DetectingWales.com

Johnny Lovetoken aka Jaydogg and I headed to the murky Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales this morning in search of ancient finds.

The first few farms we visited were not available due to either crop being in place or farmers generally not being around to ask. So with heavy hearts we headed off to one of the first farms I ever secured. Back in those days we were both using the Muskateers, so we thought it would be worth visiting 4 years later with our Explorers.

On arriving at the farm - the farmer treated me like a prodical son returning and reminded me " You never need to knock - just go on" I asked him if we could go in the field which had his quite a substantial herd of cows in? He replied in his normal cheery manner "Don't ask me. Ask the cows!"  Job done.

We skirted around the side of the cows and ended up in a smallish paddock to the side of the beef steaks. After what seemed to be only a few minutes Johnny is shouting to me and doing what looked like star jumps in the distance. I hurried over to him and found an elated Johnny with a Queen Mary (1553-1558) hammered coin in his hand in fantastic condition. We initial thought it was a groat, but are leaning more towards a sixpence. It turned out that it was a good 12 inches down and the signal intermittent - so well done mate on persevering with it and justly rewarded! A stunning find in fantastic condition.  ;D

I returned to my machine, took a few steps and out popped my first ever Georgian fob seal - I was well pleased as its one to cross off my list. Next up popped a strip of silver filigree with some flowers carved into it.

The rest of the morning was spent digging pidgeon rings, Georgian coppers, musker balls, buttons etc. I also found A Pwhelli 1950 Butlins Badge that was unusal.

We left the farm after a few hours vowing not to leave it so long next time and headed to another one we have nearby. Again a mixture of copper coins and I had an interesting guilded brooch.

I left my most unusual find though to the end of the day and thank God I did as it was pretty heavy. I received a signal near a hedge entrance between fields and dug down and down and then even further down, with the signal getting stronger all the time. By now I had visions of a hoard - particularly when I could see some green bronze sticking through. It turned out to be quite an old bridal bit that is complete. Anyone have any idea on its age. I am guessing pre Georgian, but I may be wrong - bloody heavy and my largest find to date!

Cheers
A knackered Neil

more

Horse bit - bronze and copper alloy?

hi neil.
welldone on the day out boys.
looks like you.ve had a cracking day down the vale.
some very interesting artefacts there guys.
and welldone jaydogg with the hammered.great stuff.
great report neil.
ray.

well done boys,you had a cracking day out with some great finds.viv

Great finds for you both and a nice report Neil :)

The Mary is a groat, Spink 2492.

The bit is I think a Liverpool driving bit, probably from the team pulling the plough. Not sure of date - probably Victorian.

And the little fob seal is a great little find - early 19th century.

Cheers Peter - I knew I could rely on you. ;)

Johnny initially thought it was a groat, but we are more used to seeing them clipped to Hell and back - hence our uncertainty!

Thanks for the info on the horse bit - I intend to clean it up a bit and hang it in the kitchen.

I am well pleased with the fob seal - we thought it might be georgian or there abouts.

Thanks again
Neil

Cheers Viv and Ray as well!

Lovely finds there, Neil. Good on you!

:)

Nice finds :) there Neil and Jaydog !! bet that horse bit gave one hell of a signal  ;D

 :) :) Lovely finds Neil & Jaydog! Well worth getting out of bed for! Romansue :)

Well done guys, sounds like I missed out on a good day!!   ;D

excellent finds guys - -well done indeed. Thats the 3rd mary thats been posted in as many weeks.

ace finds m8 well done ;)

Looks like a super days detecting great finds  ;) well done

LOVELY FINDS MATE WELL DONE
DEBS

Cheers guys - we'll be going back there soon Mark, so you'll have to join us if we can prise you away from your Swedish lady! ;D

Nice to have some pasture that produces when the fields are in crop

Cheers
Neil

nice finds neil and jaydogg. ive placed groat and fob seal in database...well done guys  ;)

Great to see you back Neil and doing what you do best. Looks like you had a good return as well I bet you were well fired up. Just a shame the Bluebirds have another season in the championship lined up.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Just joking  ( I,ll get me coat )

Cheers Paul & Kev and everyone else - its nice to be back!

Can't wait until Wednesday now - just hope we don't slip up this time!

Neil