dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llandyfriog, Ceredigion, Ceredigion (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103.3 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 264.2 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze Flat Axe, possibly of Type Migdale (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 35-44)[1], of Metalworking Assemblage III, corresponding to Needham's (1996)[2] Period 2 -3 and probably dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC.



The axe is incomplete, missing the butt and with peripheral damage (with a surviving length of 103.3mm and a weight of 264.2g). The break at the butt occurred in antiquity and there is the suggestion of bending towards one of the faces, prior to breaking. The axe is of rectangular section at the break (with a width of 26.4mm and a thickness of 8.3mm), which is flat and at a slight angle to the sides. The sides curve gently towards the blade for most of the length before curving more sharply at the blade. The blade tips are eroded (giving the blade a width of 60.8mm) and the blade edge is comparatively straight, now appearing to be angled although the original blade edge does not survive. The axe has a consistent rectangular section with no surviving evidence for developed features. Both faces are gently convex across their lengths before thinning at the blade.



Analysis to ascertain the elemental composition of the axe and was carried out[3] using a CamScan MaXim 2040 analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM), with an Oxford Instruments Inca energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). The results show the metal composition is a tin-bronze alloy (with mean readings of copper: 87.08% and tin: 12.27%), with a significant trace of antimony (with a mean reading of 1.25%) and nickel (with a mean reading of 0.24%), but no arsenic. The lack of arsenic as an impurity makes the alloy difficult to fit into Northover's (1980, p 229-243 )[4] Early Bronze Age metal groups but the comparatively high levels of Nickel may suggest that the alloy is closer to his 'G' metal.



The highly-corroded and incomplete state of the axe makes typological identification difficult. However, the lack of any surviving developed features and the simple, curved-sided form to the axe are suggestive of Type Migdale dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC.



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140



[3] By Mary Davis; Senior Conservator, Amgueddfa Cymru



[4] Northover, J.P.; 1980; The Analysis Of Welsh Bronze Age Metalwork; Appendix in H.N. Savory, A Guide Collection of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Ilsley, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.3 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 128.4 g
Description: Early Bronze Age Developed flat axe, probably of Type Bandon, as defined Schmidt & Burgess (1981, pp 65-7)[1] and dating to c. 1,900 - 1,700BC



The axe is near-complete with some peripheral damage (with a surviving length of 101.3mm and a weight of 128.4g). The butt is now rounded (with a width of 20.6mm). The sides are straight and near-parallel as far as the median bevel (where the axe has a width of 23.9mm), after which the axe sides are concave and sharply divergent to the eroded blade tips. The blade was originally likely to have been comparatively widely expanded (with a maximum surviving blade width of 50.7mm)



The sides are heavily corroded and are convex across their thicknesses'. The flanges survive on both faces (with a surviving height of 1mm). There is a clear straight medial bevel (giving the axe a maximum thickness of 9.7mm, without the flanges and 11.8mm with), surviving on one of the faces (positioned 38.5mm from the butt, 62mm from the blade). The blade face is corroded but appears to have had a facet corresponding to the position where the sides expanded sharply (20mm from the blade edge). The original blade edge is lost but some surface survives on the blade, preserving sharpening striations running along the blade. The surface has a dark-green to brown patina with no trace of applied decoration.



The peripheral damage to the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The clear median bevel, straight sides behind the bevel and expanded blade edge suggest comparatively 'Developed' features on the axe, suggesting Type Bandon (following Schmidt and Burgess 1981) or a probable Class 4 (following Needham 1983; forthcoming), dating to Periods 3-4 of the Early Bronze Age (c.1950-1500 BC) (Needham 1996). Class 4 axes straddle the boundary between Periods 2 and 3, but this axe can be confidently assigned to Period 3, probably falling within the late Aylesford to Willerby metalworking phases (c.1950-1750 BC) (Needham et al. 1997).



[1]Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Prähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



[2]Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.13 mm
Thickness: 17.4 mm
Weight: 191.8 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy flanged axe from the Arreton metalworking phase which dates to the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1700 to 1500 BC.



