dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Churston-with-Galmpton, Torbay, Torbay ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: The two ingots were recovered within c.1.5 metres of each other at a depth of c.10cm below the surface.



Description



Ingot, fragment. Plano-convex edge fragment with rounded outer edge. Length: 74.5mm, Width: 62.5mm, Thickness: c.31mm



Ingot, fragment. Plano-convex. Length: 92.5mm, Width: 90mm, Thickness: c. 32mm.



Discussion



These ingot fragments probably belong to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age, dating to c.1000-800 BC. Both fragments are plano-convex, being rounded on one side and flat on the other. Ingots such as these were cast in a dish-shaped mould, and are often referred to as 'bun' ingots due to their shape. Ingots of raw metal were transported and traded throughout Britain and Europe during the Late Bronze Age. They were frequently broken up into fragments, ready to be smelted to make a range of bronze weaponry, tools and ornaments. Ingots (and ingot fragments) are a regular feature of LBA hoard deposits in southern England (cf. Turner 2010, 86-7). Numerous plano-convex ingot fragments have been recovered in Devon and the surrounding regions (e.g. Powell 2005a; 2005b), most notably the copper and tin ingots recovered from a probable shipwreck site off the coast of Salcombe (Roberts & Veysey 2011; Needham et al. forthcoming). Scientific analysis is currently being undertaken on the Salcombe finds at the British Museum (B. Roberts pers comm.). The Paignton finds are therefore significant for their potential (subject to future analysis) to reveal information regarding patterns of trade and exchange in the Late Bronze Age period in South-West of Britain.



Conclusion



As these two Late Bronze Age ingots were found within 1.5m of each other, they are most likely to originate from a single deposit, which has been dispersed. This material is eligible as Treasure under the Treasure Order (2002), as it is a base-metal prehistoric find containing two or more metal objects.



References



Needham, S., Parham, D. and Frieman, C. (eds) Forthcoming. Claimed by the sea: Salcombe, Langdon Bay and other marine finds of the Bronze Age. London: Council for British Archaeology



Powell, N. 2005a. DEV-677584 A BRONZE AGE INGOT Webpage available at: [Accessed: 25 Feb 2013 16:28:35]



Powell, N. 2005b. DEV-663AF1 A BRONZE AGE INGOT Webpage available at: [Accessed: 25 Feb 2013 16:31:07]



Roberts, B.W. and Veysey, C. 2011. Trading Places. British Museum Magazine (Autumn 2011), 44-5



Turner, L. 2010. A Re-Interpretation of the Later Bronze Age Metalwork Hoards of Essex and Kent, British Archaeological Reports (British Series) 507



Author:



Danielle Wootton



Finds Liaison Officer



Amended:



Neil Wilkin



Curator, Bronze Age Collection



British Museum



25/2/13
Notes: 
The finder kindly donated the ingots to Torquay Museum.

Subsequent action: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chippenham Without, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.62 mm
Thickness: 30.07 mm
Weight: 35.7 g
Description: A damaged fragment of Late Bronze Age (AD 900-700) copper alloy socketed axehead, consisting of part of the mouth, damaged body below and loop. It measures 36.62x42.05x30.07mm and weighs 35.7g.


The oval shaped mouth (36.79x30.07mm) is a single, outward-projecting moulding max.7.11mm thick from which extend ?4 vertical ribs on one face. The other face is badly damaged but at least 2 ribs are visible. At the edges of the axehead the casting flashes are visible, but have been worn down a little. On one of these sides a loop extends 25mm from the mouth moulding.


The damage is worn but probably not ancient. It could well have been casued by plough damage. Interestingly the damage is consistent with a large blow on one side, which is sometimes attributed to contemporary ritual destruction of the obect.


