dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scotton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.9 mm
Thickness: 14.46 mm
Weight: 55.76 g
Description: A fragment of a socketed axehead of Late Bronze Age date. This fragment is the lower part of the blade. Viewed in plan, the sides flare outwards slightly to the cutting edge which is modestly curved. A break has occurred along the base of the socket where the wall of the axe, at this side, was much narrower than the opposite wall. Therefore, this break occurred along a weak point. This suggests that it wasn't made particularly well as the clay moulding placed at the centre of the cast wasn't central when the bronze was poured, resulting in a lopsided socket and one side being thicker. Viewed from the side, the blade is a steep 'V'-shape. The blade surface consists of a number of scratches on one side, where the other side is far too patinated to assess. The surfaces are generally covered in a thick mid-brown patina, with one side still showing the copper alloy surface. It measures 34.90mm x 39.83mm x 14.46mm, weighing 55.76g. Most socketed axes date between 1150-800BC according to Needham, 2004 (unpublished). A similar database example is IOW-84DE82.
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scotton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 121.24 mm
Thickness: 18.76 mm
Weight: 82.35 g
Description: An incomplete, cast copper alloy probable side looped, spearhead dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1250 BC, Davis Group 6, 'developed side looped. This spearhead has a probable narrow leaf shaped blade (top half missing) with a lozenge shaped middle and flat side flanges section. The shaft is circular in section and socketed. To either side of the shaft, halfway along its length, is a lozenge or leaf shaped knop or probable side loop, both of which are slightly flattened against the shaft. There is no peg hole on the shaft. The casting seams are visible down the length of the shaft. The original surface is mostly intact and has a mid brown, orange patina. The object has suffered damage in a variety of forms. The surface is pitted and scratched, and the blade is broken half way and there is a large semi-circular nick at the mouth of the socket. These signs of damage are worn smooth and evenly patinated suggesting that they occurred in antiquity. It measures 121.24mm x 27.82mm x 18.76mm, weighing 82.35g.
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Putney, Wandsworth, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 73.84 mm
Thickness: 9.02 mm
Weight: 16.69 g
Description: A middle Bronze Age copper alloy tip fragment from a spear head (1500-1150BC). There is a pronounced mid rib extending to the tip with the blade wings projecting from each side. There is a rough irregular break across the width. The break reveals that the spear head is solid with no trace of the socket. Jon Cotton suggests this is probably the tip from a side-looped socketed spear head. Dimensions: length: 73.84mm; width: 20.02mm; thickness: 9.02mm; weight: 16.69g. Identification by Jon Cotton, Senior Prehistoric Curator Museum of London.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being declared not Treasure
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hook, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.29 mm
Weight: 17.11 g
Description: A fragment, possibly from the body of a socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date. However, the body is thin, c3.7mm wide
Object: Piercing Equipment (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2150 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chesterton, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.6 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 10.33 g
Description: Cast copper alloy tool, probably an awl or engraving tool, possibly of Bronze Age date. The tool is a square sectioned rod which narrows and slightly thins to a rectangular section at the ends. One end narrows to a diagonal blade, the other is broken (the break is patinated) but is also narrowing to a blade or curved end. 
Many Bronze Age awls have been found in excavations and by detectorists, they tend to have a square section in the middle but normally narrow more sharply than this example and have circular sectioned terminals, or one circular sectioned end to allow them to be turned during use (see, for example, the selection published in Piggott (1964), p.113). It is not clear this example would work as an awl without that circular section but it could be some other woodworking or engraving tool of Bronze Age or later date.
It is 95.6mm long, 4.4mm wide and 4.3mm thick in the centre, 3.7mm wide at the complete end. It weighs 10.33 grams.
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2100 to -700)
Found: Urchfont, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.7 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 6.18 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze awl, measuring 63.7mm in length. It weighs 6.18g.

At the centre (the widest point) the awl measures 5.1x5.4mm. To one side it is circular in setion, and narrows to a point 1.1mm in diameter. To the other side, the square section narrows and thins to a flat end 3.3x1.3mm.
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wellow, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.5 mm
Thickness: 7.2 mm
Weight: 28.775 g
Description: A corroded small cast copper-alloy flat axehead of probable Early Bronze Age date. This flanged example is characteristic of the Arreton Park metalwork assemblage. The blade terminates in a rounded cutting edge. The terminals are either both abraded or were truncated originally. Bevelling to create the edge is shallow, beginning just below the line of the terminals. The flanged sides give the artefact a pointed oval cross section. They feature low flange facets in profile. They are up to 7.2mm thick, and rise up slightly above the septum at the crests. The curved butt is rounded and slightly abraded (W.: c. 9.5mm). The axe has corroded to a light brown-green colour with some pitting.

