Each month our Facebook group Metal Detecting Maryland (MDM) holds a contest and votes for the Find of The Month (FOTM). We select between 10-15 photos that are picked for our Wall of Fame and the winning photos are voted on by the MDM members to determine a winner.
February Votes Are In!
Of the 17 photos chosen for the Wall of Fame, only one was voted as the Find of The Month. The item that received the most votes in February was this Civil War ID Tag (pictured below). This spectacular find was recovered by:
John Owens
The Story Behind The Find.
John has been metal detecting his neck of the woods since 1997. He lives very close to the where the Battle of Antietam took place but his Civil War ID tag was found closer to Funkstown, MD.
Over the years, John has found a few civil war relics in this area but he never expected to find this amazing piece of history. In fact, when he first saw it, he though it was a coin. It wasn’t until he took the “coin” home did he realize what he had found. This ID tag once belonged to Sergeant Edward C. Warner from Company C 5th Regiment Vermont Volunteers. To quote John,
Every find tells a story. This find has the best story of any artifact I have found, as it puts this soldier in a conflict that shaped our country in this exact spot, and it would thrill me to present it, to a direct descendant.”
There is so much more to this story and you can read about it from a newsletter published by the Grand Rapids Historical Society that was written by Jessica Riley. You might wonder what the connection to Grand Rapids is and I encourage you to download the newsletter below and read more about Sergeant Edward C. Warner.
More About John Owens From his own words.
How long have you been metal detecting?
John: Since 1993
What was the first machine you ever used?
John: Whites XLT
What is your favorite metal detector and what do you like about the machine the most?
John: Fisher F75. I like the Fisher because it’s light, easy to swing.
Who inspired you to get into metal detecting?
John: Mark Sanders
What do you consider to be your best find metal detecting?
John: Vermont Civil War ID Tag (Pictured Above)
What is your favorite type of detecting (relic, coin shooting, water etc.)?
John: I like detecting for coins but also Civil War artifacts
Name 5 items you would like to find in 2020?
John: Late 1700s 10 dollar gold eagle, Confederate buckle, Brashers Dubloon, another ID tag, and Gold coins buried in a large pottery jug.
Do you have other social media links, channels etc. that you would like others to know about?
John: YouTube Channel Click HERE to check out and subscribe to John’s channel.
Check Out John’s Video.
Check Out Some of John’s Favorite Finds.
February 2020 Wall of Fame Winners.
In February, 17 photos were selected and featured as our Facebook group Wall of Fame Winners. Those winning photos were transformed into the groups wall art (see the image above). The wall art will remain on display for the entire month. The Wall of Fame Winners are featured below. As you will see, February was an amazing month for metal detecting.
Name: Anthony Bogdan
Find: Irish Shot Charger Part
Where: Leakin Park, Baltimore, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 800
Name: David Barone
Find: Confederate Navy Button
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 600
Name: Alan Dodson
Find: 2 Cob Silver Reale
Where: Coosawhatchie, SC
Machine: Garrett AT Max
Name: David Barone
Find: 1856 Trime (3 Cent Piece)
Where: Somerset, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 600
Name: Mike McCullough
Find: 1843 Seated Liberty Quarter
Where: Baltimore County, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 600
Name: Mike Keefer
Find: Civil War Eagle Breast Plate
Where: Western MD
Machine: Nokta Macro Simplex
Name: Marco Johnson
Find: 1836 Half Dime
Where: Charles County, MD
Machine: Whites XLT
Name: Jason Jones
Find: Mid 1800’s West Point Cadet Button
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
Machine: Garrett AT Pro
Name: John Vice
Find: Civil War Era Navy Button
Where: Baltimore City, MD
Machine: Garrett AT Pro
Name: Gary Persinger
Find: Civil War M1860 Calvary Sword
Where: Fayette County, WV
Machine: Minelab Equinox 800
Name: Michael Mancuso
Find: Ohio Volunteer Militia (OVM) Breast Plate – Civil War
Where: Central MD
Machine: Garrett AT Max
Name: Jason Jones
Find: 1700’s French Sword Guard
Where: Easter Shore, MD
Machine: Garrett AT Pro
Name: Les Sherril
Find: 1807 Draped Bust Dime
Where: Princess Anne, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 800
Name: Phillip Kemmerlin
Find: 1870’s Old Guard of New York Button
Where: Dorchester County, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 600
Name: Frankie Bushong
Find: Cut Silver 8 Reale
Where: Middlesex County, VA
Machine: Garrett AT Pro
Name: Doug Goodyear
Find: 1831 Capped Bust Half Dime
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
Machine: Minelab Equinox 800
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