Metal detecting is often described as more than a hobby. It’s an escape, a way to connect with nature, history, and community. For Regton customer Dave Harrington, a 52-year-old detectorist from Oxfordshire who recently got in touch to share his story and incredible find, it has also been a welcome source of calm and balance.
Dave has spent his metal detecting years travelling to organised digs across Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, as well as further afield for weekend rallies. Without private land permissions of his own, he values the dedication of dig organisers who work hard to secure land and make this hobby possible for so many.
Like many others, he first picked up a detector to support his mental health.
“It has been a blessing being able to escape into the beautiful peaceful countryside and escape the chaos and distractions of everyday life. Even on a day when I find nothing but ring pulls and bullets, it is a joy to just stop, take in the beauty, and listen to the birds and other wildlife.”
The Discovery
On Saturday 30th August 2025, he joined the Muddy Boots group for a dig armed with his XP Deus II and HF2 coil. With guidance from fellow detectorist Joe, who had shared insights about the site’s history, he soon found himself working a quieter patch of land.
And then it happened…that unmistakable, sweet signal.
“I got that lovely high clean ping… removed a couple of spadefuls of mud, used the MI6 until it screamed, and then that wonderful moment when you see the first glimpse of something special.”
At first, he thought it was a Bronze Age hair ring. After closer inspection, the craftsmanship suggested Saxon, but experts now believe it to be a Bronze Age Lock-Ring. A rare and stunning piece of ancient gold. Official confirmation will come once the report is complete, but there’s no doubt this is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
More Than Just Finds
What makes detecting special isn’t only the finds, but also the friendships and community spirit.
“I enjoy catching up with friends not seen for a while and love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I’m not good around large groups and probably come across as standoffish, but the detecting community has always been so supportive.”
He also credits his XP Deus II with the HF2 coil for playing a key role. “It’s very light, incredibly easy to pinpoint targets, and superb in tight snaggy areas. If you like small coils, stubble hunting, or detecting iron-infested spots, I’d definitely recommend it.”
Advice for New Detectorists
His story is one that many in the community will relate to — the highs, the lows, and the unexpected magic of unearthing history. His advice to newcomers is simple, but powerful:
- “People watch! Watch how people detect to learn technique,”
- “Watch for gatherings; they often indicate a hotspot.”
- “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the majority of detectorists are friendly and love to chat and show finds and offer advise”
- “If you start to get frustrated, STOP, take a break, take in your surroundings listen to the birds & let nature reset your soul”
- “Even if your day ends with nothing but junk, you’ve filled your lungs with fresh air, made your heart pump, and used muscles you never knew you had.”
And above all: “Keep smiling & that special find could be in the very next hole.”
A Reminder of Why We Detect
Stories like this remind us all why we head out into the fields, coil to the ground, hearts full of hope. Some days it’s nothing but scrap, but sometimes, just sometimes, you hold history in your hands.
This Bronze Age discovery is not only a testament to patience and passion, but also to the joy of the hobby itself. Being outside, being part of a community, and preserving history one signal at a time.
