Rusted Snail Drum Magazine
 

I have dug up (literally) a snail drum magazine which is somewhat rusted. A loading tool was attached to the top and so that area is relatively free of rust, but the loading tool is also somewhat rusted. There is some blue left on some areas. What can be done with this item? Are are any magazine rebuilders/refurbishers? Or is it best to leave it as is? I haven't tied to open it yet.

Love to see some pictrues of these items

Are we to understand that you have come across a 32 round snail drum magazine with the snail drum loader still attached? and this pair was unearthed? If so that is really great luck.

Although snails sell for up to $1200 and loaders sell for around $700++, their values are reversed. Folks pay the big bucks for the snails because they look cool. Others pay the big bucks for loaders because one can not load a snail without a loader.

I don't know actual numbers, but I believe there is good reason to think that there are five times as many snails as there are loaders. I'd scrap the snail for parts and preserve the loader. How about some photos?

The digging was in Europe. The items, I think, are from WWI but may have been buried in WWII. Yes, the loader was attached to the (empty) magazine. I'll see if I can get some photos. The items were wrapped in a cloth so, I suspect, they were being hidden from the occupying forces or local police.

Would be interested if you have photos.

Can you reveal where in Europe you found it?

The items were found using a metal detector in the woods south of Karlsruhe (Ettlingen). Most of what's found is expended cartridge casings. Occasionally something useful is found but mostly the items are pretty rusty.