It was a strange feeling entering an entirely new community with new jargon to learn, (strict) rules to follow and many people to meet but we are having the whale of a time. I won't post too much on everything we find , but here are a couple of items directly related to wargaming which have come up on one of our permissions (a permission is land where you have been allowed by the owner to detect).
The little chap below was found when son 2 was using the detector, and popped out of the ground yesterday in a field at the end of our road, he was about 6 " down.
A semi flat made of lead, probably about 25mm scale, the horses head was bent right back
A worm bids him farewell.
The upper end of the field we were in seems to have been a popular picnic destination in the 18th and 19th century. It has a splendid view of the valley and is far enough out of town to be a pleasant walk there and back to make a day of it. We have also found in the area coins from the reigns of George II, III , William IV and Victoria, teaspoons, a silver matchbox, and other items that may have been dropped by folk having a day out, and perhaps this soldier was lost by some little lad on such an excursion. He has now entered service guarding other finds on my son's shelf of finds.
Less pastoral, but from the same field was this alarming find
(the orange device is a pinpointer or mini metal detector for locating small finds in holes)
I extricated the casing out first and then was alarmed to see it was still full of granules of what I now know to be smokeless propellant. The bullet was still lodged in the ground and appears to be coated in red colouring (tracer paint?). I guess this is a round from a Spitfire? I think the groove on the base of the casing indicates it was from a belt fed gun, but any ID'S would be welcome.
So there we are, let me know if you are interested in seeing other historical finds.
Interesting finds , my sister once had a metal detector and found what turned out to be a bit of a 2" mortar shell , it turned out the sand dunes she was detecting in was used by the Home Guard for training , she decided it was best to try somewhere else .
ReplyDeletePossibly a wise decision. I might have a go at beach detecting if I get the chance.
DeleteMost interesting post. I would be really interested in seeing your historical finds.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan, I'll post some as we find them. Again son 2 found a very nice Tudor spoon.
DeleteMy joiner is a metal detectorist who finds loads of fascinating finds in a beach north of here that was once a training area. He has fascinating tales to tell .
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he has. It is a highly addictive hobby.
DeleteFunnily enough this is a hobby I have been considering for some time. I think Detectorists is partly to blame! But do I enjoy local history and being outdoors so it seems a fairly obvious pastime. Although I may buy a kayak. Hmm....
ReplyDeleteMate... do it. For me Detectorists is wholly to blame, what a wonderful beautiful series that was. My boys and I have had so much fun over the past month or so. We just can't get out there enough. Had an average finds day today (Victoria penny, 19c clasp knife and buckle, cast iron pot leg etc), just on some pasture. I have yet to get on a ploughed field.
DeleteYou could get a waterproof detector and go in rivers with your kayak (seriously). I don't really like a lot of detecting Youtube videos, but Kris from Addicted to Bleeps is good and does good reviews. Also check out Nicola White, mudlarking on the Thames, brilliant videos.
Drop me a mail if you want any advice, such that I can give being a newbie.