Expert: Leisha Hiester - 8/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: I recently found in our back yard an old dump area for this estate, while poking around I came up with a small ceramic egg with twin babies inserted into it.  I have searched with my limited knowledge all though the web but have no idea what it was or if it was used for anything.  It is about 1.5" wide, 2" long and .5" high.  I have attached photos. If you have any questions please let me know.  Thanks!

ANSWER: Sarah,
How fun! Is this piece flat on the back? Do you know if there ever was a cemetary in your vicinity? It looks similar to pieces I've seen that could have come from a grave marker. Where do you live?
Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it is flat on the back. I live in Montpelier, VT but I didn't think that we lived on a graveyard.   I found this in an old dump site, there were so many items, I think that there was a fire in this old house at some time and everything was dumped over the bank.  I assume it is around 1900's +/- 20 years due to the items I have found.  Where could I find more information?  Thank you very much!

Answer
Sarah,
How fun is this? It's like real life detective work. Is there anyone still alive that knows about your property? Maybe a relative of someone who once lived there?
Do you have a town newspaper? Try the local library. They often archive old newspaper articles. Sometimes they're on microfiche, but it's fun to search. Town hall may be of help. Anything you can track on your address; old photos, old records of who owned the house or property? Do a search on 'twins.' Maybe it was a birth marker of some sort. What other type of items did you find? Those may be some clues. Please keep me posted on whatever you learn. Happy sleuthing!
Leisha