dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton-upon-Severn, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 148.82 mm
Thickness: 32.11 mm
Weight: 337.2 g
Description: A complete and corroded Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy Group II palstave (1500-1300 BC). A copper alloy palstave with single mid rib and raised flange facets. The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan with slightly concave sides, and flared blade tips. On both faces of the blade there is a single mid rib which appears to continue to the mid section of the blade. The surface of the blade has traces of hammer marks forming irregular lines across the wide blade facet. The cutting edge is rounded due to abrasion, but appears to be symmetrical. The sides of the blade are concave in plan, and this curvature stops at the junction of the blade and flange side. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. Both sides of the blade have a feint trace of a casting seam. There is a prominent stop-ridge which is rectangular in plan. The flange sides are a sub triangle in profile with casting seams. One side, at the junction of the blade and stop there is an integral loop which is has a sub-lozenge section. The void is a sub semi-circle. In plan the septrum tapers slightly towards the butt, whose butt is rectangular with rounded corners. The surface of the palstave a dark brown/green patina which is incomplete and there is a patch of active corrosion at the butt on both faces. The palstave measures 148.82mm long from the blade cutting edge to the butt, 59.53mm wide from one blade tip to the other, and 32.11mm thick across the stop ridges. It weighs 337.2g.



The palstave is an early example and is classified as a Group II type which has a mid rib decoration. These group of palstaves date to the Middle Bronze Age period, and can be narrowed down to 1500-1300 BC (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/axes).



Peter Reavill comments that the palstave '...fits within Needham Period 5, Burgess Metalworking phase VIII and is likely to be part of the Acton Park II metalworking assemblage. This form is very common in the west mids and marches'.



A similar axe is illustrated in Savoury (1980), Figure 23, No. 171



Savory, H.N. 1980 Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections National Museum of Wales, Cardiff
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chalvington with Ripe, Wealden, East Sussex ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.9 mm
Thickness: 11.2 mm
Weight: 27.7 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy object, probably a palstave fragment dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1150 BC). The fragment is sub-rectangular in shape and represents the end of the palstave, with the beginnings of the side-flanges. An old break is visible on the end that would have led to the rest of the object. It is in poor condition, with significant surface pitting and corrosion; the metal is light green in colour. The fragment measures 32.9mm long, 24.6 mm wide and 11.2mm thick and weighs 27.7 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cottered, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.4 mm
Weight: 20.24 g
Description: Part of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, South-eastern type, dating to the period c. 1000 - c. 800 BC.



Part of the rim and body survive, as does the side loop. The rim comprises a pair of horizontal ridges, separated from each other by a shallow groove. Portions of two of the body's slightly convex surfaces remain, with a near-right-angled corner between. The top of the side loop springs from the rim's lower ridge; it is of suboval section and overlies a vertical casting seam. The patination and wear of the edges suggest that the piece became detached in antiquity.



Length: 37.4mm; width: 22.8mm. Weight: 20.24g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Standon, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.2 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 10.61 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy blade from a Middle Bronze Age dirk or rapier.



The piece has been broken off at both ends (in antiquity) and is of lenticular cross section, tapering towards the bottom. The upper third has a longitudinal curve.



Length: 36.2mm; width: 16.7mm; thickness: 4.2mm. Weight: 10.61g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stow, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 
Fragment of a late Bronze Age socketed axe. Approximatly one-third of the axe remains, with the surviving third being the blade-end. The blade is flared, and one bale tip survives. The blade narrows to a rectangular hollow shaft. The section of the shaft shares the same mid-brown patina as the exterior, suggesting that it was dismantled in antiquity. The section is smooth in most areas, and appears to have been cut rather than being broken. Small patches of copper corrosion are visible around the section, and at one of the blade tips.

