Favorite Finds - U.S.

MARCH 2014 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My favorite find for March 2014 is the Sacrifice Dagger, found by Angel M. from Connecticut.

Angel states, “This sacrifice dagger was recently found in dirt digging 10” deep with my AT Pro in one of the parks in Bridgeport, CT. I haven't done any history research on the dagger. I did dust the dirt from it but that's about it, but it’s made of brass, and it’s 5 1/4 inches long. I don't see any type of marking on it. Thank you.”

Thank you for submitting this amazing find. My research isn’t conclusive, but historically, sacrifice daggers were designed for ritual sacrifices of humans to their god or gods. Similar looking daggers appear in Tibet’s history, having a three sided blade like this one, a face or multiple faces, and ornate features. My guess is this particular dagger is 200-300 years old and migrated to the United States during early days of settlement. Let me know more about this piece as you learn about it.

Great find, Angel! This mysterious sacrificial dagger fascinates me due to its intended purpose, excellent condition, migration, and the fact that it appears to be one of a kind.

Angel M. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
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WINNER #2
This month, I have decided to award a second AT Gold to Rob P. from Georgia for his CSA buckle find. Rob submitted his entry weeks ago, but a group of three entries from this past month made it to my hands after the fact. As soon as I read his story and looked at his images, I was more than impressed. So, congrats, Rob, on being my second winner this month!

Rob stated: “Saturday, February 22, 2014, me and a detecting buddy were hunting a house built in the 1800s. We were in a small town northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. I always use my AT Pro in the Pro Mode with little or none iron discrimination. We had only been hunting about an hour when I got a very slight high tone (78 to 82 on the display) mixed with iron. I dug the hole and first retrieved a piece of scrap iron. I rescanned the hole again with my Pro-Pointer and still got a signal. When I retrieved it, I could not believe what I was looking at: a beautiful C.S.A. belt buckle!”

“I immediately shouted out to my buddy to come see what I had found. Needless to say he was very excited as well! In short, it was indeed the ‘find of a lifetime’. I am a member of Stone Mountain Treasure Hunters and we had our monthly meeting last night. We have a number of members who strictly hunt for relics and one of them told me that my find was “the holy grail” of Civil War relics.”

Superb find, Rob! Your rare find of this Confederate relic is one that will probably be the envy of many.

Rob P. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett AT Gold! You could be the next winner!

FEBRUARY 2014 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My favorite find for February 2014 is the Flint Lock, discovered by Joseph M, from Kelso, WA.

Joseph M. is nine years old, but hunts like a pro along with his dad with their Ace 250. In his own words, Joseph tell us all about it. "Wow. What a new year! My dad and I left early on January 2, 2014 for a place on the Columbia River in Washington. My dad has an Ace 250. I don’t have a detector so I borrowed the neighbors who doesn’t use his (some other brand). I got tired of using it because it was too heavy, so I switched to dad's Ace."

Joseph shares the exciting moment of discovery. "After two hours into the hunt the tide had gone way out. We had just switched to the all-metal setting when I picked up what I thought was a piece of glass stuck in some metal. When I showed it to my dad he went crazy! As soon as he said flint lock I knew what it was and started shaking…a lot! I knew right away this could have been part of Lewis and Clark's gun since history says they went through here."

Fantastic job Joseph! You've discovered American history right at your footsteps. Keep up the good work with your new Garrett AT Gold!

Joseph WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett AT Gold! You could be the next winner!

JANUARY 2014 WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
Revolutionary War, Cast Iron Cannon Barrel. Discovered by Bradley D. from Mebane, NC. with his AT Pro.

Bradley D. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #2
Civil War, Confederate Southern Cross of Honor. Discovered by Keith L. from Daleville, AL. with his Ace 250.

Keith L. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #3
Civil War, U.S. Belt Buckle. Discovered by Brandon H. from Dalton, GA. with his AT Pro.

Brandon H. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #4
Civil War, Button, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Discovered by Lloyd S. from Albany, IN. with his Scorpion Gold Stinger.

Lloyd S. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #5
Civil War, Eagle Breast Plate. Discovered by Ritchie K. from Madison, ME. with his AT Pro.

Ritchie K. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #6
WWII, Pilots Wings. Discovered by Linwood B. from Olanta, SC. with his AT Pro.

Linwood B. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #7
Civil War, Confederate Block I Infantry Cast Coat Button. Discovered by Mike L. from Salem, VA. with his AT Pro.

Mike L. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #8
WWII, Aerial Gunner's Wings. Discovered by Buzz W. from Strathmore, CA. with his AT Pro.

Buzz W. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #9
Civil War, Jeff Davis Hat Pin. Discovered by Brenton K. from Great Falls, MT. with his AT Pro.

Brenton K. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #10
WWII, Pendant. Discovered by Eric M., from Lacombe, LA. with his AT Pro.

Eric M. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #11
Civil War, Confederate, J. Wright spoon, and "Three Ringer" cut bullets. Discovered by James N. from Baldwyn, MS. with his AT Pro.

James N. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Submit your story. You could be the next winner!

DECEMBER 2013 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
Daniel C. from North Pole, Alaska, shares his discovery made with his AT Gold. “October 19, 2013 found us on a frost laden hillside north of Fox, Alaska, trying to squeeze in one more hunt before the freeze-up. Our hunt took us into a new area we never noticed before, where I dug this military dog tag at about 8 inches, with the name Floyd Haddenham on it. With some help and some research we found the twin brother Lloyd Haddenham in Ohio who was able to confirm this was his brother’s only known dog tag from his second enlistment when he volunteered for the Korean War. And now, this lost family heirloom will be passed down through the generations along with the rest of his military medals and ribbons. In the photos you’ll see the dog tag in the hole and one is of Lloyd with his brother Floyd’s dog tag reunited with his service flag.”

Daniel C. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #2
John M. from Richmond, Texas, was searching a local wooded park that had been a WW1 training camp in 1917. He tells us, “I was out there for about 30 minutes and got a really nice signal on my AT Pro. I started to dig up the signal and out popped a WW2 dog tag and I was in disbelief! The soldier’s name was Alfred J. Martinez and his next of kin, his father, and his Denver address were listed. I really wanted to find his family to reunite them with this tag, so I did some research and learned he enlisted in the service in 1940, and passed away in 1998. With the help of retired Lt. Colonel of the USAF, Sandra-Carol, she located the soldier’s grandson. After a few phone calls I reached Alfred Martinez Jr., the son of the soldier. Alfred Sr. was one of five brothers who served in the U.S. Army during WW2, and his mother received a Four-Star Honor Pin back in the ‘40s. I wanted to dress up the dog tag so I bought a case from a dog tag website, attached a U.S. Army button to the lid, draped the bottom of the tin with the American flag material, and clipped a photo of Mr. Martinez from an article and attached it to the inner lid of the case. I just wanted it done right. I really wanted to deliver this family heirloom in person, but can’t make the trip, so I sent it. I am determined to meet Mr. Martinez and his family one day soon.”

John M. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

NOVEMBER 2013 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My first favorite find goes to Morgan R. from Crandall, Georgia using his AT Gold.

In Morgan’s words, “I went detecting this morning at a local swimming hole and within 20 minutes I found a silver Mother’s Day ring that had her two son’s names on it. I continued on hunting and found the normal clad and lead sinkers, but my gut told me to go back and search the area where I had found the ring. Wouldn’t you know it I got another sweet sounding signal and upon retrieval it was a ladies class ring with a name engraved in it. Both rings were found around 6 inches deep. I decided after this to head home and do some research to find the owner of the class ring, but had no luck at all. I posted it on a local trader’s Facebook page and someone knew her on there, and come to find out she has two sons with the same names as the ones on the mother’s day ring. So both rings belong to the same lady! She was tickled to get them back and it was an awesome feeling to give them back to her.”

Morgan R. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #2
My second favorite find goes to Daniel B. from Vero Beach, Florida using his AT Pro.

Daniel tells us, “I had just received my brand new AT Pro when I was approached by some customers at the restaurant where I work. They said, with wide eyes, “Our server said that you have a metal detector!” It was late at night and they stated that she had lost her diamond wedding rings at the beach that day. They had called the police and spent much of the day searching the sand. I asked her if she knew about where they were lost and she said, “Yes, in the sand close to the water line.” This concerned me, and I told them there was a full moon, and that the high tide that night would likely wash them away. So with much excitement I arrange to meet them at midnight, and went to get my new Garrett, and my backup Ace 350. She pointed to the area, and amazingly within seconds I had found one of the largest diamond rings I had ever seen! She was nearly in tears when I asked her to step back so that I could find her matching band. Another loud signal blasted, and I laughed and let her sift it out of the sand! They were completely dumbfounded, and I was as proud as I could be! I became a bit of a hero at the restaurant, and have been able to share the story many times. Truly a wonderful experience. Thanks Garrett!”

Daniel B. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

OCTOBER 2013 HAS THREE WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My first favorite find is the 1789 George Washington Inaugural Button, found by Jason R. from Blaine, MN.

Jason shares his story of discovery. "I recently purchased a Garrett AT Pro and Pro-Pointer. From the very first use, I have enjoyed these products in every aspect. They are easy to use and I have had great results. On a recent vacation to Massachusetts, I found what I consider to be my best find ever! I identified a site with historical significance and quickly confirmed this by finding coins including two US Draped Bust pennies, a British King George II half penny, a belt buckle, and ten buttons, all circa mid-1700's to early 1800's. But the prize was this George Washington Inaugural button from 1789. Research has indicated this button to be one of the more rare varieties of the 26 known varieties. So rare, only ten specimens are known to exist. Auctions have brought anywhere from $1,500-$5,000 for this variety! However for me, it's priceless. Thank you Garrett for providing the means to find such an awesome piece of history!"

Jason R. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #2
My second favorite find is the 1812 Capped Bust 50 Cent Piece, found by Eric P. from Lewisburg, PA.

Eric shares his excitement. "I was hunting a road tear-out in an old town. I did probably three-quarters of the tear-out and found a few large cents and some Indian heads but no silver. I just kept thinking there has to be some silver, then I got high pitch 91 on my AT Pro at 2 inches. It was the best high tone I got the whole time I was there when the 1812 Capped Bust 50 cent piece popped out of the ground! I could not believe my eyes! It is the best find since I started metal detecting. The AT Pro has been great for me!"

Eric P. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #3
My third favorite find is the Union Cavalry Sword, discovered by John G. from Timberlake, NC. with his AT Pro.

John states, "Searching a stream near a battlefield, I found this portion of a Union Cavalry Sword in about 12 inches of water and 8 inches of mud under that. The mud preserved it in great condition! There is even a piece of a leather strap still tied to the scabbard ring."

John G. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

SEPTEMBER 2013 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My favorite find for September 2013 is the Confederate Saber/Bayonet, discovered by Michael S. from Fredericksburg, VA. He purchased the AT Pro Adventure Pack and headed into the woods which are on his property behind his home, and are in close proximity to a battlefield in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Michael shares his discovery. “After about an hour of detecting, I started making my way across a draw and up a small hill to where a trench line is. I checked in and around the trenches, finding some relics at about six inches down which my old detector missed. As I moved behind the trenches I got a hit at eight inches deep. I checked the area around the site using the tone to determine how long or wide it is, using the tone as a guide. I figured it measured about thirty inches long. Not knowing what it was I cleared the debris from the site and started to remove the dirt with a small shovel, a spoon, and my fingers. Within fifteen minutes I uncovered what I thought at first was a piece of band iron and as I removed more dirt, I realized I was looking at a saber/bayonet! I carefully removed it from the hole and cleaned the loose dirt from it.”

Michael researches his discovery. “After returning home, I cleaned it some more in attempt to find some markings. My wife and I went online trying to find something resembling it. The saber/bayonet resembles an 1856 Enfield Bayonet made by Harris Holland & Company, London, England, and issued by the Confederacy.”

Michael concludes. “I am extremely happy with the AT Pro’s performance. I am most definitely convinced that I made the right choice after finding as many things as I did. In the next week I plan on purchasing another AT Pro Adventure Pack for my wife, and maybe she’ll leave mine alone.”

Great job Michael. Love the story! Love the find!

Michael S. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

AUGUST 2013 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My first favorite find is the Masonic Knights Templar 26th Triennial Conclave Medal found by Michael K from Waltham, MA.

In a large area of untouched woods and hills, Michael wrote, “In the thick overgrown woods I hit a nice signal. When I dug it I pulled out this black dirty item that I thought was a cheap badge not worth any trouble. When I got home I began to clean it and quickly realized that I had a historic treasure. What I had found was a badge from the 26th Triennial Conclave 1895 Knights Templar Boston Chapter. Words can’t describe what a wonderful piece this is!”

Michael WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
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WINNER #2
My second favorite find is the WW-II Military Cache found by Ed D. from Flower Mound, TX. A friend of his bought some property in East Texas which had a long-gone home site only shown on old maps, and he let Ed hunt it.

Ed recalls the moment, “At one point a signal I got indicated there was a target made up of more than one type of metal. To my surprise it was something I never expected. First out of the hole was the top part of a military medal! There were more signals and as I dug I uncovered the bottom part of the medal as well as two uniform buttons including their clasps! My research shows that the medal is WW-II era and the best I could come up with on the buttons are that they were for Army ROTC cadets.”

Ed WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

JULY 2012 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My favorite find for July 2012 is the beautiful Gold Angel Locket. Curtis M. from Lexington, MA searched an old sledding hill that he enjoyed as a kid. With his Garrett AT Pro in Pro mode, Curtis tells us about his discovery. "I was finding lots of coins and a couple of pull tabs when suddenly I got a strange number on my display of 57 and thought it was going to be another pull tab. Well I dug anyway and saw what was in the hole and couldn't believe it. "It was a beautiful gold locket that I could see, and when I opened it there was a lovely angel looking back at me!" Curtis added, "The AT Pro is deadly on gold and silver, and heaven help me when I finally take it in the water."

Great job Curtis on this inspiring discovery! Seems you have a guardian angel.

Curtis M. WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!

JULY 2013 winner!!!

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WINNER #1
My favorite find for July 2013 is the Purple Heart Medal, found by Mark L. from Ft. Worth, TX, with his ACE 350.

Mark shares his find and story. “I was detecting a lot when I came across the medal but it was so dirty I thought it was a large piece of jewelry. I then detected the area some more and found a small piece of metal that looked to be the bust of a person. Still, nothing clicked in my brain. A purple heart is the last thing I would expect to find. It wasn’t until I got home and was showing it to my wife that I flipped it over and we saw the purple part on the front. We both went, “It’s a purple heart!”

Mark concludes, “The Commander at the VFW Post 8235 Hall where we have our Cowtown Treasure Hunters Club meeting is in the process of locating family of the name on the back. This was a fun find, and it will be great to get it back to where it belongs.”

Great story and I’m proud that you have the heart to return it to its rightful family.

Mark WINS a Garrett PRO-POINTER®!
Next month Vaughan will give away a Garrett Pro-Pointer®! You could be the next winner!