Download - Treasure Hunter eBook 2010a11
From Noted Author, Soldier of Fortune and Treasure Hunter
JACK THOMPSON
Of
An Illustrated Easy-to-Follow Reference for Beginners and
Experienced Metal Detectors that Includes Never BeforeRevealed Information about finding Lost Treasure
This Book is Intended for the More
Serious Minded and Intrepid Individual
The Holy GrailTreasure Hunting
A COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
TO TREASURE HUNTING FOR A LIVING
Table of Contents
Preface..............................................................................................Page 1
Dedication.........................................................................................Page 2
Introduction......................................................................................Page 3
Chapter One
What this Book is not about...............................................................Page 7
Other aspects of treasure hunting........................................................Page 8
Educating yourself - Know the Law....................................................Page 9
Chapter Two
Self Survival - A serious reality check.................................................Page 11
Consider the Possibilities.................................................................Page 12
Keeping the dream alive....................................................................Page 13
Anything in moderation....................................................................Page 14
Modern Day Pirates.........................................................................Page 15
Boobie Traps...................................................................................Page 16
Chapter Three
Setting youself up for success..........................................................Page 17
Cosmic Intervention.........................................................................Page 18
Things in your favor.........................................................................Page 19
Long history of lost treasure.............................................................Page 20
Other unique finds...........................................................................Page 21
Using Google Earth..........................................................................Page 22
Chapter Four
Discretion........................................................................................Page 23
Chapter Five
Different types of treasure hunting....................................................Page 25
Chapter Six
Choosing a metal detector................................................................Page 27
Dowsing..........................................................................................Page 28
Chapter Seven
Hope and Research..........................................................................Page 31
Faith, Trust and Determination..........................................................Page 32
Chapter Eight
Equipment - Tools of the trade.........................................................Page 34
Common Sense and Safety...............................................................Page 36
Table of Contents
Chapter Nine
Site Reading - Conceptual Interpretation
Old Forts and Batteries............................................................................37
Using your instincts..................................................................................39
Gidding and Plotting................................................................................41
Getting the Edge......................................................................................42
Chapter Ten
Ghost Towns and Old Homesteads..........................................................43
Chapter Eleven
Beaches, Shore lines, Shallow and Deep Water..........................................44
The Beach Zone.......................................................................................48
The Hard-Packed Zone............................................................................49
The Shallows Zone..................................................................................50
The Activity Zone....................................................................................51
The Deep Zone........................................................................................52
Cuts and Channels...................................................................................53
Sub-Chapter Eleven
Shipwrecks and Scuba Diving..................................................................56
Water hides a vast amount of treasure.......................................................57
Chapter Twelve
Search Techniques..................................................................................59
Chapter Thirteen
Maps Old and New..................................................................................62
Summery Review...................................................................................64
Metal Detecting Sites............................................................................66
Weather you want to pursue treasure hunting as a part time or full time
venture you can now approach it with the confidence of a seasoned profes-
sional. Never before has there been a book like this one. A complete and
comprehensive guide to finding lost and buried treasure.
You are about to become the benefactor of more well kept secrets than
you’ve ever imagined. You will be able to enter the world of treasure hunting
with real world knowledge of how to actually go about it.
My name is Jack Thompson and I’ve spent almost 50 years of my life ac-
quiring this knowledge and information in tiny little bits and pieces along the
way. Sometimes at great personal cost. It would only make sense for any of
you to wonder why am I willing to divulge all of these well guarded and time
honored secrets among treasure hunters?
Well that’s just it. Time! The one thing I no longer have an abundance of is
time. Besides, I’ve already had my share of success and limited notoriety.
After all, what else do people do at the end of their run but write a book
about their exploits. What’s the point of a lifetime’s work and achievement if
you can’t pass it along.
This is why I’ve decided to let you in on all the untold secrets of this alluring
world of adventure and discovery. This book will reveal to you many of the
proven techniques and methods that successful treasure hunters use and have
kept to themselves from the very beginnings of early salvors and ancient
recovery vessels to modern times.
This is also going to make some people very unhappy. My apologies to any
and all of you - Deal with it!
Real World Treasure
Preface
1
THE RICHEST TREASURE I ever found was my loving and devoted
wife Lynn who I met on one of those rare occasions when I wasn’t looking
for something. Truly the very best way to find anything. A real siren of the
sea her sweet and melodic song lured me into her arms and have held me
there to this day. She has put up with my unconventional ideas and misad-
ventures without hesitation or regard for her own feelings for as long as
we’ve been together. It is only because of her that I am what I am today.
Her love and loyalty throughout the years has always been my inspiration to
seek out the treasures of life and see the good in people. Over the years my
love and passion for treasure has gradually faded and been replaced com-
pletely by my love for her in what I see as my greatest find ever. No amount
of treasure could ever replace her importance and value in my life. So for all
the time we’ve spent apart, and all the time it took me to put this book to-
gether and take away from you, once again I say thank you for being my
wife. You are truly my golden goddess of luck and good fortune and in my
eyes shine brighter than any treasure I’ve ever looked upon.
Dedication
Real World Treasure
2
Love is the
greatest treasure
of all. I love
you wife.
SINCE I WAS A BOY growing up in Key West, I’ve been hunting for
treasure. With little or nothing for a young boy to do back in the early
1960’s, the Keys did offer one particular thing: Many stories of buried pirate
plunder, sunken Spanish treasure ships, salvors and ships that were deliber-
ately scuttled on the reefs. Finding gold dou- bloons,
pieces of eight and the like always peeked my interest.
Heck, it peeked every body’s interest for that matter.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much a 12 year old boy
could do to locate any of that sort of thing until one
fateful day - my father - who worked in a shipyard, brought home a strange
looking piece of equipment. “It’s a Metal Detector!” He exclaimed. “You
use it to find stuff and they were going to throw it away.” “I don’t know
how it works or even if it works, but you can fool around with it if you
want.” He said.
I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EARS. “A metal detector! Wow! Uhh,
OK... Wait a minute, what’s a metal detector?” I asked. “You can find
metal things like coins and rings.” My dad said. I had never even heard of a
metal detector before but upon hearing that I couldn’t wait to try it out. It
only had a couple of knobs and an on/off switch so how hard could it be to
figure out how to use it, right? It took some kind of battery that I’d never
seen before and I tried my best to find some way to make it work. But it was
an effort in futility, even after rigging a power source it still didn’t work!
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
“THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED”
The road less traveled is also the road to riches and fame.Follow the road that one twelve year old boy decided to takeand find out just how far he went and what he discovered!
Introduction
3
THERE WAS NO ONE who could help me with the electronics. Not in
Key West anyway. But that wasn’t going to stop me. That fact that I now
knew there was such a thing as a metal detector was all that mattered and all I
did was badger my father day in and day out to get me
one. (At this point I’m sure he was sorry he ever brought
it home.) Why if I had a metal detector just think of the
possibilities. All my dreams and aspirations were attain-
able. I’d be rich, recognized and well thought of in the
community. Buried treasure was just on the horizon. It
was just outside my door on the beach or perhaps in the
park or some of the smaller islands and Cays. I tingled with excitement and
anticipation. Day dreaming became a full time pass time.
BUT METAL DETECTORS were a hard item to come by back in
those days and the Sears and Roebuck catalog didn’t carry them either.
“Man, if Sears didn’t have them nobody did.” At least that’s what my father
said. I think he was just trying to discourage me or put me off once and for
all. Admittedly, I was a bit of a pain in backside about it. But nothing was
going to stop me. I was determined. Owning my own metal detector was
my way off of this dinky, nothing to do, no where to go swamp of an island!
(I wish I could afford to live there today... But that’s another chapter I’m
going to write in my next book: “Things I should have done!”) But I di-
gress!
OK, SO ONE AFTERNOON I was sulking and kicking dirt down at
the boat yard when one my father’s co-workers yells “hey kid! - Did you
ever get that thing to work?” I looked over at him... He was smiling a bit and
looked harmless enough so I said “no, that piece of crap! All it does is beep
and hum.” “That’s what it’s supposed to do kid!” He said with a bigger
smile. “What!” I exclaimed! “What do you mean that’s what it does.” I
asked. “Yeah, and when you go over top a piece of metal it makes sort of a
whistle or some other kind of noise. I used it around here to find parts and
stuff we dropped in the sand.” He added.
Real World Treasure
4
Real World Treasure
I WAS STYMIED for a few seconds. I never thought of putting some-
thing down on the ground and going over top of it. How could I have been
so stupid, so naive, so lacking in vision. “Oh my god!” I thought to myself.
That thing could actually have been working all along.
ALL OF THIS went through my brain in a couple of seconds. Upon
bringing myself to this realization and gathering my thoughts I virtually
“landed” on the poor guy. So many questions pored through my head I
could hardly ask them one at a time. “Woah, woah, woah, kid!” He said.
“First of all your old man left the charging chord here. I think it’s still in the
shop. So I don’t know how you could tell if it worked or not.” He contin-
ued. I told him about my rigging up a power supply but the only thing I
could get it to do is squeal, beep and whistle. He laughed out loud much to
my chagrin.
I WAS FEELING like a complete moron but so excited with the pros-
pect that it actually worked I didn’t know
what to do next. The guy’s name turned
out to be “Sully” short for “Sullivan”
probably. I would have called him
“Dad” if he would show me how the
metal detector worked. We walked over
to the shop and by godzilla, there was the
charging chord. “Hot Damn, one step
closer to fame and freedom” I thought to
myself.
SULLY SAID: “you go home and charge the battery, it’ll take all night,
and then tomorrow bring it here on my lunch break and I’ll show you what I
know.” Holy cow! It was all I could do to contain myself. I ran home and
plugged it in with nervous anticipation and sure enough, the charging light
came on! I was on my way to fame and fortune! When my old man came
home (I was going to say “Dad” but for now Sully was my new “Dad”) I
told him what happened that afternoon and asked why he never said anything
about Sully. “I don’t know.” He said with a puzzled look on his face. “I
never new what he was doing with it I guess.”
The boat yard where my old manand “Sully” worked!
5
Real World Treasure
HARDLY AN EXCUSE of any kind I thought. Parents are supposed to
know everything. At least that’s what they kept telling me. I couldn’t stop
going into my room and checking to see if the light did anything. I woke up
during the night to check it’s progress several times... Nothing. When I
woke up the light was green and a whole new world awaited me. I started
waving that thing over nails in the floor, change from the old man’s ash tray
and anything else I ran across or over - all the time paying particular attention
to the sounds and tones.
I AMUSED MYSELF all morning and then went over to see Sully. He
said there used to be a manual but it had long since disappeared. Mostly
what he did was just confirm what I had already learned that morning. He
was hardly an expert with it and told me he just responded to most any
sound it made in the area he was searching. We tried screws and different
types of metal, springs and small parts of all kinds. When I brought his
attention to the different sounds it made over different objects he said “well
I’ll be darned, it does make different sounds. I never noticed that.” I knew
at that point that Sully would no longer be of any help to me. Sully didn’t
have the “ear” for it. He was tone deaf. But thanks to him a whole new
world of adventure opened up for me and put me on a course that has taken
me to where I am today. (Not that that’s any big deal.)
THIS WAS MY INTRODUCTION into the fascinating world of Metal
Detecting. If you’re just starting out I hope it holds as much excitement and
wonder for you as it always has for me. But there are some perils and pitfalls
along the way. How you start your adventure has everything to do with how
successful you will be in the end. So read on, read carefully and don’t skip
any important steps or be in a hurry. The treasure will always be there wait-
ing for you - the trick is finding it and that’s what this book is all about.
6
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
7
Chapter One
What this Book is not about!
The information in this book is intended for serious mindedand intrepid individuals who wish to pursue treasure huntingbeyond the scope of a hobby! THERE ARE AT BEST a couple of dozen books out there on metal
detecting and treasure hunting and I’ve read every one of them. I’ve also
visited the many on-line web sites and I’ve got to say that if you combined all
of that information you still wouldn’t have enough to attempt to make a living
at it or even enjoy it as a hobby. Any useful information has been purposely
left out and what is given is comprised of useless advise like wearing sun
screen and comfortable clothing. What this book is not about is what I would
consider everyday common sense and the natural law of “assumption.” What
that means is I’m assuming that you have enough sense to know that treasure
hunting for a living has some drawbacks and you already know how to pack a
lunch.
SOME OF THE RAMBLINGS and nonsense I’ve read that’s in print
and actually published lends way too much credibility to the phrase “The
dumbing down of America.” If someone actually has to tell you not to dive
into shark infested waters or play out in traffic, please find some other source
of self fulfillment. Filling in the holes you dig, cleaning your finds, and look-
ing for treasure in your own backyard is not what your going to find on these
pages.
THIS BOOK is dedicated to serious minded individuals who are savvy in
the ways of the world, have a sense of taking risks and don’t have to be told
to tie their boots. I’m not trying to dissuade any one new to the sport of
treasure hunting, in fact, for you beginners, this is without a doubt the best
thing you could have hit upon.
INTREPID - DEFINITION: Fearless, Courageous, Bold, and Daring - Resolute -Determined
An eye openingexperience forbeginners but...
Seasoned professionals will
benifit as well
Real World Treasure
8
THOSE WHO WANT to better their chances of becoming a successful
treasure hunter are going to be enlightened, enthused and enriched by the
secrets you’re about to discover in this book.