Given the existence of miniature votive objects in the Roman period a later date is not ruled out entirely, although it is considered unlikely given the size and metal of this example.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frant, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.1 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 40.8 g
Description: An Early Bronze Age copper-alloy developed flat axe, Arreton industrial phase, c.1700-1500BC. The blade is wide, but appears to have beren worn down unevenly, meaning that both tips are at a sharp angle. There is no sign of an edge bevel remaining. There are no side nicks at the junction of the haft end with the blade. Very low flanges (c.1mm high). There are convex sides with no casting flashes The butt of the axe appears to be damaged as it is uneven and worn. There is a similar, although larger, example in Rohl and Needham page 127, number 89. Length 51.1mm, width across cutting edge 24.1mm, width at butt end 16.4mm, weight 40.8g.
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne Steepleton, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.65 mm
Thickness: 9.97 mm
Weight: 17.75 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy razor. Probably originally triangular in shape, the main cutting edge and the sides are bevelled to produce a thinned edge. Along the sides there are also cast ridges on both faces. There appears to be a curved aperture above the blade, but the razor is broken beyond this point. Date: Late Bronze Age - c. 1200 - 800 BC Dimensions: 53.65 mm x 25.33 mm x 3.97 mm Weight: 17.75 g
Notes: 
Brendan O'Connor comments: 'This find is even rarer than you thought, since it is not a razor. The blade is too thick - but matches what the French call racloirs triangulaires.'
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Metheringham, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.4 mm
Thickness: 8.1 mm
Weight: 33.65 g
Description: A copper alloy cast spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 - 800 BC. The fragment is lozenge shaped in section, with the blade and midrib surviving. The tang or shaft would have been helpful in identifying it to a certain date, but this part is missing. However, as the midrib extends to the tip of the blade, which is of narrow form, the spearhead might be assigned a classification of no earlier than Davis Group 6. It measures 67.4mm x 22.8mm x 8.1mm, weighing 33.65g.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: WALTON ON THAMES, Elmbridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.59 mm
Weight: 23.15 g
Description: A fragment comprising the butt end of a palstave axe of Middle to Late Bronze Age date. The fragment retains the ends of the side ridges.
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: WALTON ON THAMES, Elmbridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Two small ingot fragments, possibly of Bronze Age date though neither object suggests it was part of a bun-shaped ingot. The fragments weigh 29.33g and 35.66g.
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-900 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hook, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.21 mm
Weight: 28.01 g
Description: A fragment of a hollow cast object with two slightly concave sides orientated at about 80 degrees. The object is worn, may have burnt and blackened exterior surfaces and has two ledges cast inside the hollow. Remains of what appear to be a clay mould survive.
Notes: The object is of uncertain date. It has the appearance of a socketed axe of Bronze Age date but the cast internal ledges suggest otherwise.
Object: Weight (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-2100 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Calne Without, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.34 mm
Diameter: 25.46 mm
Weight: 43.47 g
Description: Undatable copper alloy conical weight or casting sprue, weighing 43.47g. It stands 30.34mm in height and has a diameter of 25.46mm at its base, which is rough.

All original patina is lost. The object is not a perfect cone but lists to one side. The top does not narrow to a point but rather flattens to a point.

Bronze Age to Post-Medieval in date.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1700 to -1500)
Found: Askham Richard, York, York (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74 mm
Weight: 63.8 g
Description: Cast Bronze Age flanged axe from the Arreton Down period, dating to c.1700- 1500 BC.

