EARLY COLONIAL Settlement Exploration! Metal Detecting In The Woods Uncovers SECRETS Of The Past!

[@StefDigs]

REMINDER: I sell metal detecting equipment! Be sure to reach out to me on Facebook Messenger (Stef Tanguay) or email ([e-mail]) for assistance on selecting the most appropriate gear for you, as well as the best deals we have available!

[@grandmakellymcdonald]

boom let's go let's go treasure and adventure ✌👵

[@shooterjohn7163]

Hi Stef, I missed you last week. You have had a rough year with all that has happened. I love the arrowheads you found at the relic hunt. My grandparents cabin in upper Michigan had a ton of arrowheads I found as a kid walking and playing along the river. Michigan was where I used to detect copper nuggets too. Thanks for the video today… I was a television cameraman for decades and I don’t shoot video anymore myself… John

[@StefDigs]

@@shooterjohn7163 thanks John! I’ve always wanted to detect up there and look for Old Copper Culture artifacts - the float copper you’ve found would excite me! I found one OCC awl up here in CT about a year ago that I didn’t film. It’s even got silver inclusions - not common to find that in CT!

[@douglasangeloni9835]

I have watched you for some time. Love the colonial finds you make on your sites. As a history teacher (now retired) and historian, I have research & recorded early colonial military & Native village sites here in east-central Ohio (which are rare) for nearly 50 years, and have recovered many artifacts here that date from the 1760s-1780s. Recovering atrifacts from camps used during Bouquets 1764 expedition and McIntoshs 1778 expedition in Ohio, you know (in most cases) the exact day, or days, these artifacts were lost. This is unique in itself because it give you an exact time frame window to date these artifacts. Also, doing "living history" and studying the period, I would say that the small, no doubt, colonial buckles you have found in the past (and the one in this video) is most likley a "garder strap" buckle worn by men which helped to hold up their stockings. They tend to be a bit smaller than breeches knee buckles and date throughout the 18th century & possibly earlier.

[@StefDigs]

@@douglasangeloni9835 thanks for the info! Always appreciate insight from a true history buff in the comments! I don’t have a ton of sources on buckles (I’m usually going by whatever Whitehead has outlined in his book), and I’d thought the garter buckles were generally a white bronze or tombac alloy, generally around a half inch wide. The stud chape buckle from a previous video was listed as a knee or early shoe buckle, but I have a feeling it could’ve been a spur buckle, as well. As for the small one in this video, I think you’re absolutely correct. One of the smallest I’ve found!

[@dominickraimo2411]

Cool buckle. Excellent dig. Please stay well.

[@StefDigs]

@@dominickraimo2411 thank you! That’s the plan - if I get sick again in 2024, I’m going to lose my mind by going stir crazy! 🤣

[@kimetherington2252]

Glad your back and feeling better! Life sometimes throws you a curve ball, and you just have to take the time to get back to doing what you love! Your health is more important than providing content when you're not feeling up to it! You don't need any setbacks to prolong you from getting back out in the fields! Catch you on the next. ✌️ 😊

[@StefDigs]

@@kimetherington2252 thank you! Feeling MUCH better, for some reason I got sick a lot this Fall. Generally I just get slapped with one cold, but not this time. 🤣

[@GeorgeLandreman]

Glad to see another hunt. I know a lot of work goes into making these, just want you to know we appreciate all the efforts. Sincerely!

[@StefDigs]

@@GeorgeLandreman thank you! 😊 Appreciate the kind words!

[@southernrelics]

It’s always fun to sit down and catch one of your videos. Glad you found some of your favorite finds, and the points were awesome finds as well!

[@StefDigs]

@@southernrelics thank you! Was great to do something different and go on a true vacation to find those points! 😄

[@JustPlainSteve5372]

Some very nice Old finds Stef Thank You for always giving the History of the artifacts you find

[@StefDigs]

@@JustPlainSteve5372 thanks for watching! 😊

[@kenleach6097]

Stef, I love the extra time and care you take to share your VDI numbers, etc.

