While metal detecting on a farm in South East Pennsylvania with my daughter, I made an incredible discovery using my Garrett ACE 400. What we initially thought was a simple tool hook or wagon hanger turned out to be a fascinating piece of mining history – a hand-forged mining candle holder.
The Discovery Process
We'd been finding plenty of old horse-drawn wagon parts in the area, so when we first dug up this iron relic, it seemed like another piece of farm equipment. After cleaning it up, though, something didn't look quite right for a typical wagon hook.
I reached out to an experienced relic hunter friend, but even he was stumped. That's when I decided to ask some Facebook metal detecting groups – though I quickly realized that wasn't the best approach when I started getting wild guesses from every direction.
Identifying the Mining Candle Holder
One group member suggested it might be a candle holder, which didn't make sense to me at first. But when he asked about local mines and I mentioned the numerous old iron ore mines in the area, everything clicked. He told me to search "mining candle holder," and there it was – an exact match.
Mining candle holders were essential mining tools used by miners to provide light in dark underground passages. These hand-forged pieces were designed to securely hold candles while miners worked, often featuring hooks or clips to attach to clothing or equipment.
Family Connection to Local Mining History
What makes this find even more special is the potential family connection. My great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and great-great-great-grandfather were all blacksmiths in this area. There's a real possibility that one of my ancestors actually forged this very piece.
The iron ore mining industry was crucial to Pennsylvania's development, and local blacksmiths would have been essential for creating and maintaining mining equipment. Finding this candle holder connects not just to the region's mining heritage, but potentially to my own family history.
Why the Garrett ACE 400 Excels for Relic Hunting
The Garrett ACE 400 proved perfect for this type of farm detecting. Its discrimination settings helped separate this iron relic from other farm debris, while the depth indicator gave us confidence to keep digging even when the target seemed deep.
Tips for Finding Mining Relics
If you're interested in hunting for similar mining equipment, here are some key strategies:
- Research local mining history – Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, and other mining states offer the best opportunities
- Check old farm properties – Miners often lived on or near farms, leaving behind personal items
- Don't dismiss iron targets – Many mining tools were iron or steel, so adjust your discrimination accordingly
- Bring proper digging tools – Quality picks and shovels are essential for working around old iron
- Clean finds carefully – Use gentle methods to preserve any maker's marks or unique features
Identifying Your Mining Finds
When you find potential mining equipment, try these identification approaches:
- Research local mining operations and their timeframes
- Compare your find to museum collections online
- Consult with local historical societies
- Join reputable metal detecting forums with experienced relic hunters
This mining candle holder discovery shows how rewarding it can be to dig those questionable iron signals. You never know when you might uncover a piece of industrial history – or even a connection to your own family's past.
Find shared by Nathan B., Garrett metal detector enthusiast