It is very worn and the blade and flanges are not complete. In plan it is almost rectangular as the blade and terminal are so worn. In the side view the flanges still protrude. 
The patina is mostly brown due to mud but there are patches of light green which is indicative of corrosion.
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buntingford, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 165.68 mm
Thickness: 27.25 mm
Weight: 400.36 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave axe (1500 - 1400BC). From the flat butt of this palstave there is an expanded flange on each side that extend 70mm down the length towards the cutting edge. In between the two flanges is a flat groove 'septum' with a stop ridge across the width where the ends of the prongs of the wooden handle would rest to haft the palstave to the handle. The stop ridge prevents the butt of the palstave from splitting the handle. Just below the stop ridge at the top of the blade is a semi-circular ridge with central double ribs forming a 'shield-pattern'. The blade then expands to the curved cutting edge which is bevelled for sharpness. The copper alloy has a rough mid-pale green patina; there is some surface and edge damage. This palstave is very similar to examples from the "Acton Park" axe-industry that emerged at the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age in north Wales (Savory 1980:45-6). Dimensions: length: 165.68mm; width of cutting edge: 64.01mm; thickness: 27.25mm; weight: 400.36g. Reference: Savory, H. N. 1980. Guide Catalogue of Bronze Age Collections. National Museum of Wales, Cardiff. CSP Printing of Cardiff.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1500 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lingfield, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 11.39 mm
Diameter: 10.34 mm
Weight: 3.25 g
Description: A cast copper alloy cone with shallow flutings along each side. Within the end is a tapering rounded cavity 5.7mm deep. The object is patinated light green and gives the appearance of antiquity, possibly even prehistoric, but this is far from being certain.
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aberford, Leeds, Leeds (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.4 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 17.09 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment of a Bronze Age sword which is 27.4mm long, 28mm wide and 5.3mm thick. The blade is lentoid in section tapering to a point at each side. Both ends are broken and the damage is not recent. There is too little remaining of the sword to suggest a more specific date. Another similarly conditioned and shaped blade fragment on the database (SWYOR-ADCF83) is dated to the late Bronze Age. On this basis, a possible late bronze age date can be suggested for this. The surface is slightly pitted and has a light brown patina.
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Southwick and Widley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150 mm
Thickness: 19.3 mm
Weight: 226.5 g
Description: 
A complete but highly corroded Middle Bronze Age cast copper-alloy palstave axehead from the Taunton phase. It is unlooped with low flanges. The is a recessed sub-triangular depression beyond the stop ridge on both faces.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hunsingore, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 9.4 mm
Weight: 30.79 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment, possibly part of a Bronze Age tool. The fragment is rectangular in section, has a curved end (cutting edge?) and is triangular in profile. It may be the very tip of a Bronze Age axe, but the sides of the blade do not flare as much as is usual. Not enough survives to suggest whether it was from a flat axe, palstave or socketed axe, but if it was from a tool of this sort, it was from one with an unusually narrow blade. The surface of the metal is corroded and pitted with a thick bluish green patina. There are no recent breaks. The possible axe fragment is 23.8mm long, 35mm wide and 9.4mm thick. It weighs 30.79g. The parallel most similar in cutting edge shape is a flat axe, number 174 in the Catalogue of the Prehistoric Metalwork in Merseyside County Museums by Nicholson. The parallel is unprovenanced and is a little wider then this example.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bridle Fitting (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to EARLY MEDIEVAL (-1150 to 1066)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Breaston, Erewash, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 9.04 g
Description: prehistoric? or early medieval copper alloy fitting, 29mm long, 28mm wide and 8mm thick. The object is in a fair condition with a brown patina and weighs 9.04grams. The object is sub-rectangular in form and section and consists of a circular sectioned loop which has four semi-circular protrusions evenly spaced on its outer edge. Sitting above these on the face are four sub-spherical knops. Between two of these knops is a central cross bar formed in two parts. The lower part sits on the same plane as the circular loop, whilst the other sits above it, joining the sub-spherical knops together. This forms a rectangular recess which would have taken a strap.
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Gold 
Found: Rossett, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 13.5 mm
Weight: 0.84 g
Description: A biconical bead made of sheet gold with a central perforation for suspension. The bead is damaged and misshapen, with a snag and a tear evident (maximum diameter 13.5mm, maximum height/width 8.0mm, thickness of sheet <0.1mm, weight 0.84g). The gold wire is sub-rectangular in cross-section, with curving meanders, suggesting it was once coiled. One terminal has a globular shaped head; the other has a flattened and folded back hook terminal (maximum current length 40.7mm, diameter of wire 0.7-1.0mm, weight 1.13g).
Notes: These two artefacts were found at the same location as the Burton hoard (TAR 2004, no.485). These artefacts therefore represent additions to the original hoard. The biconical bead is of identical form and similar dimensions to three other examples within the hoard. In Britain and France, good parallels may be found in Middle Bronze Age contexts (1400-1100BC). The gold wire was found attached to the biconical bead, the flattened hook terminal being held inside the interior of the bead. This object is hard to parallel, however its terminals resemble hook and clasp terminals on cuff armlets and ribbon torcs of gold, which date to between 1600-1300BC. The wire may once have been a finger ring joined with 'bulb and clasp' terminals. Semi-quantitative metallurgical analysis of both the bead and the wire indicated a very high gold composition, with a small percentage of silver and 1-1.5% copper.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Trearddur, Isle of Anglesey, Isle of Anglesey (Wales)
Discovery method: Controlled archaeological investigation (stratified)
Diameter: 14.8 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 1.41 g
Description: A small penannular ring of sheet gold construction, with simple terminals separated by a narrow gap. The sheet strip has been carefully folded over, to give an oval shaped cross-section, the internal edges around the interior diameter being separated by a gap of 1-1.5mm. The ring has been dinted, with a compression crimp in one place causing a small tear.











