Detecting Saxapahaw's TOP TEN finds of 2015

WOW, what can I say about my 2015 detecting year?  Looking back on the year in review (as one is wont to do these days), I can't help but realize how blessed I have been in what I've gotten my coil over.  I couldn't have done it without my good friends and relic hunting partners, to whom I am much indebted.  Each one of these pieces tells a story about our nation's past and those who walked the land long before us, and each one holds a special memory for me in the recovery and preservation of these finds.  You'll notice that a few of these have not been discussed here on Detecting Saxapahaw, for one reason or another.  Rest assured, those articles are coming - I still have more great stories of detecting adventure from 2015 that have yet to be fully formed into prose.  Thanks again to all my readers, and stay tuned for more exciting finds in 2016!  Also, if you want to stay up to date on the lates from Detecting Saxapahaw (including a couple of big announcements coming up soon), like us on Facebook here! 

Now without further ado....

Detecting Saxapahaw's TOP TEN finds from 2015!

#10  -  Melted Union cavalry sword belt plate

#9  -  1853 Seated Half Dime

#8  -  US base three ring bullet

#7  -  Monogram "A" coin silver spoon, Henry White, ca. 1820's

#6  -  M1862 US Bridle Rosette

#5  -  Cut quarter two reale, ca. 1740's

#4  -  Confederate SC State Seal coat button

#3  -  Baby US box plate

#2  -  Initialed 18K gold engagement ring, 1883

#1  -  Johnston and Dow sharps paper cartridges

In Memoriam - GTA 1000

It is with a heavy heart that I report the loss of my beloved first detector, the GTA 1000 lovingly known as "pegleg".  Bought used on a whim during a beach vacation back in 2005, the trusty green machine paid for itself within the second day with my first gold ring (shown here with a big silver ring, also found with the GTA).  This fun day at the beach would turn into a lifelong hobby and, dare I say, obsession.

When a bad coil was replaced, the lower was inadvertently tossed (oops!), so to keep on running I replaced it with a bit of wood from the back barn.  Even though it wasn't the prettiest setup, we still managed some great finds, including Civil War and Revolutionary War relics, old coins, and precious jewelry.  Of course my finds skyrocketed with new equipment, and my trash finds decreased, but I got a sold foundation with this little trooper.

The new coil's ears were recently snapped off during a tragic moving accident, and I have finally decided to retire the old fellow for good.  Rest in piece, GTA.  We had a good run!