Axes with rib decoration date to the Ewart Park and Llynfawr phases, 900-700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-2300 to -2050)
Material: Copper 
Found: Tintern, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.2 mm
Weight: 356.1 g
Description: Early Bronze Age copper flat axe of Type Ballybeg / Roseisle (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 27-8)  and of Metalwork Assemblage I to II, corresponding to Needham's (1996)  Period 2; dated to 2,300BC - 2,050BC


The axe is complete (with a length of 109.2mm and a weight of 356.1g). The butt is thin or sharp and arched (with a width of 36.9mm and a thickness of 2mm). Both faces are convex, giving the axe a lenticular body profile, with the thickest point (at 12.5mm) on the blade, approximately two-thirds of the way along the axe (around 40mm from the blade edge). There is no median bevel or blade facet on the faces, although the blade narrows sharply to the edge. The faces are flat across their widths, gradually becoming increasing convex towards the blade edge. The sides of the axe are straight and divergent along the upper half of the axe and are concave along the blade, turning out sharply at the ends to produce blade tips (which give the blade a width of 67.0mm). The blade edge is strongly-curved. The surface of the axe has a mid-green surface with areas of dark-brown surface loss.


This find represents the twenty-second known copper flat axe from Wales and the second identified as of Ballybeg / Roseisle type.
Notes: Metallurgical analysis  was attempted, with the axe was examined whole  within the specimen chamber. Where possible, areas of metal exposed from  under the surface corrosion were analysed and apart from very  superficial surface swabbing of the artefacts there was no sample  preparation. The results are semi-quantitative and overall totals taken  from minimally prepared surfaces are usually affected to some degree by  the surface geometry of the artefacts, including factors such as  curvature, pitting and indentations etc. Other factors that can also  affect the results include surface oxidation, surface enrichment or  depletion of certain elements, contamination from closely adhering dirt,  and preferential corrosion. 

Three separate readings were taken and  the majority of the overall totals acquired were slightly low due to the  factors described above. The results were normalised to 100% to obtain  consistency between the readings and to make the analyses comparable  with other results the average compositions showed the axe to be  predominantly copper at 99.2 - 99.8%. Trace elements of arsenic, tin and  antimony were detected, with averages of 0.23%, 0.14% and 0.23%  respectively
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Myddfai, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.1 mm
Weight: 64.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe, of uncertain type and probably of Ewart Park Metalworking Assemblage, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Period 7, dated to c. 950 - 750BC


The axe is fragmentary, represented by the blade only (with a surviving length of 33.1mm and a weight of 64.6g). The axe has broken near the base of the socket (with a length of 31.0mm, a surviving width of 9.9mm and a maximum surviving depth of 9.1mm). The axe is of sub-rectangular section at the break (where the axe has a width of 41mm and a maximum thickness of 18.0mm). The casting flashes are clear and raised on both sides and appear to have been finished by hammering. The sides curve outwards a little to produce a slightly expanded edge (producing a surviving blade width of 46.9mm). The blade faces are convex across both their lengths and width with no discernible blade facets and the original blade edge has been lost. There are no ribs extending onto the blade fragment. Where the surface survives, sharpening striations are evident running along the blade edge. Hammering facets are also discernible on both faces. The surface has a dark brown patination and elsewhere has a pale green corrosion.


The fragmentary state of the axe makes typological identification difficult; the form of the fragment is consistent with South Wales Type socketed axes. Socketed axes can date to the Wilburton metalworking phase of the Late Bronze Age, dated to c. 1150-950BC; or to Llyn Fawr, dated to 750-450BC, although most recovered socketed axes, including the South Wales type are of the Ewart Park phase (950-750BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.88 mm
Thickness: 14.83 mm
Weight: 105.65 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Late Bronze Age socketed axehead. Only the blade end and part of its body survive. The socket aperture is sub rectangular in shape. However, the socket aperture has been broken with one side bent inward, distorting its shape. A casting seam is also visible on one side. The blade is slightly worn as evidenced by a small chip near the centre and blunted corners of the blade. One face and both sides of the blade are of a dark brown patina, with areas of light green patina. The other face is of a light green patina (especially towards the blade edge) with dark brown patina in the middle. The socket is patinated a light orange/yellow colour.


Length: 52.88mm; Width: 49.21mm; Thickness: 14.83mm; Weight: 105.65g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Charfield, South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 53.7 g
Description: Cast copper alloy socketed axe blade fragment length 50mm, width 49mm, thickness 14mm, weight 53.7g.  Only the blade remains, this has a curved cutting edge which extends out from the main body of the axe.  The axe has been truncated just behind the blade where the base of the socket starts.  Date late Bronze Age 1100BC-800BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith and Fulham, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 4.32 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy awl or tracer of possible Bronze Age date. The artefact has a thin body with square cross-section that tapers to a point at one end. At the other the 'tang' narrows to a point. This point end has been bent away from the tip. The awl has a variable mid/dark-green patina. It measures 64.0mm (length) x 4.4mm (max. width) x 4.3mm (max. thickness) and weighs 4.32g.


