On this website in the "Relic Log Book" tab you will find a few examples of how I document the relics I find. It is important to document the location of each relic to understand it's relationship with other findings at a later date, whether it be other relics, building locations, etc.
I have created a binder with a description of each relic found, with photos of the relic, it's location described and mapped, as well as the depth at which it was found. Remember don't dig it up if you can't preserve it. Once a piece of metal comes out of the ground it begins to deteriorate rapidly. Be prepared to preserve the relic soon after it is dug. For instance with an iron relic I prefer the wax method, where the relic is boiled in wax at 200 degrees F to seal it, after it has been properly cleaned. There is a load of information online describing different methods for different materials, you will preserve an iron relic different than something made of brass for instance. Do your research first before you start digging, practice the preservation methods you choose to use on something insignificant before you do it with your prized relics. Be careful, some of these methods can be dangerous, take all safety precautions. Save everything you dig! I keep containers of stuff that I can't identify. I bag each item in a zip lock bag with a note describing it's location. That item may turn out to be quite significant later once it is identified, and might help tell the story of your property's history. Research your property's history. The relics you dig will be more interesting if you know a little about the people who owned them, and how these items may have been used. |
AuthorI Dig History CategoriesArchives
May 2015
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