The blade of the object is present and flares and the blade tips project backwards, one of which is damaged. It has a maximum width of 60.87 mm. The object is broken and so the butt is not present whcih makes the maximum length of the object 84.13 mm. The flanges are prominent and measure 18.33 mm in thickness. The septum thickness is 11.79 mm, and has a maximum width of 22.47 mm including the flanges. There is no stop ridge. The blade facet is clear, and the cutting edge is well preserved and still sharp. There are areas of corrosion across the object, particularly towards the irregular breakage at the top. A similar examples is LANCUM-19A734, or DOR-5D7F46, but with the flanges projecting closer towards the blade.



The axe is of the flanged type which dates to the Arreton (1700 -1500 BC) series. They have characteristically wide blades, and precede the narrower looped Palstaves of later periods.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Clifton, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Description: Fragment of a Middle to Late Bronze Age axe of uncertain type, but of Developed Axe or Palstave form. Only a fragment of the butt-end survives. The fragment is rectangular in plan and triangular in section. It has wide flanges on both sides at the break giving the axe an 'H'-shaped section, and these flanges taper to the butt. The break is irregular and well patinated, suggesting that it occured by accident in antiquity. The surface is mottled green and pitted with areas of corrosion.



The length of the axe is 25mm, the width is 26mm. Each flange extends 2mm at the break. The body is 8mm thick.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult. The butt form would be consistent with Developed flat axes, From Type Aylesford (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981)[1] from the Early Bronze Age through to Late Palstaves, of Ewart Park Metalworking in the Late Bronze Age.



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bythorn and Keyston, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 31.14 g
Description: Distorted fragment of an Early Bronze Age copper alloy Wessex-type dagger, both ends broken, both cutting edges missing. On both faces a broad mid-rib is flanked by a pair of grooves which converge towards the missing point. The breaks are old but there is much recent scuffing. Where un-damaged the surfaces carry a shiny patination. Extant length and width 59 and 39mm. Thickness 5mm. Weight 31.14g. c.1700 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Runhall, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 32.74 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, cutting edge and slight part of the socket. The breaks are ancient. Extant length 22mm. Width 40mm. Thickness 12mm. Weighs 32.74g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanhennock, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.1 mm
Weight: 62.7 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) Type, of Ewart Park Metalworking Industry, dating to Needham's Period 7 (c. 950 - 750BC).



The axe is fragmentary and distorted, represented by a mouth fragment, comprising part of one face and the looped side (with a surviving length of 44.1mm and a weight of 62.7g). The mouth (with a distorted width of 56.4mm and a surviving depth of 26mm) is flat topped (6.4mm - 9.4mm wide) and two casting runner stubs are evident on the surviving side and face. There is a mouth moulding, bevel to the face (6.8mm long). The loop springs from the base of the moulding and returns immediately above the break (with a length of 32mm and an internal length of 17.4mm). The loop is broken (with a surviving height of 9.6mm) and appears to have broken more recently. The casting seam is clearly discernible below the loop but has been neatly finished. The surviving side fragment is slightly concave across its length and across its width, is bevelled towards the centre, which would have produced a sub-hexagonal body section. The surviving face is decorated with three ribs, which are near-parallel or slightly converging. The face has been battered below the mouth, damaging the mouth moulding and distorting the axe. The surface has patinated, suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity. Further evidence of battering can be seen on the side of the face and above the break. The rear has a tears corresponding to the impact points. All damage to the axe, apart from the loop appears to have occurred in antiquity. The surface has a pale-green patina with small surviving traces of a black patina or corrosion surviving.