Notes: 
Identification done from photograph sent by finder. Details will be added in due course.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grimley, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.43 mm
Thickness: 4.03 mm
Weight: 7.1 g
Description: A copper-alloy blade fragment of Bronze Age (-2150 to -800) date: Only the tip of the blade survives, the remainder of the object is missing due to an old break, now worn. The surviving fragment is an elongated triangle in plan, an elongated pointed oval in section. The cutting edges are flattened and are partially incomplete due to abrasion. The surface is heavily abraded and pitted with traces of a dark green/brown patina. This blade measures 44.43mm in length, 10.86mm in width, 4.03mm in thickness, 7.1g in weight.



It is uncertain what implement the blade comes from, possibly a sword or rapier, and less likely a spearhead.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Calbourne, Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 17.8 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 7.97 g
Description: A complete Bronze Age gold plated base metal penannular ring (c. 1150 BC-c. 750 BC). Treasure case no. 2014 T593.



The ring is circular in cross-section and tapers slightly towards the flat terminals. It is decorated with broad silvery stripes of paler gold which are barely visible. Examination of the ends indicates that it has a base metal core.


17.8mm (maximum diameter); 5.9mm (thickness). Weight: 7.97g.
Notes: The prehistoric base metal find is coated in gold and predates 1714. It thus qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of precious metal content and age.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.9 mm
Thickness: 23.5 mm
Weight: 108 g
Description: A lump of copper alloy ingot weighing 108g. The ingot is not part of a plano-convex bun ingot and its date is uncertain, though a Bronze Age date is very probable. The lump is very roughly rectangular and has concave facets.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy Copper
Found: Longframlington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 27.18 mm
Thickness: 4.09 mm
Weight: 15.1 g
Description: A copper-alloy finger ring of Bronze Age date, 1500-1150 BC.



The finger ring is made from a coiled rod of sub-square section, with approximately two coils remaining. One end is 'finished', but the other had a sharp break, indicating that at least one coil is lost.



See also SUSS-C5D042; LANCUM-A4E905; NMS-300286; and SWYOR-3FF370.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worstead, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 21.5 mm
Weight: 71.55 g
Description: Butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave in battered condition, with an ancient break. Extant length 50mm. Width 23mm. Thickness 21.5mm. Weight 71.55g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sturry, Canterbury, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.3 mm
Thickness: 9.9 mm
Weight: 23.7 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Late Bronze Age socketed axe (c.1150-800 BC). The fragment is sub-oval and appears to be the cutting-edge of a socketed axehead; the interior of the socket is visible, forming a shallow sub-triangular hollow along the break, which is uneven. The cutting-edge is worn and is now rounded; the breaks are also worn. The entire object is covered with mounds and pits of copper alloy corrosion and green and black patina. It measures 19.3 mm in length, 20.6 mm wide, 9.9 mm thick and weighs 23.7 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (2000 to 1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cliffe and Cliffe Woods, Medway, Medway (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 15.1 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 4.5 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy bead of unknown period, ranging from Bronze Age to Post Medieval date (2000 BC -1900 AD).



This bead is sub-circular and D-shaped in cross-section. It has a central circular perforation which measures c. 5.6 mm in diameter. The bead is covered with dark green and black patina. It measures 15.1 mm in diameter, 5.3 mm thick and weighs 4.5 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Timsbury, Bath and North East Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 6.96 g
Description: 
Copper alloy Bronze Age blade fragment from a knife. This has a low oval cross-section with tapered blades on either side. The front and back ends are truncated making it possible that this is around the middle of the knife. This artefact dates to the middle to late Bronze Age.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wormegay, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight: 226 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy non-looped palstave in battered condition, with the butt end, much of the flanges and the lower part of the blade missing. Much of the patinated surfaces has been lost. Below the stop there is a V-shaped rib with a median rib which apparently does not extend further down the blade. One face almost all of this feature has been lost. Extant length, width and thickness 105, 45 and 22mm. Weight 226g. c.1300 - c.1000 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirk Deighton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.78 mm
Thickness: 7.95 mm
Weight: 25 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 BC. The object consists of the tip of the spearhead which has a pronounced central spine and a partial broken socket. The object also has partially retained wings which are missing large aspects and those retained are heavily abraded. An insufficient portion of the spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed, though it is probably comparable with the range of spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11.



