Hello you lovely people! As most of you may know, I am Karl, one of the co-founders of We are Hummingbird. I was recently approached by Scott from Crawfords Metal Detectors to talk about why I love metal detecting and how I use it as an aide in helping to balance my mental health.
How long have you been detecting?
I have been detecting for just over 4 years. Though, due to the pandemic I had to have about a two-year hiatus. I don’t have any of my own permissions (places I am allowed to detect) and rely on group digs so I couldn’t just pop off for some solitary detecting.
For me, the fascination of metal detecting has always been there. When I was a kid, my Great Auntie used to be a detectorist and once showed me a Gold Roman ring that she found (and is now on display at the British Museum I believe). I remember it looking really tatty and not thinking much about its significance other than the fact it was gold and was pretty valuable. Now I am older and slightly more knowledgeable it holds a lot more significance. These days, the history far out-weighs any value for me.
What’s your favourite find?
This is a tough one. So far, I only really have 3 really interesting finds; my first was a 12th Century seal matrix (1101-1200) and then the week after I found my fist hammered coin, a Henry III cut-half voided long cross (1207-1272) and a bronze age spear tip (3300BC-1200BC). But I think because I chased and coveted my first hammered coin for 4 years, I would have to say that. The seal matrix is more interesting to look at though.
Henry III voided long cross, cut-half
12th Century Seal matrix (Translates to Alex / Alexander / Alexandra, Son of John)
Bronze Age spear tip
What detector do you use?
I use a Minelab Equinox 600. It was a big upgrade and learning curve from my previous detector but one I am more than happy with. It’s one of the best metal detectors on the market for its price, and is brilliant in a lot of different terrains.
<