Research and Recovery

Fitchburg Fusilier Button - For Sale!

2011-09-08T21:03:00.000-04:00

I have decided to sell the Script FF Fitchburg Fusilier cuff button that I recovered at DIV XV. It's listed on eBay and can be anyone's. I have started the bidding at $100. More information can be found here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/260850750354?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Happy Hunting,
-Ian

Would You Like A Little Pepper?

2011-09-05T09:54:00.000-04:00

On some of our videos, you may notice on the YouTubecomments that some people like to accuse us of "peppering" our huntlocations. The term peppering means someone plants targets in a locationso they can be recovered at a later time, possibly on video. I can understandhow someone might think this, so let me try to explain why someone might getthis inclination and why we shoot our videos the way we do.

Why do youonly show your ‘good finds’? Let me askyou this- would you want to sit at your computer for ten minutes at a timewatching us dig tinfoil, cans, shotgun shells, and whatever other kind of trashwe find? We show our interesting findsbecause that’s where the history is, not the Budweiser can that was eightinches deep.

Why do youonly show some of the finds after you have dug them? Simple answer: Time. If I was to film every single hole that wedig, I might get about an hour of digging time in during a four hour hunt. Ponder this- if you carried a backpack thathad your camera tucked away in it and you sat your pack down to retrieve yourcamera every time you came to a good sounding target, not only would you wastetime, but you would also waste a lot of energy. Having said that, we could ‘re-bury’ the target and then dig it back upwhile filming, but then you risk damaging the relic. Besides, the majority of the time the relicis still sitting in the dirt seconds after we have located it when we beginfilming.

Theremay be some other questions that you have as to why we do things a certainway. If you happen to have any, pleasepost a comment below. I would love toanswer it for you.

If thisstill doesn’t sway your way of thinking of us PEPPERING a site, then that isyour choice and I guess you will have to watch our videos with a grain of SALT.

Happy Hunting!

-Ian

September Outlook

2011-09-02T02:00:00.000-04:00

     For the month of September, I am going to try and get things moving again. I've been inspired to continue on with the videos by many supporting people. It's been almost 6 months since I have held a detector in my hand, so I am hoping that digging and filming is like riding a bike.

     Brian and I haven't gotten any locations to hunt lined up yet, but we are slowly working on that. Many places we usually hunt are still filled with trees and tons of undergrowth that hinder us from swinging. Those will have to be left for the winter months to let all the flora die off. I can tell you one thing, though- Just looking at all the various forums and seeing what everyone else is recovering has given me a huge itch to get out and search around. I will be like a kid in a candy store once I get back out with my MXT in hand.

     For those wondering when the next Research and Recovery video will be out, keep checking back. I, too, would like to see a new one. I have spent the past few days going over the ones we have already made so far, and thoroughly enjoy them. Personally, we have caught a few firsts on video as well. The first time Brian and I hunted together, Brian's first spur, my first Diggin' in Virginia, and both of our first bottles being recovered from a pit about 4 feet deep at DIV XV.

     I can't wait to get back out. Happy hunting!
     -Ian

The Revival

2011-08-31T13:35:00.003-04:00

Over this past year, I have learned a lot of new things about life. Many times we take for granted what we have and a lot of times we fail to see the forest for the trees. Since my divorce in March, I have taken a step back from the videos, this forum, and the hobby as a whole. Along with taking that step back to analyze what I really want in life, I have gained so much more in this year than I have in my whole lifetime.

Throughout my divorce earlier this year, I was able to get to know a person who has changed me for the better, a person who makes me try to be as best a man as I can, a person who I love very much. She stands by me anytime I decide to take on a new project (as long as I finish it) and supports me in ways that I thought was impossible. Not a day goes by that I don't have a big smile on my face because of her. She may one day get on this forum if she chooses to, and when that happens, you will all understand what I am saying.

