Introduction

Introduction

My detecting partner Tony and I both started from scratch with no knowledge of metal detecting whatsoever. But between us we now have over 25 years’ of experience. It was in July 2010, after I had found the Frome Hoard of Roman coins, that Tony realised that there was limited information (in terms of books) for newcomers to the hobby to buy that would tell them what they needed to know. So he put it to me that we could put together an essential book on metal detecting, with all the relevant information, including the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and the1996 Treasure Act. This would also give me an opportunity to tell my story as finder of the Frome Hoard. We are sure that you will find in this book the knowledge that you need to start the hobby correctly. Also covered is where to go, and how to use your detector. You will also see a selection of finds to help on initial identification of the objects you recover. There is a section on the 1996 Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme where, through your local Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs), you can get help with the identification of finds. We have tried to make this a light-hearted look at our hobby and how to go about it, but with a look at the serious side of doing things correctly. Throughout this book we have tried to emphasise the benefits of cooperation between museums, the archaeologists involved in the Portable Antiquities Scheme and detectorists. We have also been very lucky to have comments and contributions from academics such as Roger Bland (head of PAS at the British Museum); Steve Minnet (Head of Somerset’s Museum Service), and Katie Hinds (the FLO for Wiltshire). We are also indebted to Pippa Pearce for help on the conservation of finds, and Sam Moorhead (Iron Age and Roman Finds Advisor at the British Museum). Good luck and good detecting - Dave Crisp

Dave Crisp