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Friday, November 6, 2026

11/6/26 Report - Recent Treasure Coast Metal Detecting Finds and Report. Auction Ending Tomorrow. Diminishing Surf and Tides.


Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report. 


Found on Wabasso Beach Yesterday by Mike M.

Mike M. sent these photos of items he found yesterday.  Below is his email message.
I have always enjoyed your posts and stories. Thank you for the time you give in doing them.  I was curious to check wabasso beach today at around low tide and found this piece of China porcelain.  I actually found two but wanted to get your thoughts on them. Thank you, Mike 

 

Find by Mike M.

Good job Mike.  Keep your eyes open.

You probably know that Kang Hsi was carried on some Spanish ships and can be valuable.  Less expensive pieces are sometimes used in pendants and jewelry.

Concerning these pieces, the colors look good.  I find the broken edges useful for diagnostic purposes.  Take a look.  See if the paste is white, fine and if the color sinks into the glaze.

I've done several posts on identifying Kang Hsi in the past.

For a general overview of Kang Hsi, here is a good article.  Kangxi Chinese Porcelain and its Reign Marks « (antique-marks.com)

So how do you tell if your shard is Kang Hsi or not.  I've done a few posts on that in the past.  See for example The Treasure Beaches Report Direct From Florida's Treasure Coast.: 12/29/13 Report 1715 Fleet Kang Hsi Porcelain, European Pot Shard & Native American Shard and The Treasure Beaches Report Direct From Florida's Treasure Coast.: 5/29/19 Report - Book on 1715 Wrecks. Kang-Hsi Or Not. Couple Odd Finds.


Porcelain and glass and other things can often be found in shell piles.

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Mark G. sent the following report on his metal detecting at Sebastian on the 5th along with some photos.


Finds by Mark G.


 
I just got back from a few days camping at the Sebastian inlet. I got out yesterday to Treasure Shores beach just south of the inlet. Hunted that beach for a few hours saw several wondering detectors. The sand was all gone slope was gradual but looked good for a hunt. Found all the usual things. One thing I noted, and another detectorist noted very deep and rusty tent stakes, I don't know what that means. I also drove up to Bonsteel beach which was closed. I wish now I had taken some photos. I think Bonsteel is prime hunting. It wasn't high tide and the water was all the way up the beach to the very high dune walls. The staircase did not reach the beach, so they blocked it off. Sherriff was in the parking lot.


Sebastian Thursday 
by Mark G.


Thanks for the report and photos Mark.

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Yesterday I talked about the opening of a 400-year-old padlock by using xray technology.

I received the following email from Peter H., who found the lock. 

Hello;
 
Thank you for posting all about our Welsh shipwreck; it is much appreciated. I'm sure your readers are very happy with all the information you freely give.
 
I have some more news about the combination lock, which was featured on the BBC's national news on the 4th November!!
 
 
It was a great piece of cooperation between the museum and Cardiff University's Department of Engineering. I tried for many years to open the lock, but with 1,296 possible combinations, I failed and didn't want to force it in any way.
 
If you wish, I will compile some further private pictures for you to post in the best, most inspiring treasure blog of them all...


That was a great enough find but finding it working and getting the combination figured out is really great. 

 
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The Sedwick Auction will wind up with the Express Session Saturday. 

  
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Thursday, November 5, 2026

11/5/26 Report - More on Shipwreck Treasure Finds. Xray Used to Solve 400-Year-Old Padlock Code. Renourishment Again.

 

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.



I showed this lock before.  I posted it back in July of this year in the first of two posts I did showing the finds of Peter Hughes.  The lock was discovered along with approximately 870 other silver and gold coins from the Ann Francis that sank in December of 1583. 


After many failed attempts, the code for the 400-year-old padlock was finally solved by using X-Ray technology.  

Here is an excerpt from a BBC article about that.

Experts have cracked a four-letter code to open an ancient padlock from a shipwreck off the Welsh coast using modern scanning technology.


The 400-year-old brass lock was discovered by metal detectorist Peter Hughes in the sand near Margam in Port Talbot, in 1999.


It forms part of a wider treasure hoard from the Ann Francis ship that was caught in a storm on 28 December 1583 on the way back from Spain. Its cargo was hidden beneath the sand for centuries.


Museum experts have used CT scanning to examine the lock's internal mechanism, identify the correct letter combination and solve the mystery...


"It was by chance - a day off. I was walking along the beach with my metal detector on a day off, and I came across a coin," the 69-year-old said.

"That was the start of a journey that lasted 21 years."...

And here is the link for more about how the code to the lock was discovered.


Thanks to Norbert B. for alerting me to that BBC article.


While on the topic, here are a couple more find photos that Peter Hughes sent me.  I don't think I've posted them before.

Additional Find Potos by Peter Hughes.

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Taking a look at Wabasso this morning, that flat area in front of the access looks interesting enough to give at least a quick check with a metal detector.  Judging from the Seawall to the north, the sand level isn't too low.  Still, I like the look of it for at least some modern coins or jewelry.