Of course other informative books on trea-
sure hunting have been written, but most of
them focus exclusively on one particular
aspect like Coin hunting, shallow water hunt-
ing or relic hunting for example. And if
you’re looking for dimes, nickels and belt
buckles that’s fine too.
I AM ASSUMING of course that this is
not the only book you’ve read or are going to
read about treasure hunting. There are some
other books out there worth reading but they
don’t cover the entire process and fall woe-
fully short of any serious educational value. They are usually dedicated to a
specific type of metal detecting, visual hunting, digging in trash pits for old
bottles, going to garage sales and Flea Markets or panning for gold in
streams. They talk about how to prepare for a treasure hunt by packing a
nice picnic lunch, slathering on sun block and waiting for years for storms
and hurricanes to uncover potential finds.
TALKING ABOUT HOW to avoid poison ivy and chiggers is not what
my idea of useful information and I’m assuming you have already consid-
ered the risks and rewards. I’m not going to tell you about the rules all good
treasure hunters should follow like filling in the holes you dig and the many
benefits of doing community service. This book is geared toward real
world treasure hunting not archeology, or looking for primitive artifacts like
spear heads and arrow points. Notwithstanding you
need to do research on these other things as well as
they are not without merit or potential value. And
you do not want to leave anything of potential
value no matter what it is.
“Carpe Diem” - Sieze the Day!
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
9
THERE ARE OTHER THINGS you need to know about like; legalities
concerning private property, contracts, local ordinances, state parks, federal
land, treasure trove laws, third party claims and other such things. This
information is available and easily accessible but I’m not trying to fill up
pages in a book by offering advise like “wear Dr. Scholl’s insert cushions in
your shoes.” This book is the informational meat and potatoes of treasure
hunting - mostly the meat.
YOU NEED to be as well informed and educated as possible in any
venture you pursue full time as a means of income and treasure hunting is not
an exception. Professional gamblers live their lives dealing with risks,
odds and possibilities. But they narrow down the edge and improve their
chances by learning every thing they can and factoring in a little
luck. Insurance companies are really nothing more than book
makers (they’re called actuaries because it sounds
dignified than bookie,) who calculate the odds of
injury, accident or death mathematically. There are
other examples I could use to convince you that
risk is an acceptable part of life and should be
taken in stride, but I’m not trying to do that.
Treasure hunting involves risk, so again, what this book
is not about is a promise or guarantee of success, but
it will most definitely narrow down the odds and provide
you with the edge.
Know the Law in your State
regarding metal detecting
and treasure hunting!
INFORM AND EDUCATE YOURSELF
more
Real World Treasure
10
IF YOU WANT to join a treasure hunting club for whatever reason be
my guest. Some people derive a lot of enjoyment from it for one reason or
another. Will any of them share good information with you? Well, that re-
mains to be seen. But don’t count on it. If you don’t like feeling that you’re
“a bit out of the norm” and you share a certain kindred spirit with the boys
in the club, I would consider that as a good reason because we are at best, an
unusual bunch.
BUT SUCH IS NOT the intent of this book. I’m not going to tell you to
keep a journal, ask permission to be on someone’s property or make sure
you’ve got gas in your tank. One eBook I read consisted of 43 pages includ-
ing the front and back cover. Now I know that most eBooks are usually not
more than 50 pages but this one was double spaced, used a size 14 font had
huge pictures between every 3 or 4 lines of words per page, had about 6 half
pages, had 6 or 7 pages of permission slips for home owners 5 pages of
absolute gibberish and nonsense, 5 pages of things that don’t pertain to the
USA at all and the remaining pages filled with the most useless information
I’ve ever read and to top it off looks like a 6 year old put it together. And all
this for the everyday low price of almost $40.00. Oh well - Every lesson
worth learning in life costs something. Even if it’s learning what not to do.
If anything this book is not - It’s that! You’re going to
spend some money doing research. You should expect to. Books are re-
search. If you think treasure hunting is without cost and you can use a metal
detector you found at a garage sale for $10.00 you’re being unrealistic and
need to re-evaluate your approach. There are people who will argue this
point but they are hobbyists not serious minded hunters. This book holds
many real world secrets that are worth real money and is about real world
treasure hunting and metal detecting. So if this is what you’re looking for -
keep reading - you won’t be disappointed!
A certain kindred spirit!
MOST BOOKS you read will be very disappointing
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
11
Chapter Two
Self survival - A serious reality checkKeeping a reasonable perspective and a level head on yourshoulders - gold fever is a condition not a symptom
TREASURE HUNTING as a hobby is a great pass
time and has it’s own rewards but making it your full time
job is going to require some self analysis. Questions have to
asked and answered concerning your intensions and level of
commitment. Your individual psychological profile, personal
finances, marital and family status, zest for adventure, avail-
able time and so on are all questions you should ask and
answer to yourself before you continue. Perhaps your a
daydreamer and just curious about the subject. That’s fine too.
BUT FOR THOSE of you with true intentions, understand that treasure
hunting can be a cruel mistress that can only be handled by certain types of
individuals in a financial position to do so, and only you know your own
limitations. This is why so many metal detectors end up collecting dust in the
garage. It sure sounds like a good idea at the time but without a certain
amount of success you will soon become frustrated, disillusioned and give
up the dream.
THE TWO REASONS most new business ventures fail are the lack of
money to carry them over until a reasonable return is realized and the lack of
knowledge or education regarding what they’re doing. I don’t know what
your monetary situation is but I do know the information contained in this
book will give you a proper education. So let’s begin your education with a
reality check: Is lost treasure real or is it just fantasy? Does treasure really
exist? How much is it out there? Can people who are looking for treasure
actually find it? What are my chances? Can you make a living at it?
Let’s get Real!
Think about it-
Don’t quit your
day job just yet
Real World Treasure
12
The Lost City of Troy
Trojan relic believed to bethe “death mask” of KingPriam whose reign endedwith the sacking of the cityof Troy by the Greeks leadby rival King Agamemnonalong with many Greekheroes of the age like Ajax,Achilles and Ulysses.
Consider the possibilities!
GoldReale
Pendantfrom the wreck of
theAtocha
THE ANSWER to these compelling questions is quite simply “yes!”Yes to all of them. It’s not fantasy, it really does exist, there’s an abundance
of it that’s not yet been found, people who look for it do indeed find it, and
your chances are actually pretty
good believe it or not. If you
want more encouragement let’s
consider one famous treasure
hunter by the name of Kip
Wagner who doggedly searched
the eastern shores of Florida’s
beaches for remanence of the
1715 Spanish treasure fleet that
went down during a fierce hurri-
cane and found several of those
ships just off the coast. To this day, people are still finding gold and silver
coins on those same beaches.
A WELL KNOWN treasure hunter named Mel Fisher (who worked with
Kip Wagner for a time) and his quest for the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra
Senora de Atocha brought headlines around the world. How about the real
life Indian Jones; archeologist Dr. John Russell who’s exploits of finding and
preserving the Treasures of Nineveh in the middle east have brought him
fame and fortune or Dr. Robert Ballard who found the Titanic in 1985 and
has gone on to find many lost sunken treasure ships across the seven seas.
Several other famous treasure hunters are; Art McKee,
Heinrich Schliemann (Lost City of Troy), Cork Graham,
Mike Hatcher, Robert Marx, Lee Spence, Bob Weller,
Bobby Klein, Craig Hamilton, Marty Meylach, and
Tom Gurr who you may want to read about have all
made their contributions as well. Although these people
have had local, national and world wide acclaim there are many others who
have found treasure hordes and never mentioned it to anyone - ever. I know
this because I’m one of them.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
13
WHAT I FOUND in Key West as a young boy is something I’ve never
told anyone to this day and I will take it’s secret to my grave. There are
treasure hunters out there who don’t want the notoriety or fame just so other
people won’t attempt to make claim to it. Inviting the prying eyes of the IRS
is not very desirable and there are always those that would relieve you of it in
other ways. It’s like hitting the lottery, people come from everywhere.
Friends, family, total strangers, investment firms, accountants, lawyers, the
list is unending.
THOSE THAT HAVE been through it will tell you it just takes any
pleasure you might have enjoyed right out of the entire experience. But let’s
not put the cart before the horse. You’ve got to find the treasure first! You
can deal with your success later. I mentioned that I was going to tell you
everything about treasure hunting and this is a very real part of it. So the
reality check goes on.
BEFORE YOU COMMIT yourself to anything you should know ev-
erything about it including yourself. There are lots of people who dream
about or even practice treasure hunting or metal detecting on weekends and
off hours as a hobby. This satisfies most of their dreams and illusions. It
also keeps them level in their world where they may have a larger commitment
to their family and putting food on the table. Unless you’re independently
wealthy or have a life whereby you are able to devote your time, money and
resources to treasure hunting the reality of doing it on a full time basis starts
to become very limited. This is the main reason there are so few people that
actually do it for a living.
THE ONE THING that keeps the dream alive is
the distinct possibility that on any given day someone
with or without a metal detector will find treasure!
Many times when they’re not even looking for it. It
may not be a large cache of gold and silver. It might
not be more than a coin from more recent times. The
point is they found it!
OTHER CONSIDERATIONSKeeping the dream alive
Real World Treasure
14
It’s been lost or forgotten about but it’s been
laying there just out of sight, hidden away all the while
just waiting to be found. (Not that long ago some
lucky fisherman literally stumbled onto a chest of gold on one of the smaller
cays near Key West.)
SO LET’S GET BACK to knowing yourself by asking some basic
questions: Do you have a compulsion to seek out treasure that is an abso-
lute driving force in you life? Is it one that would make you abandon your
family, friends, stability, career, or any hope of a secure future? If it is...
Then you’ve got the “treasure bug” and I would advise you to control your
urges of self destruction and abandonment and get a grip on reality. No, I am
not trying to discourage you, not in the least. I’m telling you I’ve seen this
happen and it’s not pretty.
DON’T LOOK AT THE WORLD of treasure hunting through a rose
colored spyglass. The end result can be devastating. I’m telling you to find
a reasonable balance with a realistic plan and goals. This is an absolute must
for your own salvation and survival. “Anything in moderation.” You’ve
heard that before somewhere right? Don’t sacrifice everything for the possi-
bility of nothing! I would encourage you to act accordingly within the con-
fines of your own particular circumstances and responsibilities in life. Being
sensible, patient and moderate is an important part of treasure hunting any-
way. Start practicing.
ON THE UP SIDE I can tell you that there are individuals that seek
treasure as a full time occupation and are very successful.
There are a number of treasure hunting, deep sea recov-
ery, and other related companies that derive all of their
revenues from finding unclaimed treasure. They are very
legitimate companies; some of which are actually traded on the NASDAQ
stock exchange. Don’t ever think treasure hunting is just for dreamers and
romantics.
Anything in moderation
YOU NEED TO GET A GRIP
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
15
ON THE DOWN SIDE I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you there is the
possibility that you may never find anything. It isn’t likely but it is a possibil-
ity you have to consider and always keep it in mind. It’s better that I tell you
all these things up front so that you can make an informed and intelligent
decision about treasure hunting for a living.
THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE I have to share with you: Believe it
or not, pirates still exist and in fact, are on the rise. They are very much
active all around the world and continue their age old customs. In recent
times more hijackings on the high seas are occurring claiming international
attention. Somalian pirates have had the audacity to attack U.S. cargo ships
and hold them for ransom. Imagine the fate of the many private vessels with
their passengers and crews who have never been heard from again. Truth be
told and the devil be damned - piracy has never really ended. The Gulf of
Mexico and the Caribbean have been their home and haunt for centuries and
contrary to popular belief, they have not vanished into history. Today,
whether it’s drug money, rich cargo, an expensive sailing vessel or scuttling
boats for insurance claims, they are constantly on the prowl.
THERE ARE - and I must tell you, some rather unsavory people in this
business. Most people don’t realize there is great competition among trea-
sure hunters which has many times lead to blood shed and death. Fights
over treasure, salvage rights or who got there first has sent many a brave
soul to his maker. Those few successful treasure hunters of today are
closely watched by others. Their movements and activities are monitored
constantly by those that would stop at nothing to claim the bounty of trea-
sure including cuttin’ a few throats!
What pirates?
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Some other things you didn’t want to know:
Real World Treasure
16
Regrettably, I need to warn
you about the unthinkable...
Booby traps left by people who
buried or hid their goods and
treasure. Mine shafts have been
rigged to collapse or flood by the
ancient Aztecs (among others) to
protect their precious sources
hundreds if not thousands of years
ago. Be extremely careful when
your digging something up. If
you’re not dead certain of what it
is you may become just that...
Dead!
“The two pan death trap”is the story of a man who buried
his treasure in the ground using
two cast iron frying pans. He set
the first on top of his money then took a WWII hand grenade, pulled the pin,
put a rubber band around the trip lever, soaked that with lighter fluid,
smashed it into a wad of plumbers putty handle towards the top, set the other
frying pan on top of that and filled in the hole. Lighter fluid has an almost
immediate degenerating effect on a rubber band so the only thing holding the
trip lever down is the weight of the upper frying pan and the dirt.
The neighbor, seeing him burying something in the ground waits pa-
tiently for months for the man to take his annual vacation and guess what? It
worked perfectly. Protecting the money from the explosion and completely
decapitating the neighbor. I want you reap the rewards but this is also part of
the reality. So, if you’re still with me and you’re not deterred by the profit of
doom and gloom let’s get on with it and learn how to search for and find lost
or hidden treasure.
One last thing!
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
17
Chapter Three
PEOPLE WHO DECIDE to and are able to pursue treasure hunting as
a full time job must be very committed - or should be committed either one.
