The Paragon of Metal Detecting

To summerise so far, we have looked at the idea of becoming involved with metal detecting, chosen or have an idea of the type of metal detector purchased or thinking of purchasing. We have looked at some of the hand tools that can be useful when we are out in the field. We have familiarised ourselves with the appropriate laws, customs, codes of practices expected of all amateur and professional detectorist. We have insurance and most likely have become a member of our local metal detecting club. So what is next?

Familiarise yourself with your metal detector

1. Read the manual appropriate to your metal detector and watch any associated videos that can help you develop your field skills and search technique. Familiarise yourself with the varied sounds the detector makes and practice the side to side or sweeping motion to find objects in your back yard or garden area.
Calibrate your metal detector using different metal objects like, rings, coins, nails, can pull rings, foil etc. (Even though you may not have chosen a Garrett, check out the Garrett Videos as they are a good example for advice and guidance).

2. Read and surf the web and become familiar with the sites available, check out the forums as they contain a wealth of advice from like minded enthusiasts from beginners to professionals. Be the first to use our forum.

This site has been developed to help all metal detectorists research and identify their finds and is constantly being updated to include useful information, all in one place. If you wish to send interesting information to add to our resource please drop me an email you will be acknowleged for your articles and research and article published remains your copyright property.

Familiarise yourself with this site

This Publication has taken many hours of development in content and design and is considered to be mostly self-contained resource. Topics have been researched for their practical uses and items submitted. Familiarise yourself with the site map as this link also gives you a full listing of content.

For example: This site has the main title links on the left hand side of the majority of pages and these tiles link to Specialised Menu Pages.
There are three main titles dedicated to metal detecting/history research. Data will bridge and cross reference between all three titles, example below:

Timelines
Reference
Identification

The titles are self-explanatory and lead to specalist Menus giving access to a database of information ie. Timelines:
- Natural Environment discoveries
- Historical Britain - Development
- Monarchy - Early Kings & Queens
- Roman Empire - Emperors
- Vikings - Kings
- Anglo-Saxons
- Religion
- Prime Ministers
- American Presidents...

This information will allow the detectorist to 'Timeline' their finds with dates. For example, a coin found on a dig may show some detail and be compared with images in the coin section (Numismatics). Dates can then be established and linked to a period. By searching areas of Monarchy, Roman, Viking, Anglo-saxon... further information can be extracted giving a more indepth historic knowledge base, allowing to slowly fill in the gaps and establish the circumstances to why the find or artifact has been found in the place it was found. A little like a detective or investigation.