Here is one of the great things about metal detecting, you never really know exactly what you will recover!

While I was searching a playground a while ago, I came up with the usual coins. A nickel here, a dime there, maybe some pennies and quarters. I was searching this area, my mind was wondering and then I get a good solid signal from my trusty Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. I did the usual and pinpointed the target, got down on my knees and started digging. I dug about 7 inches down, deeper than most coins that I have found at playgrounds and I pull out a large black tube. Upon first inspection, I was sure that I had found a nice piece of garbage and tossed it into my loot bag. When I threw it in, I saw something different and realized that it was a rather large bullet casing or bullet shell. Hmmmmmm I wondered. Why would this be underneath a playground? The heat was on and I was getting tired so I took my finds home.

When I got home I decided to clean the casing. First I started with an old toothbrush, removing all of the soil and crud. That did pretty good but not enough for me so I tried soaking one end in vinegar which is a mild acid. 20 Minutes later and I was able to see some marking on the shell casing.

While I was waiting for the vinegar to clean, I hopped on the computer and researched the area I had found this casing. The playground sits right on the shore of the intercoastal waterway. Directly to the north and west is an old fort. This fort was used during several wars as a defense against boats coming ashore.

Now I know absolutely nothing about bullets. This casing is 3.5 inches long and 3/4 of an inch wide. It is stamped on the back, L S , 48 or 43. If you might know what this bullet casing is, leave a comment and let me know!

Bullet casing found with Bounty Hunter Tracker IV