Words of encouragement and words of warning are conflicting but of equal
importance when considering treasure hunting as a full time endeavour. Trea-
sure hunting could make you rich but I say this with the same hesitation as I
would say losing your job could be the best thing that ever happened to you.
USUALLY when people make a dramatic decision to do something as
unusual such as go to Hollywood to become a “star,” they are met with a
certain negative or at least questionable response from their families and
piers. “You’re What?!” They ask. Just saying the phrase “I’ve decided to
become a treasure hunter” to most people evokes questions about your
sanity and sound judgement making capabilities. So be prepared. This
pursuit is so out of the ordinary that most people just can’t get their head
around it. It’s fantasy not reality to them. Which means in turn that you
don’t live in reality!
SO GET USED TO IT if this is what you
decide to do. I can tell you from personal expe-
rience and a lifetime of naysayers it’s one of the
hardest obstacles to overcome. That is of
course until you find something. Now you’re
for real. You’ve got credibility. You may have
celebrity status. These same people now think
there might be something to this treasure hunting
thing. It doesn’t take much. It doesn’t have to
be a large cache of treasure or a horde of gold
reales. Just one little thing. Why? Because now
the fantasy has become the reality simply by a
“show of proof.”
Setting yourself up for success
TreasureHunting-
The lastFrontier!
Real World Treasure
18
If ONE LITTLE THING is found, that in itself is proof positive that
other things can be found. That’s it! And the same principle should tell you
the same thing. Be assured that finding treasure is not a pipe dream. People
find it all the time weather they’re looking or not. You’ve heard the old saying:
“I’d rather be lucky than skilled.” Well luck is definitely a factor in life. We
even call some people “lucky.” They always seem to be there when something
good happens. So, what is the luck factor?
CALL IT what you want kismet, luck, good fortune, fate, cosmic coinci-
dence, favor of the Gods, whatever. Luck may be intangible, but it cannot be
denied. It happens, it’s real and therefor exists. And
in the same vein of logic, so does lost treasure. To
accentuate the posi- tive side of looking for lost
treasure let’s discuss why the odds might be in your
favor. Weather or not you believe in things like univer-
sal, spiritual or natu- ral law they do indeed exist.
Just like the word “pseudoscience” is used in this
book there are things in the world that can’t be proven
but at the same time can’t be denied either. Here’s a secret for you: The
power of positive thinking works. Don’t ever doubt it. It’s better explained
and understood if we break it down into THREE PARTS:
THE FIRST PART being “focus.” You must focus on the finding aspect
by increasing your awareness of the world around you and particularly your
immediate surroundings. Heightened awareness is part of developing a “trea-
sure hunting mind set.”
THE SECOND PART is a universal law referred to as “the law of at-
traction.” When you visualize yourself being surrounded by treasure you will
attract it into your life. It’s a simple statement but it actually works.
Cosmic Intervention?Do you believe in astrology,card reading or mediums?
Well here’s some rather interesting and helpful information!
MEDITATION - CHI (q’i) - FENG SHUI - CLAIRVOYANCE - INTUITION ...?
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
19
THE THIRD PART is what’s called a “spiritual law” that works in
harmony with “what ever you focus on, you will attract” and in doing so will
further develop the treasure hunting mind set by believing in yourself. I’m
not one who believes in mystics, psychics, palm readers or the possibility
that God is going to lead me to treasure, but in this business you would be
wise use anything and everything that might help! It’s a powerful combina-
tion.
BUT THAT’S CERTAINLY NOT the only thing you’ve got going for
you. Shear numbers - Your largest asset. The amount of treasure that’s been
lost and forgotten about is beyond numeric calculation.
There are so many factual accounts of people finding
walls full of coins, treasures in the attic, personal caches
of gold, army payrolls, lost mines, sunken Spanish trea-
sure, bank robbers’ booty, train robbers’ takin’s, gang-
ster loot, pirate plunder and so on, that volumes of books have been written
on the subject.
BUT HERE’S THE GOOD PART; most estimates based on what’s
out there and what’s been found are to say the least very encouraging. There
are billions of dollars in currency that are not accounted for. And that’s just
currency. Think about that! This kind of information will help you develop a
mind set. This is the beginning and essential building block of setting your-
self up for success.
MORE MONEY has been lost and hidden than there is in circulation
today. Try to think in those terms. Better yet try to imagine from the time the
first coin was pressed (which is believed to be the Lydian electrum trite
minted by King Alyattes in Sardis, Lydia, Asia Minor which is now present-
day Turkey, c. 610-600 BC,) until now how many coins have been minted,
and then lost, buried, hidden or sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
Here’s a good example of spiritual law: Two equal and opposing armies
face each other on the field of battle. Which one wins? - The one with
the superior attitude. Why? - The power of positive thinking!
20
WE COULD NOT conceive the number of wars and
battles that raged in every corner of the globe or the raids
that were made by foreign invaders in far off lands. Hos-
tile hordes of barbarians, Roman legions and armies of
unknown origins have killed tens of millions of people
from antiquity to modern times all over the world.
IN THIS COUNTRY alone from the time of it’s
earliest settlers to present day think about the battles and
skirmishes with the explorers who encountered the savage
Indians and met their end and the many wars that occurred
throughout our brief history. All of these events are con-
tributory to the enormous amounts of personal and gov-
ernment treasure that’s been lost.
FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES of people fleeing
invading armies or attacks by rival tribes have had to hide and bury their
valuables so they wouldn’t be taken. Soldiers buried their pay and armies
buried their payroll to avoid its capture by the enemy. There are so many
case scenarios why people buried their personal treasures it staggers the
imagination. What’s more, many of them never returned to collect it. Done
in by villains, consumed by fever, killed by wars, shanghaied or put in jail
themselves, their treasure still remains right were they left it.
FROM Stagecoach hold ups to Lost Dutchman Mines, Mexican Bandits,
Moonshiners, Rum Runners, Stick Up Artists, Train Robbers (and the list
goes on,) all have hidden or buried treasure and for one reason or another
never come back to recover it. Treasure can virtually be anywhere. No
matter how the landscape has changed or how much time has gone by
someone’s treasure big or small can be right under your feet. This is a real
possibility. You can’t rule out or discount any location.
Grasping the concept
The world has a long historyof lost treasure ...
The
Los
t Te
mpl
ar T
reas
ure
has
neve
r be
en f
ound
!
Real World Treasure
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
21
Other uniquefinds...
THOSE WHO ARE ACTIVELY
LOOKING FOR TREASURE ARE
MORE LIKELY TO FIND IT!
ODDS ARE there is as much chance of a treasure being under your
swing set as there is anywhere else. There’s no way of knowing but math-
ematically the odds are the same. People as a rule buried things no further
down than arms length. That doesn’t sound like much but guess what - it’s
still just out of the average present day metal detectors range. Isn’t that a
kick in the head. And all of this is just on land. What’s been lost at sea is so
beyond human comprehension that Professor Steven Hawking (world-re-
nowned physicist and mathematician,) couldn’t venture a guess.
If it was reported that one Spanish treasure ship went down you can bet there
were two or possibly three. Their manifests deliberately misreported the
amount of gold, silver, precious gems and other valuable items
they were carrying. It was always twice as much or
more. Thousand of ships have gone down without
being reported who were carrying inconceivable
riches in their holds. The numbers are staggering
but irrelevant. Why? - Be cause to put it in a nut-
shell, we have barely found a fraction of what’s been
lost. I think a conservative es timate of possibly 1-2%
would be an exaggerated number and this just applies to what would be
considered large treasure hordes. You must also understand that finding the
right “penny” with the right date and mintmark could theoretically set you up
for life. (A 1943 copper penny minted in San Francisco is worth about
$80,000.)
THERE ARE OTHER unique finds that can produce the same results.
Don’t limit your thinking in this arena to finding caves full of stashed Templar
treasure. And, let’s for now, keep our thoughts in realm of reality and strong
possibility at least. So what’s the lesson to be learned here? - There’s no
shortage of lost treasure believe me, and simply put; those who are actively
looking for treasure are more likely to find it.
THE LUCK FACTOR comes into play by the fact that you are putting
yourself in the realm of possibility, circumstance and favorable conditions.
Even numerically you increase your odds of finding something simply be-
cause you’re looking for it.
IF YOU’RE DOING proper research you have put yourself in a certain
geographic location or area. That, in and of itself dramatically increases your
chance of discovery. This all sounds very simple but when you put all of
these things together along with some modern technology like the internet, a
good metal detector or side scan sonar you are very likely going to be suc-
cessful in your search.
HERE’S a little known secret for you: Using Google Earth, a Los Ange-
les-based musician named Nathan Smith thinks he’s found a lost treasure
ship that sank in a river somewhere north of Corpus Christi during a hurri-
cane in 1822. Technology has played a major role in finding lost treasure and
this is just in the last couple of years. Think about it. Add Google Earth to
your arsenal and use it for all it’s worth where ever you can. You will be
amazed and astounded at what you can find.
Real World Treasure
22
Although the river has changed
course over the years Smith
thinks he can clearly see where
the ship lies now partially on dry
land. The farmer who owns the
field would not give Smith per-
mission to dig the site and Smith
is seeking legal access through
the courts.The Spanish or Mexican Barquentine lies somewhere in this Google photo
Favorable Conditions Change your luckChange your luckChange your luckChange your luckChange your luck
YOU’VE HEARD the phrase “discretion is the greater part of valor”
I’m sure. Well in this business you must be able to act with discretion. If
you can’t keep a secret you’re in trouble already. This is a short chapter I
decided to include in this book because of its essential observation. Al-
though you may have never heard of me per say, our circles are small and
quiet, and as I’ve said, some treasure hunters choose not to be in the lime-
light but remain anonymous enjoying the rewards of their adventures and the
pursuit of the next one.
DISCRETION is a valuable asset in this business. Don’t be too quick
to tell someone about your finds no matter how small. It opens doors that
you will wish you had left closed. A good example is world renowned trea-
sure hunter Mel Fisher who was sued by the State of Florida by which they
claimed to have ownership in his discovery of the Spanish treasure ships
Nuestra Señora de Atocha, the Santa Margarita, and the Henrietta
Marie ( the latter was actually a slaver).
THESE SHIPS were found miles outside of Florida waters and if you
can believe it, these greedy bureaucrats and politicians were going to try and
sidestep hundreds of years of well established international maritime salvage
laws to get their fat, sweaty corrupt little hands on it. They lost - this time!
But it took 7 years, 141 hearings and went all the way to the Supreme Court
to do it. Mr. Fisher still had to agree to give the State of Florida 20% of
everything and first pick of what he found.
Real World Treasure
23
Chapter Four
Discretion - The order of the day
in this business!Shakespear’s Sir John Falstaff claiming “discretionto be the greater part of valour” in the play Henry V.
Real World Treasure
SPAIN HAS LAID CLAIM to the discovery of three Spanish ships (one
called The Black Swan) by noted treasure hunter Dr. Robert Ballard and the
discovery ship Odyssey’s crew, claiming that they are of Spanish heritage and
therefor any of it’s treasure belongs to Spain. Now let’s not lose sight of the
fact that the Spanish tortured and decimated the indigenous people of central
America like the Aztecs, Incas, Myans and anyone else who got in their way -
stole the gold from them in the first place - sold any survivors into slavery and
terrorized the Caribbean for many years in their unquenchable thirst for gold.
Greed, averice and the lust for gold makes people and countries do very
unsavory things even in the light of world news coverage.
UNFORTUNATELY these types of big discoveries are world news
events and hard to keep quiet, but any find no matter how large or small can
be contested and therefor held by authorities for an indefinite period of time
until litigation has run it’s course. There are other incidents but you get the
gist of what I’m trying to tell you. Whenever anyone asks “where did you
find that?” The answer should always be given with the utmost discretion: “I
found it in my backyard.” Or something to that effect. If I am going to pass
along this sensitive information you must have an appreciation for it.
THIS KIND of information is important. Don’t put yourself in
someone’s cross-hairs. Be “discrete” in your treasure hunting activities.
There’s nothing worse than finding something and then have to give it up!
Real World Treasure
24
On July 7, 1521 HernandoCortez and his conquista-dors ransacked andburned the Aztec city ofTenochtitlan destroyingthier temples and killingthe men, women andchildren in thier quest forgold and silver.
Tenochtitlan
The end of a dynasty
“PERCEPTION IS REALITY.” This phrase has never applied to any-
thing quite like treasure hunting. There are as many different types of treasure
hunting as there are perceptions about the word “treasure.” Nature’s Trea-
sures for example are things like seashells and driftwood, that some people
think are absolutely priceless and beyond value on a monetary scale. Beach-
combing has for hundred of years been one way of treasure hunting for many
people looking for seashells, artifacts, gold and silver
coins and so on. But we’re not talking about this kind
of treasure hunting. We’re talking about the real deal.
Pirate plunder, Military payroll gold, private stashes
and fabulous hordes of untold wealth.
NEVER THE LESS, there are a few other types
of treasure hunting worth noting: There are hunters
who look for meteorites. They’re extremely valuable
and some museums have paid millions for them no
bigger than a stone. Some search for dinosaur bones
and shark’s teeth. Again very valuable. Panning and
mining for gold and silver, Shipwreck and underwater
treasure hunting attract some people. Relic hunting is it’s own category with
subcategories that are broken down even further to specific kinds like war
relics, ancient historical relics and artifacts, religious relics and others. And
let’s not leave out the Urban Treasure Hunters who are not seeking any one
particular thing but many different types of treasure or valuable artifacts.