The metal is a dark green with a heavily pitted and corroded patina.



Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Database: Unique ID: GLO-F2F1FF, Unique ID: NARC-B41416, Unique ID: NLM-A82A87 and Unique ID: SUR-219BC8
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.12 mm
Diameter: 9.64 mm
Weight: 40.53 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy hammer or chisel, dating 1000-700BC. The object is solid cast and roughly cuboidal in shape, tapering from one end to the other. There is a circular socket at the widest end which would have held a wooden or bone handle. The object has a mid-green to mid-brown pattination across the surface and is rather worn, making the edges very rounded.



A similar example with a rectangular shape and circular socket has been recorded on the PAS database (LVPL-89D1D3). Most published examples have sockets that are the same shape as the object itself. The example on the database is Late Bronze Age in date, making it likely that this example is of a similar date.



Dimensions: length: 45.12 mm; width: 16.29 mm; socket diameter: 9.64 mm; weight: 40.53g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Outwood, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Agricultural or drainage work
Length: 158 mm
Thickness: 31.15 mm
Weight: 385 g
Description: Complete cast copper alloy side-looped palstave dating from the earlier part of the Late Bronze Age, that is c. 1200-1000BC. It appears to be either a very late specimen belonging to the Penard metalwork assemblage of the late Middle Bronze Age (i.e. a transitional palstave) or, more likely, it was part of the Wilburton metalwork assemblage (earlier phase of the Late Bronze Age, i.e. a late palstave). The palstave is complete and the casting seams have been filed down. The length of the axe is 158mm and the internal length of the socket is 67mm. The width of the body below the stop ridge is 18.4mm.The palstave is complete, but has a very pitted, mottled green surface. It looks like it was cast and prepared for use as well as used and subsequently re-sharpened; there are striations towards the edge of the blade. On one side there is a number of scratches between the wings/flanges on the outer surface of the palstave. These may have come from hafting it, but as the scratches look fresh it is more likely that they were plough damage.



The palstave is probably of Type Worthing; it strongly resembles a palstave from Worthing, Sussex (Schmidt and Burgess1981, 160ff; no. 916)
Notes: The axe was found c1970 by a farm worker
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Hendred, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.75 mm
Thickness: 26.55 mm
Weight: 193 g
Description: Cast copper alloy palstave dating from the Middle Bronze Age, that is c. 1500-1150BC. It was probably part of the Acton Park or Taunton metalwork assemblages. The axe is in very good condition with a bright blue/green patina. The axe measures 101.75mm in length and the blade is 42.25mm across. The length of the septum and socket is 54.85mm. The width across the possible loop is 22.99mm. The weight is 193g. All surfaces, especially the edges, appear worn and very smooth. The casting seams are smooth and the decoration of three short/curved(?) ribs is almost obliterated. There may have been a miscast loop on one of the sides; what is left is a slight, now flattened and abraded bulge in the casting seam. The blade is short and roughly triangular; it appears small for a palstave of this size, but the wear on the surfaces and along the edges suggests that this palstave was of age when deposited or lost, so it may well have been in use for a long time and repeatedly sharpened which would explain the small size of the blade.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hevingham, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 101.53 g
Description: Incomplete Early Bronze Age Flanged axe, butt end missing, straight sides slightly convex in section, blade expanding towards crescentic cutting edge, remains of low cast flanges. Worn and pitted, slight longitudinal bend. Extant length 57mm. Width 48mm. 10.5mm thick. Weight 101.53g. Cast flanged axes belong to the later part of the Early Bronze Age. c.1700 - c. 1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crowmarsh, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.87 mm
Thickness: 3.43 mm
Weight: 5.18 g
Description: Cast copper alloy sword or rapier tip dating from the late Middle Bronze Age or Late Bronze Age, that is c. 1500-800BC. The fragment is a of triangular shape with lenticular cross section and slightly bevelled edges. The tip is slightly bent where it is broken and measures 32mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crowmarsh, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.12 mm
Thickness: 9.58 mm
Weight: 93 g
Description: Cast copper alloy blade and lower part of a Middle Bronze Age-Late Bronze Age palstave dating from c. 1400-900BC. Most likely Acton Park or Taunton metalwork assemblage (MBA). The blade is pitted but some linear striations are visible on one side. About 50% of the surface survives.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grimston, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.5 mm
Weight: 19.14 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, part of mouth with face and fragment of one side. Traces of vertical ribs on the surviving face. Powdery granular breaks, probably not ancient. Surviving length 31mm. Surviving width 32.5mm. Weight 19.14g. c.1000 - c.800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1550 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bubwith, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 112 mm
Thickness: 14.4 mm
Weight: 121 g
Description: A complete but heavily corroded copper alloy flanged axehead of middle Bronze Age date. The axehead is sub-rectangular in plan with a narrow and thin butt end which extends to a curved cutting edge with splayed blade. Raised flanges are present along the edges of both sides of the axehead each showing signs of heavy wear. No casting flashes are visible though this may be due to the advance nature of the corrosion.



