After researching several sites along Kansas immigrant trails, our group of three decided to detect a camp from the 1850s and 1860s. The first time out with my new Equinox 600 produced an Artillery button from the 1860s. Zach, using his EQUINOX 600 found an 1842 half dime. This was a good day. My second time out with the 600 was even better. After finding a few lead balls registering 12 on the meter, I hit another 12 signal. This time it turned out to be an 1853 Gold Dollar! The white man settled in Kansas in the 1860s. Before that, it was primarily soldiers, missionary men and government workers. It is uncommon to find a coin this old, especially a gold coin. The EQUINOX had me hooked. The third day out with this amazing machine was mostly round lead balls. I got a deep signal and started digging. I dug past the flow zone in this field. This was over 14" deep. I thought it was the edge of a silver coin at first. It turned out to be a pocket watch cover with a hole torn out of the centre. Looking at it later, I discovered 3 holes punched from the inside out. It appeared that, using the hinge as a hanger, the holes at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock had been used as something decorative. I would guess that Native Americans used it for jewellery. Many sites have produced jewellery fashioned from common items. As usual, life gets in the way of detecting. I have not been back to that field in a couple of weeks. You can bet there are more stories buried there. Happy Hunting!
Wayne - USA