Wabasso Beach Cam Thursday Morning.



There doesn't there appear to be anyone at the beach access, so I assume it is still closed.

Can you believe it?  Here they go again down at Fort Pierce.  

View of Fort Pierce South Beach from the Beach Cam on Surfguru.com Yesterday.

Another renourishment project at Fort Pierce just in time for the rougher winter weather.  Good luck.

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Nothing exciting on the surf chart.  Still it might be fun to get out there and check out some areas, especially at low tide.

Good hunting,
TreasureGuide@comcast.net

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Wednesday, November 4, 2026

11/4/26 Report - 400-Year-Old Ship Identified. Treasure Coast Road Flooding and Park Closures. AI Experiment. Test Your Intuition.

 

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.




... the Dutch merchant vessel Dom van Keulen, which sank after leaving Safi, Morocco, for Amsterdam in 1633. Archival records uncovered by historian Ian Friel described the ship’s stormy voyage, leak, and sinking, with all crew surviving. The identification connects the site to 17th-century trade routes linking North Africa and northern Europe. 

Insights into 17th-century trade
•
The Dom van Keulen carried 150 bags of gum arabic, 64 bags of saltpeter, 320 goat skins, and 9,000 Barbary ducats.
•
Dutch merchants exchanged manufactured goods for West African gold, supporting the Dutch Golden Age economy.
•
The recovered coins provide evidence of the Sa’dian Sharifs’ wealth and Morocco’s role in global trade.
•
The wreck highlights maritime trade links connecting Morocco, the Netherlands, and Britain in the 1600s...

Here is the link for more about that.

Dutch gold shipwreck identified after nearly 400 years

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One big story for me today is the flooded and closed roads.   Beach conditions aren't too important unless you can get there. 

If you plan a trip to the beach, or anywhere for that matter, you might want to check first.  I ran into a couple flooded roads yesterday that I didn't know about until I was there.  Below is a partial list.


Port St. Lucie (City of Port St. Lucie)

  • California Blvd & Savona Blvd – closed

  • Port St. Lucie Blvd & Aviation Ave – closed

  • Eastbound Prima Vista Blvd (west of Airoso Blvd) – closed

  • Westbound Prima Vista Blvd (east of Airoso Blvd) – closed

  • St. Lucie West Blvd, Becker Rd & Savona Blvd – monitored for possible closure

  • SW Port St. Lucie Blvd south of Gatlin Blvd – monitored for possible closure

St. Lucie County

  • Virginia Ave from 25th St to 35th St – flooded/impassable

  • 25th St & Oak Alley – flooded

  • 25th St & Bell Ave – Bell Ave impassable eastbound

  • Wyoming Ave & 19th St – flooded

  • Orange Ave from 33rd St to Delaware Ave – flooded

Indian River County

  • Multiple local roads reported impassable; county emergency order in effect.

  • All Indian River County Emergency Services Department customer convenience centers closed.

  • Waste Management collection suspended Nov. 3; resumes Nov. 4–7.



All Fort Pierce beach accesses and park and recreation facilities were still closed as of 11/3.

I personally encountered a number of roads that were either totally or partially closed.  I'm sure there are more.  For example, Walton Road between Indian River Dr. and US 1 was flooded on the west side of the railroad tracks.  I understand the Drive was flooded down just north of Jensen too.  Just beware that many low spots will probably still be flooded around the Treasure Beaches area.  

Here are the links to a couple web sites where you can find additional information on flooded roads.


Also check the following for possible problem areas.


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Below DJ describes his effort to use AI to help bring out the image of a corroded ring he found years ago at Turtle Trail.


... I ran across this image of a ring I found in a shell pile after several days strong south winds a few years back. Found around the bend at turtle trail.

 It rang up as not silver or iron and later acid tested 14k. But the color was off and a few areas of slight greenish corrosion you might see on corroded brass. It was also lighter than expected.

I tried to photograph it then but it came out dark. I could see what looked like a carved rat and a fawn (due to the spots carved into its chest). But who knows. I certainly don’t think it is 1715 but was interesting.

I ignorantly used a dremel buffing wheel to “shine it up”, heated it and it broke into three pieces. I put them back together and used museum wax to hold them then took the photo.

Today I used chat to bring out the image of the fawn.  It did that but I don’t like the result.


 Image of Ring.
Revised Image Below.





ChatGPT also added this disclaimer: “ Here’s the cleaned-up view, making the fawn’s outline and carving easier to see. This is an AI-enhanced interpretation; fine details may differ from the original engraving.”

Thanks for reporting on your experiment with AI DJ.  Too bad AI wasn't able to be more helpful in this case.

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If you think you are an intuitive person, you can give it a test.  There are several sites that present tests for intuition.  Here is a link to a commonly used ESP test.  

Intuition Game


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Fort Pierce South Beach Around 7 AM.


