Lord of the Rings
Richard Browne holds a tray of some of his findings including a Packers shampoo top from the late 1800s, coins, nails and knives using an underwater metal detector. Over the years Browne says he has pulled up thousands of objects including coins, class rings and wedding and engagement rings from various off and on Cape beaches.
Cape Cod Times/Merrily Cassidy
also by Jason Kolnos
capecast@capecodonline.com
January 16, 2013
DENNISPORT — A lone figure, up to his chest in the cold ocean, waves a strange magic wand, seeking treasure. Why does he dare challenge King Neptune for the fruits of the deep?
« The quest, » said Richard Browne. « It keeps me off the streets and out of the bars. »
Browne, of South Yarmouth, is a member of Ring Finders, a group of metal detector specialists spread throughout the world who offer their services to folks who lose precious stuff.
« They give me a call and I go out anywhere on the Cape and find it for them and return it to them for nothing, » Browne said. « Two years ago, I returned 22 rings and this past year, 10. »
He is currently trying to find the owner of a 1970 CornellUniversity ring found off SeaStreetBeach in Dennisport on Jan. 10. Browne, who began detecting in 1982, estimates he has returned 100 class rings during his career.
« I don’t accept rewards; they’re taxable, » he said. « If you want to give me a gift, I’ll think about that. A thank-you note is wonderful. »
Browne said his biggest thanks have come after he found missing wedding bands or engagement rings. He believes he has saved at least one marriage that was strained to the breaking point after the loss of a ring.
Browne said the most valuable object he has returned is a $20,000 diamond ring he located at New Seabury.
When Browne isn’t helping others, he is helping himself to the bounty under the sea, in locations on- and off-Cape. Sometimes he pulls up soda cans and spark plugs; sometimes he finds unusual coins and jewelry.
« Trying to find a little fortune here and there, » he calls it.
A sticking point for those who want to join in the treasure hunt may be the cost of equipment. Browne estimated that the detector, special scooper, waders and other odds and ends total $2,000.
Prospective hunters should always check pertinent local, state and federal regulations regarding metal detecting in a specific area.
The reward of plumbing the depths goes beyond booty, Browne said.
« It’s just relaxing, » he said. « I don’t like going to the gym to work out. And you get out there and it gets cold and your heart starts pumping and you dig and try not to get water down your gloves and stay dry. It’s peaceful. »
Article Link:
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130116/NEWS/301160347&cid=sitesearch
Youtube Link:
I sent her an email to let her know that I found her ring and she was very happy…today I met up with her and returned the ring…She told me it was a birthday gift from a very good friend, she felt horrible losing the ring only 5 days after it was gifted to her. 
It was very nice meeting you today and I’m happy that your ring is back were it belongs!I love my job! Lost something?Call me ASAP! Watch the video for this recovery on the video below…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Nd5kA-sJ8
