- Feb 2, 2013
- 1,441
- 2,028
- Detector(s) used
- Many
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
A metal detectorist said he was "gobsmacked" after unearthing a rare Bronze Age artefact.
Jonathan Needham, a retired tree surgeon from Hucknall in Nottinghamshire, found the 3,000-year-old gold dress or cloak fastener at Ellastone, in Staffordshire.
The discovery, detailed in a new report by the British Museum, is believed to be only one of seven found in England.
The item is likely to be acquired by a museum.
Mr Needham handed the item to Derby Museum the next day - as required by the Treasure Act 1996.
Meghan King, finds liaison officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said she believed the artefact came from Ireland.
"We think it was probably worn by an important person as it's really well crafted and it's a beautiful piece," she said.
The object will now be independently valued and Mr Needham will split the finder's fee with the landowner.
Although unsure of the valuation, Mr Needham said he thought it would be a "life-changing amount".
www.bbc.com
Jonathan Needham, a retired tree surgeon from Hucknall in Nottinghamshire, found the 3,000-year-old gold dress or cloak fastener at Ellastone, in Staffordshire.
The discovery, detailed in a new report by the British Museum, is believed to be only one of seven found in England.
The item is likely to be acquired by a museum.
Mr Needham handed the item to Derby Museum the next day - as required by the Treasure Act 1996.
Meghan King, finds liaison officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said she believed the artefact came from Ireland.
"We think it was probably worn by an important person as it's really well crafted and it's a beautiful piece," she said.
The object will now be independently valued and Mr Needham will split the finder's fee with the landowner.
Although unsure of the valuation, Mr Needham said he thought it would be a "life-changing amount".
Nottinghamshire metal detectorist unearths rare Bronze Age artefact
The Bronze Age gold fastener is believed to be only one of seven found in England.
www.bbc.com
