June 2024 – The metal detecting community is abuzz with excitement as one of their own, Bob Jemmett, prepares to auction off a remarkable discovery that’s become legendary among hobbyists. This tale serves as an inspiration to detectorists everywhere, showcasing the potential for uncovering truly unique historical artifacts.
Jemmett, a 75-year-old retired lorry driver and veteran detectorist of 30 years, made the find of a lifetime during a detecting rally at Great Chishill, Cambridgeshire, in 2018. Despite challenging weather conditions with “rain lashing down,” Jemmett’s perseverance paid off when his detector gave “a lovely signal” – a moment every detectorist dreams of.
Digging down just 4 inches, Jemmett unearthed a 1st Century BC bronze Celtic “fertility figure” with exaggerated anatomical features. This discovery highlights the importance of thorough and careful searching, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
True to responsible detecting practices, Jemmett reported his find to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Since then, the figure, affectionately dubbed “Nobby,” has become a celebrity in detecting circles. Jemmett shares, “Detectorists from all over Europe at rallies would ask me if they could see ‘Nobby,’ who I always keep in my pocket as a constant companion!”
The figure’s notoriety even led to it being used as a logo by rally organizers, further cementing its status in the detecting community. This illustrates how a single find can capture the imagination of fellow enthusiasts and become part of detecting folklore.
Nigel Mills, an expert at Noonans auction house, provides insight into the artifact’s historical significance: “This unique figure dates from the 1st Century BC, he has an oversized bald head with deep sockets for eyes, wedges for arms and short legs.” Mills also suggests such figures might “have had symbolic powers of good luck and warding off evil spirits,” adding an intriguing layer of mystique to the find.
Now, after years of enjoying his discovery, Jemmett has decided to put “Nobby” up for auction. With an estimated value of up to £1,500, this sale demonstrates the potential financial rewards of the hobby, though for many detectorists, the thrill of discovery and connection to history are the real prizes.
As the detecting community eagerly awaits the auction results, Jemmett’s story serves as an inspiration to detectorists everywhere. It’s a reminder that with patience, dedication, and a bit of luck, any sweep of the detector could unearth a piece of history that captures the imagination and becomes part of detecting lore.
It sold at the auction for £3000, twice the original estimate