The damage to the axe appears to have occurred in antiquity and may have been deliberate, possibly for votive purpose.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Glascwm, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150.2 mm
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Weight: 290.3 g
Description: An almost complete decorated Flat Axe / axehead of Early Bronze Age Period, date (2000-1700 BC). The general form of the axe is complete, however it has suffered significant loss from corrosion at both the cutting edge and the butt. In plan the axe is broadly rectangular with narrow rounded butt and expanded / splayed cutting edge. In profile the axe is lentoid. In section the axe is broadly rectangular (rectangular with rounded edges) and there are no signs of raised flanges or hafting augmentation. There is also no sign of a proto stop ridge / median bevel. The surface patina has been poorly preserved and the majority has flaked away because of laminating surface corrosion. One face is better preserved than the other. The remaining surface patina shows evidence of decoration - specifically small lentoid shaped depressions aligned vertically on the axe blade. This form of decoration is known as rain pattern and is common on some axes of the later early bronze age. The long edges of the axe are also poorly preserved, again it is possible there are some facets possibly suggesting cable like decoration. The axe is a light green to light brown colour and has an uneven polished patina; elements of the axe are still coated in soil. The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Early Bronze Age of metalworking stage IV which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL. BC. This axe is very similar to those identified as Type Migdale Variant Biggar (Burgess and Schmidt: plate 18-19. 220 Knapton or 229 Stamfordham).



The axe measures 150.2mm long, the cutting edge has a width of 68.2 mm and the butt is 30.6 mm wide. It has a thickness of 9.3 mm at the centre of the axe, the blade has a thickness of 6.3 mm and the butt has a thickness of 6.9 mm. The axe weighs 290.3 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 17.17 mm
Thickness: 6.55 mm
Weight: 15.72 g
Description: 
A gold penannular ring of near-circular cross section. Bands of yellow and paler, silver-rich gold are clearly visible on the inside of the band, less so on the outer circumference where this decorative effect is very worn. Examination suggests that the ring is solid.


An addition to a well known series of decorative rings. This example is the third from Surrey to be recorded under the Treasure Act.

Notes: This item is more than 300 years old and composed of more than 10% precious metal. It therefore should be considered Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.



Acquired by Dorking Museum.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kaber, Eden, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.86 mm
Weight: 11.3 g
Description: A possible socketed spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1500 to 1150 BC.



Most of the blade and some of the socket are missing. The breaks are patinated suggesting they are not recent. The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with an incomplete and abraded leaf-shaped blade. Two single cast 'string' side loops are present, one on either edge however both are incomplete. Running either side of the loops along the length of the object there is some evidence for casting seams. The spearhead has lozenge-shape cross section across the blade before rounding to create a sub-circular cross section at the socket. The spearhead measures 48.86 mm length, has a maximum width of 11.3mm. The spearhead weighs 13.28 grams. There is some organic material in the socket however it is unclear if this is related to the use of the object. 



The spearhead is a string loop type, which suggests later middle Bronze Age to early late Bronze Age date. Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. Acton Park II industry. Similar examples are recorded on the PAS database, see for example LVPL-68BF43 and SWYOR-CE9339.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Description: Fragment of the blade of a Bronze Age rapier, both ends broken. Extant length, width and thickness 23, 17.5 and 4.3mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



Within 20m of grid reference.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.2 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Description: Incomplete cutting edge of a Bronze Age copper alloy axe. No part of the socket is present but the steepness of the rise from the cutting edges suggests Late Bronze Age socketed axe. The break is ancient. Extant length, width and thickness 23.2, 45.6 and 13mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Ann (Without), Lewes, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.06 mm
Diameter: 9.38 mm
Thickness: 11.09 mm
Weight: 16.06 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle Bronze Age cast copper-alloy socketed spearhead, c. 1600 BC -1001 BC. The fragment is broadly lanceolate (or leaf-shaped) in plan and has a lozenge-section midrib which tapers towards the tip, now missing. The outer edgesof the flanking wing bladeshave suffered damage. The upper portion of the circular-sectioned hollow socket is intact, where it meets with the spear tip and the sub-conical aperture created by the socket runs almost all of the way upwards into the remaining tip fragment, measuring 39.1 mm in length. The broken edge of the tip itself is solid cast, indicating that the missing portion would have also been solid cast. The spearhead measures 48.06 mm long, 19.82 mm wide (at wing blades), 11.09 mm thick, with a 9.38 mm external socket diameter and an approximate 7 mm internal socket diameter; it weighs 16.06 grams.
Notes: 
This object has been assessed with the assistant of FLO Peter Reavill, who specialises in Bronze Age objects.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morley, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.2 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 8.76 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged two-edged knife, both ends broken and all edges missing. Most of the damage is recent. There is a broad mid-rib on both faces of  the blade. Extant length 55.2mm. Width 15.3mm. Thickness 2.8mm. Weight 8.76g.  c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lockinge, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.3 mm
Height: 9.46 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 30.2 g
Description: A fragment from the upper socket or mouth of a cast copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date (c. 1200-750 BC). The fragment represents a small area of the upper socket of an area below the moulded mouth. It is irregular in plan and profile being broadly L shaped in cross section. There are no other features present, such as decorative ribs. The metal is a mid green colour with an abraded and corroded surface patina. It is difficult to parallel fragment of axes as they lack the relevant diagnostic markers to be sure of a positive identification.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wigginton and Hopwas, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.7 mm
Thickness: 9.1 mm
Weight: 24.9 g
Description: An incomplete cast socketed Spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1600 BC - 1000 BC.