Such construction is typical of prehistoric awls which are thought to date from the late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Walkeringham, Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.32 mm
Thickness: 6.72 mm
Weight: 7.93 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age spear head dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1125 BC, and probably the later part of this period, 1400 - 1125 BC. The fragment consists of only the very tip of the spearhead - it has a narrow and slender tip with a pronounced midrib. The midrib is sub-triangular in section and is flanked by tapering wings that join at the tip. The tip damaged and abraded. The slenderness of the spear-tip suggests a long narrow spear head, although as only the very tip survives it is not possible to identify the exact form or class of spear head. Although only a fragment survives, such elongated examples, with a mid-rib which extends to the tip, and which is flanked by wings as described above, might belong to the incorporated or projecting basal looped categories, Davis Groups 8 or 9, dated to the later Middle Bronze Age, 'current in the Taunton and Penard periods', 1400 - 1125 BC (Davis 2017).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kintbury, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 114.89 mm
Thickness: 19.88 mm
Weight: 126.9 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy palstave axehead dating from the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1150 BC). Damage in antiquity leaves the butt end of the axehead incomplete, and active bronze disease has created pitting all over the axehead's surface; areas of the original surface are missing due to this corrosion. The axehead retains most of its shopping blade, which flares out very slowly and slightly from the main body of the axe. The moulding seam is visible down both edges of the axehead but there is no evidence for a loop of any sort. The stop-ridge projects above a shallow channel that retains most of its original surface. This is one of two Bronze Age axeheads recovered from the same field, albeit from opposing ends. The other is recorded as BERK-A83841.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scole, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19 mm
Weight: 5.4 g
Description: A very abraded fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead. >19 x 18mm. Weighing 5.4g. c. 1000 - c. 700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.2 mm
Thickness: 4.48 mm
Weight: 22.5 g
Description: A fragmentary copper-alloy dirk or rapier of middle to late Bronze Age date, c. 1500-1100 BC.


The dirk or rapier fragment is sub-triangular, with the incomplete base and shoulders and the base of the blade. The base would have been semi-circular or similar in outline, and the top edge of a rivet hole remains at the end. A central spine runs down the length of the fragment, with very worn and corroded edges remaining. In section, the blade is lozenge-shaped. While corrosion has undoubtably removed much of the blade, it seems likely that the blade edges has been worn through use in the Bronze Age and probably resharpened. The narrow point remaining on the fragment is probably due to breakage and corrosion of the dirk or rapier in the Bronze Age, with further corrosion in the post-depositional environment.


While the size of the fragment suggests the object was a dirk, comparison with rapiers from Northumberland indicates that it is only a few mm smaller in width at the shoulders in comparison with complete examples. Thus the possibility that the fragment was from a rapier cannot be dismissed.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishopstone, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.7 mm
Weight: 198 g
Description: A complete late Bronze Age socketed axe. 


The axe has three ridges below the stop, filed seams and a hammered blade.


Dimensions:


Blade width - 38-60mm


Depth of socket - 61.21mm


Width of socket - 36.63mm x 34.65mm


Width of axe, including loop - 40.86mm
Notes: 
This axe is a Type Yorkshire axe which belongs to the Ewart Park phase of the late Bronze Age. This type of axe has concentrations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and also in East Anglia.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Glyn Tarell, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.8 mm
Weight: 22.7 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze spearhead fragment, of uncertain type and of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 700BC


The spearhead is fragmentary and is represented by the tip only (with a surviving length of 47.8mm and a weight of 22.7g). The spearhead has broken across the blade in antiquity and near the end of a circular socket (4.1mm diameter at the break and with a surviving depth of 5.8mm), positioned slightly off-centre. The fragment has a prominent rounded midrib (giving the spearhead a maximum surviving thickness of 10.5mm where the fragment has a maximum surviving width of 19.8mm). The midrib weakens slightly towards the tip but remains prominent. The original blade edges and tip have been lost, making the original outline uncertain but the more complete edge is gently convex and may originally have been straight or near-straight. Patches of the original surface survive with a dark-green patina. Sharpening striations are discernible running both along the blade and at an acute angle to the blade edge.


