Greetings .. and welcome to the forum. .. I'm back from a two-year hiatus myself. It's been too hot and humid for this old man to do much detecting, but it gives me ample time for research and getting my equipment back in order. There should be some good spots there in NC! Good luck!
Was that Lawrence Christopher, aka Lawrence of Dalton, who disarmed your shell? If so, he was a good man. Anyhow, your Hotchkiss looks amazing, and having one that is still intact is over-the-top awesome. 🤩