The metal has a mid brownish-green patina and is worn. The axehead is 112mm long, 35.2mm wide at the blade, 17.5mm wide at the butt end, 14.4mm thick and weighs 121g. The flanges are 57.6mm long extending from the butt end to midway along the body.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middleton, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.4 mm
Thickness: 11.7 mm
Weight: 15.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy spearhead, of probable Mid to Late Bronze Age date (c. 1600 BC to c. 1000 BC).



The spearhead fragment consists of a conical point, with a sub circular to sub rectangular cross section. The fragment is partially hollow, with the socket surviving to a depth of 14.2 mm. Longitudinal ridges are present on either edge; these are all that remain of the plough rolled blades. The spearhead tapers to a sharp point.



The spearhead fragment is a dark brown with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of most of the original surface detail and the finder has coated extant remains with a preservative substance.



From what remains of the fragmnet it is impossible to refine the dating of the piece, although given its small size it is most likely to date from the Middle Bronze Age period c. 1600-1200 BC.



The fragmnet measures 57.4 mm in length, a maximum width of 13.7, a minimum width of 1.2 mm, a maximum thickness of 11.7 mm and a minimum thickness of 2.0 mm. It weighs 15.8 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heytesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.4 mm
Thickness: 2.85 mm
Weight: 6.76 g
Description: An incomplete and shortened cast copper alloy rapier dating from the earlier Late Bronze Age, that is c. 1100-900BC. The artefact is a nearly complete short dagger now, but probably started off as a rapier with a long, very narrow blade. It now measures 50.4mm in length, 16.25mm wide, 2.85mm thick and weighs 6.76 grams.



The blade is triangular in shape and lenticular in cross-section, with a broad flat midrib. It extends from a flat D-shaped butt-end with central notch (2.2mm thick and 14.65mm wide) to either side of the butt is a broadly triangular notch.



The blade narrows from 4.15mm wide and 1.15mm thick.



Originally this blade may have been a Group IV rapier, possibly of Type Appleby or Type Cornacarrow with an oblong butt, two side notches and - unusually - a single notch at the top. It may have broken and then reworked into a short dagger with triangular blade.



Reference: Burgess, C. and Gerloff, S. 1981. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland. Praehistorische Bronzefunde, IV, 7. Muenchen.



A broadly similar blade fragment has been recorded on the database cf WILT-B91985
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Vaynor, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.3 mm
Thickness: 27.7 mm
Weight: 243 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group III, Low Flanged, Broad Blade form and possibly of Sleaford variant type, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p136)[1].



