Metal Detecting Maryland and Mental Metal Detecting would like to congratulate the July 2019 Digger of The Month.
Keith Sylvester
During the month of July Keith found something extremely rare that was probably used in the American Civil War. He found this amazing relic lodged under the root of a tree submerged underwater! Because of this amazing find, Keith was voted as Digger of The Month for July 2019. What did he uncover?
Keith found a well preserved 1861 Springfield Musket with the percussion cap clearly visible. According to Keith, “The cap is smashed and the barrel empty so I believe it had actually been fired before it was captured/discarded.” Congratulations Keith! What an outstanding discovery.
Keith recorded the experience and you can watch it below.
More About Keith From His Own Words.
How long have you been metal detecting?
Keith: I think I got started sometime in 2005 after a friend had convinced me to give it a try. I went out with him a couple times and became hooked when I found a spill of 5 or 6 pristine dropped minie balls.
What was the first machine you ever used?
Keith: I bought a pair of used Whites Spectrum XLTs and used them for several years. .
What is your favorite metal detector and what do you like about the machine the most?
Keith: That’s a hard question because I have a different favorite for different situations. I would have to say that the Garrett AT Pro is my favorite because I enjoy water hunting more than any other type of detecting and have found many desirable relics with that machine. I like the way it sounds off on iron targets. Artillery shells are my favorite quarry and the AT series gives a fairly distinctive sound when the coil is over any kind of large iron target. My favorite land machine is the Fisher F-75.
Who inspired you to get into metal detecting?
Keith: An old friend and fellow MDM member Mike Sirbaugh. We hadn’t seen each other in years but we became reaquainted when he joined a band that I was playing in at the time. He had been into the hobby for years already and knew I had a fascination with US Civil War history and artifacts. After some friendly pestering, I finally went out with him using one of his machines. I bought my own detector shortly thereafter.
What do you consider to be your best find metal detecting?
Keith: Another hard question. Right now I think it’s the complete M1861 Springfield musket (pictured above). I love finding artillery shells but it’s kind of hard to beat that rifle. Before that I would have chosen my 12 pd Whitworth bolt. That is an exceedingly rare and unusual artillery projectile from the war.
What is your favorite type of detecting (relic, coin shooting, water etc.)?
Keith: Relic hunting in water, hands down. Nothing beats being in a remote place, waist deep in river water on a hot summer day in a spot that I have researched and have reasonable hopes of finding artillery. I do love looking for trash pits and huts on winter camps but I’m not so good at it.
Name 5 items you would like to find in 2019?
- Any artillery projectile but something from one of the bigger guns like a 20 pdr would be nice. I don’t have anything like that in my collection.
- Complete Civil War carbine.
- Complete Civil War saber.
- Any Confederate (CS) plate.
- Civil War era bottle.
Do you have other social media links, channels etc. that you would like others to know about?
Keith: My YouTube Channel “DigginwithKeefer”
How do you win Digger of The Month? Metal Detecting Maryland has a contest every month called the Wall of Fame Award. To be eligible to win Digger of the Month you must be a member of Metal Detecting Maryland and be selected for the Wall of Fame first. Not a member? Join today! Click Here for more information about the contest.
