Battlefield debris
We don't want to preach, and the facts below can be considered common knowledge, but it can't hurt to spell it out again:
Munitions from a 15" shell down to a 7.92mm cartridge are still dangerous. The fact that they are a common sight doesn't make them any less dangerous. Take a photo and leave them alone! Think we are kidding? Have a look at the news section. Stories of explosion victims that swore that it wouldn't happen to them.
Memorial to 7 people killed 23-02-1974 on
the Asiago Plateau (Italy) when two blokes
dug out an ammunition dump. The other 5
were local inhabitants having a curious look.
Having explosives or part of explosives; weapons or parts of weapons in your possession (doesn't matter if they work or not!) is a crime in France punishable by heavy fines. Foreigners will need to pay the fine in cash or with traveller's cheques (no creditcards). If you can't pay, your car is liable to be confiscated.
Taking items from someone's property is basically stealing, no matter how rusted the item is. Permission of the landowner should be sought.
A metal detector is prohibited in Belgium and a lot of French departments (such as the Somme and Verdun). This does not only mean using it, but also owning it (having it in the trunk of your car, for example)! The penalties are heavy indeed (see above).
Even de-activated items (which sometimes can be bought) can get you in trouble with the local police, customs, or the police in your country of origin.
In short, you need to know the right people who can introduce you to other local people...
The items you see in this section all have been found by us (unless otherwise indicated) and all have been photographed with the above in mind.