Metal Detectorist Discovers 3,500-Year-Old Medieval Dagger in Exceptional Condition
An ordinary day of metal detecting turned into a life-changing moment for Matt Boom, a 35-year-old metal detectorist from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, as he unearthed a rare medieval dagger dating back 3,500 years. Matt, who works as a storeman for an aircraft company, had been introduced to metal detecting by his father five years ago and described his hobby as a fascinating way to uncover history buried beneath the ground.
On a routine search not far from his home earlier this month, Matt stumbled upon what he initially thought could be a Roman sphere or an arrowhead. Little did he know that he had just found a Snowshill dagger, a relic from the Early Bronze Age between 1700BC and 1500BC. The dagger was exceptionally well-preserved, prompting museum researchers to express astonishment at its condition.
Despite being more accustomed to finding shrapnel and Roman or medieval coins, Matt described the discovery of the Snowshill dagger as the highlight of his metal detecting journey. He shared his excitement by immediately notifying his father through a video call and later sought validation from metal detecting communities on Facebook by posting a photo of his find.
The response from fellow enthusiasts was overwhelming, with many hailing the dagger as a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. Among the flood of messages praising his find, Matt found reassurance and validation of his passion for unearthing historical artefacts. His dedication to exploring the past extends to helping others, as he often lends his expertise to locate lost items like rings or jewellery in his local community.
Recognising the significance of his find, Matt decided to entrust the 3,500-year-old dagger to the research team at Cardiff Museum, where experts were amazed by its exceptional state of preservation. The dagger’s rarity and historical value have sparked interest among researchers eager to unravel more about its origins and significance in Welsh history.
In a bid to share his passion for history with others, Matt expressed his desire to showcase the dagger as a testament to the enduring allure of ancient artefacts. Beyond the thrill of uncovering treasures, Matt’s motivation lies in immersing himself in the rich tapestry of the past rather than seeking monetary gain from his discoveries.
As Matt eagerly awaits further insights into the origins of the Snowshill dagger, he remains committed to expanding his knowledge of Wales’s rich history through his metal detecting escapades. His dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage embedded in the land underscores the profound impact that amateur enthusiasts like him can have on shedding light on the past.
The discovery of the 3,500-year-old medieval dagger stands as a testament to the enduring allure of history and the invaluable contributions of individuals like Matt Boom in unearthing the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface. Matt’s passion for metal detecting has not only led to a remarkable find but also serves as a reminder of the untold stories waiting to be unearthed by those willing to delve into the depths of the past.