Relic Hunting Guide

Relic hunting success depends on finding sites with history:

Primary Sources: - Civil War battle maps - Old road and settlement maps - Military installation records - Historical society archives

Field Evidence: - Old foundations - Cellar holes - Square nail concentrations - Broken pottery and glass

Permission Critical: Most relic-rich sites are private property. Build relationships with landowners.

Frequency: Lower frequencies (5-8 kHz) for depth on large targets

Discrimination: - Minimal! Relics often read as "junk" - Iron audio helps evaluate iron signals - Dig more, miss less

Ground Balance: - Manual preferred for historic sites - Ground conditions often challenging

Sensitivity: - High as conditions allow - Deeper targets need maximum sensitivity

Plug Method: 1. Cut three sides of a plug 2. Fold back (hinge intact) 3. Remove target from hole 4. Replace plug precisely 5. Tamp down firmly

Depth Management: - Use long probe for deep signals - Dig carefully - relics are fragile - Keep spoil on a tarp or cloth

Recording Finds: - GPS coordinates - Photograph in situ - Note depth and orientation - Keep recovery log

Do NOT: - Wire brush artifacts - Soak in vinegar or acids - Clean in first 24 hours

Do: - Rinse in distilled water - Pat dry gently - Store in archival materials - Consult conservator for valuable items

Iron Relics: - Most fragile category - Store dry with silica gel - Consider electrolysis for key pieces - Never leave outside