Socketed spearheads begin in the Acton Park metalworking industry dated to the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age and continue to the Llyn Fawr Industry at the very end of the Bronze Age, although spearheads of the Llyn Fawr industry are rarely recovered, with most spearheads dating to the Ewart Park phase or before. Needham (1996) dates the corresponding Industries from his Period 5, begging c. 1500BC to the end of Period 7 at c. 750BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grittleton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.6 mm
Thickness: 10.4 mm
Weight: 37.7 g
Description: Bronze Age axe blade, probably of Middle to Late Bronze Age, c. 1,500 - 700BC


The axe is fragmentary, represented by part of the blade edge (with a surviving length of 25.6mm, a surviving width of 30.9mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 10.4mm and a weight of 37.7g). The surviving side is near-straight and slightly divergent to the blade tip (producing a surviving blade width of 30.0mm). The side suggests that the axe was of slightly hexagonal section. The casting seam is evident and has been fettled, seemingly by hammering. The axe faces were gently concave across their widths but slightly convex across their lengths. At the break there is the slight suggestion of a rectangular base to a socket, possibly suggesting that the axe has broken across the socket base, although the identification is somewhat speculative. There is a notch in the blade edge which seemingly occurred in antiquity. The current surface is heavily-pitted with a mid-green patina.


The casting seam on the axe implies a casting technology using a two or three piece mould technology and therefore an axe of cast-flanged type at the earliest, and more likely a palstave or socketed axe fragment. The speculative identification of the socket base may indicate a Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,200 - 700BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Description: Middle-Late Bronze Age	incomplete copper alloy tanged chisel, wrought and beaten rectangular-sectioned tang with sides folded onto both faces, tapering to broken terminal at upper end and splays with rounded shoulders to slightly trapezoidal flat-sectioned blade with fine pockmarks on surfaces. Splayed 'horns' flank curved cutting edge. Length >50mm. Width 21mm. c. 1600 - c. 700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wendling, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 70 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Description: Fragment of hollow ring, thin-sectioned body (<1mm) squashed and broken, external diameter 70mm, internal diameter 30mm. c. 1000 - c. 700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stainforth, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 117 mm
Thickness: 15.1 mm
Weight: 55.1 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy spearhead, probably dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1125 BC, probably in the later part of this period, 1400 - 1125 BC. The fragment consists of only the very tip of the spearhead - it has a narrow and slender tip with a pronounced midrib. The midrib is rounded in section and is flanked by tapering wings that join at the tip. There are pronounced edge bevels which are 3-4mm from the edge of the spear. The tip is slightly damaged and abraded. One of the wings has broken at the wider end but has been glued back together. The edges of the spear head are worn and chipped. The break at the wider end is patinated. The mid rib is hollow. Since only the tip of the spear head has survived it is not possible to identify an exact form or class of spear head. However, there are perhaps similarities to Triangular spear heads from the Penard Phase (1300 - 1140 BC) in the middle Bronze Age. Please compare to PAS record IDs: SWYOR-8E7758 and YORYM-6DB701. Should such an identification from the fragment be correct, the most likely classification would be of a 'projecting basal looped' spearhead, Davis Group 9. Davis (2017) notes that 'these were current in the Taunton and Penard phases', about 1400 - 1125 BC. 



Length: 117mm; Width: 37mm; Thickness: 15.1mm; Weight: 55.1g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2150 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shilton, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55 mm
Weight: 13.02 g
Description: Bronze age/Iron age? copper alloy awl? 55mm long, 10 mm in diameter and weighing 13.02grams. The object is in fair condition with a lot of its surface mssing. It is circular in section, with one half being wider than the other. each half tapers to a sharp point.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: NUNEATON, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 10.38 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy spearhead fragment,  42mm long, 14mm wide and 7mm thick.  The object is in fair condition and weighs 10.38grams.  The object consists of the tip end of the spearhead and has a circular sectioned central rib surrounded by very worn blade (which appears incomplete) which tapers slightly in width towards one end.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Langton, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 3.73 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy blade fragment, 19mm long, 18mm wide and 3mm thick. The fragment is in fair condition and weighs 3.73grams. The object is sub rectangular in form and slightly trapezoidal in section with one intact, but very worn original edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Salisbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.13 mm
Thickness: 17.8 mm
Weight: 38.73 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Middle Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (1500-300 BC) 'half-moustache'-like object, measuring 35.13x(max)17.52x(max)17.80mm and weighing 38.73g.