I'll be honest- Creating the videos, moderating a forum, participating on the Relic Roundup and going to find relics started feeling like a 'job'. I didn't want that to happen from the get-go. I didn't want the fun to be taken out it all. My initial plan was just to take you guys on a visual journey as we went on our hunts. I guess I started thinking that I needed to do more, and that in effect, made me want to do less.

As for our forum, it is open as it always has been since we created it early last year. Just because I needed a step back didn't mean I wanted you all to have to take that step back with me. Much like every member here, I love seeing all of the stuff that is pulled from the ground. That's why we made this forum. Not to make money or compete with other well-known forums, but to create a camaraderie between our members who enjoy doing the same things.

In the following weeks, I am going to continue to check-in on our forum on a day-to-day basis. Granted, I am not going to be expending myself as I have in the past, I will still be an active member on here as I want you guys to be active as well.

Finally, I want to give thanks to all who have supported us. I can't tell you how many times where your support and encouragement meant so much to me. It made me want to make our videos as best as possible. And you can definitely tell it. If you take a look at some of our older videos and then look at the newer ones, you will surely see a difference in quality. You guys made me want to do better. You gave me that nudge when I didn't have anyone to give me that nudge. I can only hope that you guys will continue to support us, our videos, our forum, and our website in the same way you all have done in the past four years.

Thank you and happy hunting,
-Ian

Coming Soon

2011-08-31T10:00:00.002-04:00

In case you haven't noticed, R&R has taken something of a break. However, the leaves are starting to change color and that can only mean one thing... It's almost time for relic season. Stay tuned and head over to the Forum to see what all is going on...

-Ian

New Video: DIV XV!

2010-11-05T21:38:00.002-04:00

Come along with us as we recover Civil War artifacts and relics in Culpeper, Virginia at Diggin' in Virginia XV!

2010-10-30T18:58:00.001-04:00

Ian dug a good one today!

2010-10-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Huge field where a few nice relics were recovered.

2010-10-30T10:25:00.001-04:00

First find day 2!

2010-10-29T07:21:00.000-04:00

Let's dig!

2010-10-28T18:27:00.001-04:00

Prehunt meeting!

2010-10-28T17:02:00.001-04:00

Dinner before the pre-hunt meeting.

2010-10-28T14:20:00.001-04:00

We're here!

2010-10-28T12:56:00.001-04:00

2010-10-28T12:25:00.001-04:00

We're up to Fairfield-97 miles away!

2010-10-28T10:49:00.001-04:00

The sun is out in Virginia!

Audio: DIV - More preparations!

2010-10-26T21:05:00.003-04:00

We're continuing to get ready for DIV! We got a few more goodies at the store to prepare for the three days of non-stop digging!

If the audio player doesn't appear, visit http://en.1000mikes.com/download/195356/5002766.mp3

2010-10-25T22:41:00.002-04:00

DIV rain gear!

2010-10-25T21:06:00.001-04:00

Test test 1.2.3...

2010-10-24T20:54:00.001-04:00

R and R will be bringing you updates from the field at DIV! Stay tuned!

Audio: Diggin' in Virginia Preparation!

2010-10-24T20:09:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick update on the status of R&R about this week's Diggin' in Virginia!

If you can't see the player, visit http://en.1000mikes.com/download/194674/4987334.mp3

R&R Forum Contest!

2010-10-18T19:55:00.004-04:00

The time is here for the R&R Forum Contest! Up for grabs in the prize package is a 1857 Seated Liberty "holed" Dime, a Confederate Infantry Button that has the shank intact and a subscription to American Digger Magazine!

To find out how to win this prize package, go to the R&R Forum!

Diggin' in Virginia - Preparation

2010-10-12T15:18:00.003-04:00

DIV XV is later this month and there are about 400 total participants getting quite anxious right now. Myself included in those 400. This will be my first DIV and I have been reading, listening, and watching anything I can concerning that hot Virginia soil. Among that and other things, I have taken my first preventive maintenance step on my digging tool.

