I have been metal detecting for the last twelve years. Before retiring three years ago, I purchased a Minelab CTX 3030. Some of my finds have been a 1780 cannon ball, an 1802 gold Third Guinea, a 1757 Jamaican 1 Shilling Six Pence, lots of silver coins, musket balls and gold and silver jewellery. My greatest find to date has been a gold pocket watch made by American Waltham Watch company. While checking out a spot with a friend, for a missing wedding band, I was taking my time searching an old road way. My friend raced ahead of me to get to the sweet spots! I found a few modern coins - nothing significant - but then suddenly I had this number 18:42 then 1:37- 1:42. So I said to myself that I have got to check this out! I was disappointed at first. I thought it was just the bottom of a pop can. Though the more I dug, the more I realized that it was a watch. It was a silver pocket watch. I got even more excited when I saw the etching on the back of the watch. On the watch was a detailed etching of an old locomotive on it. The face of the watch not in great shape, but the rest was awesome. When I caught up with my friend and showed him what I thought was my silver pocket watch, he said to me, "Dean, check that watch again I think it should be gold." After closer examination, we discovered that was indeed gold! He was impressed with my find. The watch is a heavy piece and the face of the watch is damaged, but I am taking it to a watch shop next week. They will check for a serial number on the inside of the watch to determine the age and grade of gold. We are still searching for the wedding band, but helping others certainly has its rewards!
Dean - Nova Scotia, Canada.
