In late September last year two American detectorist friends, Gary and Gene from Cincinnati, Ohio came for a visit - they were with me for four days.

The first trip I took Gary and Gene on was to one of my favourite spots just off the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire. Detecting in a wood on the hillside Gary first found a bronze horse brass – it is about 4� inches by 3� inches, a quarter of an inch thick, weight about 4 ozs. There were three lugs protruding from the back and the broken stub of a fourth. On the face appear to be the initials M c K, I have yet to do some research on this inscription to try to find out if it can be identified.

Our second trip was near to Windsor Castle on the bank of a stream adjoining a playing field. The first thing to come up from about four inches was a silver bracelet, nicely decorated round the outside with a floral design. With just a rub with a cloth it shone like new. There were no hallmarks on it so have not been able to date it. This was found by Gary.

Next to appear was a lovely silver livery button, found by Gene. This too only needed a rub to shine brightly. It is about ⅞” diameter and on the face is depicted, on the left a stags head and on the right, a hounds head, facing each other. Maybe this was from a huntsman’s coat.

The next find was a metal statue. It came up from about six inches and was found by Gary. It is just over five inches tall and depicts a lady in ancient dress. It has not yet been cleaned and restored.