1835 Fane of Fife, Scotland to the Australian Goldfields I was on my way to the best metal detecting jamboree in Australia, no matter how long the drive. It was time to pull over for a leg stretch. A walk in the gum tree forest of the goldfields revealed a tree completely standing out alone, a different colour and unlike all the others. I knew it and it didn’t belong. A run back to the truck for my trusty Minelab CTX3030 metal detector resulted in one of the top ten finds for me! At first, I had no idea what it could be and for the next 9 months of research, I would not know. After months of searching and seeking help on social media, I turned to museums. One museum after another just as puzzled and amazed as I was. The only thing left was to seek help overseas. After discussions with many knowledgable people in a number of countries, at long last, the answer came from a local metal detecting forum. What a story this piece tells! In 1835 this bronze 8 ounce scale weight was made and certified stamped with 1) the Fane of Fife, Scotland (armed knight on horseback in full gallop with sword drawn), 2) it has the Royal Seal, 3) the British Navy seal and 4) the British Royal Marines elite group, the emblem of the Wad Screw. A unique piece, a bronze scale weight with elite & illustrious foreign certification stamps on it was found a long way from home in the Victorian Goldfields. The stories that run through our minds now. If only it could talk! My Minelab CTX3030 leaves nothing undetected! This find is as amazing as my detector is!
