Chip Needham isn't your average detectorist. With a fervour for unearthing long-lost historical treasures, he has delved into the depths of the earth to bring its secrets to the surface. Beginning his journey with the formidable Equinox 600 and 800, it's with the Equinox 900 that his treasure-seeking game truly flourished. Join us as we delve into Chip's experiences, highlighting the pivotal role the Equinox 900 played in some of his most astounding discoveries.
It’s a late bronze age dress fastener or cloak fastener – could be a sun bracelet. It’s three and a half thousand years old. I believe it to be a cloak fastener. I think the shape lends itself to this and the two ends look like ‘suns’ as they used to worship the sun.
What’s happened since you’ve found it? How’s the process been?
When I finally found out what it was and the importance of the find I got moving straight away to get it into the FLO. There had been a lot of bad press around detecting and reporting of finds around the time of the find, so I was determined to show that the vast majority of detectorists are honest in the hobby.
I found the process of reporting the find and guidance from my FLO officer to be extremely helpful and the Gold was safely in a museum vault within 24 hours. To be honest I was relieved to see it handed over, the find felt almost mystical and ancient. To think that it would have been worn by a person of such high status as a Chieftain of a tribe was hard to comprehend.
What’s your detecting history?
I started about three years ago with the Equinox 600 which I learned with before upgrading to the 800 about 18 months later. The 800 was nuts, absolutely brilliant, I loved the 600 but the 800 was immense. It felt like moving from a BMW 1 series to a 3 series. Then I got the 900 in April of this year, which to continue the metaphor was like getting into a BMW M3.
All of the Equinox machines are brilliant but the new models do take it up a notch each time. I’d happily go back to the 600 but I do think I’d miss the depth and separation the 900 gives me.
Had any other good finds lately?
They never stop with the 900, I’ve had tiny hammered at great depth, a few Bronze Age axes, a beautiful gold brooch and so many coins and artifacts. The 900 is such a machine that if I walk over it, I’m confident it’s coming out, it really is that good.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Well, I love investigating all my finds and researching Monarchs and peoples connected to those time periods, detecting has made me a budding historian, so all finds are welcome.
Having said that I have never found a gold coin yet, so that’s at the top of my list. My top bucket lister used to be a half-crown full silver but I managed to get a beauty out the ground this summer. I’d really like to find a crucifix of any sort too, again something that interests me, Fingers crossed.
Any advice for other detectorists?
A couple of things I’ve found is if there is a lot of iron on your permission it’s a good sign, detect slowly around all signals and if in doubt dig it !!!! The 900 is amazing at separating targets over iron so I detect in all metal.
Definitely check your hole after a find, I’ve lifted iron thinking that was too good of a signal for that, gone over the hole again and the target rings up solid still in the hole, I found a stunning Roman coin under a horseshoe like that!
Lastly, put the hours in if you can. I detect like I’m at work, I like to put in 8 hours a shift as often as I can. Malc and me have a right laugh when we are out and thoroughly enjoy the hobby, but we detect like we mean it. The more hours you spend on the end of a good detector the more it becomes part of you, until your confidence on hitting targets is as easy as walking over it.
Chip Needham's adventures serve as a testament to the wonders that lie beneath, waiting for the right tool, the right place and the keen eye to bring them into the light. His tales underscore the power of determination, insight, and the unparalleled capabilities of the Minelab Equinox 900.
Inspired to start your own journey of discovery? The team at Crawfords is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards unearthing your own piece of history.
Call us on now: 01724 845608
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