This ring finds parallel with both penannular gold rings and 'hair-rings' of the Middle and Late Bronze Age (1400-800BC), which are now generally thought to be either hair or ear adornments. Rings of twisted bar or circular rod construction tend to date to the Middle Bronze Age, while 'hair rings' covered with gold foil, electrum wire or plating are most common during the Late Bronze Age. This example may represent the transition between solid gold and foil construction, therefore as a potentially early example of a 'hair-ring', could date to as early as the end of the Middle Bronze Age (1300-1150BC). Semi-quantitative analysis of the ring indicates a very high gold composition, with a small percentage of silver and 1% copper. The ring was found in the lower fill of a ditch at the periphery of a settlement, providing important dating evidence for its occupation during the Later Bronze Age.
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nutfield, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.16 mm
Thickness: 13.82 mm
Weight: 52.5 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy bun-shaped ingot, probably of Bronze Age date. The fragment retains part of the circumference.
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Compton Abbas, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.35 mm
Thickness: 4.01 mm
Weight: 10.11 g
Description: A cast copper alloy chisel. The chisel has a rectangular sectioned, tapering tang. The blade flares out into a trianguar shape with a broad cutting edge. There is some damage to the formerly straight cutting edge and the whole chisel is slightly curved.
Date: Late Bronze Age
Dimensions: 64.35 mm  x 20.38 mm  x 1.01 mm
Weight: 10.11 g
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Skeffington, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 27.9 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy chisel tip? 31mm long, 20mm wide and 11mm thick. The object is in fair condition with a green/brown patina and weighs 27.90 grams.
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.3 mm
Thickness: 13.95 mm
Weight: 163 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date.  This flanged example is characteristic of the Arreton Park metalwork assemblage.  The blade terminates in a wide, crescentic curved cutting edge with rounded terminals.  Bevelling to create the edge is shallow, beginning just below the line of the terminals.  The flanged sides give the artefact a rounded 'H-shaped' cross section.  They feature flange facets in profile.  They are up to 13.95mm thick, and rise up above the septum by c. 3.5mm at the crests.  The body of the axe is broken towards the haft end. Where it survives the patina is a dark green colour.  Otherwise the axe has suffered corrosion, in lighter hues, and more active damage which is a brighter green; the pitting and scratches are considerable in places.
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Haugh, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Description: Socket fragment from a late Bronze Age spear. The socket was once circular in cross-section and tapering to blade, though now only approximately half of the socket remains. The exterior surface is decorated with incised bands; one is located at the rim and another circa 2cm above it. The interior of the socket has a light brown deposit on it.
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Banstead Village, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Two small copper alloy ingots, both probably of Bronze Age date.

1. 79g, 17.55mm thick
2. 56.18g, 15.64mm thick.
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 17.21 g
Description: A pair of corroded cast copper-alloy awls or tracers of possible Bronze Age date. Both artefacts have a square cross-section that tapers to a point at both ends. On the longer the squareness is more obvious, perhaps as it has suffered from less corrosion; at one end, at which the object curves, the tapering is less pointed. On the shorter the body is thicker and the object narrows to what is argubaly a 'tang'. Such construction is typical of prehistoric awls which are thought to date from the late Bronze Age. The darker (and longer) has the following dimensions: L.: 74.35mm, max. Th.: 5.3mm, Wt.: 9.71g. The lighter (shorter) has the following dimensions: L.: 63.95mm, max. Th.: 7.05mm, Wt.: 7.5g.
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Duxford, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.93 mm
Thickness: 8.71 mm
Weight: 40.64 g
Description: Fragment of middle Bronze Age palstave. The fragment consists of the blade edge portion and is solid but with 9.92mm of the hollow interior.

Length: 30.93mm; thickness; 8.71mm; weight: 40.64g.
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 83.5 mm
Thickness: 12.85 mm
Weight: 111.42 g
Description: Incomplete Early Bronze Age bronze/ copper alloy flat axehead, with a damaged cutting edge and butt. It measures 83.50mm in length and weighs 111.42g. It max.width (damaged cutting edge) is 33.80mm, its min.width 14.00mm.

The sides narrow to the butt and the flanges have been hammered higher on one face than the other. The sides are 12.85mm high (body of axe 9.77mm). The (mostly missing) cutting edge seems to expand at the (oldish) break.

The butt (which is 2.58mm in thickness) is slightly damaged.

The surface of the metal is pitted and some of the patina has flaked away. One face has an off-centre hole which does not pierce through to the other side, although there is a slight bulge in the metal there which could represent a shallow stop ridge. The hole is 5.46mm in diameter and 4.27mm deep.

The hole, which appears to have been drilled intentionally in antiquity, may represent ritual destruction of the axehead. Dot Bruns (FLO Lancashire and Cumbria) comments that both blade and body damage might be in common: Usually the blade is more affected than the body of the axe but there is no reason why they wouldn't have tried to damage the body as well.
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 106.05 mm
Weight: 22.73 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy undecorated Picardy pin of Middle Bronze Age date. The pin has a slightly domed circular head (Dia.: c. 11.15mm).  Below the head the shaft tapers to a diameter of 4.35mm before swelling to a maximum diameter of 5.95mm. From the swelling the pin tapers gradually to a point.  The pin has been bent through ninety degrees; it is so thick there is a diagonal bend at the point of the right angle. Furthermore, the tip has been bent upwards and to the side slightly.  The artefact has developed a variable mid blue-green patina with some areas of corrosion. It would be c. 170mm long if straight.
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2000 to 200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , York, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 11.35 mm
Thickness: 5.02 mm
Weight: 0.7 g
Description: Copper alloy bead of uncertain date.

The bead is oval in plan and is narrow at the loop, widening around the bead. It is hollow and was cast.

Beads this shape have been variously assigned to the Bronze Age, Iron Age/Roman and Post Medieval periods. They are difficult to date when found out of context but other objects from this area suggest it may be of an earlier date rather than later.
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.93 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 2.02 g
Description: The tapering square-sectioned terminal of a copper alloy awl of probable Bronze Age date.
Object: Weapon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.44 mm
Thickness: 3.56 mm
Weight: 10.73 g
Description: A fragment of a flat blade, possibly from a dagger. The fragment is pitted and has a flat, tapering. central ridge.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rossett, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 90.34 mm
Thickness: 11.63 mm
Weight: 147.5 g
Description: This is a very fine early Bronze Age (1800-1100BC) flat axe in copper alloy.  The axe is thickened to the middle section with a very well developed recurved or splayed blade.  The face of the axe has a parallel sides leading to the butt, which is square and taken to an 'edge', which may have been useable.



Not withstanding the very well executed recurved blade, the axe shows no sign of having been 'flanged'.  The blade has signs of use with some chipping away of the curve.  The face sides behind the blade edge are also marked with lines/gauges being perpendicular to, and at an angle to the natural cutting action.



Overall, the axe is heavily pitted with a dark green/black patina.
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chettle, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.43 mm
Thickness: 2.81 mm
Weight: 6.44 g
Description: Cast copper alloy chisel. A small chisel with a broad, slightly flaring blade and a curving cutting edge. The blade thins towards the sides and to the cutting edge. The tang is rectangular in cross section and sharply narrowed from the blade. It tapers to a point. This object is similar to DOR-BFD933 and SUR-EB0AB6.
Date: Late Bronze Age - c. 1100 - 800 BC
Dimensions: 44.43 mm x 17.92 mm x 2.81 mm
Weight: 6.44g
Object: Rod (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Material: Gold Silver
Found: Brafferton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.21 mm
Diameter: 2.66 mm
Thickness: 2.57 mm
Weight: 2.5 g
Description: A wrought gold loop on unknown date, but probably Bronze Age. The loop is formed from wrought gold wire (th: 2.57mm) which has been bent into a drop shape. Where the ends cross, the loop has been cut, with evidence for four strikes. One cut put a wedge in the object but did not completely sever it. A second cut severed one end of the loop. The two remaining cuts are both part of the severing of the other end of the loop. The gold is probably a gold-silver alloy. There are no direct comparisons, but similar cutmarks have been observed on Bronze Age gold objects, for example no 25.1 in Treasure Annual Report 2004. Therefore, the object cannot be dated with any certainty, but it is most probably Bronze Age in date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Knockin, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.12 mm
Thickness: 17.56 mm
Weight: 10.19 g
Description: A middle Bronze Age sidelooped spearhead dating to c. 1300-1200BC. The socketed is slightly flared at its 'open' end, and 20.33mm in diameter, (internal 14.52mm). The loops, which are flattened, are situated roughly half way along the shaft. The head is leaf shaped. The socket is a pronounced mid-rib and the edges of the wings are chamfered. The max width of the wings, and spearhead, is 42.84mm. The outer edge of the wings are 1.58mm thick. The patina is a greenish brown and there is a small amount of corrosion on the wings. The side-looped spearhead dates to the Middle Bronze Age. This object corresponds woth the Caemaes phase/Acton Park II.
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (1100 to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llay, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.6 mm
Weight: 103 g
Description: Here we have a near complete Bronze Age socketed axehead circa 1100BC with unusually clean lines not unlike the South-Eastern class A.  The mouth of the socket is sub-rectangular with a single square form moulding at the top edge, beneath that is an attachment loop, now broken.  In plan view, the axe has parallel sides that are then subtly flared to give the blade form.  The blade edge appears worn and is now showing signs of corrosion.


The lower surfaces of the blade have scratches perpendicular to a cutting action and to one side.


The overall impression is that this axe is from the Hallstatt A2 phase, perhaps Wilburton in its simplistic yet elegant style.   The axe has a pleasant dark green patina with some iron staining; there is also a small casting flaw to the narrow side, opposite the loop.
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1140)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rossett, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 49.8 g
Description: Here we have a fragment of a middle Bronze Age copper alloy dirk or sword, circa 1200BC. The blade has a shallow but discernible midrib section, clear 'shoulders' and two rivet holes to the butt end.



Given the parallel edges, the simple rivet form and the possible length if this blade, I would err on the side of this being a dirk. The patina is now a very dark black/green due in part perhaps, to some restorative action.
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Found: Marcham, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 143.73 mm
Diameter: 15.31 mm
Thickness: 10.91 mm
Weight: 79 g
Description: A very well preserved Middle Bronze Age lanceolate spearhead with a lozenge section mid-rib. The spearhead is socketed although one section of the spearhead socket is missing. There are no attaching peg holes visible on the socket; this may have been in the missing section or lower down the socket shaft. The spearhead measures 143.73mm in length and 33.49mm in width. The diameter of the shaft is 15.31mm, while the shoulders measure 10.91mm thick. The spearhead weighs 79 gms.
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-950 to -750)
Found: , , Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 555 mm
Description: Bronze Age sword from the Ewart Park Phase, dating from c.950-750 BC.

It is mostly complete although the hilt has broken at the shoulder so the grip and finial are missing. The blade length appears complete although the tip is flattened rather than pointed which suggests the very end is missing. The edges of the blade are uneven all the way around where small pieces have broken off. 

The blade widens from the tip, reaching its widest point at mid-blade. It then begins to narrow to the waist. It widens slighly again to meet the hilt section. The section between the waist and the shoulder has a narrowing of the blade then a sub-trianglular section. This section would have led into the grip but it has broken before it reaches here. There are two circular rivets on this section, one on either side. The sword has broken just after the rivets.

The sword has an unven light green patina with patches of darker green and brown. It has some corrosion in patches on the surface. The hilt in particular has a lot of corrosion on.

Fits in Needham Period 7 950-750 CAL BC / Metalwork stage XII
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Found: Hale, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.52 mm
Thickness: 16.86 mm
Weight: 28.5 g
Description: Probably Late Bronze Age bronze/ copper alloy casting sprue, weighing 28.5g. It is shaped like a funnel and smooth around the edges, while rough on top (at the ‘open’ end). This end measures 26.02x16.86mm. The casting sprue stands 22.52mm with a (old) break at the other end, 17.02x5.76mm. This break is D-shaped in section, as is the trunk of the sprue (which is parallel sided).
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -700)
Found: Hale, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.64 mm
Weight: 19.8 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axehead, consisting of part of the mouth and body below. It measures 30.64x36.07x4.28mm and weighs 19.8g.

The mouth (6.60mm thick) has single moulding and has a rib below from which extends at least three vertical ribs before the (old) breaks. Between mouth and rib moulding is a blob of metal from the casting process.

The diameter of the socketed opening would have been c.45mm. Axes with rib decoration date to the Ewart Park and Llynfawr phases, 900-700 BC.
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -700)
Found: Hale, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.43 mm
Thickness: 8.77 mm
Weight: 25.15 g
Description: Fragment of Early (or Middle) Bronze Age bronze flanged axehead (or possibly palstave axehead although the flanges are a bit low), consisting of the damaged butt end only. It measures 24.43x(max)26.86x(max)8.77mm and weighs 25.15g.

The damaged butt end appears to be complete at one corner and broken at the other. Just off centre is a bubble in the metalwork, possibly contributing to the break by weakening the metal.

The break at the other end of the fragment is I-shaped in section, just as the flanges are beginning to develop. The fragment is too small with not enough surviving of the flanges to tie it down further.

1900 – 1100 BC.
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1150)
Material: Gold 
Found: Hepple, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.58 mm
Thickness: 1.49 mm
Weight: 5.4 g
Description: A 5-coil gold penannular ring, cut at each terminal. Each coil is made individually from a solid gold wire. The wire is circular in section.



In addition to being cut, the ring has been damaged due to bending, with two of the wires separating from the rest and bending at different angles. This damage indicates that the coils were probably heated and then pressed together along their lengths, as there is a slight flattening of the coils along the lengths revealed.



For comparisons, see 2005 T495.
Notes: The age and precious metal content of this item therefore qualify it as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Pestle (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2100 to -700)
Found: Paul, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 82 mm
Thickness: 51 mm
Description: Coarse-grained gabbro cobble with heavy use as a pestle around most of the perimeter (Henrietta Quinnell forthcoming). The pestle is round in plan, with two rounded sides, and plano-convex in section. The pestle is flat and smooth on the face that was used for rubbing, and more convex on the opposite face, where it was held and pushed across a base or mortar for grinding. The gabbro is a coarse-grained variety, probably from Cudden Point, Perranuthnoe, about 4 miles across Mounts Bay (Jens Andersen pers comm), containing pale pink felspars and dark grey pyroxene inclusions. The soft felspars would work into hollows and the hard pyroxene, as a silicate mineral, would stand proud of the surface, thus allowing a shearing action to cut and grind the grain. The shape of the pestle suggests that it was made from a beach cobble. Jones (2002) illustrates a similar example excavated from Callestick on page 29, Fig.13, No.95 which is dated to the Later Bronze Age, c.1100-700 BC. Nowakowski (1991) illustrates a similar example excavated from Trethellan on page 142, Fig.57, No.87, which dates from the Middle Bronze Age, c.1500-1200 BC.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1900 to -1600)
Found: Catton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 154.3 g
Description: Bronze axe dating from c.1900- 1600 BC.

It is from the Aylesford/Willerby periods and is an erly form of the palstave type.

The axe is mostly complete. It has just small plain flanges. At its widest point the blade measures 45mm. It is not complete as its edges are rounded and worn.  

It has a drak beown patina and is mostly smooth although there are some patches of small dints at the butt and blade ends.
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Atherton, Wigan, Wigan (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 144 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Description: Bronze palstave axe from the Arreton or Acton Park phases dating to c.1700-1400 BC It is mostly complete although the end of the butt is missing. The flanges are very low and one side is alomost completely lost. The septum is flat and leads to quite a deep stop. Below the stop the upper part of the blade has a central ridge on both sides. The blade appears complete with a widening towards the end. The patina is uneven with patches of brown and green in an irregular pattern.
Notes: It weighed over 200grams as my scales wouldn't register it
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thurcroft, Rotherham, Rotherham (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.5 mm
Thickness: 6.7 mm
Weight: 10.07 g
Description: The tip fragment from a copper-alloy spearhead, of which the point is missing, dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 - 800 BC. It is in the form of a narrow isosceles triangle with a mid rib down the centre on each face of the blade. The patina is glossy dark-brown in colour with some areas of blue green active corrosion. It is 50.5mm in length, 16.6mm wide, and 6.7mm thick. It weighs 10.07gm. The mid rib cross section is a diamond or lozenge (square rotated by 45 degrees). It is impossible to assign a type from such a small fragment (Worrall 2004, Finds Recording notes, unpub.), but the extent of the midrib and the narrowness of the blade suggests it is no earlier a type than Davis Group 6.
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horsington, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53 mm
Thickness: 6.6 mm
Weight: 14.79 g
Description: The tip fragment from a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper-alloy spear head dating from about 1550 BC to 800 BC. It is in the form of a narrow isosceles triangle with a rib down the centre of each face. In section it is lozenge shaped with a rounded central rib. The patina is rough and dark-brown in colour, though there are a number of areas where the green of copper corrosion has broken through the patina. It is 53mm in length, 19.4mm wide, and 6.6mm thick. It weighs 14.79gm. See Moore & Rowlands, Bronze Age Metalwork in Salisbury Museum, Plate 12, No. 65, and The British Museum's Guide to the Antiquities of The Bronze Age, 2nd edition, Plate 8, No 7.
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wix, Tendring, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.39 mm
Thickness: 11.9 mm
Weight: 27.26 g
Description: Incomplete late Bronze Age cast copper alloy socketed axe. Only the lower blade end survives; the breaks are extremely worn. The cutting edge is extremely damaged. The socket is rectangular, and cast off centre, with one wall being 4.18 mm thick and the other 1.47mm thick. The axe has a mid green patina. The surface is corroding, with a significant amount of pitting. The surviving section is 22.39mm long, 32.64mm wide, 11.90mm thick and weighs 27.26 grams.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Matching, Epping Forest, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.5 mm
Thickness: 4.85 mm
Weight: 15.61 g
Description: Fragment of a late Bronze Age (1150 to 800BC) sword hilt with flanged edges. Enough survives to show the first rivet hole/slot. The surviving section is sub-rectangular in plan, expanding in width towards the terminal.  
It is 29.50mm long, 30.85mm wide tapering to 18.15mm, it is 4.85mm thick and weighs 15.61 grams. It has a mid-green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Found: Silverdale, Lancaster, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 39.52 g
Description: Extremely well-preserved unusually slim cast cu-alloy socketed side-looped spearhead (Group 1) type dating from the 'early' Middle Bronze Age, c. 1600-1400BC (see Rowlands 1976). The spearhead is complete, the blade and socket undamaged with a smooth green patina showing hardly any sign of decay. The head is leaf-shaped and the socket has a fairly pronounced midrib. The tip of the spearhead very thin being the same thickness as the socket at its widest point and there are very fine, very clear re-sharpening marks all around the edges of the wings, running parallel to it. The socket is has a wide diameter compared to the overall size of the spearhead and the loops, which are flattened, are situated roughly one third of the way along the shaft.



There is some hatched decoration along the sides of the socket where the casting seams had been smoothed down. Side-looped spearheads are categorised by Greenwell and Brewis' as Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, c. 1500-1150BC. The spearhead was likely to have been short and similar to Savory (1980) nos. 227 - 230, which Savory argues are of Acton Park metal, although no. 228 gave an analysis suggesting Penard metal. A side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has been radio-carbon dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating. The length is 95mm, width 15mm, diameter of the socket 15mm and the weight is 39.52g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1020 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rothley, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 99 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight: 142.3 g
Description: Late Bronze age copper alloy socketed axe (Type Meldreth) with a double mouth and a trumpet-shaped collar (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, 205, no.1214). The body is slender and straight with an expanded blade and a loop that extends from the second, shallow mouth ridge. The surface condition of the axe is poor with one broken blade corner. The back is coated with mud while the red /brown skin on the front is worn and corroded. These areas of broken skin are porous and matte green.
Notes: Part of the Rothley Hoard other items can be found at LEIC-A67B11 LEIC-A665D7 and LEIC-A6BB51
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nether Wallop, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 102.98 mm
Weight: 14.52 g
Description: 
A small awl or chisel of Bronze Age or Iron Age date. The object has a square section, one pointed end and a chisel-shaped end. The chisel end is no wider than the body.