Handle and care when finding potential treasure trove
There are different ways to proceed in handling the finds depending on the circumstances of the find:
Random finds:
- Careful handling.
- Proper packaging.
- Immediate contact to the local state-recognized museum.
- Attention to other potential traces of cultural heritage such as: pottery, clay walls, coals from fires, stones, pieces of bone, blackened earth etc.
Metal detector finds:
- Exact “on-site” registration of location by GPS-coordinates.
- Immediate “on-site” photo documentation of the preserved condition of the objects and the reliability of the GPS-coordinates.
- Equally careful collection of the non-treasure trove nearby to assess the context, for further scientific research value.
- An electronic report of the finds to the local museum (with preliminary definitions and specification, inventory number, coordinates, and photos).
- In case of doubt or suspicion of the location being a grave or a hoard deposit, it is of great importance to contact the local museum immediately. Do not dig below the depth of the plow layer!
- Ongoing orientation to the local museum and/or landowner about the finds.
- Do not do not attempt to conserve, cover with any substance or make a cast of the objects.
- Do not package the objects incorrectly or for too long, as they potentially could suffer permanent damage, or the loss of information connected to the objects.