Hi dutch john

[Lizardchaser]

Is this what you call a "Snap purse"

Happy Hunting Nick

[dutch john]

Gosh Nick... that it is. Back years ago they were commonly

in several compartments... My grandmother had one

with a center and two offset compartments. It was black in

color and soft leather. This was in the early 1930's and money

was tight as the banks were closed... the infamous "bank

holiday."

The only available money then in circulation was what was

carried or hidden... It was scary times for those who had money

deposited in the banks.... However, back then only a few

kept a bank account, most just kept their cash handy, such

as a snap purse. However, few dollars was a lot of money.

My grandmother kept her extra money hidden in the flour bin.

My mother never trusted the banks and like her mother kept

her money hidden in the house... She passed away suddenly

in 1982 and my sister never found her cache.

If you happen to be out detecting and see just the metal

snaps... possibly well rusted and maybe a little of the leather

still attached, be sure to mark the spot and carefully grid.

[dutch john]

Howdy Nick... Ya' still around? I thought I would add a little more

to hunting for old coins. Over the last 4th of July (2008), I was in Ely, Nevada

for my 60th HS class reunion. In Ely, the 4th is a big event and usually all

of the motels and hotels are full, so it is best to make an early reservation.

The morning after the 4th, there was the usual detectorists hunting the county

park. I walked up and said "howdy." They were finding recent "drops" but

as far as I knew no jewelry items... I met one very interesting hunter, a full

timer from around northern Nevada. He has hunted "Ryepatch" (Majuba Placers),

Lunker Hill and other known placer areas. We had a nice chat.

I left Ely early Sunday morning... went to Eureka and then to Tonopah and

spent Saturday night there... Somewhere between Eurela and Tonopah, on a lonely

gravel road, I detected an ol' "stop" that was mosly active during the 1870-80 era,

but still used until 1915. It is mostly on typical flat land, but what may have been

the corral was at the base of a small hill. (I have old photos for reference.)

The "stop" is well known and well hunted... But'cha never know as the area is large.

I kept detecting in a spiral circular pattern hoping to find an old token. However,

I did find three very blackened non-ferrous items which registered above "foil"

on my coinhunter.

One seems to be a "modern" drop, very poor condition Washington quarter.

I have yet to scrub off the date. The second one is a roundish blob about a nickel

(coin) size and I scratched it ann it appears to be copper.

The third drop, again blackened, seemed to be a token... I knew I shouldn't, but

did anyway, I first vigorously rubbed it against my pants leg and even used dust

to cut through the surface black patina. Finally I was able to make out the date (1868) .

When I got home I looked it up in a coin book. It is a 1868 "no ray" Shield nickel...

The "shields" were made from 1866 to 1883. There were over 28,000,000 1866

minted, so I did not ruin a "key" coin. However, had it been a 1877, I would have

ruined a "key" date as only 500 were minted that year. By the way, the three targets

were only a couple of inches deep.

[Lizardchaser]

Howdy Mr. Jim

Yup still around just a lurker.

I am goin' to tip my hat to you for being able to make your 60th class reunion, quite the accomplishment in my book!!

Great to see that you are still gettin' out there and find some of that "Good stuff".

I have lucked out and found a couple shields, in my 12 years or so of diggin'.

I have been out some this summer, but mostly park and school hunting. Not much relic hunting which is my favorite.

Good luck to you on your next Hunt!

Nick

[dutch john]

Gosh Nick how true... to see someone you once knew over 60 years ago and not since

can be "interesting." Not like cartooning an age progression picture on a 'milk carton."

So far the 1868 Shield is my oldest find... Likely the fellow who dropped it was one of the

crew associated with "William Prichard's freightline" back in the 1870's between Palisade

and Pioche. I live in urban southern California and most all is new...