we have been putting the C-Scope 3mxi through it's paces on both our permissions, and initially were turning up horse shoes, wire and BOATs (bit off a tractor). However on the 21st March we were at our permission in an old orchard in Gloucestershire and Arthur unearthed this rather nice artefact, about 12" down.
which we believe to be a late 16 or early 17c pewter spoon. The fig shaped bowl, hexagonal stem and pinched end point to these period. the makers mark in the bowl shows 3 spoons. Also in the same hole, were pieces of slipware which was popular at the time mentioned.
Just before Arthur found his spoon, I had a very faint signal at the foot of an ancient apple tree, and this little fellow popped out from about 3" down.
To my eye, he looks from the same period as the spoon, with a Jacobean style you might find on dark oak chairs or overmantles of the time.
There was this pottery in the same hole, and we have found more of the same since at the foot of other apple trees in the orchard. It is tempting to think of Wassailing and general merriment taking place in the orchard over the years, with bowls of cider being quaffed (quaffing is the same as drinking but you spill more) and either smashed accidentally or as an offering.
Either way, the few remaining trees in the orchard were smiling on us that day (which happened to be the Spring equinox) and yielded some of their treasure to us. I think we had better make a libation the next time we go.