Fisher M-Scope from 1960

[Old California]

Hope this post with a an old Fisher detector from Palo Alto, California is ok to post on this Lost Banos fisher forum, I think a few of you may remember the older detectors from Palo Alto.

Being a collector of vintage metal detectors, The Fisher M-Scope detectors from Palo Alto are one of my favorites. The T-10X is one of the 11-12 different types of Fisher M-Scope models from Palo Alto in my collection ranging the forties, fifties, sixties and early seventies. Surprisingly, They can still be found on the Internet in working condition and rarely one does surface never assembled still in the box.

A few months ago, picked up a 1960 T-10X model from a seller back east. Although already having a few of T-10X models this one was particularly special it had never been assembled in fact still tucked away safely in it's original box.

Yesterday, After replacing the batteries with a fully charged 67.5 volt EverReady battery and replaced the 1.5 volt Burgess battery with an updated Cyclon 2 volt rechargeable battery she fired up, The audio was so smooth with no crackle or pops with adjusting the tuner.

Took her out on a hunt for about an hour at a local school, Dug about 20 or so targets and although the deepest was a pull tab at 3.75" inches could have squeezed another 1/4" inch had there been a nickel or quarter at 4" inches.. No depth demon that's for sure and tops on a penny size target would be about 3.5" to 4" inches under perfect conditions, nickels & quarters a bit deeper and that's with the tuner set right, with coil level and scrubbing the ground.

Anyway, Here's a few pics of the detector and a pic of the hard earned finds. It wasn't too bad lugging this beast around for an hour because of the required slow sweeping, Slow sweeping and scrubbing the ground is required to keep this dinosaur tuned even the slightest lift of the coil off the ground would trigger a signal. ......So you learn fast....Sweep slow, scrub the ground and keep the coil level.

Thanks for looking,
Paul (Ca)

 

[jabbo]

Wow, has vacuum tubes. Today we are finding the same coins it couldn't get and now they are much deeper too. If I had to use one of those when I started detecting I might have gotten discouraged with the hobby. My first detector in the early 70's was a Heathkit, could detect a silver quarter at just over 6" deep in the soil. Thanks for the post, very interesting.

 

[dirt lizard]

I'm speechless what a nicely kept machine for all those years and runs perfect too

 

[2 Much Trash]

That is so cool. My first detector used a 69.5 volt battery along with a 1 1/2 volt. Brings back alot of memories. Goes to show ya, no matter what detector you get there's a learning curve

 

[parrott]

Howdy Paul... You continue to amaze me with both your energy and knowledge.. js

 

[Old California]

Thank you Jim for the kind words, I often think of you as I pass through you area visiting my family.

Also, I enjoyed your latest book. Well writen and makes the reader feel like they are there beside you in the desert.

Thanks again Jim and hope to see you this year, take care and enjoy the beauty of Mojave desert.
Paul (Ca)

 

[Old California]

Thanks for the kind words, And Sorry for the slow reply.

When I get caught up in a month or so will post my entire vintage Fisher collection, recently acquired several of the rare models that eluded my collection.

Luckly, all work with the exception on a 1940's model.

Thanks again,
Paul (Ca)

 

[bob.oz]

WOW!!!.....What a beast.....Do you know what it sold for new?

 

[Old California]

Here's a picture from a sales brochure, this particular brochure has the T-10 listing for $115.00.

Back in the fifties & sixties that was allot of money, but back then more clad could be found so if the user learned their detector well it should't have taken them long to recoup their investment.

Take care Bob,
Paul (Ca)

 

[Pquint]

Trying to reach Old California about a Fisher T-10X M Scope. OC, please reply to: pquintana.investigations@gmail.com
Thanks