Reuben Marcus, Author at The Ring Finders

Clucking Success: Finding a Wedding Band in a Brooklyn Chicken Coop!

  • from Orchard Beach (New York, United States)

Sometimes, metal detecting takes you to unexpected places—like a chicken coop in the heart of Brooklyn! When I first got a text about a lost gold wedding band in a backyard chicken coop, I thought someone was playing a prank. But as it turns out, this was no joke. The gentleman had been tending to his chickens when his ring slipped off, disappearing into the dirt, hay and feathers.

Armed with my trusty detector and a lot of determination, I set out to find that ring.

It was discouraging, all the metal in the chicken coop walls and various sections was making my equipment less than optimal..

Navigating around curious chickens, it was definitely one of the more unusual searches I’ve been on! After carefully scanning the coop, first, I found a wrench that probably hasn’t seen sunlight for 50 years, then at the entrance of the chicken coop, technically outside of the chicken, I used my pin pointer and found the ring!

I heard that unmistakable tone—and there it was, buried in the ground, shining gold.

The look of relief on the gentleman’s face and the feeling of shaking his hand while looking in his eyes, genuinely feeling happy for him, was priceless. Besides chickens, he keeps bees! 🐝. Along with my come-out fee and reward he gave me eggs and honey! Major win for both of us!

It’s not every day you find yourself metal detecting for gold in a chicken coop, but it’s moments like these that make what I do so rewarding. Whether in sand, snow, or—apparently—chicken coops, a lost treasure can always be found!

Ring lost and found… The Bronx, NY

  • from Orchard Beach (New York, United States)

The Thrill of the Hunt: Why I Love Returning Lost Valuables

Hi everyone, I’m Reuben Marcus, and I’m excited to a member of The Ring Finders! Ever since I picked up my first metal detector as a teen, I’ve been fascinated by the idea that something lost long ago could still be found, buried and forgotten, waiting to be reunited with its owner. Now, as I close in on 60, that passion has only grown stronger.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about finding an item that someone thought was gone forever—whether it’s a wedding ring slipped off in the sand, a family heirloom lost in the snow, or a treasured piece of jewelry that holds memories beyond its material value. When I see the relief and joy on someone’s face after recovering a lost treasure, I feel like I’ve given them back a part of their story, something that connects them to their past.

I’m retired now after 40 years in IT, and this new chapter of my life has allowed me to pursue my hobby of metal detecting full-time. I’ve always believed that what’s lost can be found, and I’m here to prove that—one search at a time.

If you’ve lost something precious, don’t give up hope. Reach out, and let’s see if we can bring that treasure back where it belongs.