About This Artifact
A decorative brooch featuring a unique design of twin coils of rope surmounted by a fern-like leaf, found by Gary Drayton and Charles Barkhouse on Lot 21, the western shore of Oak Island near the foundation of Daniel McGinnis's former home. Gary identified it immediately as an old piece of jewelry, noting the intricate braiding of the rope pattern and calling it a top-pocket find. The leaf element appeared to sit on a hinge or had been bent down from its original upright position. The same lot had earlier that season yielded two iron swages estimated at 600 years old, and the previous year produced a gold-plated brooch estimated to be some 700 years old.
Alex Lagina and archaeologist Laird Niven brought the brooch approximately 50 miles north to Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where professional conservator Kelly Bourassa cleaned and examined it. Using wooden skewers and a glass fiber brush to avoid scratching the surface, Bourassa carefully removed dirt and corrosion buildup. As the cleaning progressed, finer details of the leaf design emerged. Bourassa stated the brooch was completely new to him and unlike anything he had seen before, noting it could be a commissioned piece, which would mean someone paid extra to have it made to order. He found no maker's mark and could not assign a definitive date, recommending a specialist in antique jewelry for further analysis.
At the Mug and Anchor pub in Mahone Bay, Alex and Laird presented the cleaned brooch to Rick, Marty, and the rest of the team. Gary described the design as a double coil of rope topped by a leaf, and the group discussed whether the rope motif suggested a naval or maritime connection. Laird observed that two ropes entwined could also imply a couple. The brooch was found on the same day Gary and Charles recovered a copper half penny bearing the image of a young Queen Victoria, dated to approximately the 1840s. Marty noted the brooch ranked alongside the other brooches found on the island and called it "frickin' fantastic."
Historical Context
Gary Drayton / Charles Barkhouse
Where It Was Found
Found at Lot 21 — Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
