Two young detectorists made a shocking and, as of yet unexplained, discovery in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs.
The corroded metal chest was emblazoned with what appeared to be the infamous ‘SS’ symbol associated with Germany’s Nazi Party.
Night Adventure
Harley Eaton, 19, and Connor Rudolph, 20, were staying at Rudolph’s rural house in the Mojave Desert.
The pair of them, on recalling that they had a metal detector, then had the bright idea to see if they could find anything interesting in the area.
Low Hopes
It was a dark night in Summer, and the cool desert beckoned the pair into an adventure.
Initially, expectations were low that they would find anything interesting in such a remote and dry region.
Excitement Begins
At first, their expectations were met, as they only uncovered screws and other small scraps of metal.
However, after a short while, the metal detector became more active, and a loud beeping ensued.
Excavation
As the excitement began to build, the youngsters fetched pickaxes and started to unearth the find.
The object became clearer and clearer as the surrounding dirt was freed and removed, although the significance was not immediately apparent.
Small, Metal Box
The object was revealed as a metal box, with a heavily worn-away lock failing to keep the box shut.
It may have been there for a while as its appearance was heavily corroded, and it was relatively small.
Inside the Box
More interesting than its appearance, though, was what was written inside the box, which clearly surprised the youngsters.
When they opened the casket, it revealed that there was a red ‘SS’ symbol inside the lid. The symbol is most commonly associated with Adolf Hitler’s paramilitary group, the Schutzstaffel.
Pet Grave?
The other contents of the box give some clues to the potential origins of the unique find.
Aside from the symbol, the box contained a mound of dirt and some artificial flowers attached to a nail.
Freaky Find
The two friends were taken aback by the find, initially believing it to be “a pipe, maybe a water line or something,” Eaton said, to SF Gate.
Eaton recalled making the discovery: “We just kept digging until we could open the chest, and we opened it, we saw the big SS symbol, and we freaked out.”
Experts Baffled
The find not only baffled the 2 friends, but also experts, who, as yet, have been unable to pin down an explanation for the box.
The metal box could be an authentic war relic, or the symbol may have been painted on later.