The spear has a lozenge shaped cross- section with a high mid-rib which tapers towards from the tip toward the break. The socket is conical and incomplete with part of the reverse section being broken (presumably in antiquity). The surviving socket depth is 27.1 mm. The socket has a circular external as well as internal section. The inner, hollow, part of the socket shows evidence of mineralised wood. The blade extends at the head of the socket and the overal shape is lost due to abrasion all that remains are shallow crescentic fragments. There is no evidence of side loops, although these may well have been lost through movement in the soil. It is further possible that the socket may have had a circular peg hole - but again this is also lost due to the significant damage. The fragment has a well developed brown patina, there is also a small section of brass coloured bare metal evident at the very tip of the object.



Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.



The Spearhead measures 97.7 mm long, 17 mm wide, is 9.1 mm thick and weighs 24.9 grams.



The fragment is probably too damaged to be specifically attributed to a specific type - however it shares many attributes of the side looped spearheads (of the Acton Park II phase / assemblage) of the Middle Bronze Age as we as that of the pegged spearheads (Penard phases) of the early Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rockbourne, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.75 mm
Thickness: 4.65 mm
Weight: 2.57 g
Description: A possible fragment of the blade of a Bronze Age palstave or axehead. The fragment is triangular in shape and in cross section, narrowing towards the cutting edge (from 4.65mm thick at the break to 1.15mm thick at the cutting edge. The fragment is 20.75mm in length, 9.85mm wide and 4.65mm thick. It weighs 2.57 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 7.2 mm
Weight: 41.2 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age axe head, possibly the tip from a flat axe of later Early Bronze Age date (c. 2200 - 1700 BC) . The fragment consists only of the curved blade tip; although little survives the curviture and thickness of the axe head does suggest that this was part of a flat axe, possibly a developed flat axe which would have narrowed behind the curved blade with hammer raised flanges lower doen the axehead. See SUSS-4D7454 for a complete example. The axehead is sub-triangular in plan with a thick crescent shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid with tapering edges.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1800 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirton in Lindsey, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 130 mm
Weight: 353 g
Description: A copper alloy early Bronze Age (c.1800-c.1600 BC) flanged axehead. The axehead measures c.130mm long and c.75mm wide. The blade is roughly semi-circular in shape and the shaft and butt form a broadly rectangular shape. The axhead has raised flanges along its long edges. There is a trace of a slight transverse ridge across the face of the centre of the axehead which may have been designed to prevent the axe from splitting the handle. The axe appears quite worn and the surface, especially of the blade, is pitted.
Notes: 
This record was created using a photograph sent by finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.4 mm
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 12.27 g
Description: Copper alloy possible spearhead fragment. Fragment of a cast slightly tapering cylindrical object, of estimated original diameter c.40mm, interpreted by this reporter as from the socket of a spearhead. The thickness diminishes at the mouth of a putative socket; other edges are broken, and smoothed by subsequent wear. The outer convex surface is dark, while the inner surface appears paler and retains traces of orange soil. Suggested date: Middle to Late Bronze Age, 1200-800 BC.