URBAN TREASURE HUNTING is a very broad and diverse type of
modern day treasure hunting adding and melding many aspects archeology,
architecture and geography to exploring a city’s hidden under belly, dark
passages, back alleys and history as a whole.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
25
Chapter Five
There are many different types of treasure hunting
Making a Choice
COIN SHOOTERS, Beach and Shallow Water hunters and Locating
Companies that find metal objects like boundary markers, tools, equipment
parts, water and gas lines, cable and electrical wires. The list goes on and
there are probably some I’m not aware of but there are many to choose
from. Different kinds of treasure attract different kinds of treasure hunters.
But which ever kind of treasure hunting you choose really doesn’t matter or
define you as a human being as long as it fulfills the zest for adventure and
the thrill of the hunt.
YOU MAY CHOOSE to engage in only one or all of the aforementioned
activities but for the moment we’re trying to narrow down the choice of metal
detectors. You can expand your horizons as you go. We will explore all
these different types of treasure hunting more in depth as we go on but for
now just be aware that there is more than one kind and the words “treasure
hunter” are very general and non-defining. Most treasure hunters refer to
themselves as “coin shooters,” “wreck divers,” or “relic hunters.” Rarely
have I ever heard any real world type refer to themselves as a “treasure
hunter.”
Real World Treasure
26
Not all treasureis found whereyou mightthink - Thiswas found atthe bottom ofan old wellwith anunderwatercamera. Thebox has longsince rottedaway but youcan still makepart of it out.
Think outside the box
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
27
Selection - Choose your weapon!
EVERY DAY new technology impacts and changes our lives. It changes
the way we think, live and perceive everything from recreation to work and
leisure. It has also influenced the engineering and design of metal detectors
and even though fundamentally the concept of operation is still unchanged,
they’ve come a long way since I first used one. Although the basic design
remains ergonomically similar, there are now more types and models with so
many features and functions they almost require a degree to operate with any
proficiency. But you’ve got to start somewhere.
CHOOSING A METAL DETECTOR, like choosing the type of
treasure hunting your going to pursue, takes a considerable amount of time,
money and research. It is an infinitely
important choice because what you’ve
chosen to do will dictate your choice of
which metal detector(s) to use. So let’s
explore the types and uses of metal
detectors. First a little history: The
first metal detector was developed by
Alexander Graham Bell in 1881. It was
an electromagnetic devise he called “The Induction Balance.” It was a crude
and hastily built unit for the purpose of finding an assassin’s bullet lodged
deeply in dying president James Garfield.
IN 1925 GERHARD FISCHER invented a portable metal detector.
Fischar’s model was first sold commercially in 1931 and Gerhard Fischar
was behind the first large-scale production of metal detectors. Basically, they
use electromagnetic induction to detect metal. There’s a bit more to it than
that, but that’s basically how they work.
Chapter Six
Different Types of
Metal Detectors
are used
for different
types of
treasure hunting
Bell checking the sensitivity of one
of his early designs with a bullet
Real World Treasure
COMMON REFERENCES to the different types are VLF (Very Low
Frequency,) VLF/TR, (TR standing for Transmitter Receiver,) PI (Pulse
Induction,) BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) and Induction Balance. The
BFO and TR metal detectors were once very popular but are no longer being
made. The BFO detectors are still manufactured but they are usually made
very cheaply and not used by serious treasure hunters. The VLF metal detec-
tor is in essence a motion detector. It is by far the most common detector
type used and the preferred choice is a VLF/TR motion discriminator that
has a silent search feature. These detectors can control the trash and mineral-
ization simultaneously.
BEYOND these various types they divided into categories: (General or
All Purpose,) (Beach, Surf and Water,) (Gold Metal,) (Relic Metal,) (Profes-
sional Land and Water,) (Two Box Deep Searching,) (Long Range Triangula-
tion,) (Deep Process or Ground Penetrating Radar,) (Commercial
and Industrial,) (Mag netrometers,) (Side Scan Sonar -
used as a substitute) and there may be more but I
think this just about cover them. More to
the point is you must do the required
amount of research prior to spending what
could be thousands of dollars for a piece of equipment
that may not suite your particular needs. Some metal detectors
are best suited for land, others for beach and surf, some are
completely submersible down to certain depths, some are
designed for locating gold or other precious metals, some made for relic
metal, others more suited for jewelry and coins.
THERE IS ONE other type of detecting and metal detector rarely men-
tioned. These treasure hunters are referred to a “the quiet profiteers” and this
particular method is called “Dowsing.” Contrary to popular belief dowsing is
not just about finding water. This lesser known type of detecting has suc-
cessfully been used to find treasure, oil, underground springs, boundaries,
metal, mines, minerals and other hidden things.
Dowsing for dollars?
28
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
29
THE ART of using the “L” Rod, Forked Twig or the Rod of Jacob as it’s
been called is something that would be thought of as a pseudoscience at best
but let’s consider the facts. Dowsing is the earliest form of treasure hunting
dating back to the time of Moses and Aaron producing water from the rock.
(Exodus.) Dowsers are engraved in ancient Egyptian stonework, and on a
statue of a Chinese Emperor dated around 2200 BC.
IN THE MID 16th century one famous dowser found over 150 large
deposits of iron, gold, silver and other minerals but was subsequently arrested
by the Church for practicing the “black arts!” There
was a book written on it later that same century but
any reference to it seems to have died out after that.
Probably due to the Church condemning it as part of
the occult and the work of the devil. Science gained
accreditation and the Church softened it’s position during the renaissance and
dowsing became so widely used that entire societies were devoted to its uses
and potential. Albert Einstein himself performed some amazing feats with
different types of dowsing devises.
GOVERNMENTS, industry, Armies and individuals
still use dowsing to this day as a dependable method of
locating things. During the Vietnam War dowsing skills
were taught to Marines to find land mines, booby traps and
underground tunnels occupied by the enemy. They are
living testament and validation to the practice of dowsing.
All right, so we know there is a lot of equipment out there
to help you in your search. From a tree branch to satellite
technology and every type of metal detector you can imagine. Still the ques-
tion remains - which one do I choose?
ONE REASON that there is still so much treasure left to find is that most
people don’t appreciate the process. They don’t follow procedure or take
appropriate measures to insure their success. Proper selection of the right
equipment is part of the process.
The Renaissance
Real World Treasure
BE THANKFUL that most people have never known how to go about
finding treasure. They stumble about spending inordinate amounts of money,
time and effort only to meet with failure, so they give up and go back to
whatever they did or something else. All the better I say. That leaves more
for the rest of us to find. I can’t pick out a metal detector for you anymore
than some floor walker working at a sporting goods store can. What I can
tell you is that all the information you could possibly need is on the internet in
abundance. A never ending stream of information that may confuse and
confound you in the beginning but will assure the correct choice of a metal
detector in the end.
YOU CAN’T DO ENOUGH RESEARCH when it comes to choosing
your most important tool. As far as using a metal detector, which ever
type you choose, I expect you to become profi- cient with it
before you venture into the realm of this book.
There are some finer points to learn with their use
like: proper swing techniques, gridding an area, search
patterns, tone interpretation, volume, ground dis-
crimination, gain, threshold and others. But you will
learn how to use most of those things when you buy
a metal detector, the rest you will learn from this book.
The first thing you have to do is decide on what type of
treasure hunting you’re going to do before you can even begin to
look at metal detectors. So let’s put firsts things first and finish the book
before you do anything else. Prepare yourself for the journey.
You’ve got to have a travel
plan before you buy a ticket
right? You also need to know
what you’re going to do be-
fore you buy a metal detector
30
Real World Treasure
31
I’VE WARNED YOU, I’ve tempted you, I’ve encouraged you and now
I’m going to tell you something else you may not want to hear: “Treasure
Hunting is a full time job!” Yes, you read that right. “A job!” (This is where
I will lose many of you.) “A job...!” “What...?!” “Nobody ever said any-
thing about a job!” First of all, if you can’t deal with frustration and disap-
pointment you’re not going to be a successful treasure hunter, period. You
will spend most of your time in the field not finding anything. (Right about
now is when most people lose interest and put their metal detector on ebay.)
But for the rest of you intrepid enthusiasts who just can’t get enough disillu-
sionment, disappointment and discouragement, our journey begins.
I’D BE DOING you a disservice if I didn’t impress
upon you how important research is in hunting for trea-
sure. If you want to be successful you will be spending
the majority of your time doing research. Fundamentally
the rest is not that difficult. I read somewhere that finding
treasure with a metal detector is easy; “All you have to
do is locate it then put your metal detector squarely overtop of it.” That’s an
under statement to say the least but there is some truth in it.
RESEARCH IS ABOUT homing in on the most likely location so you
can do just that, not stumbling around wasting time. You are trying to achieve
a balance of time spent searching and success. Efficiency is what counts.
You want to limit the amount of time you’re in the field looking and increase
the number of items you’re finding. It’s a simple concept but nobody ever
tells you about it. This is why it’s so important to become “one” with you
metal detector. Your skill with that piece of equipment is all important. It
keeps you from wasting valuable time in the field. Making more finds will
greatly improve your self esteem and confidence in what you’re doing.
Chapter SevenHope is
good -
Research is
far better
It’s a simple concept - But nobody ever tells you about it
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
32
PRACTICING YOUR SKILLS and honing your talents
will put you head and shoulders above your competitors and
reading this book will do the rest. Mel Fisher spent about 10
years searching for the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and each
morning he met the new day and dealt with the previous day’s
disappointment by saying; “Today’s the day!” He always main-
tained a positive outlook. But he didn’t keep his dream alive by
just hoping he would find it, he spent years researching in the Spanish ship-
ping archives in Seville Spain and any and all other information he could get
his hands on. He begged, borrowed and promised God knows how many
investors, who knows what, to achieve his goal.
THE POINT IS, it was his endless resolve, dogged determination and
positive attitude that eventually brought him success. He didn’t have the
advantage of today’s technology either. Imagine the vast amount of ocean
bottom and area he must have searched without satellite imagery, side scan
sonar or a robotic submersible apparatus. Even with the loss of his son Dirk
and Dirk’s wife Angel along with two others who drowned during the search
and more obstacles than you can imagine, he stuck to his dream. He was an
inspiration to treasure hunters everywhere.
SO IF DETERMINATION is not one of your strong suites stop now,
close the book, turn on the television and watch “Pirates of the Caribbean”
or something. Just don’t pursue the actual job of treasure hunting please!
The type of individuals who can accept and embrace this way of life are built
of a certain timber. They are built for endurance. They are structurally
sound. They never lose sight of the dream. They are the true treasure hunt-
ers. Research will always be the key element in setting the course for your
treasure hunting expedition. Having faith and trusting your instincts are good
qualities but research is always first and foremost.
Go ahead - Have a whack at it
You have to have fYou have to have fYou have to have fYou have to have fYou have to have faith and trustaith and trustaith and trustaith and trustaith and trust your instincts your instincts your instincts your instincts your instincts
HOW MANY TIMES have I seen awould be treasure hunter go into a sportinggoods store and ask a sales person whichmetal detector to they should buy. “Are youkidding?!” Ask a sales clerk to determine yoursuccess or failure! The very idea that someonehas not done adequate research first to deter-mine what type of treasure hunting they’regoing to be doing and then dug deeply into theamazing array of metal detectors and theirspecific uses destines them to failure from the
start. I told you not to skip ahead in the earlier chapters. That’s because thisis a process.
THERE ARE PROCEDURES and steps that must be followed if youwant to have any success. Weather you’re a beginner or self proclaimedexpert if you follow the steps and procedures outlined in this book you willenjoy a significant amount of success. (By the way, someone wrote there isno such thing as a treasure hunting expert and I’m inclined to agree.) Thedifference between an “expert” and a “successful” treasure hunter is that thelatter works at it twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and they alwaysstart with research.
Real World Treasure
33
Success - It’s a process
Research has its own rewards
“““““TTTTTodaodaodaodaoday’s the Day’s the Day’s the Day’s the Day’s the Day!”y!”y!”y!”y!”
- Mell Fisher- Mell Fisher- Mell Fisher- Mell Fisher- Mell Fisher
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
34
Chapter EightEquipment and
tools of the trade
wHAT’S Required
and WHAT’S Optional
Are you going to need sani-wipes or a tourniquet? AS FAR AS INVESTING in a business is concerned; aside from wash-
ing windows, delivering newspapers or cutting lawns which would be minimal
yet profitable for some enterprising individuals. I can’t think of any other
businesses with this kind of potential you can get into
for such a small investment. I can’t count a vehicle
because just about everyone already has one. So
buying a metal detector is about it. At least at the
entry level of treasure hunting not too much is re-
quired. (Entry level being more of a hobbyist.)
MOST OF the other things you might need are usually lying around the
house. Coolers, buckets, containers, trowels, shovels, hats, bug
spray and that kind of thing are in everyone’s household arsenal. So
let’s consider that one all important piece of equipment: “Your
Metal Detector.” Your metal detector is your most valuable
asset. It’s a tool not to be taken lightly or chosen without
careful consideration. If you are going to do something
to this level of commitment you better have spent your
last dime and any money you could borrow on your metal detector(s).
The quality of you equipment will likely determine your success or failure.
Don’t skimp on any of your equipment for that matter.
YOU MAY NEED a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle, boat, scuba gear or a mag-
netometer, it depends on your choice of interest and direction you’re taking.