I sanded my Predator Tools Model 80 Relic Pro down to remove any rust and dirt. Sharpened the blade up a bit. After a thorough cleaning, I gave the handle and shaft a couple of coats of Rustoleum primer. This gives a nice finish and one that gives your gloves a little extra grip in wet conditions. I then gave the blade a couple of coats of Rustoleum gloss black. After the paint had dried, I waxed the blade using car wax.

In theory, if it's raining, this would help with the mud/clay sticking to the blade. I'm hoping we don't have to worry about the rain/snow, but it's good to plan ahead regardless. Here is the finished Model 80 sitting beside my Model 88 Hercules. I will probably treat the Model 80 the same as it is starting to lose some of it's 'shimmer'.

The relic hunting season is almost here!

2010-09-01T06:36:00.002-04:00

Fall and winter are right around the corner and that means most of us are going to take to the fields, woods, creeks, rivers, and anywhere else we can search for Civil War relics. Research and Recovery is also going to be there with you!

Get ready for the 2010 Relic Hunting Season from R&R!

Contest coming up!

2010-08-31T07:02:00.001-04:00

Research and Recovery will be having a contest in late October. To participate, simply register for free on the "R&R Forum". When the contests begins, you'll be able to submit your guess on the forum.

Prizes will include a couple of nice Civil War relics and a subscription to American Digger Magazine!

More information will be posted as the time nears so make sure you go ahead and get registered and start posting your stories on the forum!

Don't miss The Relic Roundup!

2010-08-30T20:22:00.004-04:00

All systems are go at 9:00pm Eastern as we have an open mike about anything and everything in metal detecting, treasure hunting, etc. Make sure you join in on the fun over at The Relic Roundup blog!

-Ian

Happy Birthday to the R&R Forum!

2010-08-30T05:41:00.005-04:00

We started the R&R Forum last year with the intention of like-minded individuals to gather and discuss history, metal detectors, and anything that is generally on our minds. We have definitely come a long way since August of 2009!

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the R&R Forum over the past year. Without you, it would simply be forum. But instead, it's a wealth of information, images, videos, and even a resource for many people.

We can only hope that more users continue to join and contribute to make it a successful place for people to share ideas and stories about our history.

To register on the R&R Forum, follow this link: http://researchandrecovery.forumotion.net/profile.forum?mode=register

Once again, a huge thank you from R&R!
-Ian

Brian got a good one!

2010-08-29T17:41:00.004-04:00

Alright. Let me set the stage here. Brian and I went to the Civil War show in Pigeon Forge yesterday. And, of course, we MUST dig after attending an event like that. On our way home, we talked about places we should search, specifically a place that we have hunted very often. We decided that our plan of attack would be search the woods where we have found some quality relics before hoping that we would be cool from the heat.

After about 30 minutes, Brian was able to recover a nice Enfield bullet. A little after that he found another smashed Enfield in a clump of fallen down trees with briers and vines wrapping around them.

We decided that we should take a break and grab a quick drink of water to recharge for another stretch of searching. A few minutes after getting back to swinging, the storm clouds started to roll in and it began to thunder off in the distance. I decided that I should start heading back to some shelter so that the camera wouldn't get wet. Well, the clouds faked us out and missed us all together.

We took another break and slowly recharged for round 3. This time, we hit a freshly cut hay field that had produced some relics around the edges where it hadn't been plowed too much in the past. I started to go right for the middle of the field. I got a great button signal about 8 inches down. Dug down to it and saw a really nice shade of green patina. Nope. Shotgun shell.

As I kept making my way through the field, I look up and see Brian waving his arms and pointing down to the ground. I knew he had something good.

Spectacular Relic Recovered

2010-08-28T19:56:00.000-04:00

Today, we visited the Smoky Mountain Civil War and Relic Show in Pigeon Forge. It was definitely a blast, no pun intended! And, as always, anytime we visited a relic show, we always get the itch to go and do some relic hunting of our own.

Let me just say that the day was warm, even in the thick cover of the woods. Brian was able to recover a couple of Enfield bullets and a really neat piece to a horse bridle.

