A treasure hunter says he has unearthed a “cracking rare find” and would love to know if anyone can translate its writing.

Stephen Eldridge, 68, found what he believes is a silver coin spoon with potentially Arabic writing, dating back to the 18th century.

He found the object in Bovingdon after getting permission to do metal detecting at someone’s home on May 23.

Mr Eldridge, who lives in the same area, said: “I’ve never found one before. It is a cracking rare find.”

Watford Observer: One side of the spoon appears to have Arabic writing on. One side of the spoon appears to have Arabic writing on. (Image: Stephen Eldridge)

At first, he did not know what it was and used Google to investigate.

“I found out that in the late 18th century, paper bank notes were unstable, and silver coins were easily stolen," he said.

“So the wealthy would have had their silver coins melted down and fashioned into spoons, plates, and other objects for display.”

The person who owns the home, who now has the spoon, was also pleased with the find.

He added: “Someone suggested the writing on there might be Arabic, but I haven’t found out what it means. I would love to know.” 

Mr Eldridge, who is now retired and has been metal detecting for seven years, continued: “It’s nice learning about things when you find them and finding out what they were made for.

“If it weren’t for metal detectorists these items would be lost forever.”

Watford Observer: Stephen Eldridge said he had never found a silver coin spoon before.Stephen Eldridge said he had never found a silver coin spoon before. (Image: Stephen Eldridge)

Mr Eldrigde has become quite popular for his metal detecting.

In the last year he has been asked to help find a wedding ring, car keys, and someone’s hearing aid that cost £2,500 – which was found in Bovingdon high street.

He said: “I’m happy to offer my services and I will look for items free of charge.”

In the past, Mr Eldridge has gifted some of his finds to people in the area who are unable to get out.

He said: “I love giving some of my finds away. I am lucky that I can go out and detect, some of my Facebook followers can't, so that's why I like to give them away.”