Searching land, beaches and shallow water for buried or lost metal objects using a handheld electronic metal detector, sweeping its coil over the ground and digging where it signals a target. Hobbyists find anything from modern coins and jewelry to genuine archaeological finds, and the hobby supports organized clubs, group detecting rallies and, in some countries, formal schemes for reporting historically significant finds to local authorities; detecting on land the hobbyist does not own or control generally requires the landowner's permission.
Facts
OriginCharles Garrett, later founder of Garrett Metal Detectors and an electrical engineer, began metal detecting as a personal pastime in the early 1960s, one of the earliest documented instances of recreational metal detecting; metal detecting clubs formed for hobbyists to share finds and learn the hobby. 1 Partially Attested
Established When (Circa)Marks Charles Garrett's own start as a recreational detectorist in the early 1960s, one documented early instance, not a proven universal starting date for the hobby. Connections
Associated With
Treasure hunting is commonly pursued using metal detecting equipment and technique.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Metal detecting - Wikipedia
As a hobby section
Metal detecting clubs exist for hobbyists to learn from others, show off finds from their hunts and to learn more about the hobby.
History section, sentence on Garrett's 1960s start
Garrett, an electrical engineer by profession, began metal detecting as a pastime in the early 1960s.
History section, sentence introducing Garrett as founder
Charles Garrett, the founder of Garrett Metal Detectors, was another key figure in the creation of today's metal detectors.
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