As the day wore on, the clouds started to roll in and we slowly moved from the woods towards shelter. Once we had gotten to the house, the clouds had passed us by and we set out in an open field were we had found a couple of relics before.

We didn't have any idea what, if anything, would be found. To our surprise, Brian recovered a one of a kind relic. I'm not going to ruin the surprise just yet, so you'll have to wait and see!

The newest episode of Research and Recovery will be out shortly!

-Ian

Smoky Mountain Civil War and Relic Show

2010-08-27T20:55:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks,

We will be attending the Smoky Mountain Civil War and Relic Show on Saturday, August 28th, 2010. We hope to be there when it opens around 9am. There is going to be over 100 tables of relics and artifacts, artillery demonstrations, and a replica H.L. Hunley submarine display!

For more information visit: http://www.smokymountaincivilwarshow.com/

We're back at it!

2010-07-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks-
Sorry for the pause in service over the past couple of months. I am in the middle of relocating to Tennessee! More on that a little later.

Recently we got permission to metal detect some land that should be pretty productive. It was used during the Civil War as a picket area and we have heard stories of other people finding relics nearby. The cameras are going to be rolling once we get to the location, so stay tuned for a new video coming up shortly!

For now, I want to leave you with a video of a Snapper lawnmower I am restoring. It has a lot of sentimental value and family history around it. So, I thought it would be awesome to restore it and bring it back to life instead of just sitting and rusting away. Here's part one of what is sure to be an awesome journey!

Quick Diggin' #7 - Easter Shark Teeth Hunting!

2010-04-05T09:28:00.001-04:00

Ashlie and I head to Hunting Island State Park just outside of Beaufort, South Carolina to search for shark's teeth on the beach! We arrived early on Easter morning during low-tide and it made for perfect searching conditions.

Diggin' in Virginia XIV from Saving History

2010-04-01T08:46:00.002-04:00

Greg (scdigger) just uploaded this episode of Saving History last night. There are some really great pieces of history recovered in this video as well as some great fellowship. There were tons of Civil War bullets, buttons, some buckles and plates and other miscellaneous relics to come out of the ground on this DIV, just like the other hunts! Oh, and don't forget all of the bottles, including a nice piece of video where a Bitter's bottle is recovered! If you have never been able to attend a DIV, this video will more than encourage you to want to make the trip.

Special thanks to SCDigger

Update #2 from Diggin' in Virginia XIV!

2010-03-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

Talked with Brian today. He said that yesterday was a pretty horrible day as far as weather goes. Rain and wind galore. He was still able to recover an eagle button along with a carved piece of lead that looks like a hammer or an axe. Very Cool!

He said that today, a large trench had been opened up and was watching the guys dig that a little while. I will talk to him a little later tonight to see what else he has recovered today.

Update #1 from Diggin' in Virginia XIV

2010-03-26T07:58:00.000-04:00

Today starts digging day #1 and I bet everyone there is super excited to get out and dig in that red dirt! Brian got there last night and attended the pre-hunt meeting. He also met up with George Lesche from Predator Tools for a few new toys! That middle tool called, The Panther, looks like a hoss of a digging tool!

We'll keep you updated as we get them from the field!

We're doing some research...

2010-03-08T17:20:00.000-05:00

We are wanting to figure out where the Confederate Cast I Infantry buttons were made. Of course, there are some that say North Georgia and some may say Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We're wanting to find out more about these buttons and the manufacturer(s)!

If you happen to know any information about these buttons and where they could have possibly been produced, please email me! ian@researchandrecoveryshow.com

Let's head back to last year...

2010-02-16T19:33:00.000-05:00

Last year in January I had the opportunity to dig an amazing relic. While Brian and I were searching a wooded piece of land in Tennessee, I just happened to swing my coil over a Confederate Breckenridge CS Belt Plate. Needless to say I was exhilarated and giddy, especially with this being my second belt plate ever dug both of which are Confederate.

Join me once again as we visit that day last year as we recover this special artifact.

Did you forget to tune in?

