KEY POINTS:
Phil Disberry's hobby of scanning his metal detector over sandy beaches around Auckland uncovers long-lost curios such as rings, watches or old coins.
But his latest find - a tarnished silver World War One medal - is the biggest surprise in two years of happy hunting.
"It has PTE P. Kepa inscribed on the edge and I'd love to give it back to his descendants," said the North Shore sales representative.
"It's a fascinating mystery as to how it came to be on Bucklands Beach."
Military Memorabilia owner Geoff Oldham said the medal was issued to New Zealand servicemen and servicewomen who served overseas during World War I. It was not uncommon and was valued at about $65.
The medal has St George on horseback on one side and King George V on the other.
The last New Zealand soldier from World War I, Bright Williams, died in February 2003, aged 105.
Mr Disberry can be contacted on 021 255 2961
