At last! A comprehensive book that doubles as both a how-to manual as well as a colonial artifact encyclopedia that will benefit not only the serious digger and collector of early artifacts, but also provide a valuable resource for metal detecting enthusiasts of all ages and interests. Through his extensive field study of colonial Virginia sites, author Bill Dancy guides the reader through the equipment, tools and personal items utilized by the early settlers that helped forge a new nation.

Topics in this richly illustrated volume include:

• Artifact identification
• Research methods
• Artifact recovery
• Metal detecting tips
• How to locate sites
• Search strategies
• Using a probe
• Building and using a sifter
• Cleaning and preservation
• And more, including nearly 1,000 full color photographs