On the underside the object is tear-drop shaped, with a circular hole c.9mm in diameter at the wider end. The edges of the hole are jagged but worn, suggesting ancient damage. The hole is 5.59mm deep and conical. The underside tapers to 8.72mm wide before rounding at the other end.


In profile the object has a large hump at the wider end, 17.36mm tall. The underside is slightly convex at this point. The hump narrows and drops in a curve, the very end curling back upwards to a worn point 2.7mm in diameter.


The surface of the object is greeny-grey in colour with areas of heavy pitting.


These moustache-like objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117). Three other examples are known besides the nineteen-odd recorded on the PAS database. Some of these are single examples, while others are 'double' sometimes with a central perforation. This suggests the object was meant to top something that fitted into this gap. Descriptions of other moustache-like objects with perforations describe iron corrosion or wood mineralisation around the perforation. Although very similar to wing-shaped chapes, it seems unlikely they had a similar function, as the perforation (and size of the object) is comparably small. Dr JD Hill feels these objects date to the Iron Age while Jody Joy and Ben Roberts suggest a Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Cave, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89.57 mm
Weight: 9.9 g
Description: A cast copper alloy awl of Middle Bronze Age to Iron Age date. The awl  is 89.57mm long and has a thickened centre. From the centre one end is  rectangular in section and ends in a chisel-form terminal. The other end  has a circular section and ends in a point.


Compare to: SUR-C9E798, SUR-698003 and YORYM-07C135.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.8 mm
Thickness: 21.1 mm
Weight: 126.2 g
Description: A copper alloy socketed axehead dating from the Bronze Age. The axe has a subrectangular socket mouth with a moulded rim and single attachment loop. There appears to be dark, organic material within the socket mouth. A casting seam is visible above the fracture on the axe blade. The axe has fractured obliquely; the two pieces were found by a metal detectorist approximately 1m apart. There are small areas of pitting across the surface containing a powdery green corrosion product.


The blade is an unusual shape, having lateral indentations similar to another socketed axehead from the Nettleham hoard (P.J.Davey, Bronze Age Metalwork from Lincolnshire, p.103). The blade is comparable in form to earlier palstave axeheads, and this object may therefore represent a transitional form between the Middle and Late Bronze Age. Colin Burgess described this as metalwork stage XI (Wilburton). The most recent and generally accepted revised chronology by Needham (1996) would place it in his Period 6, 1150-950 cal BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (2050 to 1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Connah's Quay, Flintshire, Flintshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.07 mm
Thickness: 8.86 mm
Weight: 61.7 g
Description: Early Bronze Age flat axe head, probably miniature form.


The axe is very worn/corroded around the edges. Although generally flat in profile, there is a distinct thickening in the middle of the body of the axe and evidence of a nick and perhaps even negligible evidence of a flange on one side. The butt tapers towards the end to a rounded point. The blade is quite corroded on one edge and bulges out slightly on the other edge making it non-semetrical.


The surface is rather pitted with corrosion but some of the original patina remains.


This axe measures 79.07mm in length, 29.65mm width at the blade end, 8.86mm at the butt end, 8.86mm thickness at the middle (thickest).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural, Braintree, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.09 mm
Weight: 24.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age cast copper alloy socketed axehead fragment; blade end only. The blade end is curved. The casting seams on the side of the axe have been smoothed. The socket end is rectangular and the walls are of irregular thickness. It has a mid green patina. The break and the cutting edge are both heavily abraded. There is a small amount of pitting on the surface of the metal.


