Detecting The Darndest Things!

[Bell-Two]

One of the most interesting things about detecting is the fact we go out and we never know what we may find and where it may lead us. I was detecting an old one room school house site, the same site where I found the Cavalry Bit Boss and Diane found an 1865 Indian Head. The old maps show that a school house had been here as early as 1855. I was not finding much when I got a banging hit and when I dug the target I was surprised to find a large brass plumbing connection. Two large brass fittings connected by a very short piece of iron pipe, there must be at least 10 pounds of brass there. I got it home and after soaking it for a couple days I was able to get almost all the dirt out of it. It had the manufacturer’s name on it Crane and doing some research I found that this company was founded in 1855 and is still in business!

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t184/Tony_Mantia/Mobile%20Uploads/CranePlumb_zps04b64d50.jpg (http://s160.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Mantia/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CranePlumb_zps04b64d50.jpg.html)

The fitting is almost 8” long.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t184/Tony_Mantia/Mobile%20Uploads/Crane03_zps870d2bbd.jpg (http://s160.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Mantia/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Crane03_zps870d2bbd.jpg.html)

And the dates on it are: ? 3, ’85 - Jan. 5, ’86 - March 29 ’86 Stamped Made in America.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t184/Tony_Mantia/Mobile%20Uploads/Crane04_zps1f156a81.jpg (http://s160.photobucket.com/user/Tony_Mantia/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Crane04_zps1f156a81.jpg.html)

Here is a link to the Crane History pdf.

http://www.craneco.com/Media/crane_150.pdf#page=6&view=FitH,100

[del]

Tony thats what can make this hobby so interesting ... discovering something you didn't know and finding about its history or who had or used it .

you have a great New Years Tony !

[OxShoeDrew]

Hard to believe they're still in business. I love learning things with each find.:) Happy New Year Tony and best to the family!

[aloldstuff]

I think that if I had a metal detector when I was in school I might have had a better appreciation of our history. It's always great to learn something new about a find.

[Mountaindigger]

Very interesting find.

[Robbie]

I think that if I had a metal detector when I was in school I might have had a better appreciation of our history. It's always great to learn something new about a find.

I totality agree

[Trooper Bri]

Nice bit of history Tony, thank you. And probably a nice chunk of scrap I'm guessing.

Happy new year!

[Bell-Two]

Nice bit of history Tony, thank you. And probably a nice chunk of scrap I'm guessing.

Happy new year!

I found out the part on the left side is called a check valve used on old steam/gas agricultural machinery and there is a demand for them by enthusiasts who rebuild such engines. It does have value in that and of course scrap but it is too "pretty" to scrap so it is on my shelf along with other large brass spouts, tap valves etc.

[Digger Don]

That's a really cool find. Thanks for sharing the history of it with us.
Are you going to clean it or leave it as is ?

[Bell-Two]

That's a really cool find. Thanks for sharing the history of it with us.
Are you going to clean it or leave it as is ?

Don I will work on it some more but I love the green patina so I will try to save that.

[Lodge Scent]

Nice! Must have blown your headphones off !

[BTV Digger]

Thanks for sharing the history of the object. Completely agree with Dan, that the process of finding and object and learning about its history, patents/mfg dates/company etc is one of the really rewarding parts of this hobby. Best of luck on your future hunts in 2015.

John

[Skamaniac]

Very cool find and history lesson!

[Swing-N-Dig NY]

That was very interesting, thanks for sharing it.