Estimated diameter: 40mm, Length: 29.4mm, Thickness: 2.0mm, Weight: 12.27gms.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penton Mewsey, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.9 mm
Weight: 9.49 g
Description: A Bronze Age (2350 BC-801 BC) copper awl with an oval centre divider, flat to one side with a square-section projection c.44mm in length, bent towards one end. The measurements are 5.84x6.40mm to 2.52x0.80mm. The other end is a conical-shaped spike c.16mm long, 8.5mm diameter and narrowing to a point. The patina is mostly missing but dark green and smooth where it survives. Beneath, the metal is a bluey/green.
Notes: 
This find was recorded at a rally and therefore the identification and photograph may not be of our usual standard.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 139.7 mm
Weight: 397.4 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze Flat Axe of Type Migdale (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 35-44)[1], or Class 3C Type Harlyn Bay (following Needham 1983; forthcoming) of Metalworking Assemblage III, corresponding to Needham's (1996)[2] Period 2 -3 and probably dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC.



The axe is complete, with some surface damage (with a length of 139.7mm and a weight of 397.4g). The asymmetrical butt is very thin and 'edge-like' and is rounded (with a width of 30.6mm). The sides are straight and divergent to just above the midpoint (c. 60mm from the butt), after which the sides are concave and divergent to produce a moderately rounded blade edge (with a width of 80.6mm). The midsection of the blade edge is comparatively straight, possibly through use. The sides are slightly rounded across their thickness. The axe faces are both convex, producing a lentoid body profile, with no evidence of a blade facet. The surface is corroded and heavily-pitted with remnant patches of dark-brown patina. There is no evidence to suggest surface decoration on the remnants of surviving surface.



Analysis to ascertain the elemental composition of the axe and was carried out[3] using a CamScan MaXim 2040 analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM) fitted with an Oxford Instruments energy dispersive X-ray detector and INCA spectrometer (EDS). Operating conditions employed a 30o take-off angle, a 20kV accelerating voltage, and the samples were analysed for 100 seconds livetime with a beam current which yielded a count rate of c.4000 counts per second when on a metallic cobalt standard. The results show the metal composition is a tin-bronze alloy (with mean readings of copper: 85.86% and tin: 10.98%), with a significant trace of arsenic (with a mean reading of 2.67%) and traces of lead (with a mean reading of 0.44%). It is difficult to match this composition to Northover's (1980, p 229-243 )[4] Early Bronze Age metal groups.



The generalised form of this bronze axe is thin butted with gradually diverging sides to a comparatively wide blade edge. The axe has no developed features seen on later axes and therefore is likely to be of Type Migdale dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC.



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140



[3] By Mary Davis; A&N Senior Conservator, Amgueddfa Cymru



[4] Northover, J.P.; 1980; The Analysis Of Welsh Bronze Age Metalwork; Appendix in H.N. Savory, A Guide Collection of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
Notes: Class 3C axes are known from across southern Britain, though are relatively rare in Wales, with only two others known: one from Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire (Savory 1962) and one from "West Wales" (Northover unpublished).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Ishmael, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.4 mm
Weight: 18.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed gouge, possibly of Ewart Park metalworking, corresponding to Needham's (1996)[1] Period 7, and dated to c. 950 - 750BC



The socketed gouge is incomplete, missing the mouth (with a surviving length of 41.4mm and a weight of 18.6g). The socket is oval at the break (with maximum surviving external dimensions of 15.0mm x 10.7mm and 11.3mm x 8.5mm internal) with no mouth mouldings present on the incomplete socket. Beneath the break is the beginning of groove, of V-shaped profile near the top and becoming U-shaped towards the blade. The sides of the gouge are straight and parallel (producing a blade width also of 15.0). The casting seams are no longer evident on either side. The blade comprises a shallow U-shaped depression and is evident below the break (39.2mm from the blade edge). The blade edge has moderate damage and is not significantly expanded. Linear striations are evident running along the groove. The surface has a dark brown patina with patches of a dark-green patina.



