Finds Financed - A New Detector The Old Way

Back in the day, unlike nowadays, you did not just go out and buy a more advanced or newer machine just because you wanted one...although, I'll admit some did...but more didn't. It was a point of honor, back then, to find enough cash, silver, gold and jewels with the old machine to finance a new machine. You'd save all your clad, cash in all the precious metals, sell the jewelry, and count the proceeds. If you were almost there, price-wise, close to enough to purchase one of those shiny new Whites 6000Dj Coinmaster or a frog-green Garrett Groundhog, it was acceptable to sell your old machine to get to the price point.

My old Garrett American...finds paid the price!

What did you get for this? Bragging rights...bragging rights that would cost you friends, acquaintances, marriages, and party invites. But still. It was a beautiful thing. You lived for the moment someone (obviously, someone who didn't know you) would ask how much you paid for that amazing metal detector. "Well (short pause) I bought it with finds from my previous detector!!!" Eyes would widen, people would gasp, children would hide and dogs would bark. For a few seconds you would bask in the sunshine of admiration from newbies and old-timers. You were a master-hunter and here's the doggone proof...in crinkle-green paint sporting bright yellow instrument lettering and Bakelite knobs with toggle switches galore!

Nowadays, someone wants a newer machine, they look at a computer screen, pick the one they want and simply order it. The detector is on their porch the next day and on social media seconds later...for the "un-boxing?!?!?!"  Where is the honor in that? 

I got to go...just heard the United Parcel Service guy at my door!