12th September 2006, 02:01 PM
First Aid For Finds, published by RESCUE, should be your first port of call for advice on initial handling, conservation and storage of finds. For identification you could probably start with one of the metal detectorist-orientated identification books for the basics - if you want exhaustive detail then you may need to go to specialist publications about each class of find.
Archaeological Finds: A Guide to Identification came out in 2004 and might seem like it should be the perfect answer to your question. However, it was almost universally slated by the archaeological profession for its inaccuracies, mistakes and poor advice - some of which could actually be dangerous if followed. I'd advise you to avoid it.
Archaeological Finds: A Guide to Identification came out in 2004 and might seem like it should be the perfect answer to your question. However, it was almost universally slated by the archaeological profession for its inaccuracies, mistakes and poor advice - some of which could actually be dangerous if followed. I'd advise you to avoid it.