatever he comes up with. Well this time we were crossing our gravel drive way and I get a 74 VDI on the MXT. Here I go hacking through the gravel. My drive is what we call “reclaimed concrete” it is mixture of what is dropped or leftover at the concrete plant from a concrete batch before the water is added. It has a lot of gravel, sand and cement. Needless to say it is quite hard. So here I go still hacking with my Fiskar garden knife trying to loosen it up enough for little man to come and dig up some “monies”. I cannot pinpoint it well, but the MXT keeps showing as a penny. Now time for the big guns, I go after the spade or “sharp shooter” whatever you want to call it. I start to ream out a pretty good hole, gravel is flying everywhere. I am going to find that penny before it is over with, there might not be anything left but little man is getting that penny. I get the hole pretty good size now, hit is again with the MXT and get an overload, What the heck??? An over for a penny, maybe a piece of copper pipe from the house during construction.

Getting discourage from the hacking and not finding that stinking penny or piece of pipe I stick the Fiskar in one more time and hit something metallic. I kind of poke it a time or two trying to find the edge so I can pry it out. And up pops this beauty. Boy was I surprised. 
 I put a small scratch on the back and nicked the edge when I pried it out of the drive but other than that it is in good condition.

It is amazing that I did not destroy in after moving all the dirt with a tractor and box blade and an old Cat D6 dozer, shaping my driveway twice adding gravel and other material both times. I have lived in this house for 5 years and never thought that my CS buckle was literally under my feet each time I walked to the mail box or drove to work.

Happy Hunting
Wettpaint

oh sh$t! your right not what I was expecting.. thought for sure you found old large cent!!!

Beautiful, Congrats.

     Never know what you're gonna find or where you're gonna find it. Great find, congrats 

HH Charlie

 W   W!!  Betca still doing the happy dance    CONGRATS!

  RR

surprize 

that just goes to show you never know what going to pop out of the ground. congrats.  You did give it to your son, right??

Whoa!   What a find and a great story to go with it!!!!   

Congrats!     

Chances of one of those in my driveway are slim and none, and slim left town! Lol, NY! Great find.....Wooo Hoooo!

So who was more excited you or the kid?LOL Awesome job... Tex

wow if thats what you get for a penny out there what do you get for a dollar lol ......awsome find congrats that thing is in beautiful shape .



HH Tank

That is unbelievable! Nice story to share!

wow, congrats!

Daaaaaaaang!!!

U lucky dog........wow i was thinking soemthing else.... cool find

someday ill get one of those. im getting close my avatar was my first civil war relic find, almost craped my pants one i found that

always

HH

PTM

Great story, well told.  Thanks for taking the time to write and congrats on a find that very few ever have the honor of recovering.

Never would have expected that! Great find!

that just goes to show you never know what going to pop out of the ground. congrats.  You did give it to your son, right??

He can have it when I am done with it.

The real question is WHY did you find it there? What town in MS do you live in? I would like to post some research for you.

 

I see about 20 civil war battles in MS with about 7 in the northern part. Let me know what city you live in?

  Incredible !!! just never know 

i just love your story!!!!!

EHH!!! CS stands for "Common Stuff". I'd throw that in the brass scrap bucket.   Too bad you are a new member as it may be on THE BANNER otherwise.

So when are you gonna tear the driveway up and pave it  Unbelievable!!!!! You should listen to son more often,Congrat's 

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet  great story and pictures as well
Congrats on a sweet plate there 

Woohoo 

Dan

Congrats!  That is an awesome find and in your own yard at that.

So what kind of depth were you getting for that "penny" when you first pinpointed it?

 

That should be on banner.
Dman

Thats great, 2 years ago I found both a US buckle and breast plate in my back yard within 2 days of each other, they considered puting mine on banner but it never made it,  yours is a more rare of a plate tho, Congrats to you   great find.

That should be on banner.
Dman

Yeppers!

Oh!
That is fantastic and a banner for sure.   
Amazing where we find the se plates...Isn't  it?   

And such good shape.

You got my vote.

Mike

Awesome story!
Sweet find!
Congrats!

ChrisP

oh sh$t! your right not what I was expecting.. thought for sure you found old large cent!!!