[@StefDigs]

@@kenleach6097 glad to hear it! If I can help other detectorists this way, I’m happy to continue doing it.

[@TheCoffeeBushKid]

Buckles and buttons. Good day right there. Congrats on the more unusual varieties you found. Good luck on the next outing mate 🦘🦘😁👍

[@StefDigs]

@@TheCoffeeBushKid thanks Andrew! Great time in the woods as always!

[@raydunhill5160]

Super video Steph!!! Congrats on the goodies!!! Always enjoy your excursions!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@StefDigs]

@@raydunhill5160 thank you so much! 😊

[@adrientucker5949]

"Investigate weird signals." I like it.

[@StefDigs]

@@adrientucker5949 haha, it always pays off! Even if it’s junk, you’ve learned something about the detector and how it identified that target. Best case, it’s something awesome!

[@elisabethcole2571]

Sweet buckle! I loved the glass pieces at the beginning though. I always wonder about the people who buried stuff like that and what they'd think if they could see us getting excited over finding their garbage! Awesome finds at Digstock too and I'm glad to see you didn't do any filming. You need to give yourself grace and just enjoy yourself once in a while! You're over 6,000 subscribers so you're doing something right! 😊❤

[@StefDigs]

@@elisabethcole2571 thanks Elisabeth! It was fun to go to an event just like every other attendee and dig the whole time without the agenda of filming or working (although I do love working when Minelab has a tent!). One of the best trips we’ve taken in a long time!

[@relicrat]

Nice finds. Love that last button and the iron buckle. Dig it all.

[@StefDigs]

@@relicrat thank you! Those finds surprised me considering I’d hunted that area quite a bit!

[@jaydigshistory36]

Feel better Stef! Great video! You’ve had a rough year don’t knock yourself. What you sent out this year has been awesome! Have a great holiday!

[@StefDigs]

@@jaydigshistory36 thanks so much, Jay! I appreciate all of the support this year - you are a gem of a human being, sir!

[@brunfree]

You had 1job🤣to centre the shank. Great finds fun vid😀

[@StefDigs]

@@brunfree haha, thank you! I’ve found a few dandies like that and it always cracks me up. 😂

[@EricGriffith-h2i]

Love your vids. Always so real and I just love your genuine spirit.

[@StefDigs]

Thank you so much, Eric! Appreciate that! 😊

[@mandybrown7758]

Very nice hunt Steph I always love button and buckle finds of course coins as well but so awesome

[@StefDigs]

@@mandybrown7758 thank you! I enjoy a good relic day!

[@droidv1]

I love the enthusiasm on your finds 😅

[@StefDigs]

@@droidv1 thank you! I do get fired up for 18th century finds. 😆

[@EZDiggin]

I love a button and buckle day!!

[@StefDigs]

@@EZDiggin me too! 😁

[@mysticmimaw]

Bless you, girl!! Take care of yourself and take your iron supplements. I get nose bleeds too. Love the iron shoe buckle!!❤ Thanks Stef 😊😊

[@StefDigs]

@@mysticmimaw thank you! I’m glad I finally remembered after a week of nosebleeds that the humidifier still exists… 😂 All better now!

[@digginhistoryoncapecod7506]

Sorry to hear you've been ill but glad you're feeling better. Nice finds in this vid! Stay well and Merry Christmas!

[@StefDigs]

@@digginhistoryoncapecod7506 thank you so much! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@craziedigging4590]

You've been through alot this year. Love your videos. Love the tiny Buckle you found and all the Buttons. Your Iron Buckle very cool. I will dig in an area with small chatter or a spot that has Iron tones. I've found some really cool Iron Relics this way. One of my best Iron Tone finds I past this spot many times. Big time Iron Tone. One day, I got a Nickle VDI number in this spot. Baffled by it I dug this once Iron Tone because of the Nickle tone. What i found was an old boot repair tap for the bottom of the boot about the size of a Nickle. I also found an 1873 5 Shot 32 Pistol. That made me start digging Iron tones. The Pistol is in pretty good shape and is with the boot tap. Keep the videos coming at your own time. Happy your feeling better Stef. Take Care Crazie Digging

[@StefDigs]

@@craziedigging4590 thank you! I love finding oddball stuff, so I tend to investigate big iron targets or targets that throw a funky trace on the 2D screen. If I haven’t heard a sound quite like it before or it’s showing a trace I’ve never seen, it’s coming out of the ground! That’s exactly how I found my canister shot earlier in the year, and it remains a top find of 2024.

