Her name is Chiara Tallone, and in the predominantly male universe of metal detecting, she is one of the most authoritative experts and practitioners of Military Research along the Gothic Line. Passionate about this discipline since her teenage years, Chiara is particularly focused on Military Research of the Second World War along the Gothic Line.
Year after year, her research has led her to delve deeper into the subject, connect with local realities, and study the history and lives of people as a philological prelude to her research activities.
She is a member of various associations dedicated to local history and traditions, such as the Terra Nostra association, and is a board member of the Linea Gotica Officina della Memoria association, actively involved in preserving stories and memories of the last world conflict.
"One of the things I love most about the world of metal detecting is the virtual and personal relationships that develop with people who share the same passion. Questions, advice, comparisons—these only enrich the experience of this beautiful hobby.
My Instagram account allows me to engage with both more and less experienced detectors, fellow adventurers in Italy and around the world, from Europe to the USA.
So, here are some of the most interesting questions I've answered over the years: from advice for beginners to observations to share with experienced detectors. I hope that, by reading them, you can find some interesting insights.".
Which metal detector do you recommend for beginners?
There are many excellent entry-level detectors from truly interesting and high-performing brands. Years ago, I started with an old Garrett Ace 250, and even after several years, I sometimes used it because, despite being entry-level, it has always been very reliable. Of course, as you gain search experience, your needs change—talking about discriminations, frequencies, etc., but a good entry-level detector never disappoints and is the best possible start! From my experience, I recommend Garrett..
Unfortunately, where I live, there's nothing beautiful to find…
The passion for metal detecting is that spark that makes you feel a bit like Indiana Jones, a bit like a researcher with your nose in books and maps. The moment of discovery comes only after:
- study
- research
- attempts
- a bit of luck.
It comes when you choose one path over another. There, the find comes that excites you but also the one that deceives you until the end, maybe revealing itself as just trash. And yes, that happens many, many times!
But I tell myself: 'when in doubt, dig!' Even if I'm tired, even if I'm demoralized, in doubt, dig, because something will eventually come up. Maybe you just chose the wrong square meter, maybe I just need to study the terrain better. But every ground, even the most unsuspecting, can always hide something interesting.
How to begin with militaria detecting?
You definitely start by studying a lot and researching whether our areas have been affected by a war conflict. An excellent source of study and documentation is local museums of recent history, village libraries, and centers where you can learn and study local history.
You have to be very careful and aware that we may come across 'delicate' or dangerous artifacts; in these cases, we need to know how to alert law enforcement. Study, attention, and awareness are really at the core of our research..
I always discriminate iron with my metal detector, what do you think?
With Military Research, I wouldn't completely discriminate against iron; you could miss many well-preserved artifacts! I would keep discrimination as low as possible but without excluding it entirely. Maybe try to balance it by working on sensitivity.
How do you clean artifacts with rust?
In my opinion, the three most valid methods are:
- with oxalic acid
- with electrolysis
- A coin cleaning kit
I usually use electrolysis, a lengthy process that, by soaking the objects and using a machine, removes rust from the item in question, transferring it to a steel object immersed near the artifact. Soon, we will provide tutorials and detailed instructions for this procedure.
Even where I live along the Gothic Line, there are already many detectorists! How do you choose places to dig where no one has gone??
To whom are you telling this! You know how many times I've asked myself that too? In reality, there is always something to find. Just a rain, a field plowed with the soil moved, and here, history returns something from the past. Don't be reluctant to search even where others have searched before you. Experience teaches us that sometimes, just searching in the same spot with a different coil can uncover objects that others missed!!
How can I clean delicate coins and objects? I've seen kits online; do you know of any valid ones?
If we're talking about
- rings
- coins
- buttons
- insignas
- other similar items
I find the pencil cleaning kits very effective. They allow for gentle and precise cleaning. I really find them useful.
What equipment do you bring with you?
In addition to the metal detector, of course:
I always bring:
- some food
- water
- hot drink (during winter)
- rainproof coat
- rugged gloves
- a brush (like painting brushes) for a preliminary cleaning
- a hiking map of the area
- perhaps the most important thing of all, a bag to collect the trash that is always present.
Garrett ACE 250
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
Mini XT Spade
Edge Digger Knife