The palstave is near-complete, missing the part of the loop and with peripheral damage and is comparatively small (at 127.6mm and with a weight of 243.0g). The butt is damaged but was likely to have been moderately straight (with a width of 21.6mm and a thickness of 6.3mm). The sides from the butt to the stop are near-parallel, gently convex (with a maximum width of 23.8mm). The loop is damaged and extends either side of the stop (with a length of 25.3mm, an internal length of 7mm, a surviving height of 8.7mm and a width of 7.1mm). The septum is rounded and the stops are comparatively flat across both their depths and lengths (with a width of 17.0mm and where the axe has a thickness of 27.7mm). The flanges have a larger degree of damage on one face (with a surviving maximum depth of 25mm and a maximum height of 10.3mm). The flanges are curved and end before the butt, reaching their maximum height before the stop. The casting seams are clearly discernible on both sides and have been finished by hammering. There is the suggestion of subtle nick or ridge at the top of the blade sides and the sides are curved, diverging more sharply towards the blade edge. There is faceting across the thicknesses of the blade. The blade edge has been lost, which was moderately curved and slightly expanded (with a blade width of 44.4mm). The faces are decorated with a trident motif and the edges of the faces are ridged. The midrib and ridged edges both continue as far as the blade facet, producing two concave panels on the faces. The surface has a dark-green patina with areas of bright green corrosion. The surface has recently been coated in oil.



The palstave is suggested as being of Type Sleaford because of the characteristic panels created between the midrib and flange extensions, this example may be seen as a variant because of the trident decoration. Sleaford palstaves are seen as beginning early in the life of broad blade palstaves with an uncertain longevity (ibid.). Broad Blade palstaves are traditionally dated to the Taunton phase of the Middle Bronze Age in Britain, corresponding to Needham's (1996)[2] Period 5, dated to 1500 - 1150BC.



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



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abenbury, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 172 mm
Height: 35.5 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 445.3 g
Description: Early - Middle Bronze Age Group I palstave of Primary Shield Pattern Palstave form and of Acton Park Type (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 117-125)[1]



The palstave is near-complete, with some peripheral damage to the blade, butt and flanges (with a length of 172mm and a weight of 445.3g). The butt (with a width of 21.8mm) is now corroded and of uncertain form. The flanges begin a little before the butt and were comparatively high (now damaged on one face), rising to their maximum height just behind the stop (with a maximum surviving height of 35.5mm). One of the flanges has an indentation, probably the result of a casting flaw. The septum (with a thickness of 7.3mm) is gently concave. The sides are straight and near-parallel, slightly divergent as far as the stop (where the palstave has a width of 25.8mm). The stops are near-straight and flat (with a height above the septum of (12.7mm and 12.2mm). The casting seams are discernible on the sides where the surface survives and have been neatly finished. To the front of the stops, the sides are concave and gradually increase in divergence to the blade. The blade is moderately expanded and the blade tips have been damaged (giving the blade a surviving width of 64.4mm). Both faces are decorated with the characteristic 'shield-pattern' (31mm long) defined by a depression and without a moulding. The faces are flat across their widths and most of the length, before curving to the blade but without a discernible blade facet. The surface has a dark brown patina with areas of dark-green surface loss.



The palstave may be seen as significant being of Acton Park type and found 2100m South East from[m1] the eponymous hoard (Savory 1980, no. 262, p 116)[2]. Acton Park palstaves are dated to 'Acton Park 1' with a suggested date in the 16th century BC (Needham 1996, p 133)[3], within Needham's (ibid.) Period 4.



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



[2] Savory, H.; 1980; A Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales



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



[m1]In published report replace with 'near'
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Warningcamp, Arun, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 43.2 g
Description: 2014 T708: Bronze Age palstave fragment, an addendum to 2006 T272. 