[@craziedigging4590]

@StefDigs Right on Stef

[@maryjanezanelli8661]

As always, so fun to watch. Be well. I hope 2025 brings better health, joy and fantastic finds.

[@StefDigs]

@@maryjanezanelli8661 thank you! After the year 2024 handed me, I have a feeling 2025 will be a little better… I’ll will it so! 😆

[@capecoddiggerzmetaldetecti5718]

Great hunt as always Stef 👏 really looking forward to your future vids 😉🥰 HH and stay well 😉

[@StefDigs]

@@capecoddiggerzmetaldetecti5718 thank you! Those future vids are coming out in a month(ish), I think. I don’t know if I got footage of you, though! If not, I’ll make sure to get you next time we’re up there! 😊

[@capecoddiggerzmetaldetecti5718]

​@StefDigs definitely hope you guys come up again some time. 😁

[@MetalDetecting1974]

I really love watching your videos they have taught me alot about the Manticore which I really love!! We are going to a hunt in NY next year maybe I will see you there.

[@StefDigs]

@@MetalDetecting1974 that’s awesome, glad to hear the videos are helpful! It’s my goal to show Manticore users that treasure lies all over the 2D screen and not just on the center line. 😉

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Hi Stef! Hope you get fully well, especially for the holidays. I thought the iron buckle a real treasure in that condition. Also saw Patrick on TV. Just in case, wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

[@StefDigs]

@@granddad-mv5ef thank you! I’m feeling way better now, great timing, phew! 😅

[@DiggerDal]

Hi from the uk,fellow detectorist,really enjoyed finding your content

[@StefDigs]

@DiggerDal thank you! Welcome to the channel! 😄

[@Gloria-qy3dd]

Glad to see you again, i enjoy your videos, Get well ,stay well ,cover head,chest,warm socks so you stay well.A busted blood vessel or a sinus infection,be careful.

[@StefDigs]

@@Gloria-qy3dd could’ve been for sure! Glad to be feeling better!

[@stevenstark9017]

Hey Stef. What an awesome hunt really liked those cool finds. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

[@StefDigs]

@@stevenstark9017 thank you Steve! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@NathanPowers-y5g]

Thanks Stef, Great Video, Take Care, Indiana.

[@StefDigs]

@@NathanPowers-y5g thanks Nathan!

[@williamstewart1378]

Great finds stef glad to see you back

[@StefDigs]

@@williamstewart1378 thank you! Good to be back!

[@williamstewart1378]

@StefDigs I'll be watching good luck

[@ChrisMylek-o9z]

Like everything you do....Fun to watch!

[@StefDigs]

@@ChrisMylek-o9z thanks so much! 😊

[@413MassDigger]

Nice job Stef,, sweet saves

[@StefDigs]

@@413MassDigger thanks Ray! Hope you’re well! 😊

[@MUDSWAT]

I always learn something from your channel, that's pretty neat! Nose bleed? Maybe not a bad idea to talk to a Dr. if it happens any more.

[@StefDigs]

@@MUDSWAT glad to hear it! The nosebleeds were everyday for a week until I remembered, “oh yeah… fill the humidifier, doofus!” 🤣 Problem solved!

[@PinkPowerAllyTreasureHunter]

Nicely done Stef!! Please 🙏🏻 see your Doc just to be sure all is good! I know it’s likely the dryness and some crazy atmospheric pressure is all over with crazy weather here anyways but I hope nothing is serious 🙏🏻🙏🏻💞

[@StefDigs]

@@PinkPowerAllyTreasureHunter thanks Ally! I was fine after I remembered that I should be using a humidifier this time of year, hah! The nosebleeds could’ve actually been from stress, too, because that’s generally when I get them. Or, ya know… me not plugging in the humidifier early enough. 😆 Haven’t had a nosebleed since!

[@PinkPowerAllyTreasureHunter]

@ great news!!

[@firemanmsb]

Thank you for the video. Great finds

[@StefDigs]

@@firemanmsb thanks for watching! 😊

[@SnapScavenge]

Nice finds!

[@StefDigs]

@@SnapScavenge thank you!

[@jillianfortuna2348]

👍👍

[@jerrydowning2235]

Nice hunt ,hope you are ok.

[@StefDigs]

@@jerrydowning2235 thank you! Feeling much better now! 😊

[@dirtclodmetaldetecting]

Nice finds and video! New to your channel!

[@StefDigs]

@@dirtclodmetaldetecting thank you! Glad you found the channel! 😄

[@richardklapka5147]

Nice dandies! I saw that Chig was at that artifacts dig. Did you see him there? Rk.

[@StefDigs]

@@richardklapka5147 yes I did! I’m actually in the first of his videos from that hunt, but a beanie put me incognito! 😆

[@jeffreywoita408]

Do you ever polish up any buckles or buttons to display how they used to look when they were being used?

[@StefDigs]

@@jeffreywoita408 great question! I don’t have any 18th century shoes or replicas with which to display the buckles, but that would be a really cool idea. I generally just remove the dirt, leave the green patina (assuming it’s present), apply Renaissance Wax, and buff them with a microfiber cloth once the wax is dried. Always looks nice! Only relic I’ve taken down to the base metal for the sake of displaying it as it would’ve looked 200+ years ago was a Brown Bess buttplate. The patina was really patchy and ugly on that piece, so I went to town. It displays beautifully!

[@ScavengerNick]

@StefDigs what are those pieces of porcelain with the blue patterns? I find them all the time

[@StefDigs]

Parts of dishes, teacups, saucers, you name it - it’s all household tableware from centuries ago! I don’t always find a large enough piece to determine the style, though. Larger pieces are much easier to pin down to a specific time frame.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

you use all the coils. for the manticore. ,i switch between 6" ,11" ,15". for my 900. one thing you have to learn is when and why. you need to change them. been out looking for gold. with 6" in gold 1. have a good day.

[@StefDigs]

@@greedygringoprospecting6941 Yes, definitely important people learn that, I’ve covered it in videos a few times - both about settings and coil selection. I generally use the M9 because it’s appropriate for iron infested cellar holes and the surrounding areas (my usual sites), M11 is a nice all around go-to when I don’t know what type of site I’ll be on or plan to bounce around, M15 is my pasture coil (not on them a lot), and the M8 doesn’t honestly get used a lot because I feel the separation on the M9 is equivalent to the M8, and the M9 offers better ground coverage. Nice to have a tool for everything!

[@Noxman1]

Hi Stef, hope u had a good xmas...my wife bought a manticore for Xmas. I've had a nox 800 for a few years..any suggestions on how to videos for this machine. So far I love it!!

[@StefDigs]

That’s awesome! I would highly suggest joining the Facebook group: Minelab Detectors-Unleash the beast-Official Minelab Group and searching for videos from Luc Van Assche, who is another Detexpert. He was also a tester for the Manticore and knows it better than anyone in the world (I’m not exaggerating). You will gain a LOT of insight on the machine, and he has a great way of simplifying things so that it’s easier to understand for everybody. He may have a KZbin channel now as well, I’m not sure. He’s the man you want to listen to, though!

[@Noxman1]

@StefDigs awesome thank u

[@luckydigger8073]

Save by the Muck, I'm sure he appreciates it.

[@StefDigs]

@@luckydigger8073 haha, perhaps! I don’t know if he’s subscribed, although Kurt is. I need to find a 3 hour pocket of time to watch the 500th episode!

[@johnsmalldridge6356]

Is the nine inch coil your preferred coil for the manticore.

[@StefDigs]

@@johnsmalldridge6356 yes it is! I am generally hunting iron infested cellar holes, and I like the option to have both excellent separation and the ability to wander without losing much coverage in comparison to the stock coil.

[@Waterkantmetaldetecting]

new sub, greetz from fb^^ btw thanks for add

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for subscribing! Hope you continue to enjoy the videos! 😊

[@joealbano2168]

How do you like your Minelab 900 performance wise thinking of getting one Thanks Joe

[@StefDigs]

@@joealbano2168 I don’t swing the 900 too often these days as I use a Manticore, but I do enjoy the 900! The Manticore and 900 are different beasts. If you want to keep your budget lower and are used to an Equinox 600/800, a 900 is an appropriate replacement. If budget isn’t as much of a concern, the Manticore is where it’s at! 🤘🏻 Feel free to reach out when you decide - I sell machines. 😊

[@waynelutwiniak797]

Great stuff, glad you are doing well. Stay dirty 👍

[@StefDigs]

@@waynelutwiniak797 thanks Wayne!

[@MetalDetecting1974]

One more comment I wish you would show and talk about what setup , settings that you ise.

[@StefDigs]

@@MetalDetecting1974 I can do that one of these days, absolutely! At the very least, perhaps I can start putting the settings for any given hunt in the description of the video. I do change it up a bit depending where I am, and I love helping Manticore users.

[@olivei2484]

Liked the pewter button.

[@StefDigs]

@@olivei2484 thank you, me too! So rare that they come out of the ground like the day they were lost!

[@chrisb5084]

Hey Stef....beef up your vitamin D and K for nosebleeds. Give it a try!

[@StefDigs]

@@chrisb5084 good idea! Thankfully, the humidifier helped a LOT - haven’t had a nosebleed since!

[@angielemaster6499]

How is your blood pressure? Could be from that if it's too high.

[@StefDigs]

@@angielemaster6499 it’s good as gold! I was medicated for high blood pressure for a few years, but since I quit drinking this year and lost around 40 pounds, my blood pressure became too low on the medication since I no longer needed it! 😁 I chalked the nosebleeds up to dry air in the bedroom and filled the humidifier - was fine after that!

[@angielemaster6499]

Glad to all is well! Thank you for letting me know.

[@MetalDetecting1974]

Sorry I have to say stop picking your nose lol ❤😂😅 I'm just being silly!!😂

[@StefDigs]

@@MetalDetecting1974 hahahahaha, someone was bound to say it! 🤣 I’m just glad the humidifier did the trick to stop the nosebleeds, hah!

[@WilliamDombkowski]

Nose Is high blood pressure get check

[@StefDigs]

@@WilliamDombkowski my blood pressure is completely normal. It’s because I hadn’t put the dehumidifier up in the bedroom yet. All good now. 👌🏻

[@LeoBower-p2c]

It was great too see you with Jason and the guys

[@StefDigs]

@@LeoBower-p2c some of my favorite people to hunt with! I’ve got a couple of videos on the way from our trip to Cape Cod that we took about a month ago. Looking forward to releasing those!

[@LeoBower-p2c]

Hope you don’t have high blood pressure

[@StefDigs]

@@LeoBower-p2c not these days! I’ve been sober for just under a year, lost 40 pounds, and was taken off my BP medication because my BP was too low when I was on the meds once I no longer needed them. 😄 Using a humidifier solved the problem!

[@rapiddog1491]

Keep your feet dry!

[@StefDigs]

@@rapiddog1491 always do! I’ve taken to wearing waterproof, insulated rubber boots and I love them!

[@connorsrelicsandtreasures9862]

once I have a lot of money I will be creating Connorstock and will invite several KZbinrs including you.

[@StefDigs]

@@connorsrelicsandtreasures9862 I’m game! 😄

[@connorsrelicsandtreasures9862]

@ what does I’m game mean

[@StefDigs]

@ it means it sounds good / I’m prepared to do that.