Welcome to Findings From the Field
This site is dedicated to the hobby of metal detecting, mudlarking, and field walking. Whether you just pulled something out of the ground and want to know what it is, or you're looking for tips on where to hunt and what gear to use, you'll find practical information here based on real experience in the field.
Metal detecting connects you directly with history. Every signal could be a coin dropped two hundred years ago, a button from a soldier's uniform, or a token from a long-gone general store. The thrill is in the discovery, and the real reward is understanding what you've found and the story behind it.
Artifact Identification
Pulled something from the ground and not sure what it is? Browse guides covering coins, buttons, buckles, musket balls, religious medals, and more. Learn how to read corroded markings and tell relics from junk.
History Behind the Finds
Context makes a find meaningful. Read about what everyday life left behind in the soil across different eras — from Colonial America to the Victorian age to the Civil War battlefields.
Where & How to Detect
Location is everything. Learn how to research old maps, get landowner permission, and pick productive sites. Covers farm fields, old homesteads, beaches, and river foreshores.
Gear & Equipment
Honest rundowns on detectors, pinpointers, digging tools, headphones, and other gear. No fluff, just what works and what's worth the money for different types of hunting.
Just Getting Started?
If you're brand new to metal detecting, start with the complete beginner's guide. It covers everything from choosing your first detector to understanding signals to planning your first hunt. From there, the first hunt guide will walk you through what to actually expect when you hit the field.
Already Hunting?
If you've been at it a while, the identification guides will help you figure out what you're digging, and the cleaning and preservation section will make sure you don't ruin anything valuable in the process. For site selection tips, check out how to research old maps and getting permission on private land.