In a surprising discovery, a self-professed "treasure hunter" from Georgia has stumbled on an incredible Word War II-era relic at his local creek.
"I spotted it while searching for antique bottles," Zach Byrd told Newsweek. "I metal detect, walk creeks for lost items. I like old bottles and Civil War relics."
Byrd, who has made a name for himself exploring waterways, believes that a blade he found is a bayonet from a rifle used during World War II, although he confesses his expertise lies elsewhere.
Byrd said: "I believe it to be the bayonet from an M1 Garand used during WWII. I could be wrong with this assessment, because my focus is primarily on Civil War relics."
The M1 Garand was a semi-automatic rifle that was the service rifle of the U.S. Army during World War II. It was the army's first standard-issue autoloading rifle and was described by General George S. Patton as "the greatest battle implement ever devised." Introduced in 1936, it was replaced by the selective-fire M14 rifle in 1958.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has a collection of more than 200,000 artifacts, as well as digital recordings of personal accounts of the conflict.
Numerous military bases were established across the country during World War II, where soldiers underwent training before being deployed to Europe or the Far East. Some of these bases were abandoned or repurposed after the war, leaving behind artifacts that have since been discovered by relic hunters like Byrd.
World War II-era finds are still regularly being made. For example, earlier this year, more than 200 World War II mortar shells were discovered under a school sandpit in France.
And in July, fishermen in Denmark were stunned when they hauled in a World War II torpedo while trawling for fish along the sea bed.
With a passion for preserving history, Byrd has grown a substantial collection of historical artifacts over the years.
"I plan to put this relic in my homemade electrolysis and display it at my home," Byrd said, explaining his plans for the weapon.
Byrd was quick to share his latest find with followers on his Facebook page, where his post has received over 21,000 reactions and more than 1,200 comments.
"Great find," said Keith Lively, while Crystal Workman wrote: "Awesome find! I love creek walking and finding arrowheads, critters and awesome old cool s*** like this! Love it!"
"That is badass, wow," said Randy Mitchell, while Brenda Wilson wrote "You [are] soooo lucky!!!!"
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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