Unlocking the Secrets: How to Find and Open Buried Safes and Strongboxes
As a metal detector enthusiast, one of the most exciting things to discover while treasure hunting is a buried safe or strongbox. These hidden treasures can contain valuable items and provide a glimpse into history, making them an irresistible find for any detectorist. However, finding these buried safes and strongboxes requires some knowledge and technique. In this post, we will delve deeper into how to find these treasures and what to do once you have found them.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that safes were not always made out of steel like they are today. Older safes are likely to be made from cast iron or even wood with metal reinforcement. The materials used in the construction of older safes make them more susceptible to rusting away over time, resulting in the safe’s contents being exposed.
One way to locate potential sites for buried safes and strongboxes is by researching old maps or historical records. This process can provide insight into where banks, businesses, or wealthy individuals lived during different periods in history when safes would have been commonly used.
Once you have identified potential locations on your map or through historical research, it’s time to start detecting! When scanning an area for possible treasure troves such as old buildings or homesites with long-abandoned structures still standing intact after many years without use- look for signs that indicate areas where valuables might be hidden away.
For instance:
– Check around fireplaces and chimneys
– Look for holes dug beneath floorboards
– Search inside walls (especially behind cabinets)
– Inspect ceiling tiles
These areas could potentially hide secret compartments where people would stash their valuables before locking them away in a safe or chest.
It’s also important to note that since most people hid their valuables at home rather than taking them outside under riskier circumstances; residential properties should be prime targets when searching for buried treasures such as safes.
When scanning an area with your metal detector, it’s crucial to have the right settings. Set your detector to detect iron or steel objects as safes and strongboxes are usually made of these metals. Ensure that you set the discrimination level low enough so that you don’t miss any small targets. Using a smaller search coil can also help detect small hidden objects.
When searching for buried safes and strongboxes, it is important to be patient and take your time. Your best chance of finding anything worthwhile is in areas where people spent significant amounts of time such as living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
If you find what could be an old safe or strongbox while detecting, do not attempt to break into it immediately! It’s essential to take caution when handling them as they may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos insulation, lead paint or even gunpowder residue.
Instead:
1. Mark off the area with tape
2. Take pictures from different angles
3. Research any markings on the safe for clues about its age and origin
4. Contact a professional locksmith or restoration expert who can help open the safe safely without causing damage
It’s worth mentioning that some safes might require specialized skills to unlock; those with combination locks will require someone with expertise in cracking codes – either through experience picking combinations manually over time (a skill known as “safe-cracking”) or using specially designed tools like electronic lock picks which make quick work if done correctly!
In conclusion, discovering a buried safe or strongbox can be an exciting experience for treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike but requires knowledge, patience, and caution during detection techniques and opening them up after discovery finally happens!