The missing mouth makes typological identification difficult, Savory (1980, p 55)[2] suggests that the earliest socketed gouges such as those that occur in the Guilsfield hoard have multiple mouth mouldings, whereas later gouges tend to have a broad flat collar.



[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140



[2] Savory H.N. 1980, Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections, National Museum of Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tickenham, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 15.63 g
Description: 
Cast copper alloy spear head fragment.  Only the middle of the spearhead remains just above the socket, both the tip and the socket have been truncated and only one the blade remain. However, surviving sections suggest this was probably originally leaf shaped with a large central spine flanked by thinner blades. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harlaston, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.6 mm
Thickness: 10.9 mm
Weight: 15.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed spearhead, of Middle Bronze Age dating (1500 BC to 1150 BC).



Around 50% of the spearhead is present, consisting of the head and most of the blades. The spearhead is sub triangular in shape. The socket is incomplete, presumed damaged in antiquity. The remains of the socket is circular, and extends 20.7 mm into the spearhead. The blades were probably originally triangular in shape. One appears to be complete, the other is damaged. The complete blade measures 61.9 mm in length, has a maximum width of 6.6 mm and the blade edge is 1.7 mm thick.



The spearhead measures 68.6 mm in length, 19.4 mm wide and 10.9 mm thick. The width at the tip is 3.1 mm and it is 2.7 mm thick. It weighs 15.1 g.



The spearhead is a mid brown colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wye with Hinxhill, Ashford, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Thickness: 43 mm
Weight: 275.4 g
Description: 
A Late Bronze Age/Earliest Iron Age complete cast copper alloy socketed axehead of South-Eastern (LBA) or Sompting (EIA) type, of the Ewart Park/Llyn Fawr metalworking tradition. The axehead is wedge-shaped with a square socket at the haft end. Internally the socket tapers and narrows from the mouth to the cutting edge. Externally the axehead expands gently along the body before a very slightly wider flare to the curved but now damaged cutting edge. There is a wide circumferential raised mouth moulding at the socket, with a second much narrower moulding below. To one side of the mouth, just below the wide moulding and interrupting the narrower ridge, a side loop is present with D-shaped cross-section. Casting flashes remain on both sides of the axehead, including on the loop. Both faces of the axehead are decorated with three long narrow ribs, similar in dimensions to the narrower mouth moulding. Much of the surface of the axehead is missing, including the ends of all six ribs.

Notes: 
Finder/recorder name obfuscated and shown as Kent FLO for site security

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.2 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 22.7 g
Description: Bronze Age sword blade fragment of uncertain type, probably of Late Bronze Age date, possibly of Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking Industry of Needham's (1996)[1] Periods 4-5, dated to c. 1150 - 750BC.



The sword is fragmentary, represented by a blade fragment, broken at both ends in antiquity (with a surviving length of 42.2mm and a weight of 22.7g). The blade has no clearly defined midrib but has near straight faces gradually diverging towards the rounded central ridge (giving a consistent thickness of 5.7mm) of lenticular section. Both blade edges have been lost and only a very small piece of edge faceting is now evident (with a maximum surviving blade width of 26.7mm). The short blade fragment is flat across its length with no evidence of bending prior to breaking. There appear to be numerous striations running along the blade probably resulting from sharpening. The surface has a dark green patina preserved over much of the fragment with a silver sheen, probably from surface enrichment of tin and with areas of bright green corrosion at the periphery.



The fragmentary nature of the blade, lacking diagnostic features makes typological identification difficult. The comparatively slender form of the blade may suggest its derived from near the tip. Although swords have origins in the later part of the Middle Bronze Age of Taunton and Penard Metalworking Industries, occurrences of the types are comparatively unusual and leaf-shaped swords of Late Bronze Age date tend to be more commonly recovered.



[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.6 mm
Weight: 6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed tool fragment, probably an axe mouth fragment



The tool is fragmentary, represented by a mouth fragment (with a surviving length of 22.6mm, a surviving width of 20.6mm and a weight of 6.0g). The mouth is near-straight for most of its length but appears to be turning at the break on one side. There is a prominent collar moulding, thickest at the mouth (at 4.0mm thick and 7.9mm long) and there is no surviving evidence for a casting stub on the mouth. There are no ribs present on the fragment. One side has an irregular break, while the other side, with the suggested turn, has a comparatively straight break. The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted.



The fragment has few diagnostic features and is difficult to identify confidently. The most frequently recovered socketed tools with mouth mouldings are axes of Late Bronze Age date. However, it is worth stating that the provenance of this find has so far produced an atypical signature of Late Bronze Age artefact types.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sketty, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.2 mm
Weight: 40.9 g
Description: Socketed bronze hammer probably of Late Bronze Age date (c. 1150 - 700BC)



The hammer is fragmentary, broken across its width and is represented by just under half of the original (with a surviving width of 23mm and a weight of 40.9g). The whole length of the hammer is represented on the side (with a length of 52.2mm). The mouth suggests a square or rectangular body section (with external surviving dimensions of 22.3mm x 16.3mm and with an internal width of 16.7mm) and had a simple moulding (5-6mm long), now worn. There is no surviving evidence for casting runner stubs on the mouth (with a maximum surviving thickness of 4.7mm). The side and faces have a concave slope from the mouth, becoming parallel near the end (with a width of 13.3mm). It is possible to tentatively suggest the presence of a casting seam on the side. No decoration is evident on the fragment. The interior of the socket is roughly-cast and the base of the socket is not obvious (probably a base thickness of 6-7mm and socket depth of 46mm). The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted with a bronze-brown colour.



Socketed hammers are comparatively unusual discoveries, the quadrangular form of this example is more typical of examples sometimes associated with Late Bronze Age, Ewart Park metalwork, although early hammers have been found associated with metalwork dating to the end of the Middle Bronze Age. Two other hammers are recorded from Wales at present, both from North Wales; one from the Bronze Age occupation soil behind the rampart of the hillfort at the Breiddin (D.G. Coombs 1991 in Musson ed., mo. 139, 3 133-4)[1], the Breiddin hammer is sub-quadrangular in form and is expanded at the working platform. The other known example is an unpublished, example from Burton, Wrexham (Gwilt pers comm.) and is more rounded in form. Hammers often have a higher tin content in the bronze (Coombs ibid.; Evans; 1881[2]) compared to contemporary axes, it has not been possible to metallurgically analyse this example at present.



[1] Musson, C. R.; 1991; The Breiddin Hillfort: A later prehistoric settlement in the Welsh Marches;



CBA Research Report No 76



[2] Evans, J., 1881; The ancient bronze implements, weapons, and ornaments, of Great Britain and Ireland
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brecon, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.6 mm
Weight: 99.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed tool, probably a hammer of c. 1200 - 700BC



The tool is near-complete with some peripheral damage and is very-heavily corroded and pitted (with a length of 61.6mm and a weight of 99.4g). The mouth is rectangular (29.2mm long and 19.4mm wide) and of variable thickness, with one side edge (6.7mm thick) being considerably thicker than the other side (5.0mm thick) or either face (4mm thick). The socket is also rectangular (8.1mm x 10.9mm and 40.5mm deep). There was a mouth moulding (7mm long), which appears to have been a simple collar but is poorly preserved. The sides are near-straight or gently concave, expanding slightly to the hammer platform (with a minimum width of 25mm and a blade platform width of 27.1mm). The sides appear to have been near-straight perhaps slightly convex across their width, producing a consistent sub-rectangular body section. The face were decorated with two ribs, converging to a single central rib in a Y-shaped device (29mm long). The hammer platform is rounded and is convex across both its length and thickness (with a thickness of 11mm). The surface is poorly preserved with remnant traces of mid-green patina surviving in protected areas in the socket and between the ribs. There are some areas of bright-green corrosion on the surface.