It is 43.21mm wide across the blade end, 28.74mm wide by 12.05mm thick across the break, with the socket opening being 15.63mm by 4.01mm wide. Weight 42.4 grams. Length 27.09mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tilmanstone, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 23.7 mm
Thickness: 7.2 mm
Weight: 24.56 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle to Late Bronze Age blade from a dirk, rapier or sword. The sub-rectangular piece has been broken off at both ends. Both surfaces are convex, but there is no sign of a pronounced mid rib. The  fragment tapers slightly (W. 28-26mm) and has an elongated  lozenge-shaped section  (Th. 4-7mm).
Notes: 
Seen by FLO

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Tin or tin alloy 
Found: , Flintshire, Flintshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.63 mm
Thickness: 14.47 mm
Weight: 40.4 g
Description: An incomplete cast differentially corroded hook-shaped dense base-metal object, of probable Bronze Age dating.


The artefact is semi-circular in plan, and oval in cross section. It has a rectangular hollow opening, which still contains some soil. The top then flattens out before narrowing and curving to a point. In form and size it resembles the tusk of a pig or wild boar. Original, but longitudinally cracking surfaces survive on the interior concave curved side however original surfaces are almost entirely missing on the exterior convex shaped side.


Microscope examination of the exterior surface suggests a small area of original surface survives approximately 18-22mm from the tapering tip end, indicating that the object was probably originally tapered in shape and not broken or differentially eroded here. The original surfaces have a dark grey black patina, while the corroded surfaces are a mottled light to mid-grey color.


It measures 56.63mm in length, 37.60mm wide and 14.47mm thick. It weighs 40.4 grams.


Metallurgical analysis found the object to be made of pure tin.


Identification of this object is at present unknown, but it was found in the same hole, touching the Socketed Axe head, LVPL-F314E0, suggesting that it is of Bronze Age date and therefore potential Treasure. Tin was a key metal of the Bronze Age, alloyed with copper to form bronze. While there is no determining technological or compositional feature to confidently date this hook-shaped object specifically to the Late Bronze Age, its form and corrosion is consistent with being an ancient rather than a modern object.


Careful examination of the hook-shaped tin object suggests it was deliberately shaped as an attachment or handle to a larger object, although the possibilities of it being an unusually shaped adornment, talisman or ingot cannot be discounted. The hollowed-out, widened and sub-rectangular shaped top would appear to have been the point of attachment to a larger composite object, the head slotting into a peg or projecting fitting. Observation of the narrowing end with a microscope gives tentative support for it having been deliberately shaped and tapered, rather than the outcome of differential corrosion and damage since burial. This suggests that it was only secured at one end. It is possible that the tin hook was once the hidden core of a handle or attachment with a sheet or cast bronze outer surface.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dunston, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A cast copper-alloy developed flat axehead of Middle Bronze Age date (c.2000 BC -c.1700 BC ) which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3.


The blade end is crescentic in form, flaring to either side of the axe, the cutting edge is damaged in places but otherwise is in good condition. It has a flat, rectangular body that gradually tapers towards the butt end. Half way along the axe on either side is a shallow stop-ridge that seem to be early forms of the more prominant versions seen on palstaves. 


The axe has a brownish patina; the surface is smooth and in good condition.


The axe is probably an Aylesford type developed flat axe, dating from 2150-1500 BC. Similar examples can be seen in Moore and Rowlands, plate VI. See also YORYM-0D0388 on this database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horspath, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.7 mm
Thickness: 12.26 mm
Description: The remains of a cast coper alloy socketed chisel dating to the Late Bronze Age (1150-800BC). The chisel consists of part of the blade head, which is flared at the cutting tip, and a tapering body that leads to the remains of the socket. The spearhead is worn, pited and corroded.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2200 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dalby-cum-Skewsby, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.2 mm
Thickness: 9.6 mm
Weight: 93.52 g
Description: A fragment of an early Bronze Age flat axe, dating from about  2200- 1600 BC.


Both ends of the axe are missing. It is  corroded all over the surface and this has caused pitting. The axe has a  rectangular cross-section, tapering in thickness towards the blade which flares out sideways from the body. The breaks are worn and patinated.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Outwood, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 39.28 mm
Thickness: 13.65 mm
Weight: 42.17 g
Description: 
A small fragment of a probable Bronze Age plano-convex copper alloy bun ingot.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.86 mm
Thickness: 8.82 mm
Weight: 13.18 g
Description: 
A small fragment comprising the corner of the blade a very worn Bronze Age axe, possibly of socketed form. The fragment shows no sign of a socket.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittington, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.57 mm
Thickness: 11.53 mm
Weight: 33.1 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (probably bronze) socketed spear (spear head) of Middle to Late Bronze Age dating (1500 to 800 BC).



