Metal detector has made a unique discovery in Cornwall

A metal detector has made a unique find in Cornwall – and now officials are deciding who gets to keep it. At a treasure inquiry held in Truro today (Monday 22 July), Laura Miucci, the county’s new discoveries liaison officer, told the hearing that the broken gold arm terminal was discovered in Penwith Historic District by Chris Burke on 24 last september year.

The item, weighing 5.1 g and measuring 7.5 mm wide and 1 mm thick, has been dated to between 1,600 and 1,800 BC. Ms Miucci said the encounter was made possible after the item, an ancient form of bracelet, was compared with similar items from a hoard found in St Martin’s on the Isles of Scilly in 2020 and other items found in southern England and Wales.

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Assistant Coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Guy Davies has officially declared the object a treasure due to its age and because it contains more than 10% precious metal. The Royal Cornwall Museum has expressed an interest in acquiring the item.

In Cornwall, all treasures belong to the Duchy of Cornwall as a Crown franchisee, unless disclaimed by the Crown.