The Urban Treasure Hunter A Practical Handbook for Beginners Michael Chaplan

ISBN: 0-7570-0090-8 Length: 228 Pages Size: 7.5 x 9-inch Format: Quality Paperback 2-Color Category: Hobbies / Treasure Hunting / Antiques & Collectibles Price: $18.95 US / $28.50 CAN Availability: In Print Contents Reviews

Every city possesses countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered--ancient artifacts, valuable jewelry, vintage coins, and antique bottles, as well as hundreds of other highly sought-after collectibles. Unfortunately, few of us know where to look for these artifacts, and even fewer know how to go about uncovering them--that is, until now. Michael Chaplan, treasure hunter extraordinaire, has written a complete and practical guide to locating, unearthing, and identifying all those treasures waiting to be found in and around any city or town.

The book begins by explaining the basics: where to begin an exploration, what equipment to use, what cautions to take, and what legal concerns to keep in mind. It then provides a working knowledge of digs--how to understand the anatomy of a park, how to identify Indian relics, and how to dig for fragile artifacts such as bottles. It goes on to offer important information on the care of finds, and discusses ways of turning found objects into cash. Throughout the book, the author includes true stories of discovered treasures. In addition, an up-to-date resource section provides the novice hunter with useful lists of specialized catalog companies and helpful websites, organizations, magazines, and books.

Treasure hunting is a unique and fascinating pursuit that offers a bit of history, a touch of archaeology, and a healthy dose of exercise. Whether you are an avid collector of artifacts, a weekend explorer in search of adventure, or simply a couch potato in need of something fun to do, you will find that The Urban Treasure Hunter provides the perfect rewarding hobby.

Michael Chaplan is an adventurer, naturalist, and urban treasure hunter. He received a master's degree in anthropology from Long Island University and a master's degree in public health from Columbia University. While maintaining a successful professional career in public health, the author has pursued his interest in treasure hunting for over twenty years, traveling both here and abroad. He has recovered thousands of old coins, hidden caches, museum-quality relics, Indian artifacts, and valuable collectibles. Michael Chaplan's "how-to" articles have appeared in numerous national treasure-trade magazines. He currently lives in the Greater New York metropolitan area.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Part 1: Urban Treasure Hunting Particulars

1. An Urban Historical Perspective

2. Treasure Hunting in a City

3. Public Relations

4. Hazards

5. Legal Considerations

Part 2: Base Camp

6. Tools of the Trade

7. Picking Up the Trail

8. Learning from an Archaeological Site Report

Part 3: Expeditions

9. Anatomy of a Park

10. Hunting for Prehistoric Indian Artifacts

11. Bottle Digging

12. Strange Encounters

Part 4: What to Do With Your Treasure

13. Caring For Finds

14. Cashing In

Last Thoughts

Appendices

I. Suppliers of Treasure Hunting Books By Catalog

II. Federation of Metal Detector & Archaeological Clubs (FMDAC)

III. Useful Journals for Treasure Hunters

IV. Websites for Treasure Hunters

V. A Sample Reference Library

Index

Reviews

"Surprisingly scholarly and in-depth ... Chaplan's enthusiasm enlivens the extensive, solid factual information ... adventures and buried treasures are closer to home than most would expect."

--Publishers Weekly, Dec. 20, 2004

"From research to recovery, to conservation and cashing in ... it's all here ... Well written, profusely illustrated, eye-opening and encouraging, The Urban Treasure Hunter is both a reliable guide and a great read. Chances are, you'll not only find it right up your alley, but it'll help you make a find or two up that alley, too!"

--Western & Eastern Treasures, May 2005

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