Among the many metal and other artifacts we exposed were parts to a percussion rifle. All that could be found with my detector were the butt plate, part of a lock and pieces of the forestock brass where it meets an octagonal barrel. No handguns were found on this excursion, but we have discovered revolvers from various manufacturers on other forays into the high lonesome. Most are the simple and common pepperbox types that were popular with the gold seekers, but on occasion a relic percussion Colt turns up.
My camera's battery decided to wane, so no more photos were taken to record the artifacts that were recovered. In the hearth of the cabin was the miner's personal scales, a small set contained in a oval tin box that resembles a glasses case. The counter weights were missing, but the balance beam and little brass cups were intact. It is truly amazing what you can find in places where these intrepid souls traveled to, and spent a portion of their lives, in search of riches. Most failed in this endeavor and left after a year or two, but some remained for the rest of their lives. Next week we have another, much larger, site to hike into.