You may need more than one type of metal detector. Research the manufac-
turers and their products. Go to the many forums on the internet, join a local
treasure hunting club if there’s one nearby, they will share a lot of information
with you. Go on-line and read the comparisons on performance. There is
limitless information available to you via the internet when it comes to metal
detectors and other essential equipment.
Too much?
Too little?
Real World Treasure
35
The middle of nowhere . . .
Can you say: “Oh, sh - t!” I’m going to assume that you have already done this or you’re going to at
some point. I also want to share with you the importance of getting to know
your equipment and becoming proficient with it. There are books and
DVD’s that are dedicated to this subject and I can’t stress it enough. No
matter which metal detector(s) you’re using, you absolutely have to become
one with them. They all have subtle nuances and tones that you have to be
able to interpret precisely. This can take many hours of practice. And by the
way, if you happen to be tone deaf you’re going to be limited to certain kinds
of metal detectors that are more images on a monitor than tones in a set of
headphones.
Know your limitations if you have any. Inner ear problems might prohibit
you from diving with scuba gear. It won’t stop you from treasure hunting
you’ll just have to approach it from another angle. Remember - determina-
tion and a positive attitude. If you can’t do it one way - do it another. Other
equipment you may need will be solely based on the type of treasure hunting
you’re doing. You don’t need to be told you’re going to need a shovel or
trowel if you already know you’re going to have to dig things out of the
ground. You know what your going to do - plan for it, think about it. Do
you need sani-wipes or a tourniquet? If you’re going to be on the beach all
day I would suggest some sunscreen but this book isn’t about all that.
Deciding on what type of treasure hunting you’re going to do will deter-
mine what kind of equipment you will need and how much your initial invest-
ment might be. The point is “don’t buy cheap!” Imagine purchasing a ques-
tionably sound 4 wheel drive vehicle designed to get you out to the middle of
nowhere and then breaking down. Where are you? Yeah, that’s right - the
middle of nowhere! OK this is a stretch, but I’m thinking hmmm, middle of
nowhere...? No cell towers - No roads - No chance of getting help - Uh oh!
A little common sense goes a long way. Don’t put yourself in perilous situa-
tions when you’re hunting for treasure. Equipment is all important. Respect
and take good care of yours.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
36
MAKE CERTAIN everything you’re
using is in good condition and serviceable.
If your destination is a long way off take
additional or backup equipment. Radios are
sometimes more practical than cell phones
and a simple canteen full of water could
ultimately save your life. So what do you
think; first aid kit?, flares?, food?, gun?, you
decide. Common sense and sound judge-
ment will get you back home at the end of
the day. Some treasure hunters stress the
importance of working with a partner for
safety’s sake. There again, your choice.
Where you’re going and what you’re looking
for should give you some indication of the
Common sense will get you back home at
the end of the day!
equipment you’re going to need and if a partner or two would be a good
idea. Being safety conscious and careful is not just for wimps, it’s good
practice like wearing a seat belt. (By the way - If you don’t trust the guy top-
side watching your air hose with your life, he’s probably a bad choice!)
YOU’RE GOING TO BE SURPRISED at some of places treasure
hunting will take you. Snake bites are a common occurrence in some loca-
tions. Did you bring a snake bite kit? From old mines, to fast running
streams, rock ledges, back woods, rip tides and underwater caverns, you can
get yourself in a dire situation that you didn’t prepare for. Be cautiously
optimistic in your preparation and approach to whatever treasure you seek.
The most important thing is that you live to see tomorrow. Use the best
equipment you can get your hands on and don’t take unnecessary chances
just because you forgot to bring something. The treasure will still be there
when you get back. Equipment and safety go hand in hand. Too many
treasure hunters have already given up the ghost under safe and secure condi-
tions. Don’t buy discount, cheap or used equipment that’s been untested.
Real World Treasure
37
Chapter Nine
Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:
ConceptualConceptualConceptualConceptualConceptual
InterpretInterpretInterpretInterpretInterpretaaaaationtiontiontiontion
•Perception•Perception•Perception•Perception•Perception
•Imagina•Imagina•Imagina•Imagina•Imaginationtiontiontiontion
•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct
Old Forts, Batteries and Encampments
Eastern view of the remains ofConfederate Fort Humbug occupied by
Gen, Richard Taylor and his troops
Southern view of the same area. Researchwill provide you with many similar search
sites. Check historical archives and maps.
tion.) The only thing that might be with you is hope, happenstance and pure
luck. (After all, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again.)
You’ve got to narrow down the odds and remove at least one or two of these
negative aspects (I’ll take pure luck any day so let’s keep that one,) and bring
a little pseudoscience into the mix.
WHAT WE’RE DOING here in our procedure is the narrowing down
of where to look. You’ve done your research, you’ve found a potential
location or site. Great! It might be an old encampment or an old civil war
fort that’s long since disappeared. I’m going to give you an example so you
can understand and relate these concepts to any other locations you go to.
Hypothetically you’ve researched and found the general location of an old
civil war era fort.
LET’S ASSUME you’ve done your prelimi-
nary research and purchased the metal detector
appropriate for your particular interest. Now
what? It doesn’t matter how much you spent on
a metal detector, how well you can use it or where
you take it without this little piece of the puzzle.
THIS IS SOMETHING that no one has ever
written about or bothered to mentioned: Topo-
graphical interpretation or, the subtle art of “site
reading.” Oh sure, you’re all geared up and
ready to go find lost jewelry, coins and relics.
The problem is, unless you know about and
understand site reading you’re basically running
around the farm yard like a chicken. (A chicken
can’t take more than two steps in any one direc-
“A gold Double Eagle is not Golf terminology!”
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
38
This rare photo of Brandy StationChief Engineer’s encampment -Army of the Patomic 1864
YOU’VE JUST ARRIVED by whatever means possible and what
you’re looking at is a rather large tract of land with some trees and nothing
else immediately identifiable or recognizable. The very first thing you
should do upon arriving at any site is just stay back, take a breath and try
to imagine yourself at this place when it was alive with trade and activity.
You can’t just willy nilly cover the entire area with any degree of suc-
cess. You have to develop a search plan with a starting point. So
while you’re at a distance with a broad overview of area
try to visually determine where the tree line might be
different. That is to say a line of trees that might appear
to be older and larger. You might be able to see a
square area of these older trees even if you’re in a
wooded location. Walk around following one line to a
corner. These areas of possibly an acre or two were cut
down and cleared for the benefit of the forts defenses.
A clear line of site for warding off would be attackers. The fort would
have been in the middle of this clearing obviously so now we know at
least that much.
IN YOUR SEARCH of this fort you want to determine where the
two closest other forts and towns were that existed and were active at the
same time. Why? Because this is what will tell you a couple of things of
extreme importance: First the likely direction the fort was facing. This
will determine where the front gate was. Or at least which way it faced,
north, south, east or west. How do we do this?
Below is a brass civil war button wornby Connecticut soldiers bearing thestate seal which can be extremelyvaluable in such pristine condition.Relic hunters often find these buttonsamong other such historical artifacts.
Real World Treasure
39
Lasting Impressions AN ABSOLUTE
IN LOOKING AT AN OLD MAP or sometimes even a new one, we
can see where the old towns and other forts were in relationship to where you
are. Look at the map. Where would you have put the gate or the main en-
trance? Which direction would the fort most likely be facing? Most of the
time it’s pretty obvious. So with all the traffic coming to and leaving the fort
there would have been roads or at least trails that branched off in the direc-
tion of the two other forts and towns. (This is an absolute, not speculation.
It was standard operational procedure.) Now that
you know what you’re looking for it’s a lot easier to
see or at the very least, guess. Basic human instincts
never change and your instincts are the same as the
people from that location dur-
ing those times.
USE YOUR INSTINCTS.
Even if you’re guessing at it
you’re not going to be far off.
Finding the exact location of
the fort or encampment may be
a little more difficult but not
totally impossible. You’ve got
an idea where the center of the area is but in those days they didn’t have or
use concrete foundations. Possibly stone foundations around houses and
other buildings but only trees and wooden planks as a rule were used to build
forts. Yes there was some metal like hinges, hasps, locks and nails perhaps
but nothing to leave a permanent indication of exactly where the fort’s foot-
print was.
WHAT YOU CAN OFTEN FIND are the impressions or shallow
indentions of where the posts were buried in the ground and rotted away
leaving these impressions or holes. You may be able to see the entire layout
of the fort this way. You can find larger impressions where the root cellars
may have been or the unmistakable signs of the outhouses. (Trash pits and
outhouses may have been inside or outside the fort’s walls.)
A typical frontier sylefort of it’s day
You can still see the foot print of where the old fort sat
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
40
THE PRESENCE OF PEOPLE always leaves it’s mark in one form or
another and a trained eye can always spot them. Remember - It’s easy to see
something if you know what you’re looking for. Use “conceptual interpreta-
tion.” It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for or where you are just put
your instincts and imagination to work. Think of what you would do if you
were there living in those times. Where would you hide something? There
were no banks, no safe deposit boxes and you had to be able to find what
you hid even if you were gone for many years. There is usually one tree in the
area that is distinctive. One that is unmistakable from the others. It may be
hundreds of years old or it might be a tree that is not indigenous to the area.
It may have been brought there and planted for fruit or nuts or shade.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. Using conceptual interpretation will
always prove itself to be one of your most useful tools. Maybe that pond
you’re looking at in the middle of your site isn’t a pond at all but a depression
left in the ground of what used to be a basement or cellar that’s filled with rain
water. Don’t just think in one dimension. Well now that you’ve found some
remanence and possibly a trail or two, scouted the area with careful observa-
tion and noted any unusual deformities in the earth, stone walls, landmarks of
any kind and the most likely direction of travel in and out of the area you can
start “gridding” and narrowing down your search even further. Gridding is
simply breaking down a large area into smaller quadrants or sections.
THINK OF TRYING to search an area about an acre in size. A daunting
task to say the least. But being thorough in your search is critical. It doesn’t
take but one poor swing with your detector to miss a potential fortune.
Notice the older first-growth tree on
the right. Now take note of the new
saplings and then the original tree
line just beyond them. These are
definitive boundaries and a good
starting point. The inset picture
(lower left) is a small cache of gold
and silver coins buried under such
trees for easy locating when the
owner returned to the area.
LOW AND SLOW is a phrase that’s used in cooking to assure some-
thing turns out right. The phrase also applies to metal detecting technique.
These people who swing their metal detectors with wild abandon rarely find
much of anything. I’m always happy to see
them because I know that their presence has
had little or no effect on the potential finds in
that area. Keep your metal detector no more
than 1 or 2 inches at the most off the ground
and be slow about it. Some metal detectors go
so deep into the ground and it takes time for the
signal to bounce back to the coil. If you’re
moving too fast the coil is no longer over the
spot you just swept and misses the return signal
all together. I’m not going to belabor the proper use and techniques of metal
detecting. The assumption that you know how to use it is already there. So,
back to “gridding.”
I FIND THE BEST WAY to grid any area is to use
those orange flags you find in the home stores for land-
scape, irrigation or marking out sprinkler heads. (Any
color will do.) After choosing a starting point, mark out
an area of say 10’x10’ or 20’x20’ and “flag it.” Only
after thoroughly searching that area should you move on
to the next. If you’re going to be working this site for days, weeks or
months you’re going to have to keep a log or journal of some kind drawing a
map of what sections or grids you’ve already searched. It’s not a good idea
to leave the flags in the ground for obvious reasons. Once you have gridded
and worked the internal center you can do a couple of things: You can start
walking an ever enlarging circle (an outward spiral) around the site until
you’re satisfied.
YOU CAN START “trailing” if you can see or imagine where trails and
roads might have been. These are terrific areas to search.
Real World Treasure
41
Systematic, Calculating and Thorough Gridding & Plotting
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
42
OR, YOU CAN CHECK some of the unique (non-indigenous) or first-
growth trees or other landmarks and their immediate perimeters. Being sys-
tematic, calculating and thorough are tools that are extremely valuable, don’t
cost anything and will never fail you. Other similar concepts apply to other
types of sites. I want you to understand this type of thinking and how it puts
you ahead of your competition. Metal detecting has had a remarkable surge
of interest over the last couple of years that’s presented intense competition
that was never there before. It was a very small community for a very long
time.
FINDING A VIRGIN SITE is getting harder and only through your
superior skills and techniques will you be able to find treasure where others
cannot. This type of site is just one example but a comprehensive example
you should easily be able to expound on. All things being equal you still
want to be the one who prevails. You’re getting the edge right now! What
I’m trying to teach you should in all honesty be about a four year course.
I’m giving you the readers digest condensed version of it to increase your
edge as quickly as possible. You are not going to learn everything all at once.
This will take time and patience. Nothing worth learning comes easy. Stay
the course and pay attention. I’m just getting warmed up
Getting the edge
There’s no suchthing as a road tonowhere - Old Trailsare great prospectsfor finding treasureof all kinds and theyalways lead some-where!
Some Metal Detec-tors work old trails inthe woods exclu-sively claiming theyhave the mostpotential finds!
The Reader’s Digest version
Real World Treasure
43
THERE ARE SOME ghost towns where build-
ings are still standing and some where there’s nothing
to be seen. Much depends on how long ago the town
was abandoned and how structures were built during
that period. Most of the time you can find remanence
of stone foundations, walls or with any luck at all
chimneys. Just about ev- ery building had a chim-
ney whether it was a house or place of business. The
best thing about finding stone structures is that
they were frequently used to hide cashes of coins
and other valuables. There was almost always
a “loose stone” in a fire- place (inside or out) for
stashing things. Lose stones could also be in a well
surrounds, foundations or smoke pits.
