I saw this odd messages in a interesting discussion going on in the main metal detecting forum about detectors that are able (or not) to handle iron rich red clay or iron mixed bed rock, as well as dealing with iron masking...
Quote
Mount_Isa
I am in america for a short time on a work visa from Queensland, Australia and the first Sovereign [ ONLY ] when made, there were 2 different models. One for the Australian market and the other for the U.S....The one for Australia would slice through the iron pictured above like it was butter with not that much difference in ground loss... If you go to the Aussie EBay sometimes one will show up. To tell the difference, the iron on/off switch,there were two switches. When one does show up, $1200 U.S. you will pay...
So what's this deal about a freak Sovereign model with two iron mask switches and the ability to "slice through iron like butter"? I sent this guy a PM as well as responded in the thread to see if he can give us more details. Sounds like a rare and thus expensive Sovereign. I wonder if it came from the factory like that or there was a source to have them modded like this? Anyway, here's the thread. Check it out. Interesting read on various detectors and iron rich soil or iron masking...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?18,1715583
Think I'm finally home after a lot of years searching for my particular needs. Custom 1.5 lb lighter 
Sovereign GT (easy to do by just "building" lighter shaft) & SEF 12x10 as everyday coil. 8" Tornado (actually 7.25") as super heavy trash coil (Very deep & separates better than typical 8/9" true size coils). 13" Ultimate for large fields/beaches on certain days I want to grid faster than even the 12x10's nice improvement over stock for that. Stock 10" Tornado stays on water rig (stock shaft). 
ProPointer. Owned 15x12 & SunRay S-5 (5.5") at one time. Loaned a prior 13" Ultimate & SunRay S-12 (12.5").
Some Oldest Silver- 1835 Bust Dime, 1842 "O" Seated Dime, 1855 Seated Quarter, 1858 3 Cent Piece, 1891 Seated Dime, & another Seated Quarter too damaged to read date. Highest Value- 3 Cent Piece, Seated Quarter, & now 1921 F-12 Standing Liberty. Oldest Coin? Got to give large cents a good look & see. 2013 so far- 1 Seated Quarter, 1 Barber Quarter, 1 Standing Liberty, 2 Washingtons, 1 Barber Dime, 9 Mercs, 3 Rosies. 1 War Nickel. 19 silvers in total, & 1 1872 key date Indian, 2 Bufallos, 1 man's 14K gold medium sized ring & 1 gold chain, with possibility of few 8"+ deep mystery coins being Indians after cleaning.
What matters in life is the journey and not the desitination. How you handle that journey determines if you were a success, not so much what you achieved if and when you finally get there, especially if you made it by stepping on people along the way...
In loving memory of my long haired (wooly) husky Sky. She taught me just how beautiful and pure a soul can be, human or not...Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2012 11:00AM by Critterhunter.