Circumstances of discovery



A fragment from the butt end of a Bronze Age palstave was found by Mr Tyndall Jones on the 1st of May 2014 in the course of metal detecting.



Description



1. A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age palstave. The section comes from the butt-end/hafted-end of the axe but does not include the butt itself. There are several breaks and patches of corrosion with only two sides presenting the original patina. A casting seam is visible on one side of the fragment.



Measurements: Height: 25mm; Width: 17.5mm; Thickness (max.) 12.3mm; 8.49 mm (min.); Weight: 43.2g



Discussion



A previous discovery of three objects from the same findspot was made in May 2006 and was declared Treasure (Treasure case 2006 T272). The objects from that hoard (an unlooped palstave and two palstave fragments) are consistent with the character of object No. 1. Given that the fragment was found at the same location it can be considered (on the balance of probabilities) to be an addendum to 2006 T272. The fragment is too small to be typologically diagnostic but, if accepted as an addendum to 2006 T272, it may be assigned to the Middle Bronze Age (c.1500-1100 BC), specifically the Acton Park phase of c.1500-1400 BC based on the typo-chronology of the unlooped palstave from the earlier find.



Conclusion



This object represents an addendum to Treasure Case 2006 T272 and therefore qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 (Designation Order 2002) by virtue of being part of a find of two or more base metal objects of prehistoric date from the same findspot.
Notes: Addendum to 2006 T272



Author



Neil Wilkin, Curator, The British Museum



February 2015
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.01 mm
Thickness: 11.64 mm
Weight: 35.54 g
Description: 
A fragment of a cast copper alloy mid to late Bronze Age palstave axe fragment. Only the butt survives, and the tip is missing. The butt has flaring sides and the upper parts of the side ridges are visible.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dorking North, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.63 mm
Weight: 15.8 g
Description: 
A fragment of a late Bronze Age socketed axe. The fragment comprises part of a worn blade and the lower part of the socket.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Framfield, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.9 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 10.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axehead, dating from the Late Bronze Age (c. 1150-800 BC).  The fragment consists of a small portion of its lower body and blade.  Type undeterminable. Only the lower half of the body and the blade survive; the surface is very worn. The object has a dark greenish/grey patina it is smooth and plain. There are no obvious resharpening marks or signs of wear on the surface of the blade, but the blade has a curved shape with blunt edges. The broken edge indicates where the axe was hollow. The axe measures 22.9mm long, 24mm wide, 7.5mm thick and it weighs 10.6 grams. The thickness of the wall at the point of break is 2.5mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lessingham, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 67.2 g
Description: Two joining fragments of Late Bronze Age sword blade. Lenticular-section, parallel sided, the cutting edge completely missing. The breaks at either end are fairly granular, the joining break cleaner and granular but corroded. Surviving length 96mm. Width 38.5mm. Thickness 7mm. Circa 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horsford, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 155.9 g
Description: Early Bronze Age Flanged axehead with straight sides slightly convex in section, sub-rectangular heel, blade expanding sharply towards crescentic cutting edge now damaged and corroded with one corner missing, slight cast flanges, slight transverse bevel ridge on both faces at the junction of the hafting surface and the blade below which is a broad band of very faint multiple short vertical grooves. Heavily corroded with pitting and blistering, particularly on one face. Length 95mm. Surviving width at blade 48mm. Thickness at mid-point of flange 11.5mm. Weight 155.9g. Cast flanged axes belong to the later part of the Early Bronze Age. c.1700 - c.1500 BC. For a very similar example see NMS-19A731 (HER59826).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49 mm
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Weight: 51.5 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze blade fragment from a flat axe of uncertain type



The axe is represented by a blade fragment, broken across both its length and width (with a surviving length of 49.0mm, a surviving width of 44.8mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 6.2mm and a weight of 51.5g). The unbroken side is straight (for a length of 12mm) and is rounded across its thickness (with a maximum thickness of 4.5mm). The surviving blade tip is rounded and somewhat distorted, after which the surviving part of the blade edge is comparatively straight (42.9mm wide). Neither face has a discernible blade facet. One face is convex over its length, while the other is comparatively flat. All of the breakages occurred in antiquity and the fractures extend around the break. The damage on the axe may be consistent with deliberate damage. The surface has a dark-green patina.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult. The fragment shows no evidence of developed features and it is possible that the axe belongs to the earlier part of the sequence of tin-bronze axes, possibly of Type Migdale or Type Aylesford (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981)[1]. Axes of this date belong to Metalwork Assemblages III - IV, dated to c. 2200 - 1800BC.



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ruyton-XI-Towns, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.4 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 17.1 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze butt fragment from an axe of uncertain type but of Developed Axe or Palstave form



The axe is fragmentary, broken at both ends but is likely to have been close to the butt (with a surviving length of 21.4mm and a weight of 17.1g). The butt end has some damage (with a width of 21mm and a thickness of 4.4mm). The sides are slightly divergent to the break (with a maximum width of 24.6mm and a thickness of 6.7mm - 7.3mm). There is the suggestion of a casting seam on one side, although little of the original surface survives. The flanges are beginning to develop above the septum but are shallow and corroded at the break (giving the axe a maximum surviving depth of 9.2mm with a height above the septum of 1.3mm). A small number of casting flaws are evident on the fragment. The surface has a dark-green patina with areas of bright green surface loss and corrosion.



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



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leadenham, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.7 mm
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Weight: 18.4 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze butt fragment from an axe of uncertain type but of Developed Axe or Palstave form



The axe is represented by a butt fragment only, broken at one end (with a surviving length of 23.7mm and a weight of 18.4g). The butt end is rounded and thins to an edge (with a width of 20.5mm and a thickness of 0.8mm). The sides are straight and slightly divergent to the break (with a maximum width of 24.1mm and a thickness of 7.5mm). The sides are convex across their thicknesses with no surviving evidence of the casting seams. The flanges begin at the butt and are slightly convex along the short length to the break (giving the axe a maximum surviving depth of 11.0mm with a height above the septum of 2.0mm). There is an angled step on the break which may possibly suggest a cut. The surface has a dark-green brown patina with some pitting and areas of bright green corrosion.



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



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.3 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 16.7 g
Description: Bronze Age sword blade fragment of uncertain type, probably of Late Bronze Age date, possibly of Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking Industry of Needham's (1996)[1] Periods 4-5, dated to c. 1150 - 750BC.



The sword is fragmentary, represented by a blade fragment, broken at both ends in antiquity (with a surviving length of 22.3mm and a weight of 16.7g). The blade has a midrib (11mm wide and giving a maximum thickness of 8.0mm), flanked on each side by a concave section to the blade edge. The blade edges have been lost but the beginnings of the blade edge facets are evident on both sides (giving the blade a maximum surviving width of 30.0mm). The short blade fragment is flat across its length with no evidence of bending prior to breaking but there are battering scars on the midrib on both faces. The surface has a dark brown patina, preserved over much of the fragment with areas of bright green corrosion



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



[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bontnewydd, Gwynedd, Gwynedd (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.4 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 61.7 g
Description: I am very grateful to John Llywelyn Williams for the following description:



The axe has a mottled green and brownish yellow corroded surface and is most likely made of bronze. Its most notable feature is its small size - with a length from butt to cutting edge of 73.4mm. The axe is well made with a thin rounded butt and the body expanding to form a slightly asymmetric cutting edge with rounded terminations. The sides are rounded and there may be traces of very subdued side flanges - the abraded surfaces making it most difficult to confirm their presence. There is no stop bevel but a slight depressed concavity across the face of the body in a position a third from the butt end is more likely to be a casting imperfection rather than a constructive feature.