The spearhead fragment consists of the upper part of the spear, being broken at the top of the socket. The edges of the blade are lost. The spearhead fragment is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a distinct bi-convex shaped cross section. The lower portion of the spearhead has been lost and the break is too high to include the cast side loops. The break at the base of the spearhead includes the top of the socket which is sub circular in shape and positioned toward one side of the section.



At the break the socket has an internal diameter of 6.00mm and the sockets depth is 12.17mm. The blade (sides) of the spearhead is incomplete having been heavily abraded in the burial environment. This damage has resulted in the loss of shape to the blade and the blunting / loss of the tip. The spear blades cutting edges have been lost, however, the overall shape of the blade can be probably be ascribed to being leaf-shaped. The centre of the blade is divided by an expanding (tip to base) lozenge sectioned shaped midrib. This midrib originally expanded into the socket of the spear. The central line of the mid-rib extends to break and is more distinct on one face. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead.



The spearhead is a dark brown to mid green colour with an even but much corroded patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of some of the original surface and patina. There is no evidence for the preservation of organic material within the socket.



The spearhead fragment measures 65.57mm length, has a maximum width of 23.74mm and maximum thickness of 11.53mm. The spearhead weighs 33.1 grams



It is likely that the style of this type of spearhead can be attributed to the Middle Bronze Age; specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). However, many of the diagnostic characteristics (such as loops, peg holes and blade shape) have been lost and so a wider date range is suggested above. Possibly Davis Group 6 of the developed side looped type.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leake, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.8 mm
Thickness: 8.24 mm
Weight: 13.2 g
Description: A fragmentary socketed axehead of Bronze Age date, c. 1000-800.


Only the blade remains, broken from the body, with the internal hollow of the blade visible.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Fish Hook (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2400 to -450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Silverdale, Lancaster, Lancashire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Description: A copper object, made from circular-section wire which tapers from about 6mm in diameter at a blunt, squared-off wider end to about 4mm immediately below, then gently tapers to c. 3mm at the curve. It curves around a little over 180 degrees to form a hook which measures in total c. 42mm long by 24mm wide. The tip is pointed and has no barb; there is no hole or eye for attachment at the blunt end.



This object is strikingly similar to an object known as a fish hook, now in the British Museum (1989,0601.225), which was apparently found in the 'Batheaston' hoard of Bronze Age and Iron Age objects. The hoard was not recorded at the time of discovery, and was then dispersed by sale; the findspot is thought to be either Batheaston, near Bath, or Wylye, Wiltshire.



Because of the possibility that this object was a prehistoric fish hook, it was given an XRF analysis to determine the composition of its surface. This gave a result of 99.99 % copper and 0.01 % arsenic, which is unfortunately not diagnostic of any particular date.



It is large for a fish hook, and pure copper, being relatively soft, is perhaps not the best material for a hook intended to catch large, powerful fish. It may alternatively be a pin.
Notes: 
Thanks to Dr Neil Wilkin (British Museum) for opinions given on an image of this object.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Headbourne Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.7 mm
Height: 16.3 mm
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Weight: 13.36 g
Description: A corroded fragment of a cast copper-alloy socketed axehead of Late Bronze Age date (c. 1150 - c. 800 BC). The fragment consists of part of the rim of the socket extending down into the body, with the loop present. Little of the curvature of the mouth is discernible but it would appear to be angular rather than smooth. There is a raised band on the outer side by the mouth. A possible further, lower band is visible beyond. At right angles to the bands is a possible casting seam, extending into the loop. The semicircular loop is around 23.8mm long, 9.5mm high, and is 8.7mm wide and 3.8mm thick at its centre. The breaks on all sides are worn and the metal is light/mid green with light-brown patches in places. Insufficient remains to identify to which phase or style it belongs.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rudgwick, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.92 mm
Weight: 43.68 g
Description: 
A rough and pitted fragment from the blade of a probable palstave axe of Middle Bronze Age date. A later date cannot be ruled out but there is no sign of a socket and the fragment is thin. Nothing of the original surfaces survive.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-3300 to -2100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittingham, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.51 mm
Thickness: 8.34 mm
Weight: 13.4 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy spearhead dating to the Early Bronze Age.  


