Gary's Detecting Diary

 Click on an image to go to the relevant report

 
Very few of the metal detecting sites that I've seen focus on the "normal finds" made by detectorists in the UK. 
 
Other sites will show you pictures of rare finds and hoards but these are not representative of normal finds - where are the cartridge cases and buttons? Since January 1998 I've been keeping a pictorial record of some of the finds that I've made during my outings in Hertfordshire and Essex. I will not show pictures of cartridge cases and lead dross - anyone who has spent an hour using a detector will know what they look like. I will concentrate on things that I feel will be of interest to normal detectorists and anyone with an interest in Britain's history. 


 
 
15 MARCH 99
Paul has recently taken up metal detecting and has now found a few nice finds. However, Roman has so far eluded him. This weekend I took him to one of my Roman sites in Essex and hoped for the best. We found a number of Roman coins and I found the pin and brooch shown below. Paul, however, found the nicest coin of the day, this Constantine which is in reasonably good condition and has a very nice patina.

 


 
FEB/MARCH 99
Some finds from Feb/March 1999
 

Roman Bronze Pin

Denarius (of Hadrian?)

Bronze rectangular object from Roman site (approx 2.5 cms long)

Hammered coin of Charles 1
Roman brooch

Lead token

Sestersius
 

Another Sestersius

 

Piece of Pottery from Roman site in Essex

Piece of pottery from stream in Hertfordshire
 

1999


1998
OCTOBER '98

end view
                 side view

bottom view

 
This was found on a new site with a history of roman, celtic and medieval settlement. It is about 3 cms long and has a smooth green patina. Any clues? If you know what it is please e-mail me. This is currently awaiting identification at the museum but the latest thoughts are that it is a medieval barrel lock.

 

bronze seal:  "MA" with stars
 

 
SEPTEMBER '98
A few finds from September
 

 
APRIL - AUGUST '98
No new finds I'm afraid - all my sites are neck deep in wheat.
                                              Next report - After the harvest in September ......
MARCH '98
Only a couple of outings in March - click on any item to get report ......
                             Ring?            Pin                  Coins 
 
FEBRUARY '98
A mild day in early February
                   Found lots of lead and this hammered silver coin 
    
 Second outing
                    Roman site again - best find was this hand: 
                           
The last day of the month     
                     Found this crotal bell   plus a few roman coins including this one of Constantine: 

                
 

 
JANUARY '98
First outing of the year, click here for details:

Another day, same roman/celtic site, 
Found some grotty Roman bronzes, this sestersius  and an iron age object: