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| Feature | Vol. 34 - Nov. 2000 |
Ed's Museum
By Ed O'Connell
What do you do with your finds after a metal detecting outing? Do you sort them into different boxes and then put the boxes in a closet? That's what I did for years, until I got tired of dragging out the boxes whenever somebody wanted to see my recoveries. Then one Saturday, while at an antiques show, I spotted a booth where Civil War items were being sold. There in front of me was the answer to my problem: the dealer had Mason jars filled with Minie balls, and case after case of artifacts dug by detectorists.
 Arrange a few favorite recoveries in a well-crafted case, and your family and friends are sure to share the fascination that such finds arouse in every TH'er. |
After lingering over the cases for several minutes, I located a booth with old bottles and jars for sale. I purchased two Mason jars and started displaying my "junk collection" (as my wife called it). So, if you, too, have an understanding spouse here are a few ways to set up your own mini-museum...
 Albums are an inexpensive and convenient way to display coins and other small items. |
Picture or poster frames: Take photos during your next hunt and frame them along with close-ups of your most valuable recoveries to date. This allows you to show off your best finds while they are securely locked away. If you have had an article published here in W&ET, why not arrange it, along with colored photos related to your story, in a poster frame? I have several of my published features framed and displayed by my front door. They make interesting conversation pieces and allow me to share my detecting experiences with guests.
 Coveted collectibles themselves, jars like these are also ideal containers for marbles, bullets, junk jewelry, accumulated coins... just about anything! |
Aquarium tanks: You can buy these cheap at yard sales, flea markets, and auctions, especially if they are damaged (leak). Buy a large one, too: you would be amazed how quickly a small tank becomes cluttered. Once the tank is cleaned and set on a sturdy table, decide on a theme for your exhibit such as beach, desert, battlefield etc. I wanted mine to resemble a hunt site, so I added white sand and scattered square nails and pieces of colored glass among my finds. If you live near a beach, you have a ready supply of sand; otherwise, your local garden supply store sells white playbox sand. I also straightened out two clothes hangers and bent them over the tank's sides, to string keys and dogtags on. Remember, there are no rules here. Also, let your children help you, as they can be remarkably creative.
Mason jars: Since these come in a variety of sizes and colors, they make ideal containers for your "treasure" caches. Shop at flea markets and antique stores for older jars, especially ones with unique embossing and metal lids. Items that I have displayed this way include Wheat cents, marbles, foreign coins, and "junk" jewelry. Use your imagination... buttons, musketballs, tokens, or bits of colored glass and porcelain would also be interesting.
 Don't clutter a closet... brighten a corner with your detecting finds! |
Coin albums: Of course, you can buy these, but consider making your own. Go to your local coin shop and purchase 2 x 2 coin holders and pages. Make sure you buy some for each coin denomination: nickel, dime, etc. Next, find a three-ring notebook binder that your kids are no longer using. Place your finds in the holders and staple them shut (making sure you flatten the staples using needlenose pliers), label the holders, place them in the page slots, and you have an instant treasure book. I like to take my albums to work and show them to my friends. I am always amazed by comments such as, "Are those really American coins" and "Our coins used to be made from silver?" Most people are not aware of the variety and beauty of past coin designs, and I am always glad to share part of our nation's history.
 Tanks for the memories! That leaky old aquarium might make a guppy gasp, but it's a dandy showcase for your coinshooting "keepers." |
Display cases: When purchasing a display case, spend a little extra money; cardboard cases will not do justice here. I bought an excellent case at a coin show for $30. It has a solid walnut frame and foam padding that holds small items securely against its glass cover. Old keys, buttons, badges and watch fobs are some of the keepers in my case. If you have been in this hobby for some time, you might need individual cases for buttons, keys, etc.
All of these "show & tell" items are inexpensive and can be readily obtained. They provide an easy way to show off your finds, and often prompt viewers to tell about potential hunt sites. I encourage you to get all those finds out of the closet and find creative ways to display them. Now, if you will excuse me, I must gather my implements of detection and go recover more rare artifacts for the very prestigious O'Connell Museum of Metallic Antiquities- or as my wife now calls it, "Ed's organized junk collection."
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