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Funny thing is -  It seems that say almost everybody at some time says they want to write a book BUT nobody reads books anymore.  I guess everybody impresses themselves with their own story and thinks that it is very interesting and special.  And to them, I guess it is.

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With all the talk of wealth disparity these days, it would be more productive to address more the causative and glaring disparities that no one seems to want to talk about such as the disparities in productivity, work, discipline, rationality and intelligence.  

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Good hunting,
TreasureGuide@comcast.net
at

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

11/3/26 Report - More Treasure Coast Metal Detecting Finds. Many Beach Closures. Maybe North Winds To Return.

 

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.


14K Gold Michael Anthony Pendant Find.


I'll start out today with some great finds shared by Dan K. who found the above cool 14K gold pendant along with some old items shown below.

Here is Dan's email.

I wanted to share a few photos from a recent treasure coast hunt. I got into an area with a substantial washout/cut and it was pretty productive. I found a 14k gold pendant made by Michael Anthony that weighs about 4 grams. I also hit a small area with some older material. I found three small square nails and what I suspect may be a musket ball. I wanted to get your input on the potential musket ball. It was right next to the square nails so I suspect it’s from the same time period. But it’s not perfectly round so I’m not sure if it may not be a musket ball. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks for continuing to publish the blog. It’s much appreciated,

Dan K.

Nice Old Finds by Dan K.


Irregular Round Ball Above and Below.


Sorry to say I can't say much about the ball from the photo.  I can't only give a few thoughts.

My first step would be to check it to see if it is lead.  Musket balls usually don't look that dark.  The most common patina they pick up from a beach is a whiteish oxidation.  You can often see a mold mark and signs of a sprue.  You might be able to see that in person.

 If the item is lead, I'd say it is probably encrusted and the crust could probably be removed fairly easily if that is what you wanted to do.  I'd see no harm in that, but it comes down to personal preference.

Being from the same location and having the same patina as the other items, as far as I can tell from the photo, is good evidence that it is of the same age.

Concerning the irregularity of the ball, that could happen in various ways.  It could have been subject to heat or stress that would cause the change of shape.

Being of irregular shape doesn't disqualify the item from being some kind of shot.  All kinds of  things were sometimes used in cannons, even nails and things like that.  

Bottom line, I can't give much help on that one.  Maybe someone else will share their thoughts on it.

Thanks for sharing your nice finds Dan.  

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I could be late on some of these, but there have been a lot of beach closures.  Yesterday I mentioned the Fort Pierce beaches and parks being closed.  I reported on some others in the Ambersands area being closed as well.

Alberto S. said, the parking lot gates at Turtle Trail and Sea Grape are currently closed. Additionally, while the Wabasso parking lot remains open, the beach access points there are closed.

Eric E. said, I went to Ambersands and Turtle Trail today (few days ag) and both beaches were closed.  Treasure Shores, Goldensands, and Wabasso Beach Club were all open.  It was a very frustrating drive home.  Do you know why those beaches were closed, and that leads me to another question- what is a lonely treasure hunter to do after a big hurricane? If the beach accesses are closed, there is absolutely nowhere to park unless you live in one of the houses/condos there. I'm sure if they close the beach due to a possible riptide, they will most likely close it after a hurricane too.

Do you have any creative solutions?   Take an Uber to the beach?

The high tides and rough water can be dangerous.  That is definitely true.  And if agencies have the ability to exercise control, they will want to avoid anything that might cause them some trouble even if it means limiting the freedom of the public.  The public is partly to blame, since they won't take responsibility for themselves and there are too many people that do stupid things and get themselves in trouble.  

There is always a way.  Keep thinking.

It never hurts to have friends in the right places.  Certain professions have permits that can get you in places that are closed.  Again, a friend can help.  But don't do anything dangerous or illegal.  Not worth it.  Be wise.  

You can always get someone to drop you off, cut you still likely have to find a way to get across the closed area or private property.  You'll also might have to deal with high water, so be careful.

Undoubtedly closures and restrictions will continue to increase.  That is the way the world is going for civilized people. 

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Windyty.com Wind Model for Thursday 11/5/26

Watch this coming Thursday and Friday.  The model is showing north winds from that area of circulation.

I'm not seeing that effect on the Surfguru.com chart yet.

Surfguru.com Chart.


Relevant to the question above, the Fort Pierce Beach cam this morning is showing a few (very few) people on the jetty and beach - way fewer than normal.

I think I could see one local detectorist on the South Beach zoom, who evidently lives locally because he is there so often.  Also, a couple young guys with boards.  The surfers don't pay much attention and will find a good way in.

Anyhow, it is evidently possible to get in some places but many are probably still closed.  I'll wait for confirmation from anybody that has been out there.

If you want to detect Wabasso, you could rent a room at Disney.  Expensive hunt!

Wabasso Beach Cam. Far South View.


I've walked from Wabasso to Turtle Trail before.  Long walk.


Good hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net
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