Hello,

While working for WMCAR (William and Mary Center for Archaeological Research) on the campus of William and Mary, we found a few curious utility lines. I am not sure if they are gas or electric but they may relate to lampposts between which, in some cases, they seem to run (the current lamps are electric). The pipe itself is 1" diameter with moderate to severe corrosion. It looks to have been formed in a spiral pattern. No joints were uncovered. The curious feature is that in three separately-aligned features, these pipes were found encased in a board box. The hardwood boards are held together with wire nails. In a separate feature, a similar spiral-formed pipe was found, sans casing, but with a 1920 penny directly beneath it. 

I've looked through what plumbing,gas and electric manuals I have from the early 1900s and can find only L-shaped boards being used (to provide a rigid surface, prevent flexing, and shoring up a muddy trench). Could it be temperature insulation (less than two feet deep) or a precaution against errant spades striking a dangerous line? Can anyone help date these wood-encased pipes and suggest the reasoning behind them? Thanks!

Here's a sketch of the casing/pipe: 
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t249/ommuel/2011-12-25_12-09-12_37.jpg

Oliver Mueller-Heubach

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!