Yeah! I second that.

Now son you can't have this is Daddy's. Now Son, do you know how to call 911? Daddy's having problems with his heart becuase he missed this so much.
I think if you can find one of those maybe I can... Who knows.

nice CW relic!!!!!!!!!   MR TUFF

I am green with envy. 


Good job on staying determined and getting it out of the hard packed gravel.  Some people would have left it there, but then again, some people don't have a CS Buckle.   



Congratulations!!!!!

Baldingboy

That is so amazing!! 

So what kind of depth were you getting for that "penny" when you first pinpointed it?

Mighty.. It showed at 2", I know that my driveway is 3"-4" deep so that is why I thought penny especially with the 74 VDI. Once I cleaned out the hole a little more and was able to get more of the coil closer to the target that is when I got the overload.

Thanks everyone for your support. I usually tend to lurk on the site and rarely post my finds. I have been seriously detecting for a couple of years.

While we tend to be a poor state monetarily, we are rich in history. Getting outside is half the fun. I have learned a lot about our local history and have a lot more to learn. Just getting permission is hard; people are protective of their property.

Again thanks for the comments and Happy Hunting or as we say it in the South "Happy Hunt’n"

Wettpaint

That is one great find  Congrats Thats Banner for sure Dd60

that is an awesome find!!!! congrats to you

Congrats! 

Why is this not yet a banner? Come on peeps, this is one of the more rare CS buckles...easily 4-5,000$ Banner banner banner...great story too!

that was afun story nice find

Why is this not yet a banner? Come on peeps, this is one of the more rare CS buckles...easily 4-5,000$ Banner banner banner...great story too!

probly due to the lack of posts... I think you have to have so many post before you can make banner

Do you realize that the vast majority of us will never find one of those in our entire lifetime? Amazing!  In fact it's EXCELLENT (wringing hands)!  Monty

Why is this not yet a banner? Come on peeps, this is one of the more rare CS buckles...easily 4-5,000$ Banner banner banner...great story too!

sekypaleo. Apparently I do NOT know what I have laying on my desk.
What am I missing that makes this a 4-5K find. I know some CW relics are valuable but what is special about this one?

I am going to do some research on my land and trace the ownership on it. I might find an owner who served in the Civil War. This would be pure speculation and would depend on how many people lived on and owned this place before me.

Why is this not yet a banner? Come on peeps, this is one of the more rare CS buckles...easily 4-5,000$ Banner banner banner...great story too!

sekypaleo. Apparently I do NOT know what I have laying on my desk.
What am I missing that makes this a 4-5K find. I know some CW relics are valuable but what is special about this one?

I am going to do some research on my land and trace the ownership on it. I might find an owner who served in the Civil War. This would be pure speculation and would depend on how many people lived on and owned this place before me.

looks to me to be a Confederate plate... you probably have to take pic of back for the more knowledgeable to tell you exactly what it is.. DID a quick research an found one similar to yours sold for 2,500.00  link is here http://www.jsmosby.com/cgi-bin/Display_Items.asp?Cat=6&Sub=16  very last photo on page

Creeper... I just looked and it appears to be a
"Solid-cast “regulation” style. Dimensions: 53x84mm. Similar to Mullinax plate 126"

It is hollow and does not have the hooks on the back, but you can see where they were attached.

I did a quick search and cannot find one listed for sale or at least one that has a price. My wife asked me how much it was worth when I dug it, told her maybe a $100 or so. I had NO idea.

WOW!!! That is awesome! Great story too! I bet that was such a cool feeling to see that pop up. awesome awesome awesome!

Read your post..so I did another real quick search found this "price guide'.. list the belt buckle you described at 8.500.00 there is the link I hope it work so you can see it.. http://issuu.com/dreamedia/docs/catalog151_civil_war
 Note: I just went back an read the whole description..the price is for a non dug buckle... but I would think it's still in the thousands being dug... you might want to send front an back pics to a collector... or maybe a back photo here an I'm sure someone will know a fair value for it...

one more thing this catalog was published april 23rd 2010 so the price is current

WOW, Double WOW, Mint, Spot on!! :headbang:I could only wish to find one of those

Wetpaint,

What city in MS do you live in? You might be on an assembly area for a civil war battle or maybe a hospital site or some other campsite. I will post some research for you if you tell me what city you live in.

 

That is totally unreal, talk about sweet!! That hit you on the blind side! Congrats

I do about three months worth of research on an area before I ever pick up my metal detector. Northern MS was traveled heavily by troops moving east......many TEXAS units were in MS. I learned long ago about the value of searching a 25 mile radius around a major civil war battle. My years in the ARMY as an F.O. helped with map reading. There is a reason you found that CS buckle in your driveway, you might be right on top of something.

I located a Second Seminole War fort from 1837 in a guys back yard two years ago. You just never know WHERE history is. I will post some research for you.  

Congrats!  

great story ,  :headbang:banner!

Why ain't this on the banner yet? 

It'll be hard to top that one!   

[YOU'VE DONE IT!]

YOU'VE DONE IT!  This is the "Holy Grail"!  This is what us Civil War Relic hunters go out hoping to find everyday.  You will probably never top this find and an unbelievable piece of history.  I cannot give you enough props for not destroying that plate trying to dig through the concrete/gravel driveway......Just a TERRIFIC find and the FIND of finds in mine and MANY others' books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BANNER all the WAY!

P.S.- Can you take some photos of the back of the plate?  Would love to see the plate in its entirety

Hey Wetpaint.

Click on this http://www.nps.gov/tupe/index.htm I have a feeling that your land could have been a campsite or small skirmish site leading up to the battle of Tupelo. I know for sure that the Yankees were camped there before turning east to Tupelo. Look at the map on the above link showing your city. It clearly shows Yankees coming right through your town. How many miles are you from Tupelo?

Arm

Wetpaint,

I have confirmed that a small skirmish took place in Pontotoc, MS. This battle was all about protecting Shermans supply lines while he moved south to Atlanta. I am pretty sure the battle of Tupelo started in Pontotoc, MS. You will now need to find battlefield accounts and maps of the action at the Ohio State University archives of the civil war or buy a military atlas of the civil war and review the maps. The trick is to compare old civil war maps to modern topo maps overlaid on each other. Then you simply locate where your property is. I have a feeling that all of the information you seek could be at the Tupelo National Battlefield. I would also hook up with a researcher there to help you.

One of the ways that a group of guys located the old Fort King Highway in Florida built in 1826 for military use was to review aerial photographs from 1938 to 1945. Yes it was still there from Tampa to Ocala and could be seen on the photos. I do see some roads that might have been civil war roads 278? 78? Roads going to Tupelo from Pontotoc? Are you near any old railroad tracks?

They kept very good records of maps during the civil war and sometimes they kept map records hourly. The Ohio State University records are set up with both Yankee and Conf accounts of each battle. You should be able to trace the troop movements daily. Good luck. 

[YOU'VE DONE IT!]

YOU'VE DONE IT!  This is the "Holy Grail"!  This is what us Civil War Relic hunters go out hoping to find everyday.  You will probably never top this find and an unbelievable piece of history.  I cannot give you enough props for not destroying that plate trying to dig through the concrete/gravel driveway......Just a TERRIFIC find and the FIND of finds in mine and MANY others' books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BANNER all the WAY!

P.S.- Can you take some photos of the back of the plate?  Would love to see the plate in its entirety

Ditto! Could not say it better myself.

         Congrats on a SUPER find Mississippi!!! If I was you, I'd buy a lottery ticket TODAY. Happy Hunting.

Wow!!!! congratulations on finding one heck of a confederate plate!!!!!!!!!

Pretty amazing story!

Congrats on your banner!

Congrads on a BANNER FIND ! A super belt plate !   MaineRelic

That is awesome. Right from under your feet. Awesome dig

Hunt On!

It is an Honor to make the banner. Thank you everyone for your support.

For those who have asked here is a pic of the back of the plate.

I guess I will have to do more hunting to try to top this. I hope my wife understands.

Wettpaint

That is just a great story and terrific find. Its a beauty for sure. Congratulations on your find sir.
Happy Huntn
TnMtns

congrats on making the banner with that awesome find !!

OMG that is a fantastic find and a wonderful story!  My major MD goal is a CS or CSA plate, and you found one in your own yard. Outstanding!  I'd grid it out, and do the entire yard inch by inch; I bet there is more there.  Congratulations, Breezie

Congrats on the banner,well deserved.

(Are you ignoring Armchairqb30 on purpose or talking private? He seems to be doing a lot of work to help.)

Great find! and a Great story

Congrats on the banner,well deserved.

(Are you ignoring Armchairqb30 on purpose or talking private? He seems to be doing a lot of work to help.)

I sent him a PM, You know you don't want all your stuff out there for everyone to see.

.

$3k - 4k is conservative. These things rarely come around. There's bound to be more good stuff on your property. Let us know what else you find. Congratulations!

Outstanding fine!! congrats!!

MB

Wettpaint,

Would you mind posting a pic of the back of this buckle? 

 

Nice, The little guy should get all the credit of course. Keep on hunting. I mis those days with my little guy who will turn 20 years old soon.

that is unreal.... man what a find...kudos to you....

It is an Honor to make the banner. Thank you everyone for your support.

For those who have asked here is a pic of the back of the plate.

I guess I will have to do more hunting to try to top this. I hope my wife understands.

Wettpaint

Thats a awesome find as I stated above.....Its missing all the lead out of the back though , must've been melted down for bullets....It looks like attachment points were soldered on to the brass at some point AFTER the lead was melted out

Great find, great story, congrats on the find and making the banner

It is an Honor to make the banner. Thank you everyone for your support.

For those who have asked here is a pic of the back of the plate.

I guess I will have to do more hunting to try to top this. I hope my wife understands.

Wettpaint

Thats a awesome find as I stated above.....Its missing all the lead out of the back though , must've been melted down for bullets....It looks like attachment points were soldered on to the brass at some point AFTER the lead was melted out

Sentinel from what I can find they were made like this, I thought that they would be lead filled too. Here is a link to the one I think I have.    http://www.relicman.com/plates/P0626.htm


Thanks to everyone for their support.

What is the best way to preserve and protect a buckle?

mail it to me i'll put it in my display case and taa daa its done j/j super sweet buy the kid some candy for his help

Banner for sure, Fantastic find!!! Congrats!!

HH, Ringfinder

Sweet!

Awesome find..congratulations.

 I'm going CW relic hunting tomorrow in Richmond, Va.  I have access to several hundred acres with two CW forts on the property and several battles were faught on and directly around the property.  Some of the property is posted by the NPS but not much.  The sad part is that there is a large field in the center of this area (about 75 acres) where some of the Confederate camps would have been.  The field was mined for gravel a few years ago  and so I always wonder how many relics ended up in people's driveways..I still find bullets, buttons, and cannonball shot in the field but I can't help but wonder what was taken away in dumptrucks..sad..

There are still cannon emplacements and trenches all over the property, really great place to MD

Take care,
Rob

Awesome find..congratulations.

 I'm going CW relic hunting tomorrow in Richmond, Va.  I have access to several hundred acres with two CW forts on the property and several battles were faught on and directly around the property.  Some of the property is posted by the NPS but not much.  The sad part is that there is a large field in the center of this area (about 75 acres) where some of the Confederate camps would have been.  The field was mined for gravel a few years ago  and so I always wonder how many relics ended up in people's driveways..I still find bullets, buttons, and cannonball shot in the field but I can't help but wonder what was taken away in dumptrucks..sad..

There are still cannon emplacements and trenches all over the property, really great place to MD

Take care,
Rob

Thanks Rob...

If it was mined according to regulations the topsoil & overburden, the undesireable material above the gravel, should be on site somewhere, depending on how deep they had to go to get the gravel. Usually when gravel/sand or even dirt is excavated to be used offsite the topsoil & overburden is required to be kept and put back when the construction activities are finished. It might be worth it to look for the piles if they are noticeable. If it is an actual gravel "pit" then that might not be the case because a lot of times they will be turned into a lake or pond.

This weekend I am hunting a spot that will be used for a borrow pit for a construction project. I am hoping to get there before they disturb anything. I will hit it again after they stockpile the material just to see what they stirred up, and hopefully again after they spread the material back out. You never know what might get turned up.

Good luck with your spot
Wettpaint