Uncovering Potters Raid

Members of the group are hoping to uncover more information about the civil war activity that took place on this 1820 plantation house in the Falkland area, following the footsteps of Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter. During our initial hunt, we unearthed rare civil war relics such as buttons and bullets. These findings suggest that General Porter's troops may have been present at the plantation. However, further digging and thorough searching are required before a definitive answer can be provided. The investigation will continue, as our group is determined to uncover the truth about the historical significance of this site.

1820 plantation house
1820 plantation house

1820 Plantation site Eastern North Carolina

Gathering prior to the hunt

Mark Amerson checking out what Brian Bottoms just recovered.

Filling up the finds table!

Folded North Carolina "Starburst" Confederate Civil War Button. Recovered by John Dilday

Mid 1800"s reign Guide. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Ceramic insulator late 1800"s Iron Buckle Parasol guide, Percussion cap and Reign guide (extra heavy possibly from a mule wagon, circa 1800"s). Recovered by Brian Bottoms

Flag staff Finial, photo on the right shows a whole one. Finial recovered is the bottom part. Photo showing the whole one was used by a Union Calvery Soldier. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Antique Gold ring recovered by Johnathan Rawls

Standing Liberty Quarter, Wheat penny, various buttons and part of an Iron hinge. Recovered by Gary Wester.

Fancy cuff button, shirt button and piece of a tombac button along with 3 bullets. Recovered by Thomas Powell.

sterling silver spoon from early 1800<s
sterling silver spoon from early 1800<s

Sterling silver spoon, various period buttons, Large tombac button, 2 brass buckle, Period coat hanger. Recovered by Steve Blanchard.

1943 Silver quarter, various wheat cents, numerous period buttons along with a rare NC confederate starburst button", rivets. Recovered by John Dilday.

The first HRANC club hunt of 2024 took place on a family-owned farm that has been passed down through generations since the civil war. It holds a significant historical value as relatives of the current owners have been recorded to have fought in the war. During the hunt, club members made remarkable discoveries, unearthing various relics and coins dating back to the early 1700s. Additionally, they were able to recover items from the civil war period, adding to our understanding of the past. We are immensely grateful to the landowners for granting us this incredible opportunity to preserve and unveil some of the lost history embedded within their property. Their generosity and support are truly commendable.

Club Hunt January 2024

civil war general service cuff button
civil war general service cuff button

Civil war union general service cuff button. Recovered by Kendall Dilday.

Melted camp lead, and, possibly 2 spent mini balls, 2 flat buttons and a large "I" horse Rossette? Recovered by Thomas Powell

Union civil war coat button
Union civil war coat button

General Service Union Civil war coat button. Recovered by Keith Harris

Fancy saddle rivet with leather still attached. Possibly civil war era . Recovered by Rusty Hicks.

1938 2 Franc Piece
1938 2 Franc Piece

1938 2 Franc French coin. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Flat Button and Indian Head Penny. Recovered by Russ Fedoriw

1879 Indian head penny,1944 Wheat cent, Bag seal, 3 buttons and a buckle. Recovered by Gary Wester

1944 Quarter, 1912 wheatie, a 172? 1/4 Re’al, a couple Tombac buttons, a couple musket balls, maybe a carved fishing weight, a pack strap stud, the top of maybe a lipstick tube or possibly a Model A valve stem cover, an interesting piece of lead and several pieces of brass wire. Recovered by Moe McKnight

172? Pistareen silver cobb
172? Pistareen silver cobb
.58 calibar Gardner Civil War Bullet
.58 calibar Gardner Civil War Bullet

.58 caliber Gardner Civil War Bullett. Recovered by Johnathan Rawls

Thimble, D buckle, lead hem/curtain weight, horse tack adornment below the weight, 1943 wheat penny & the piece to the left with the hole is part of a muzzleloader trigger guard. Recovered by Ginny Johnson.

Parasol Cap, Musket ball, 30-06 casing, melted lead, various coins and a civil war percussion cap. Recovered by Brian Bottoms

civil war musket balls
civil war musket balls

Reins guide, 4 big musket balls (2 drops, 1 fired, 1 bitten down on) and several smaller shot, 2 flat buttons, 2-hole button and a fancy silver 2-piece button (not plated). Recovered by John Dilday.

Silver Button cleaned. Recovered by John Dilday.

flattened antique silver thimble.
flattened antique silver thimble.

Flattened silver thimble. Recovered by Randy Cobb

Vintage brass gas valve? D ring buckle, antique key, rivet. Recovered by Mark Armstrong

Korean war vintage US Marine button
Korean war vintage US Marine button

U.S. Marine Corp button from the Korean war era. Recovered by Randy Cob.

Early 1800's Pipe stem, flat button. Recovered by Keith Morgan

Broken Maul or Sledgehammer recovered in a previous slave area section. Recovered by Keith Harris

Miscellaneous field recoveries including a deer Antler. Recovered by Rusty Hicks

2 Curry Combs. Small buckle,6 buttons, 1890's Slaymaker Lock. Recovered by Steve Blanchard.

Portis Gold Mine
Portis Gold Mine
1865 V nickle
1865 V nickle

While the HRANC club members searched the famous Portis Gold Mine, they came across several exciting discoveries. These findings have been carefully recovered and saved, ensuring that everyone can now enjoy them. The members have unearthed various intriguing artifacts that shed light on the history and significance of the mine. From ancient coins to intricate tools and equipment, these items provide a glimpse into the lives of those who once worked in the mine. Each discovery holds its own story, waiting to be unraveled and appreciated by enthusiasts and history buffs alike. HRANC club members take pride in preserving these treasures, allowing future generations to learn and appreciate the rich heritage of the Portis Gold Mine.

1865 "V" nickel recovered by Mike Kleinfelt using Garrett AT Pro 3" deep. A little "Toasty" but how would you look for being buried for over 158 years?

era relics from gold mine
era relics from gold mine

Mining era tools (1800's to 1900's) and daily utensils recovered by Elton Ethridge.

Parts to a late 1800s cast Iron stove door. Recovered by Melinda Outlaw

U.F.O. (Unidentified Found Object). Possibly revolutionary war item recovered by Mark Amerson

Slave token?
Slave token?
Pres. Mckenly Assassination token
Pres. Mckenly Assassination token

President Mckenly Assassination commemorative medal recovered by Gary Wester.

Etching on the front and number stamped on the back, possibly a miner or slave token. Recovered by Brian Bottoms.

Edgecombe County Farm Field

HRANC members have made a remarkable discovery while searching a farmer's field. They stumbled upon a range of lost items, from tractor parts to both modern and ancient coins. Furthermore, relics from past civil war battles were also found, shedding light on the historical significance of the area. It is fascinating to imagine the stories behind these artifacts and how they ended up buried in the field. Among the historical remnants, even discarded soda pop cans were uncovered, demonstrating the intersection of past and present. This discovery is a testament to the importance of preserving and exploring our heritage.

antique watch fob
antique watch fob
lad bale seal
lad bale seal
indian head penny
indian head penny

Antique watch fob, Indian head cents and wheat pennies. Recovered by Gary Wester

Old lock face and possibly antique watch key. Recovered by Elton Ethridge

1901 Indian head penny. Recovered by Gary Wester.

Possible Civil war Bale seal. Recovered by Keith Morgan

2 indian head pennies, 1943 silver quarter, one unkown. Recovered by Steve Blanchard

Farm field metal recoveries, got to take the bad with the good! Dig every signal! Recovered by Rusty Hicks