A person who sold archaeological records to metal detectorists on the internet auction site eBay has apologised to the archaeological community. The seller from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, known only by the eBay pseudonym nov1128, sold 1600 records from five counties for GBP350.

The card index of archaeological records for Cheshire, Durham, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Cumberland/Cumbria included OS grid references and were advertised as 'a guide to finding more productive metal detecting sites.' The seller had obtained the records from 'a retired archaeologist/archivist.'

But after outrage from archaeologists, the seller offered 'profound apologies.' In a statement posted on the internet the seller said: 'It was never my intention to upset the archaeological and heritage fraternity who have recently voiced their opinions by describing this disposal of these records as unethical, especially as they view this information could fall into the hands of the unscrupulous who may use it to locate and plunder sites. In hindsight, had I realised that this could cause a potential problem, I would not have put them on eBay. I therefore will not offer for sale by auction any more of these records.'

There is increasing concern about the sale of such records as well as antiquities on eBay. The British Museum and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, who manage the HLF grant that supports the Portable Antiquities Scheme, are currently in discussions with eBay with a view to producing a Memorandum of Understanding about such sales.

BAJR EXTRA....................BAJR, PAS, Treasure Trove SCotland, SARG, UKdetectorists are working on a solution to the age old emnity between the two groups. Detectorists have a lot to offer, and in return wish their actions to be understood and respected. Actions like the Unit mentioned in Article 1 only go to highlight the difficulty for archaeologists to assume the moral high ground. The new easy recording system, the Code of Conduct etc that is very quickly being produced will only have a positive effect in the long run. ............BAJR Extra

Web Links :

UK Detectornet

Portable Antiquities Scheme

SARG Online

Time Team Forum (debate on MDs)