A Stunning Little 17th Century Buckle Found Metal Detecting

Unearthing History: Discovering a 17th Century Buckle While Metal Detecting

Metal detecting is a hobby that brings history to life, allowing enthusiasts to hold tangible pieces of the past in their hands. Every signal from the detector could lead to an exciting discovery, and sometimes, patience and persistence pay off in unexpected ways. This was certainly the case during a recent detecting session at one of my favorite permissions, centered around the site of a medieval moated manor house.

The location itself is steeped in history, with the manor house having stood from about 1100 until 1650. Today, all that remains is the moat itself, encircling a large paddock where the house once stood. Over the years, this site has yielded numerous hammered silver coins and artifacts of similar age, making it a treasure trove for any detectorist passionate about medieval history.

However, detecting on this site is not without its challenges. The area where the house once stood is littered with tiny pieces of rusty iron and coke, creating a cacophony of false signals that can test even the most patient detectorist. It’s a veritable nightmare for those seeking clearer, more promising signals. Despite these difficulties, the potential rewards keep drawing me back to this fascinating location.

On this particular day in early June, circumstances limited my options. With other fields occupied by crops or cattle, I decided to give the challenging manor house paddock another go. Little did I know that this decision would lead to one of my most exciting finds to date.

Metal Detecting Techniques: Navigating Challenging Terrains for Historical Finds

Detecting in areas with high concentrations of iron and other metal debris requires a specific set of skills and techniques. When faced with such challenging conditions, it’s crucial to adjust your detector settings and approach to maximize your chances of success. In this case, I focused my efforts on the area I believed to be the doorway into the former house, knowing that high-traffic areas often yield interesting finds.

As expected, the familiar sounds of iron nails dominated my detector’s feedback. However, persistence is key in metal detecting, and it’s important to investigate even slightly promising signals in these difficult areas. This approach paid off when I encountered a clearer, more promising signal amidst the usual interference.

After carefully digging into the compacted soil, I unearthed a George III farthing. While the coin was worn, both sides were still recognizable, making it my best find from the paddock area up to that point. This discovery served as a reminder of the site’s continued use well after the manor house’s demise, highlighting the layered history beneath our feet.

Encouraged by this find, I continued my sweep of the area. Just half a meter away from where I found the farthing, another good signal caught my attention. This proximity of finds is not uncommon in historically rich sites, where objects tend to concentrate in areas of human activity.

Excavating and Identifying a 17th Century Buckle: A Metal Detectorist’s Dream Find

With anticipation building, I began to dig at the site of the new signal. Surprisingly, the source was buried just over an inch underground, a relatively shallow depth for an older artifact. As I carefully removed the soil, I caught a glimpse of metal, and my heart raced as I realized I had uncovered a buckle, complete with its pin intact.

The moment of discovery is always exciting for a metal detectorist, but it’s crucial to remain calm and methodical. I carefully extracted the buckle from its resting place, taking care not to damage it or any surrounding artifacts that might be present. The soil was gently brushed away to reveal more of the buckle’s details.

Even in its uncleaned state, I could tell this was a special find. The buckle’s design and construction hinted at its age and potential historical significance. However, it’s important to note that on-site cleaning should be minimal to preserve any delicate details or patina that might be present.

After photographing the buckle in situ (although admittedly, the excitement led to a slightly blurred image), I carefully packed it for transport home. It’s always advisable to document finds in their original location before removal, as this context can provide valuable information to archaeologists and historians.

Proper Cleaning and Preservation Techniques for Metal Detecting Finds

Upon returning home, I faced the delicate task of cleaning the buckle. When dealing with potentially significant historical artifacts, it’s crucial to approach cleaning with caution. Improper techniques can damage the item or destroy valuable archaeological evidence. In this case, I decided on a very gentle cleaning process to reveal the buckle’s details without risking any harm.

The first step in my cleaning process was to use a soft toothbrush to carefully remove any remaining soil. This dry brushing technique is often sufficient for many metal detecting finds and poses minimal risk to the artifact. It’s important to work slowly and patiently, checking your progress frequently to ensure you’re not causing any unintended damage.

After the initial brushing, I opted to use only my fingers to gently rub and buff the buckle. This method allows you to feel any potential weak spots or areas of corrosion that might need extra care. The goal was to bring out the 17th Century buckle‘s details while preserving its patina and overall integrity. This process took considerable time, but the results were well worth the effort.

It’s worth noting that for many artifacts, especially those made of more delicate materials or in fragile condition, even this level of cleaning might be too much. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional conservator or your local Finds Liaison Officer for advice on proper handling and preservation techniques.

The Significance of a 17th Century Buckle in Historical Context

After careful examination and consultation with experts, the buckle was dated to the mid to late 1600s. This period, known as the early modern era in British history, was a time of significant social, political, and economic change. The buckle serves as a tangible link to this fascinating period, potentially worn by someone who witnessed events like the English Civil War or the Great Fire of London.

The craftsmanship evident in the buckle speaks to the skill of 17th-century artisans. Buckles from this period were not just functional items but also fashion statements, often indicating the wearer’s social status or personal taste. The preservation of the pin is particularly noteworthy, as these more delicate parts are often lost to time.

For a metal detectorist, finds like this buckle are particularly rewarding. They allow us to connect with history in a very personal way, holding an object that was last touched by someone living centuries ago. It’s a reminder of the continuity of human presence in the landscape and the stories that lie buried beneath our feet.

While this buckle is currently my favorite find from this site, the excitement of metal detecting lies in the unknown. Each signal holds the potential for another remarkable discovery, another piece of the historical puzzle. As detectorists, we are not just hobbyists but also custodians of history, playing a role in uncovering and preserving our shared heritage for future generations.

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