Excerpt

METAL DETECTING IN GENERAL

Most every Treasure Hunting Enthusiast thinks of a metal detector when they hear the words Treasure Hunting, while everyone else thinks that is the only thing involved. There are many tools and instruments involved in THing and many different avenues of approach. But in this chapter I hope to embellish on the abilities and challenges of the metal detector.

This might be the single best invention available to the common man for detecting the present of any metal in the ground, rock or most any medium. Even in its earliest limited form, it gave early users an immediate edge over eyes only THer, and realization came quickly that this material detecting device would be useful. For a full history of the detector and its different manifestation, read Charles Garretts Modern Metal Detectors, or Treasure Recovery from Sands and Sea. Karl von Muellers Treasure Hunters Manuals also goes into great depth about the different types and frequencies of machines. He also covers ground capacitance and other phenomena common to earlier types of machines. The other manufactures of detectors also have detailed books about their particular device, so read about whatever detector it is that you are interested in.

The use of the detector has a growing wide range of uses. From uncovering veins of noble metal in Country rock, detecting old works, mines and tunnels, to searching beaches and city parks; the metal detector has no equal. Old mines and tunnels have been reinvestigated or electronically prospected by modern miners. Nugget hunters hunt old dredge piles along heavily worked rivers or highly eroded ravines for placer deposits. Utility companies use detectors to locate buried pipes and their service lines. Butchers that cater to hunters and process wild game use small hand held detectors to find bullets and bullet fragments in meat prior to girding the meat into sausage. Of course, police departments and other investigation agencies use detectors to locate spent bullets and cases used in the executions of a crime. Since 9/11/01 we all have been affected by security inspections of ourselves and our belongings at airports and Federal buildings by a metal detector of one form or another. Even archeological projects have used detectors to survey their excavations.

Still, the most prescribed use of a metal detector would have to be for the leisurely pursuit of coins and relics. This hobby has the greatest potential of finding coins and relics. My suspicion is that metal detectors account for many small fortunes secreted away by common folk knowledgeable in their use. It is a hobby that individually, people can become extremely efficient in. Your determination and desire to succeed only increase the chance that you will eventually reach a higher degree of success.