THE SAME APPLIES to other stone structures.
Stone walls were often used by people to hide things.
They could identify their spot by a certain color or
shape of stone or by counting a certain number of
stones from a permanent marker such as a tree across and down kind of like
a treasure map or combination safe. Where ever you find a pile of stones or
a chimney (standing or fallen,) check it thoroughly with your metal detector.
People buried their possessions and money for more reasons than you can
shake a stick at but the obvious and most common reason was simply se-
crecy.
Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Conceptua lConceptua lConceptua lConceptua lConceptua l
Interpretat ionInterpretat ionInterpretat ionInterpretat ionInterpretat ion
•Percept ion•Percept ion•Percept ion•Percept ion•Percept ion•Imaginat ion•Imaginat ion•Imaginat ion•Imaginat ion•Imaginat ion
• Inst inct• Inst inct• Inst inct• Inst inct• Inst inct
Chapter Ten
Ghost Towns and Old Homesteads
The pictures above show what was once a thriving town with a train station and hotel fading intothe past and sitting as a quiet reminder of better times. Lower right is just one example of the
thousands of abandoned old homesteads ripe for treasure hunters with their metal detectors.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
44
MOST FOLKS would hide their stash inside or outside their
home within close proximity. Somewhere they could see it when
they looked out their window. I mentioned before about “first-
growth trees.” Did you ever notice how often you would see a
farm field and there would be this giant oak tree in the middle of it? Whether
they were left there for shade, aesthetics or the farmers didn’t have enough
dynamite to blow it out of the ground remains unknown. But you can be
certain that many of these locations served as a gath-
ering point and a hiding place. If you ever find your-
self staring at a field with an old tree in the middle of
it and the opportunity presents itself, go check it out
with your metal detector. There is an extremely good
possibility you’ll find something!
FOR AS MANY REASONS as people have died and never told anyone
where they hid their valuables I can give you reasons for looking. Suffice it
to say that millions of people hoarding great wealth have died never retrieving
their cashes or telling anyone where it was. Again, this is an absolute - not
speculation. Think about how living with the hardships of days-gone-by
must have been. Many people died of things we would think impossible by
today’s standards. A mere infection could kill you. There were no inocula-
tions or antibiotics so things like yellow fever, typhus, diphtheria, cholera,
consumption, pneumonia, small pox, chicken pox, mumps and measles
could all lead to your death. Combine that with such things as accidents, the
complications from natural child birth and the overall unsafe and unsanitary
conditions they lived in, starvation, unsurvivable winters, murder, Indian
attacks or just plain old-age.
SO HOW DOES ALL THIS RELATE to site reading? Because some-
times disease wiped out entire towns leaving many forgotten hordes or
caches of treasure. So again conceptual perception comes into play. Con-
ceptual perception, imagination and instincts are tools that are every bit as
valuable as your metal detector - Sometimes more so. Where would you
hide something of great value if you were there?
Many reasons why
Real World Treasure
45
IF GHOST TOWNS and old homesteads are
your thing you have to imagine yourself being there
when it was alive and where possible, in your minds
eye, see the structure(s) as it/they might have been. This will give you a
“reference point.” Knowing where you’re standing in reference to the build-
ing can provide you with useful information. Finding things like door hinges,
latches and window locks with your metal detector can give you the “foot-
print” of the building thus giving you an overview and a starting point for
mapping or gridding. Look over the entire site and try to imagine how it was
back then. Paths, roads, trails, railway spurs are terrific indicators. Some
metal detectorists (if that’s really a word,) only work old roads and paths in
the woods. They find a substantial amounts of old coins, pendants, buttons,
relics and artifacts.
Personally, I LOVE A GOOD GHOST TOWN. The prospects of
finding a cache are extremely good and its a great adventure in itself. All
ghost towns are not listed on maps or even in state archives but they are
plentiful and easy to find.
It’s Great Adventure
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
46
Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:Site Reading:ConceptualConceptualConceptualConceptualConceptual
InterpretationInterpretationInterpretationInterpretationInterpretation
•Perception•Perception•Perception•Perception•Perception•Imagination•Imagination•Imagination•Imagination•Imagination
•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct•Instinct
Beaches, Shore Lines,
Shallow Water and Deep Water
Chapter Eleven
THIS IS THE MOST written about type of treasure hunting. It’s what a
lot of us envision when we think about it. The pictures of a tropical shore
and the lone beach hunter swinging his trusty metal detector are images that
we have all seen or at least imagined. The most information and books about
treasure hunting cover this one particular arena. Some authors get a little too
technical in their approach to what should be relatively easy and rewarding.
A little good information goes a long way and a lot highly technical engineer-
ing data is just confusing and unnecessary for our purpose.
SOME BOOKS drone on about how to dig your finds and dressing for
cold weather. Others go so far in the other direction with technical data so in
depth like hiring a “Pitch Coach” for better signal interpretation it just takes
all the fun out of it. I want to keep the fun and adventure alive while keeping
it simple and telling you what really matters and how you can get the most out
of treasure hunting as a whole. Beach, shore line and shallow water detecting
is not as complicated as some authors would have you believe.
THE BEACH is one zone - that’s the sandy powdery part. The next is
the shore line. That’s the hard wet sand area from the low tide edge of the
water to the high tide mark. And the third of course is the shallow water.
The shallow water zone is from ankle deep to neck deep water regardless of
the tide. The entire shallow water zone is in actually two separate zones. The
first being from ankle to waist and the second from waist to neck. There’s a
reason for this that I’ll tell you about later in the chapter. Each one of these
areas or zones require a little know how and different techniques. Even
though together they seem as one entity (the beach) they are indeed broken
down and searched in different ways.
Real World Treasure
47
The beach bank $$$ Let’s make a withdraw SO LET’S FIRST DISCUSS the sandy or powdery area I refer to as
the “blanket zone.” This of course is where people lay their respective
towels, blankets and what have you. The patch of white stuff where you
stake out your territory, drop your gear, bask in the sun and enjoy the day.
Now oddly enough, and you’ve seen this but probably never paid much
attention to it, the first beach go-ers to arrive always line up with the lifeguard
stand up and down the beach. Perfect lines of towels and beach chairs. It’s
called a “line mentality.” It has to do with people unconsciously following
the “natural order of the cosmos.”
WHY I MENTION THIS is that one line of early arrivals are the ones
most likely to loose money and jewelry during the day. When you’re doing
your searching at the end of the day after most of them have gone you’ll want
to concentrate on this thin strip of the beach. This thin line of beach is the
one area that will produce the most finds. Let me expand on this. People
don’t always think things through. They go to the beach with their jewelry
on. They also bring wallets, purses, coin holders, beach bags, pocketbooks
and all sorts of other things to keep their possessions in. Well, where are
you? Your at the beach, right? If you want to go in the water what do you
do with your “stuff?” There’s no locker or safe deposit box handy. So what
do most people do? They sometimes put it on their blanket and cover it with
a towel but the most common thing they do is burry it in the sand under the
corner of their blanket.
I CAN’T TELL YOU how many times I’ve found crushed Dixie cups
holding someone’s jewelry in it that they buried and forgot about when they
left. The sand becomes the repository for money and jewelry. Now not
everyone removes their jewelry when they go in the water which is now where
they loose it. Why? These early arrivals go through the most “phases”
during the day. They lay in the sun literally baking like a roast of ham, swell-
ing and contracting from the radiant heat of the sun. Dehydrating and rehy-
drating all day. When they hit the water which is a lot cooler than their body
their fingers and toes shrink significantly.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
48
The Beach Zone
THIS SOMEWHAT DRAMATIC contraction combined with the
copious amount of tanning oil and sun screen cause finger rings and toe rings
to fall off. The ones that had the foresight to remove their jewelry and bury it
have gone through so many phases by the end of the day the dehydration and
rehydration along with the effects of the sun have caused a loss of focus.
The neurotransmitters in the brain are sluggish and misfiring. The effects
may only be momentary but it has the same result. They get up and pick up
their towel or blanket instantly losing their reference point in the ground.
What was just a split second ago easy to find and access under the corner of
their towel has disappeared into the vastness of all the other sand.
WHERE YOU WERE becomes at best a guessing game. If you even
looked away from where you were or took just a couple of steps your valu-
ables are lost in a sea of sand. If you take and average engagement ring and
drop it from about 12 inches above the sand it will be swallowed up instantly
and if you’re not staring at the exact spot it landed, it is “gone baby, gone!”
Another thing that happens in the moment is people who are leaving will just
pick up their towel or blanket and shake it. Any jewelry that was laying on
that blanket or towel just vanished into the sand and will not likely be found
without a metal detector.
I’VE HAD TOO MANY people hunt me down on the beach when I’m
there to find their jewelry that confirms and re-enforces this little know fact.
You’re going to want to use a VLF (motion detector) or better yet, a water
proof Multi-Frequency type of metal detector in this area as they respond
more favorably in loose soil or powdery sand. You can use other types but
this is what I would recommend. Now that’s just the most productive strip
of the beach. You’ve still got an entire beach to cover if you want. There’s
plenty of opportunity just in the beach zone.
It is gone baby, gone!
Real World Treasure
The Hard-pack Zone Davey Jones’ Locker MOVING CLOSER to the water we come to the “wet or hard-pack
zone.” This is the area that changes width with the tide and obviously a low
tide reveals more of it. It extends from the lower beach zone or the “high
tide mark” down to the water where ever the current tide level is. This is a
productive area in its own right. It serves as a natural trap. I like to think of
it as nature’s jewelry box. Gold is heavy. It’s about 9 times heavier than
sand and all it wants to do is sink. In water or sand gold acts the same. It
will only stop when it hits a solid bottom. Sand itself is only about one or
two feet deep depending on the geology of the area and rides or “floats” on
top of the geological strata called “hard pan” which is usually sandstone or
some other type of rock The gold is stopped by the hard pan. It’s trapped.
That doesn’t mean its not going anywhere just not down any further. A gold
ring for example can be moved by the natural geological action of the sand a
half a mile or more in a years time.
THIS AREA is going to require another type of metal detector called a
“Pulse Induction.” They are better suited for hard packed wet sand and
underwater environments, but their biggest advantage is that they have better
ground penetration and send their signals deeper than the others. You could
use a Multi-Frequency but in this zone every inch of signal counts. As tech-
nology improves so does the depth and accuracy of metal detectors. Any
items that are not able to be found this year might be next year. That’s why
there is no such thing as an infertile or “sterile beach.” Wave action, shifting
sand, beach erosion, weather, dredging and re-nourishment are many
of the contributing factors to the ever changing contours of any
shoreline. What the natural erosion of wind, water and
weather may have caused could just be the one or
two inches of depth your metal detector needed
to hit bottom - The Davey Jones’ locker
of lost jewelry.
49
You can clearly see all the “Zones” in htis picture
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
50
HERE’S A TIP: Before you set out to explore any beach, find out if
there has been any re-nourishment projects there in the last few years. Be-
cause unless they dredged up some sunken treasure and distributed it on the
beach, you’re not likely to find anything. What took decades of beach go-
ers making deposits in the beach bank is now buried beyond the limits any
conventional metal detector. This is the kind of research that will pay off by
not wasting your time or causing disappointment and frustration.
WE NOW WADE into the shallow depths of the water sometimes re-
ferred to as “the shallows,” or “the splash area.” This is the first of those
two parts of shallow water we discussed earlier and is probably the least
productive area. Parents play with their small children and limit their younger
children to this part. There’s usually not any rough activity going on to cause
jewelry to go flying off and when someone does loose something it’s pretty
easy to spot it. A little splashing and cooling off, that’s about it. You are
also likely to find the most trash here as toys, safety pins, foil, pop tops, pull
tabs, bottle caps and other light metal objects are actually pulled down to this
area by tide and sand action.
THE FURTHER OUT into the water an object goes the less it moves
so wave action in deeper water has little or no effect on things and they usu-
ally stay where they are. The same applies to lakes and ponds, there’s no
wave action so things don’t move. This first part of the shallow water acts as
a “holding area” where trash and treasure mix but there’s a whole lot more
trash than treasure. The next part of this zone is where the wave action oc-
curs. It’s also where the money is! Don’t ever doubt it. From waste to
neck deep water is where all the activity is both natural and human. How
heavy the wave activity is will be determined by whatever beach you’re on.
Geology, underwater terrain, prevailing winds all play a part.
THE ATLANTIC SIDE of Florida for example is completely different
from the Gulf side. Wave action in the Gulf of Mexico is more like a lake
than an ocean. But wave action on most beaches can be rough, and I mean
knock you over rough!
The Shallows Zone Nature’s holding area
Real World Treasure
51
The Activity Zone In greater abundance This is A POSITIVE FORCE OF NATURE that works to our advan-
tage. This is where most people loose their jewelry. It’s knocked off by
waves and they don’t even realize it. This is also where “the big kids” play.
Horseplay among teenagers and young adults is by far the largest contributor
to lost jewelry in the water. Another thing to consider is that older people
actually have jewelry to loose. That can be broken down even further by age
group relative to the quality or quantity of jewelry they’re wearing. Simply
put, the older you are the more likely it is that you can afford more expensive
jewelry in greater abundance. Watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, you name
it are wrenched, pulled, yanked or otherwise broken during these fun loving
frolics and sink directly to the bottom lost forever in the murky depths - or at
least until some enterprising individual with a metal detector comes along and
retrieves it!
EVEN WHEN SOMEONE is aware they’ve just lost something there’s
little or no chance of them ever finding it. Not at this depth anyway. Age,
activity and depth are other useful indicators for site reading beaches. Be
aware of people and their movements. Use nature and common sense to
improve your success. Understand that everybody comes from the parking
lot, everybody goes to the public rest rooms, most everybody goes to the
concession stand. These are pathways just like all other roads. Walt
Whitman suggested we all “take the road less traveled.” For the treasure
hunter the opposite is true. The more people coming and going the more
things are lost. You’re not going to find much at some remote beach no
matter how nice it is if people never went there. Even lakes, ponds and
swimming holes that were frequented mostly by the “working class” are not
going to be very productive for obvious reasons.
The METAL DETECTOR OF CHOICE in this area would be the
water proof “Pulse Induction” type. You could use a “Multi-Frequency” but
the Pulse Induction is more stable and unaffected by the salt water and it also
goes deeper. Either one must be water proof.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
52
The Deep Zone Where the big money is WE’VE JUST COVERED “shallow water” hunting but I don’t want to
leave out the one area just beyond “neck deep” which would require snorkel-
ing or scuba gear. This area is what I call the “outer limits.” This is normally
used by the “swimmers.” These are the guys with more hair on their back
than on their head and wear about 3 to 4 pounds of gold around their neck.
The only thing that fits snugly any more is that tiny little black speedo bathing
suit they’re wearing. Everything else, and I do mean everything, is flopping
around. But I love these guys. They loose more expensive watches and
jewelry than you can imagine. Don’t think finding a Rolex or an Omega watch
won’t make your day. So if you’re so inclined to this type of hunting. Go for
it. It’s worth the extra effort. When you’re scuba diving or exploring ship-
wrecks you can use any of the different types of metal detectors as long as
they are water proof and are rated for the depth you’re using them.
THERE’S MORE ABOUT shallow water hunting you should know.
Some treasure hunters think of shallow water hunting as a science and the
most difficult kinds of metal detecting. Their logic is that the sand and shore-
lines are always on the move and that wind, currents and tides are continu-
ously changing its face and shape. I believe that those same elements offer
new possibilities and opportunities. Where beaches are loosing sand in some
places that same sand is being deposited elsewhere. Where the beach is
loosing sand is where you want to focus your efforts. Remember - less sand
uncovers more targets. A trained eye will always look for areas on a beach
that have less sand. You’ll notice that these areas have shells, pebbles and
small rocks that are left because they are heavier than the grains of sand that
have been swept away. Gold jewelry is even heavier and likely to be under-
neath these washed out areas.
OTHER GOOD AREAS are where the sand is rippled like a still shot of
the ocean’s surface. Scour these rippled areas carefully. Both of these areas
are in the wet hard-packed zone. I’m going to briefly talk about “channels”
and “cuts” as they’re commonly referred to. These are features that are
carved into the face of a beach by wind, rain and wave action.
Real World Treasure
53
Cuts and Channels Prime jewelry territory STORMS AND HEAVY RAINS etch out these channels or “cuts” and
sometimes cause long deep drops in the overall level of the beach. These
vast swaths of eroded and newly exposed beach caused by winter storms or
hurricanes are what excite a lot of metal detectors. These weather anomalies
can uncover some unbelievable finds. But even a good heavy rain will create
troughs or “channels” from the land’s edge, down the beach and into the
water. These too are highly productive areas, just on a smaller scale. Heavy
or saturating rains do something else for metal detectors, even up on land. It
increases their performance. The ground has more conductivity, signal is
improved and your metal detector can find deeper targets when the ground is
wet.
LET’S CONTINUE with the when and where of it. Tracking the tides in
you area is essential. You will read this in every book written about shallow
water detecting. Be there about two hours before the tide is out completely
so you can work your way out with the tide to its deepest ebb. This allows
you to go out farther and hit more targets while still keeping your head above
water. Working with the tide will give about 4 hours of deep water access in
the most productive area of any beach. The last 2 hours going out and the
first 2 hours coming in. There are times of the month when the tide is out to
an extreme. This is called a “Spring Tide.” Not having anything to do with
the seasons. Its origins have to do with the springing motion or full extension
of something. If you’re out “neck deep” in the lowest tide of the month,
you’re able to actually work in that outer limit swimming zone without scuba
gear. Another little secret you can take advantage of. Check you local tide
charts. They’re available on-line and on your local weather channel.
I want to give you a couple of WORDS OF WARNING at this point.
First of all be very aware of eddies, rip currents, rip tides and undertows
when you’re out this far. They can occur at any point during the outgoing or
incoming tide and it is not likely you will be able to escape their forces. You
will be dragged helplessly out to sea. Your equipment along with any weight
belt (if you’re wearing one,) will have to be sacrificed in your struggle to keep
your head above water.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
54
Running wide open How cool is this?
HERE’S ANOTHER WARNING you would do well to head: I’ve
been with people who like to metal detect in the water at night. In my consid-
ered opinion this is not a good idea for any number of reasons. The first is;
on my side of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico “it’s feeding time!” That’s right,
“feeding time!” All those denizens of the deep with Hollywood theme songs
come in from the blue water (deeper) from dusk to dawn and sometimes
longer. In days gone by this didn’t seem to be a problem but in recent years
apparently the menu has been extended to include more human appetizers on
the half shell. The one experience I had at night, I was neck deep in the gulf
when I sensed and felt movement in the water. By the light of the moon I
could make out a dorsal fin, (and a large one at that,) within two feet of me
which sent a bolt of adrenaline surging through me that felt like I was just hit
by lightening. The next sensation was a great explosion of sound and water
hitting me so hard it stung.
THIS SECOND TRAUMA caused what I’m certain to this day was a
massive heart attack or some other primal response to intense fear. Kind of
like a deer goes into shock and convulses when it’s got a cougars jaws
gripped firmly around its throat. I completely resigned myself to the worst
kind of death imaginable - being eaten alive by a shark! It may sound funny
now but I can assure you at the time I filled the immediate gulf waters with
bodily fluids and solids. In seconds that seemed like an eternity of impend-
ing doom it turned out to be a dolphin breaking the surface to expel and fill
its lungs with air through its blow hole. I’m here (thank God) to tell you it
didn’t matter one iota and it was the last time I went in the water at night!
Another good reason is you can’t see anything and no one can see you either
for that matter. There are people out there with jet skis and boats that are that
are running wide open and way to close to shore. Some moron was out
there on a sail board yelling to his buddy: “how cool is this?!” Just prior to
running into him. Your senses are so heightened you can’t even begin to
focus on what you’re doing so just stick to the light of day, it offers enough
challenges.
Real World Treasure
55
WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW. I’ve just given you enough
information to get you started on any beach and keep you busy for a lifetime.
You could theoretically spend the rest of your days just working the beach
and you still wouldn’t have enough time to cover all of it. And I’m just
talking about one local beach. Some enthusiasts travel all over the country
and the world treasure hunting on sunny Caribbean beaches and tropical
foreign shores. Traveling with a metal detector has some draw backs these
days with airport security being what it is but there are ways to make it easier.
Keep it in a “hard case” like you would golf clubs with all the parts neatly
broken down and displayed. Any hard to spot or hidden compartments
should be readily pointed out and opened. Keep your owners manual handy
that clearly shows all the parts. That way there’s no doubt about what else
these parts might be assembled into. Be prepared for some inconvenience.
Metal detectors don’t come through airports that often and some security
people may have never seen one prior to yours. And one last point: Do
check any destination concerning the use of metal detectors where ever
you’re going. There are some places
that have a ban on their use like Cuba,
St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Beach Bank In conclusion...
There are some
countries that
frown upon
metal detecting
enthusiasts andothers that carry heavy fines and
even lengthy prison sentences.
Be sure to check with the local
Tourism Bureau or Department
of the Interior prior to your
visiting any foreign destinations
This is not a
complete list by
the way, there are
many more.
Real World TreasureReal World Treasure
56
Sub-Chapter Eleven
Shipwrecks: Scuba Diving with Metal Detectors
This is a WORLD OF TREASURE HUNTING that is set apart from
the normal land based to neck deep shallow water detecting. This is a whole
different thing. This type of treasure hunting requires (and excuse the expres-
sion,) a boat load of money and a seasoned crew of people with diversified
talents and skills. The equipment alone is cost prohibitive to all but a few.
There’s not a whole lot of information out there regarding shipwreck diving
except that it’s costly and dangerous. When I was young I use to go out in a
dingy by myself and dive off the keys looking for sunken ships. I had no
training, no supervision obviously and due to the nature of ocean bottoms
swallowing ships whole, very little success. I had no ideal what I was look-
ing for. I just assumed that entire sunken galleons, fully intact and sitting
upright on the sea floor, were there waiting for my arrival and inspection.
Much like the one in my aquarium at home. It’s a wonder I’m not resting in
Davey Jones’ locker myself. I took some amazing risks when I think back.
Ahh, the stupidity of youth. It is only by the grace of God I walk this earth
today such was my appetite for treasure and adventure.
THE FEW TIMES I was part of a team of treasure hunters, finding and
diving on shipwrecks were more misadventures than anything else and quite
expensive. But alas and alack, there wasn’t the technology that exists today
and I regret to think about what might have been had I had access to any of
it. If you are interested in this field I would suggest first getting certified as a
scuba diver by someone who is a recognized and certified themselves by
PADI. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors.) It would better
serve you to have some military training as well. Seek out forums on the
internet where real world treasure hunters may be trying to put together a
group of people for such an expedition. There are few ways to gain this kind
of experience and knowledge but it can be done. You may have to intern or
volunteer on research vessels or local shipwreck diving groups. You can
easily obtain maps of the actual locations of hundreds of shipwrecks on-line
and gain valuable experience from diving on these. But for the love of the
Cracken don’t go without a partner or two. This kind of passion for adven-
ture can easily be the end of you.
Real World Treasure
57
Sub-Chapter ElevenWater hides a
vast amount of treasure
OCEANS, GULFS, BAYS AND INLETS are only a part of metal de-
tecting in water. These are just the salt water cousins to the rest of the many
other bodies and tributaries of fresh water. Lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks,
swimming holes, quarry pits, reservoirs, streams and so on can be just as
bountiful as their salt water counterparts. When you look at a small lake in a
forest imagine how many pioneers, frontiersmen, traders, explorers, trackers,
settlers, trappers, soldiers, Indians, payroll wagons, survey crews, railway
builders, road workers and passersby have been there over the years. That
one body of water was a welcome sight and respite to many people. Think of
the items they may have dropped in their travels and how old some of those
items could be. The shores of lakes and rivers are littered with the relics,
money and artifacts from all these people. Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams
are a natural attraction to humans that provide life giving water and food.
People from prehistoric times till present day lived around, hunted, fished and
even played in just about every body of water on the planet.
DON’T JUST LOOK at a lake and think of it in the present day. Think
about all the visitors it had over the years. Colonies of people could have
been there for years trying to settle and farm the land around it making daily
trips to gather water, wash cloths, take baths, fish or swim. Lakes were often
used to hide confederate and union payroll and gold to keep the enemy from
capturing it and furthering their own war effort. They are the obvious choice
when it comes to hiding something quickly. When there’s no time to dig,
tossing it in the lake was the next best thing. Many stories of lost gold in
rivers, creeks and streams clutter history books and the internet. Most of
which are historical fact. Boats sunk in them too. Some were deliberately
scuttled to avoid enemy capture or were attacked and sunk by enemy flotillas.
THE POINT BEING: working the shores of a lake or bank of a river
can pay off big time. Treasure was thrown into sink holes in rivers and quag-
mires in swampy areas never to be seen again but they’re still there. It’s not
really a secret to know that Water hides a vast amount of treasure.
Real World Treasure
58
BELOW IS A LIST of wet places you may or may not have thought of.
If you’re in a drought area or go to one, you will be able to access land
where the water has receded that you never could before.
HERE ARE SOME CONDITIONS
AND SITUATIONS TO LOOK FOR:
•Drained or shrinking lakes.
•Reservoirs lowered for repair reasons or no longer in use.
•Streams and rivers diverted for construction purposes or farm irrigation.
•Dry creek beds or streams.
•Any swimming areas at times of low water.
•Ponds on golf courses that are drained to make changes or improvements.
•Agricultural ditches that dry up during droughts or seasonally.
•Exposed Lake-bottoms near boat docks when the water levels are low.
HERE’S ANOTHER SECRET FOR YOU: In Florida during a freeze
or freeze warning the farmers draw so much water out of the ground for
irrigation trying to protect their crops it causes sink holes - but it also dra-
matically lowers and sometimes completely empties the lakes and ponds in
the area. The lakes and ponds slowly recover naturally by surrounding
ground water intrusion but what a great opportunity for metal detecting. You
only have a small window of time but you can cover a lot of territory and
make some amazing finds in a couple of days.
Sub-Chapter Eleven
Is this an opportunity or what?Boats lying high and dry on a lakeemptied by Florida Citrus Growersin central Florida and not a metal
detector in sight! Are you kidding?