2010-02-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Did you miss last night's Relic Roundup? We did have some technical difficulties that was out of our hands, but we still powered through as we talked about metal detectors what factors you should look at when purchasing one.

Also, JW with Kellyco Detectors was ill and has rescheduled to be join us next Monday at 10PM Eastern. If you have any questions about the hobby, now is a great time to write them down and on Monday call in to the show!

OHP Relic Roundup #16 - February 15, 2010

The Relic Roundup with Kellyco next Monday Night!

2010-02-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

Join us as we have a special guest from Kellyco the Metal Detecting Superstore. If you are have ever thought of buying, upgrading, panning, prospecting or anything treasure related, this is the night to call. They sell it all. Find out what's new and now. Call in number is 678-369-7943 or Skype wesley.c.anderson.

OHP's Relic Roundup features the personalities of Craig Anderson of Our History Project, Butch Holcombe of American Digger Magazine, and Ian Conway of Research and Recovery. It is the only live call-in show about the hobby of metal detecting, relic hunting, and American history. We invite you to join us every Monday at 10PM Eastern.

Don't forget...

2010-02-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Don't forget to tune in tonight to the Relic Roundup. No hold's barred, fly by the seat of our pants talk show for Metal Detecting, Relic Hunting, Treasure Hunting, American History, etc. Make sure to tune in over at Research and Recovery's Forum - http://www.forum.rrshow.net

The Relic Roundup

2010-01-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this week's Relic Roundup!

To participate-

Listen: 1000Mikes

Chat: R&R Forum or Our History Project

Call in: Phone - 678-369-7943 or Skype - Wesley.C.Anderson

Research and Recovery: Quick Diggin' #6

2010-01-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h3BdbGOFJ4]

Come along with us as we have a good day out in a wooded lot recovering Civil War relics. Ian recovers is able to uncover three different types of bullets.

Ian is a Civil War Relic Hunter and an avid Metal Detectorist. All of his metal detecting is done on private property with the landowner's permission.

Predator Tools Model 88 Shovel Review

2010-01-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick review of Predator Tools Model 88 shovel. Tracey shows us that these digging tools aren't just for digging coins, relics, and other treasure. They are also for landscaping and gardening! Watch as she easily transplants lavender from one location to the next using the Predator Tools Model 88 digging tool.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2kIvqIx7_s]

Predator Tools are hand built by George Lesche. All blades are heat treated and tempered to ensure the highest quality and will last for many years. All handles and blades are aircraft quality 4130 chrome molly virgin steel. Warranty is 5 years on all tools against breakage & workmanship under normal digging conditions. If your shovel doesn't bear the Predator Tools logo, then it's not a genuine Predator Tool.

For more information: www.predatortools.com

Research and Recovery: Quick Diggin' #4

2010-01-14T02:29:00.000-05:00

Just like all other relic hunters, R&R has some slow days. This episode is one of those slow days. While we are only able to recover a couple of items, we still enjoy getting outdoors any time we can! And even though we didn't recover a very rare item, these two roundballs should still be cared for and preserved just like any other relic.

Research and Recovery is a proud user and supporter of Predator Tools. These are the only digging tools that you should carry with you out in the field. Predator Tools are handmade in the U.S.A. Help us support U.S.A. Jobs!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta4EY0yZ5Dg]

The R&R Update - 1.11.10

2010-01-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

Ian Conway with Research and Recovery gives us a weekly update of the Metal Detecting and Relic Hunting world. Includes national news, recent finds made by people across the nation, tips and tricks, and much more!

The R&R Update - OHPLive @ 1000mikes.com
[audio http://www.1000mikes.com/download/99897/2241256.mp3]

Relic Roundup #11 - 1.11.10

2010-01-13T18:58:00.000-05:00

Join Craig Anderson of Our History Project, Butch Holcombe of American Digger Magazine and Ian Conway of Research and Recovery as we continue the 1000Mikes.com #1 show about History, Metal Detecting, Relic Hunting and anything else you wish to talk about!

The Relic Roundup #11 - OHPLive @ 1000mikes.com
[audio http://www.1000mikes.com/download/99902/2241362.mp3]

Relic Roundup

2010-01-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

[audio:http://www.1000mikes.com/download/99902/2241362.mp3Relic Roundup]

2010-01-13T18:45:00.000-05:00

Relic Roundup

Weekly History Poll

2010-01-13T18:12:00.000-05:00

At the Battle of Shiloh, the lack of what small instrument directly led to the death of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston?

Think you know the answer? Take a stab at it over on the Research and Recovery Forum.

The R&R Update and The Relic Roundup

2010-01-11T05:56:00.000-05:00

Don't miss tonight's R&R Update and Relic Roundup! We are going to be on OHP Radio via 1000mikes.com. To listen in as we talk about Metal Detecting, Relic Hunting, The Civil War, History, etc, click here- OHP Radio on 1000mikes.com

Research and Recovery: Quick Diggin' #5 - Confederate Infantry Button

2010-01-06T03:44:00.000-05:00

Join us as Brian heads off into the woods with his White's MXT metal detector and Predator Tools shovel and recovers a very nice Confederate relic from the American Civil War. After digging about six inches down, out pops a Confederate Iron back or Tin back Infantry Button. The front of the button is brass and the back is made of iron. If you notice, the back of the button is very rusty. Eventually, this button would have been lost forever due to deterioration.

Thanks to Relic Hunting and Relic Hunters themselves, we are able to let history live on for more generations. Along with educating the public about each artifact recovered Research and Recovery also preserves each piece to ensure its lifespan will be longer than if it was left in the ground. Unfortunately, archaeologists needs funds in order to recover and learn about history. Relic hunters, like the Research and Recovery team do not depend on grants or donations to recover lost American history. Even so, we still provide education about each object found on each video as well as on our forum at http://www.researchandrecovery.forumotion.net . We invite you to come and visit our site as it is very useful in learning about the history of the United States.

The R&R Update - Live Tonight at 9PM!

2009-12-17T06:46:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the R&R Update tonight! We'll cover this week's events and news that deal with Metal Detecting and Relic Hunting. We'll also cover "This Day in History" brought to you by Our History Project and we'll also talk about the "Finds of the Week".

Don't miss it! Tonight at 9PM Eastern. Visit the Research and Recovery Forum to view the show as well as participate in our interactive chat room!

See you there!

-Ian

Chances are you won't find gold bars

2009-12-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

With recent news of an unemployed treasure hunter making a find that will re-write history, many people are looking to the hobby as a chance for a big break in life. Unfortunately, many of these hopes and dreams will fall short of their expectations. Read more...

Video: Battle of Secessionville Reenactment

2009-12-12T17:52:00.000-05:00

We traveled to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina for the Battle of Secessionville Living History Weekend at the Boone Hall Plantation. The event featured many sutler's tents and period refreshments as well as the plantation itself that has over 300 years of history. The highlight of the day was the Battle of Secesionville Reenactment which was a preview of how the event down in 1862 at Fort Lamar, South Carolina.

The Relic Roundup and The R&R Update

2009-12-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

To help bring you the best and most up-to-date information on the metal detecting and relic hunting hobby, we have teamed up with Our History Project and American Digger Magazine to produce The Relic Roundup. The Relic Roundup is a live internet radio show where it's a no-holds-barred talk show. We talk about anything in our hobby, especially if it's in the news. We also love to take calls from you as well having you participate in our live chat. You can catch The Relic Roundup every Monday night at 10pm Eastern. Visit our forum to listen and chat!

The R&R Update is a live video show to bring you the weekly news and on-goings throughout our hobby. It is a 30 minute show featuring international news, recoveries, tips and tricks as well as special events going on. Visit our forum to watch and chat!

R&R's Weekly History Poll

2009-12-12T16:46:00.000-05:00

What was Georgia's capital during the Civil War? Was it Atlanta, Milledgeville, Savannah, Augusta or Macon? Think you know the answer? Head over to the R&R Forum and participate in our poll! Click here...