Opening a Relic Box

It is always exciting to dig up boxes where there is something inside. Sometimes you will find the box is filled with nails, or rocks, or just some gunk from something that had rotted away long time ago.

Other times you can find buttons, coins, treasures, anything really. It is for me prehaps the biggest thrill with metal detecting as you never know what you`ll get, and the thing inside will either be quite rotted, or in good condition.

Yesterday I found a small metal tin which had some contents. I knew from its shape and size that it was a Maskenbrille box. Maskenbrille were glasses to wear with the gasmask. The box is of very thin metal so most times these are far gone when you find one, or whats left of one. And if you find one intact they often turn into dry rust crumbles when you try open it.

I decided to open the tin. With some antique dentist tool, a light hand and a little patience I managed to get the lid open with only minor damages. The maskenbrille was in surprisingly good condition so I am very happy with this find :)

The kick when the lid is open...

..and it is so cool to find intact items. I am very happy with the condition of these glasses.

Now it is time to clean and preserve the find. I will try to give the box a go in oxalic acid and hopefully some of the paint and text will be there.