Only the tip of the spearhead remains. It is sub triangular in plan with a midrib and is pointed-oval in cross section. The metal is green in colour and very worn. The object weighs 13.4g and measures 40.51mm in length, 15.02mm in width and 8.34mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-3300 to -2100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittingham, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.35 mm
Thickness: 7.54 mm
Weight: 23.2 g
Description: A copper alloy object that has not been identified. It could possibly date from the Bronze Age, as a Bronze Age spear was found in the same location. The object is rod shaped with a rough surface. The metal is mainly a dark green with some light green areas. It weighs 23.2g and measures 60.35mm in length, 10.15mm in width and 7.54mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thorpe-le-Soken, Tendring, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60 mm
Weight: 140 g
Description: Bronze Age (circa 1150 to 800 BC) cast copper alloy socketed axehead. The axe is incomplete, with a deliberate break across the body, removing the blade end. The mouth opening is rectangular with rounded corners; there is a double mouth moulding, with the upper moulding being wider and more pronounced than the lower moulding. The side loop extends from the lower moulding. The casting seam is visible down the side of the axe and loop. The body of the axe has been slightly distorted, being crushed inwards, making the opening of the deliberate break narrower. The axe has an even brown patina, with small patches of light green corrosion showing through, particularly around the lower break.


The axe is about 60mm long and weighs approximately 140 grams (provided by the finder).
Notes: 
Find reported via email; Identification from finders photographs

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ufton, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 38.44 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy spearhead fragment, 81mm long, 29mm wide and 18mm thick. The object is in good condition and weighs 38.44grams. The object has a central conical shaft which tapers to a narrow point. This is flanked by gently curving blades with extremely thin, sharp, but damaged edges.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2000 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Yoxall, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 168.5 mm
Thickness: 8.62 mm
Weight: 374.8 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy flat axehead of the early Bronze Age, dating from circa 2000 to 1600 BC.  The axehead is complete but has suffered from considerable abrasion and  the blade is no longer sharp. The axehead is sub-triangular in plan and  lozenge shaped in profile, with a thickness of 8.62 mm thick in the  centre, tapering down to 2.95 mm at the blade end and 2.5 mm at the  butt. The axe flares gradually from 10.3 mm wide at the butt to 80.65 mm  at the widest point, just before the edge of the blade. It measures 168.5 mm in length and weighs 374.8 grams. The surface is pitted through abrasion and corrosion and has a predominantly pale brown patina with areas of green where the surface patina has been damaged. 


Bronze Age flat axes are amongst the earliest types of metal artefacts recovered in Britain, and are the earliest form of metal axes used.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wonersh, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98.42 mm
Thickness: 39.51 mm
Weight: 193 g
Description: A complete late Bronze Axe socketed axe measuring 98.42mm in length and weighing 193g. The axe is in reasonable condition although the blade is damaged and appears to be laminating. There is also much surface iron staining and patches of the surface are missing in a number of places. There are surface scratches on one side only. The socket at the rim measures 30.72mm x 28.17mm. The axe is a dull olive brown except for the base of the socket which is patinated bright green.



The axe is of Southeastern type. It has a slight swelling collar level with the top of the loop. The axe appears unused as the stubs of both runners (where the molten metal led into the mould) project above the socket, and the seams have not been filed smooth.
Notes: 
This axe, apparently unused, may have been intended as a votive deposit, particularly in view of its valley bottom location.

Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Foxton, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 120 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight: 677 g
Description: Bronze Age? copper alloy bun ingot, 120mm long 68mm wide and 30mm thick. The object is in a very corroded condition and weighs 677grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Framlingham, Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 7.86 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy blade fragment, 26mm long, 17mm wide and 5mm thick at its centre. The object is in fair condition and weighs 7.86grams. The object consists of a central fragment of a blade with very worn edges and is rectangular in form and sub rectangular in cross section with a defined medial ridge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Peatling Magna, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 11.96 g
Description: Mid to Late Bronze age copper alloy spearhead fragment, 45mm long, 19mm wide and 7mm thick. The object is in fair condition and weighs 11.96grams. It consists of the upper part of a spear head, just missing its tip and broken off cleanly at its base. The object has a pronounced central rib which is circular in section and from this two sub triangular blades emerge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder