Detectingwales Rally 31 - Leinthall Starkes 2 - The Lord of the the Flies Rally

[Neil]

Easter Monday saw the Detecting Wales clan head back to Leinthall Starkes to new fields consisting of a couple of pasture and a barely standing stubble.

We have been to this farm for a successful DW rally recently and so expectation was pretty high amongst the gathered masses. A quick welcome to the new faces as well that included: Clive, Sarn, Gerald, Howell and Kelly - nice to meet you guys and you are welcome back anytime.

Unfortunately long standing DW stalwart TaffLaff and his partner in crime Roman Ray were unable to attend today, due to Rob's car imploding in Pontypridd. Count your blessings mate - it could have happened in Ludlow! Anyway I am sure we wish his car back to full health in the near future.

Onto the finds and the first item I see belongs to Wayno and is a Georgian gilded fob seal bearing the engraving "Henry".  A smashing little find and I would give it a go in some wax when you get home Wayne. As you said at the time - you may need to change your name now!

The next few members I spoke to had a smattering of coppers, musket balls, broken buckles, buttons etc. The stand out find amongst these early hours on the farm was in the hands of a newish member called Kelly who had a Lizzy Half Groat. He was particularly pleased as he had found hammered before, but never one on a rally. Well done mate - may you have many more in the company of Detecting Wales.

I headed off through the huge pasture into the stubble at the top where I found Proconsul with a lovely medieval pelleted token and a cartwheel penny. I also bumped into Parki John who had just taken a phone call off his bride, who was reporting to have found a large silver hammered coin. I never got to see it, but I understand it was a Lizzy Shilling!!! did anyone get a photo? Someone also found a James 1st sixpence that I never got to see - photo please?

On reaching the stubble field I was engulfed in what can only be described as a swarm of flying ants. I think they were drawn to the big piles of manure and it didn't help that as I swallowed a few I thoughts about their last location!

Half way up the field I bumped into The Doc who had a Medieval pendent, with dangler still attached. A beauty of a find and I think there is one pictured in the 1st Edition of Bennets Artefacts for reference Peter.

Next came along Debbie who had found some 18th Century buttons, but was beaten by Tyna who had plucked a silver William III sixpence from its earthly grasp. Brewster The Dog was looking suitably impressed by these finds!

I headed back to the car park to find the farmer to see if we could open the denarii field from last time but alas he had been spreading silage on it, so it was a no go this time. On the plus side I spent at least 30 minutes talking to him initially about our finds and then bizzarely the state of the Chinese economy, the closure of mines in wales, Cardiff City centre on match days, growing courgettes and most importantly to him the decline in Welsh Male Voice Choirs! It was a very surreal conversation, but on the plus side he said that Detecting Wales were welcome back any time! What a nice man.

Shortly after this the find of the day appeared! I was in deep conversation with Gwil and Geoff, when in the background I could see a very smiley and excited looking member called Seasider motioning to me! On approaching Gerald I knew straight away it was going to be something a bit special as you could see the excitement in his eyes.

Gerald opened his hand to display a stunning gold ring with a blood red stone set into it. The stone could be Ruby, Cabonach (or even glass if Roman - nod to The Doc!}. No hallmarks, but its a high carat of gold for certain 18k plus - and more likely closer to 22k. The verdict is out on which period this comes from. I am personally opting for late Tudor, but would be interested in hearing all you opinions.

Well done Gerald - what a way to celebrate your first Detecting Wales rally. We can't guarantee that will happen to you at every one!

That was it for me - it had gone 4pm and I listened intently to all the Championship games on the way home. Flaming Delia's lot scored a late winner that knocked Cardiff into 3rd in the chase for the Promised Land, but thats a whole other story.

Until next time my friends - keep swinging.

Cheers
Neil

  

[Neil]

Some more finds

[Neil]

More

[Neil]

Go on then - theres a few more!

[Neil]

Still going . . .

[Neil]

More

[Neil]

Last few  . . .

[Neil]

Didn't think I would forget the goldie did you!

Opinions on its age please?

cheers
Neil

[handyman [Alan}]

excellent pics Neil

i was wondering if anyone actually got any detecting done, as my pics testify!

well done to all those who found the goodies today.

[Jassy]

that is one of the most beautiful rings ive ever seen,wow!! its fab!! well done on all the finds, gutted I couldnt make it 

[waltonbasinman]

With no mark on the ring Neil and from the two rallies giving up quite a few Tudor coins the best guess from me is Tudor. Having seen it at first hand I must say it was a quality piece and a find of a lifetime. Well done finder.

[handyman [Alan}]

as per usual,   I just hope that all finds over 300 yrs old are recorded with the FLO.
[details available on www.finds.org.uk]

it all helps add to the understanding of our nations history.

cheers

[Tafflaff (Rob)]

Well done on all the finds today guys and gals. Gutted I couldnt make it .... I've had the day from hell. Still never mind, looks like everyone enjoyed the rally forward planning the 2 dayer now.

Well done everyone

[win]

Ref, Is it a Charles 1 ?   Thought you  might like to know that the coin I found is a gunmoney shilling (first type) issued by James 2nd. The date is 1690 but haven't been able to read the month as yet.  Thanks, I enjoyed the rally.

[Neil]

Well done Win on ID'ing it correctly - I meant James not Charles - but I am blaming the sun!!! . Coinage, issues and mints are not my strong points  - as you may have guessed!

Thats quite a scarce coin you have there

Well done

Neil