Greetings from SC

[Finsfan74]

Hey everyone, glad to be here! I’m a veteran of the US Army 1992-2000. I have an object that I’d like to share that my wife dug out of our backyard recently but I’m not sure where I should post the pics of it. Was wondering if anyone could give me some insight as to what it is. I believe it’s a US Army Cavalry Bell but would love to learn more about it. Look forward to meeting everyone!

[The Rooster]

Welcome.

Greetings and it will be great to see pics of the item.

 

[Finsfan74]

[The Rooster]

Wow!!! I dont know as far as Identification but Im sure someone here does.

Outstanding! Found in the back yard?

Maybe you ought to invest in a metal detector?

Thats wild!

[Finsfan74]

My wife dug it up next to a huge tree in our backyard and was getting ready to throw it away. Funny you mention a metal detector, I just bought one yesterday, we are constantly finding little metal pieces, red bricks, glass back there. Hoping to use it today or tomorrow!

[danimal03]

hello,

It appears to be a 'Camel Corps' bell set up by Jefferson Davis in the 1850's for use out west in the deserts.  I am not weighing in on authenticity as these have been reproduced and are really close to originals. 

 

Regardless, I am aware there was 'new old stock' still available during the Civil War and were issued to cavalry men on occasion. This may explain it turning up on the east coast.  I have a non-dug one in my collection.  Neat find. cheers!

[Finsfan74]

Thanks so much for the response. I have also found bricks and nails that are from the Civil War in my yard. I recently bought a metal detector and that thing has been going CRAZY. I haven’t been able to dig yet but I’ve marked many spots where the bell was dug up. Will be digging soon. Thanks again!

[268th C.A.]

Invest in a pin pointer, there worth their weight in gold, when I broke down and purchased one years ago, I realized what all had I missed or think I missed. 

Good Luck! Very cool find too. 

[danimal03]

Hello,

Given the context of other Civil War relics in the area, I would suggest it is a period camel bell.  I have never seen a dug one which is a very nice find.  I would suggest submitting a photo to the North South Trader as a 'recent find' submission.  It is worthy of publication in my humble opinion.  Just google it and you will find their contact data and website.  Congrats!  Definitely keep us posted as to what else you find.  Cheers!

[Finsfan74]

Will definitely keep you updated and I’m looking at pinpointers now lol. Thank you all for the awesome info

[The Rooster]

On 5/4/2025 at 7:02 PM, Finsfan74 said:

Will definitely keep you updated and I’m looking at pinpointers now lol. Thank you all for the awesome info

Any new digs!

[P-59A]

On 5/4/2025 at 5:02 PM, Finsfan74 said:

Will definitely keep you updated and I’m looking at pinpointers now lol. Thank you all for the awesome info

Pin pointers are a must, I picked up o NIB Garnet on Ebay for 12 bucks, I like it so much better than grabbing a hand full of dirt and waving over the coil.