Bronze Age socketed hammers are not frequently reported, with 26 reported examples to PAS at the time of writing. The quadrangular form of this example is more typical of examples sometimes associated with Late Bronze Age, Ewart Park metalwork, although early hammers have been found associated with metalwork dating to the end of the Middle Bronze Age. The decorative Y motif is also unusual and difficult to parallel but may be seen as a variation of the trident motif, sometimes seen on palstave axes or converging ribs, seen on socketed axes. Hammers often have a higher tin content in the bronze (Coombs ibid.; Evans; 1881[1]) compared to contemporary axes, it has not been possible to metallurgically analyse this example at present but the weight would may suggest a high proportion of lead, rather than tin.



[1] Evans, J., 1881; The ancient bronze implements, weapons, and ornaments, of Great Britain and Ireland
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 76.65 mm
Thickness: 5.05 mm
Weight: 24.32 g
Description: A bent and incomplete middle to late Bronze-age blade (c.1500-801 BC) possibly a dirk or rapier . It is broadly triangular in shape and is pointed oval in cross section. The blade widens near the top just underneath where the blade has been deliberately bent and broken. It tapers from a width of 22.5mm at the bent end to the tip where it measures 5.50mm. The right side of the blade is particularly worn and abraded and there is a semi-circular notch missing from just underneath where it reaches its widest point. Where the blade has been deliberately bent it begins to narrow to a width of 19.50mm. The surface of the blade has a dark green patina and is pitted and scored all over.



The blade measures 76.65mm in length by 22.50mm maximum width and is 5.05mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weston under Penyard, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 18.5 g
Description: 
Copper alloy socketed spearhead that dates to the middle Bronze Age. The blade of the spearhead is leaf/lozenge-shaped with blades that gently angle inwards from an expanded midsection. Running down the centre of the blades is a triangular cross-section spine on both sides. Towards the edge of one blade, in the middle where it is at its widest point, is a drilled hole, this hole has been drilled from both directions, resulting in it having an hour-glass shape profile. The socket has a circular cross-section and expands from the base of the blades Some of the lower portion or the socket ostruncated, although remains of the rivet holes are still visible towards the base.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brockham, Mole Valley, Surrey ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.26 mm
Thickness: 1.84 mm
Weight: 1.39 g
Description: 
A symmetrical blade tip from a copper alloy knife blade of Bronze Age date. The blade is probably of Late Bronze Age date but there is too little to define it closer.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barlings, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 85 mm
Description: A Middle to Late Bronze Age socketed axe. It has a rounded sub-rectangular opening with a prounced lip. The body is decorated with three horizontal ribs. The blade flared, but the cutting edge is rather narrow, suggesting that it has been reground several times. A side loop is located close to the socket on one side. A casting seam is also visible down the centre of the sides.



This axe was found in the early 1900s in the Bardney/Barlings area. No further details exist. This record was created using photographs supplied by a family member of the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wenvoe, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Weight: 53.1 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe, probably of South Wales (Stogursey Type) and of Ewart Park metalworking industry, of Needham's (1996)[1] period 7, dated to c. 950 - 750BC



The axe is fragmentary, broken across both its width and length (with a maximum surviving length of 45.0mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 13.5mm and a weight of 53.1g). The one surviving side on the axe is concave, flaring to the blade tip. The casting seam is prominent and raised but has been neatly finished by hammering (with a thickness at the side of 5.4mm). The sides are angled towards the casting seam and would have produced a sub-hexagonal body section. The axe fragment is widest at the blade (with a surviving maximum blade width of 33.6mm). The blade edge has a moderate curve and appears damaged and blunted, presumably by repeated impacts. The basal parts of three converging ribs are discernible on the more complete face, where the face appears to have been pounded repeatedly (with a thickness of 5.4mm). The base of the socket is evident on the interior (with a maximum surviving depth of 24.2mm). Sharpening striations are evident running along the blade on both faces. The surface has a dark-green patina with patches of pale-green corrosion.



The fragmentary state of the axe makes a confident identification difficult but the surviving features of the axe are consistent with the South Wales type. The damage patterns on the axe may suggest deliberate damage to the axe prior to deposition.



[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder