The area I'm from is rich in Civil War history and I have a couple buddies that are deep into relic hunting with metal detectors. One of them recently purchased a water proof detector to use in the local river. I mentioned to them that they needed to come to my house and give it a try. What is important about the river next to my house is that is was a major ford crossing.
So yesterday while at work I get a call from one of them saying they couldn't wait and wanted to know if it was ok if they went down and got started. I told them that was fine and that I would join them when I got off work just to watch and see how it was going.
They had been in the river for a few hours by the time I got home and changed into my shorts and wading boots. I jumped in and walked down river to tell them they were to far down river from where the actual ford was. Well he had already found an 1891 Indian Head Penny in great condition....and shortly after joining them he found an 1883 V Nickel also in great condition.
I spend a lot of time wading the river for small mouth bass and always keep an eye out for interesting rocks and clay pottery pieces. So while they metal detected I walked around just to see what I could find. That's whey I happened upon this find not 12' from the bank right about where the ford crossing hit the river.
With some research we have managed to date this clay pipe made in New York City from between 1760-1790! The style is what they called a nose warmer because it was a short
pipe.It is only missing the last inch of the mouth piece and the rest is perfect..you can even still read the writing. Just goes to show...you never know what you might find!