Water hides avast amount of treasure
Real World Treasure
59
SOMEWHERE IN THIS BOOK I have to tell you about search pat-
terns. They are an absolute part of the search procedure and important to
your success. We’ve discussed gridding in the previous chapters. Narrowing
down your search area and working it in 10’ x 10’ or 20’ x 20’ sections or
grids. It doesn’t matter what size you make them as long as they are a clear
reference to areas you’ve already covered using a thorough search pattern. I
know we’ve already covered some of this in earlier chapters however, over-
lapping your swings is something you should always take great care in doing.
Considering the size of a ring or a coin, one bad swing could easily cause you
to miss it and would constitute a poorly covered grid as a whole.
A METAL DETECTOR sends a signal
down from its coil in an inverted cone shape. The
signal closest to the coil being at its largest and
narrowing down to its furthest depth of say 1 to 2
feet. (It depends on your metal detector how far
down the signal goes.) The signal nearest the coil
could be 12 or more inches in diameter but only 1
or 2 inches in diameter at its lowest point. In that
foot or two of depth just imagine from the top to the bottom of that signal
how much ground area is missed. We miss enough targets that are just out of
reach in depth without adding to our failure rate by not overlapping. We also
talked about going low and slow. You are missing targets when moving too
fast for your metal detector to keep up. If you find yourself in an extremely
productive area I strongly recommended as your swing your coil don’t move
it forward more than an inch or two per swing. This little used secret will
produce more finds than you can imagine.
WE LIVE IN an “instant - right now” world and we’re accustomed to
things responding right away but when it comes to increasing your success
rate and finding more targets you absolutely must slow down your swing.
Chapter TwelveSearch
TechniquesGrids and
Search patterns
Real World Treasure
60
Your’re in the Zone
S ome people suggest that one full swing (that’s back and
forth,) should take about 4 seconds. How fast your swing isshould be, at least in part, determined by the metal detector you’re using.
How deep it goes will determine how fast the signal comes back to the coil.
Some of the common search patterns are zig zags, circles, spirals and
straight lines. If you’ve got some other way like from corner to corner that’s
fine. But let’s say you’re working the beach. Take one section that’s not too
long. Let’s say 40 to 50 feet of beach right in front of where the most people
congregate on a regular basis. From where ever the tide is - from about knee
deep up to the sandy zone (that’s the wet hard packed zone and a little more
into the shallows) start walking in an up and down zig zag pattern with over-
lapping swings until you’ve covered that section of beach.
KEEP TRACK of what you’ve done by dragging your scoop or some-
thing other to mark in the sand where you’ve already been. I’ve read that this
is a deterrent to other metal detectorists in that they can see
that someone has already “gridded” the beach so they turn
around and go home. I can assure you it wouldn’t stop me,
but that’s why I’m writing this book. Most detectorists are
so sloppy and without discipline of any kind in their search
techniques they rarely if ever find anything. So don’t worry
if you ever see “gridding” on the beach. Many times I’ve
followed right behind someone else and made great finds! Don’t let it put
you off.
BACK TO SEARCH PATTERNS: You could take this same strip of
beach and walk in a straight line back and forth lengthwise looking at your
own footsteps to guide you and accomplish the same thing. It really doesn’t
matter what pattern you use as long as you’re thorough in your search. The
spiral pattern we’ve discussed. That is better used and suited for finding
cashes in a field or working an area from its internal center. Again, just be
thorough in your search. FYI the zig zag search pattern is used by underwa-
ter treasure hunters using side scan sonar to map out potential targets on
large areas of the ocean bottom.
Real World Treasure
Working the Beach Zoneat the end of the day willpay off in more ways thanone. Relax and enjoy it.It’s good therapy!
61
WHEN YOU’RE WORKING a beach using an up and down zig zag
pattern you will notice at a certain point between the water and the sand an
area that has coins or other targets. This particular area is where nature has
deposited these items based on their weight in relationship to the sand and
solid content. You can stop at this point and direct your search at this lati-
tude up and down the beach. This is the beach’s natural repository line.
You used the zig zag search pattern and found this area now using this spot
on the beach work that on the parallel to the beach. You will dig some trash
along with coins and jewelry, mostly trash. But trash and treasure are always
together here and digging trash is part of the deal. Nature will deposit just
about everything in one parallel line due to the geography and make up of the
sand and soil. It fits and settles in the ground dynamically with the size and
weight of everything around it.
HERE’S ANOTHER little secret for you: Sometimes you will find
pockets of coins all in the same place. Again nature has deposited them there
along with things like rings and other jewelry. The gold is heavier so in most
cases you can anticipate finding a ring or two underneath these pockets of
coins when you hit them. It would not be unusual to find as many as 100
coins. Keep checking the hole to make sure you haven’t left anything and
use a spiral search pattern around the area to confirm.
MAPS CAN BE one of your greatest assets. Old maps can be the key
to treasure hunting success. Learn about all of the different types of maps
and where to get them for your area. There are dozens of resources. Re-
search old maps in your local library, historical society or the internet. They
can actually show you where old towns used to be and in some cases you
can even find old photographs, drawings and pictures of old towns so you
can actually see where the buildings were. This is as good as it gets! Re-
search is the key to success. Learn to use maps and you’ll learn to find
treasure.
KNOW THE MANY different types of maps as well. These interesting
old maps are called by many names: property-owner maps, homeowner
maps, cadastral maps, landowner maps or Beer’s maps (the Beers family
were engaged in the business of map making in the late 1800’s) These old
maps detail historical towns showing the location of homes with the names
of the homeowner, school-houses, churches, the jailhouse, businesses, black-
smith shops, sawmills and gristmills, quarries, livery stables, railroad tracks
and stations, telegraph offices, ponds, and many other features.
ALL MAPS, no matter what type, show blank areas or voids. Sometimes
these were baron areas, swamps, considered uninhabitable or impassable.
These blank areas sometimes called white areas are potential targets. There
may have been a town there once but has long been forgotten about and
never put on any map. This is more common than you think. Perhaps it was
just one building like a sawmill or brick foundry or ice house. The point is
more often than not something was there. If you ever see an old road or path
no matter how overgrown, follow it. It lead somewhere. There’s no such
thing as a “dead end” when you’re treasure hunting. By using the benefit of
maps old and new you can easily see discrepancies where things on an old
map are no longer on a new one. Bingo..! A target in your sites. No pun
intended.
Real World Treasure
Chapter ThirteenOldeWorldMaps
hold unlimited potential and so do new onesOld Beer’s Maps are still available anda great source for locating treasure
62
Real World Treasure
Maps hold secrets ...and a lot of them too!
IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY that you will ever run across an old treasure
map but they do still turn up every now and again. Sometimes they go up for
sale at auctions or even on ebay. They may or may not have any credibility
or validation and their origins are questionable at best. But guess what..? It
could also be real. For as many people who could remember where they hid
their loot there were as many who had to make a map simply because they
were forgetful or the place they buried it was unfamiliar or foreign. Land-
marks that the maps were based on may have changed dramatically or been
erased completely by development. Be cautious if you’re looking to pur-
chase an “authentic treasure map” because even if it’s real it could probably
only be interpreted by the individual who designed and constructed it. But
let’s not be too hasty, there is one other situation. Take into account the
treasure map that was found in the state of Maryland at a yard sale between a
tintype photo of some old geezer and the mat on the back. This map was
hidden. Not meant to be found. Now we’re talking treasure! What hap-
pened is anybody’s guess. The man that found it hasn’t been heard from
since and that was back in the late 1980’s.
THAT DOESN’T MEAN something evil befell him. It just means he
probably found what he was looking for and did the smart thing. He became
anonymous and lives a quiet and very comfortable life somewhere tropical
and breezy, spending most of his time in a hammock sipping little drinks with
umbrellas in them. (Whoops! Sorry, I got carried away there.) That’s what
I would do anyway. So be careful when it comes to buying treasure maps
it’s a risky throw of the dice. But hey, some people like a good puzzle, so if
you’re on of them - go for it! You can discover forgotten places ripe for
finding treasure just by learning about and using maps. And by the way,
most of the time they’re free or you might have to pay .25 cents for a copy.
Here’s another secret: Using old and new maps along with google earth you
can easily find lakes, ponds and even entire sections of rivers (diverted by the
Army Corps of Engineers for example,) that are drained or just gone for one
reason or another. The reason doesn’t matter, they’re painfully easy geo-
graphic sites to locate and fantastic sites to metal detect in. You can thank
me later.
63
Real World Treasure
LET’S REVIEW what you should know and understand at this point.
This should make easier to take in and digest all this information. You will
probably have to read this book a few times to take it all in. I expect you to
read everything you can get your hands on, not just this book. I also expect
you to investigate any and all resources available to you in order to maximize
the chances of your success. I want you to succeed and become famous so
when you’re asked about your good fortune you can say I owe my success
to a book written by Jack Thompson. That way I’m never forgotten about -
I’ve become immortal and it mattered that I was here once upon a time.
Summary Review
Hopefully you understand that this book is the “no non-sense” approach to finding treasure no matter what typeyou seek.
Fundamental concepts, ideas and understandings you should havederived from this book. Choices, commitments and decisions have tobe made and held to. You must know and understand the following:
•You must choose your particular path.
•It can be approached as a hobby or a
career.
•Know your limitations.
•Be safety conscious.
•Exercise common sense.
•Know that treasure exists.
•You should be driven but not obsessed.
•There are different levels of commit-
ment.
•Work is required on your part.
•Success is real and attainable.
•There are procedures to follow.
•Research is necessary.
•Risk is involved.
•You must be realistic.
•You must have a proper mind set.
•Use all the laws of the universe to your
advantage.
•You must be discrete.
•Be thorough, methodical and patient.
•Use the metal detector best suited for
your purpose.
•Use only the best equipment and learn
how to use it with proficiency.
•Use conceptual perception.
•Use site reading techniques.
•Use maps, GPS’s and satellite imagery
(google.)
•Use libraries, State Archives and Histori-
cal Societies.
•Know how to properly search an area by
gridding and using search patterns.
•Narrow down your search.
•Increase your odds.
•Visualize (put yourself there.)
•Use your imagination as a tool.
•How to work ghost towns, old home-
steads, encampments, fields, old roads tonowhere, derelict buildings, old out-houses, freshwater lakes and ponds, andthe three zones of salt water beaches(working the tides.)
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Real World Treasure
I’VE JUST TOLD YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW THAT’S TAKEN ME
A LIFETIME TO ACQUIRE.
Well, maybe not everything... I never did tell you what I found in Key
West as a boy. Suffice it to say that some things just can’t be told and what I
found could never be shared for a thousand reasons. Not in my lifetime
anyway. I never told my father, my wife, my best friend or my priest - No
one! Even as a boy when I discovered it I knew it was never meant to be
found and I was compelled to honor its very existence and hide its location
once again. Ancient scholars have speculated its existence for hundreds of
years never really knowing if it was fact or fiction. As much as I would like
to have told somebody, the discovery itself prohibits the telling by centuries
of trust and secrecy. I have left information regarding this amazing find in my
last will and testament and for those who purchased this book, you will be
sent via email or home address, all the details regarding this discovery of a
lifetime and understand for yourself why its secret had to be kept and I had
to remain anonymous all these years. The secret to its present location will
die with me but maybe someone else will stumble on it one day. If they do I
hope they have the courage and the strength of character to do the right thing
the next time. I hope you enjoyed this book and the many secrets it had to
offer. May they give you the success you’re looking for.
In Conclusion ...and one more secret!
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Do your research!
Good Luck, Good Fortune and Happy Hunting!
Real World Treasure
BELOW IS AN ENTIRE LIST of places you can go to get in some all impor-tant practice and insight. You may run into other enthusiasts. Talk to them.Ask them what equipment they use and why. You have a lot in common sobe outgoing and forthcoming with information. It’ll broaden your horizons.I also get tired of hearing people complain about having nowhere to huntwith their metal detectors:
Abandoned Structures - Old
Abandoned Cemeteries - Old
Amusement Parks - Under Board-
walks
Areas Around Skating Ponds
Band Stands or Shells - Old
Barns & Outbuildings - Old
Battle Sites - Old
Beaches
Bridges
Campgrounds
Churches - Old
Church Revival Areas
City & County Parks
Circus, Carnival and Fair Sites
College Campuses
Disaster Sites
Drive Ins - Old
Farmers Market Areas
Fence Posts or Markers
Fishing Holes
Fishing Camps
Flea Market Areas
Forts & Encampment Sites - Old
Garbage Dumps & Trash Pits
Gas Stations & General Stores - Old
Ghost Towns
Hiking Trails
Historical Markers
Homestead Sites - Old
Hunting Lodges & Camp Grounds
Mailboxes (In rural areas)
Military Camp & Bivouac Sites - Old
Mining Camps - Old
Motels - Old
Newly Graded Construction Sites
Parking Spots or Lover’s Lanes
Picnic Grounds
Playgrounds
Racetracks
Railroad Stations and Junctions
Roads or Paths - Old
Rodeo Arenas
Roadside Fruit & Vegetable Stands
Roadside Rest Stops
Town Squares
Scenic Overlook Sites
School Yards - Old
Scout Camps
Sidewalk Grassy Areas
Ski Slopes
Sports & Athletic Fields
Stone or Rock Quarries
Stone Walls or Boundary Walls
Swimming Holes, Lakes and Reser-
voirs - Old
Urban Lots and Scapes
Vacant Lots
Wells & Outhouses - Old
Winter Sledding Areas
This is certainly not all the places you can look but it should get you started.Once again do your research. Find and look at old maps, talk to older localresidents, check the local library, the Historical Societies, State and localarchives, The Library of Congress etc.
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