Frequently asked questions

Portable Antiquities Scheme
This information is from MLA (Museums, Library and Archives Council).

What types of archaeological finds would you like to record?
We would like to know about everything that you have found - not just metal objects.

We record all objects made before about 1650. We may be selective in recording finds of later objects. It is often best to let the Finds Liaison Officer see all your finds, especially if you are unsure what they are: a nondescript lump of copper-alloy may turn out to be a fragment of an archaeologically important Bronze Age ingot.

When I go metal detecting I often pick up worked flints and pieces of pottery as well as metal objects. Would you like to see these as well?
Yes - because these are also important archaeologically.

What type of information about my finds do you want?
We would like to record details of the objects that you have found, including a description, weight and measurements. We would also hope to record where and how they were found, including how the land is used eg a ploughed field or in a garden. We may also wish to photograph or draw your finds.

How long will this take?
Generally, the Finds Liaison Officers prefer to borrow the finds for a time, so they can research and record them properly. You will be issued with a receipt whilst they are in our care.

Who will have access to the information about my finds?
Our aim is to make as much of the information available as possible while protecting your personal details and protecting archaeological sites from damage.

Precise details of findspots will be made available to the Finds Liaison Officers, the Sites and Monuments Record, and other statutory bodies such as English Heritage, Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.

We will publish details of the finds you show us in our online database at www.finds.org.uk but the findspots of objects will not be identified more precisely than a National Grid Reference (NGR) of four figures (which identifies 1Km square). As we want to protect archaeological sites from damage, such as nighthawking, the most sensitive findspots will not be identified as accurately as this.

Please note that the information given to Finds Liaison Officers by finders is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and the Data Protection Act (1984).

Will my finds be taken away from me?
No. We only want to record information about your finds. The acquisition of objects by museums is an entirely different procedure. Museums may sometimes be glad to have the opportunity to acquire your non-treasure finds, but this could only happen with your agreement and that of the landowner.

Am I legally obliged to report all my finds?
No. The scheme is entirely voluntary. However, you must report material which constitutes treasure, or which you believe may be treasure. If your find counts as treasure under the Treasure Act (1996) a museum will have the option to acquire it.

If a museum does wish to acquire treasure that you have found you can expect to receive its full market value, provided you had permission from the landowner to search on the land where it was found and abided by the Code of Practice on the Treasure Act.

Copies of the Code of Practice on the Treasure Act that explains the definition of treasure may be obtained free of charge from your local finds Liaison Officer or from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (Tel: 020 7211 6200).

Guildford Museum's finds indentification days

Details of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

Guildford Museum
Castle Arch
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3SX
Tel: 01483 444750
Email: museum@guildford.gov.uk