The small size of the axe and the uncertainty about the presence of side flanges makes it difficult to place within a classificatory scheme. Its shape has the features of a miniature Migdale type axe but in a preliminary survey of 24 complete axes of this type from Wales, the length of the group varies from 108mm in the smallest example (Swansea, Great Western Railway Station) to 180mm in the largest (Oxwich, Gower), with an average for the series of 142.2mm. An axe of comparable size is the example from Kelsterton, Connah's Quey, Flintshire, but this is classified as a Developed axe of type Aylesford, a group that could accomodate the present specimen if side flanges were to be confirmed. Migdale type axes belong to Early Bronze Age Period 2 (c 2200/2150 - 2050BC), and Aylesford type axes to Post Period 2 (c 2100 - 1050BC). 



The utilitarian use of such small, slender axes is an unknown but debatable issue. A function as a delicate wood working tool could be postulated, but equally compelling would be to claim it as a votive replica of a much larger example. Unfortunately the context is not known, viz the depth at which it was buried, its position and orientation, and whether it was deposited in a pit or in association with any other below ground feature. Diminutive battle axes in stone, and bronze socketed axes are known from later stages in the Mid and Late Bronze Age. 



No analytical study of its composition has been undertaken. Such a study using a non- destructive quantitative technique (XRF) or semi-quantitative (SEM) could be most informative. 



The surface is abraded and some surface detail may have been lost. It would also be advantageous if the object was to receive remedial conservation to stabilize further deterioration from active bronze disease.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eardisley, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.4 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 19 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe fragment of uncertain type



The axe fragment is a mouth fragment, probably from the unlooped side (with a surviving length of 35.4mm, a surviving width of 28.6mm, a surviving depth of 9.0mm and a weight of 19.0g). The top of the mouth (with a thickness of 5.4mm - 6.0mm) is corroded but a raised area is likely to represent the casting runner stub. The casting seam is evident running down the middle part of the side, from the runner stub and appears to have been prominent, possibly with minimal finishing. There is a weak collar discernible on the side (with a length of 16mm). Above the break, the casting seam is slightly raised and it is possible that it represents the remains of the top of a loop, although it would have been placed comparatively low in relation to the collar. The side fragment is near-straight, slightly concave. The interior of the axe is straight along its length and is curving to the faces on both ends (giving an internal width of approximately 20mm). The surface is heavily-corroded with a mid-brown patina.



The fragmentary nature and lack of diagnostic features makes typological identification difficult. Socketed axes generally date from the Wilburton and Ewart Park phases of the Late Bronze Age (c. 1150 BC - 750BC) but may also be of the Llyn Fawr phase (c. 800 - 650BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wenvoe, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 29.8 mm
Weight: 20.9 g
Description: Copper alloy single-runner casting jet of uncertain date



The casting jet comprises the reservoir and a single runner (with a height of 29.8mm and a weight of 20.9g). The reservoir is sub-oval (27.1mm x 21.8mm and 10.9mm deep). The top surface of the jet is as-cast, with a prominent bubble void at the side, near one end and the sides are smooth from the interior of the gate. The runner is of oval section, narrowing slightly towards the break (4.7mm x 3.7mm at the break, with a length of 16.4mm). The top part of the runner is more irregular, possibly suggesting a clay gate was employed.



The casting jet has few diagnostic attributes and could date from the Middle Bronze Age onwards.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Deighton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.21 mm
Thickness: 28.87 mm
Weight: 93.9 g
Description: A cast, copper alloy, socketed axehead dating to the Late Bronze Age, c. 1000 BC to 800 BC.



The object is sub-rectangular in plan and gently widens towards the blade which has a maximum width of 36.05 mm although there is clear damage to the edge of the blade making it very blunt. There is some bevelling on both sides of the object caused by hammering the object. When viewed in profile the object is triangular, with the objects again tapering to a point at the blade. There are clear casting seams on both profiles and on one side there is the base of the loop which has probably broken in antiquity. The axe has a maximum thickness of 28.87 mm. The socket is sub-rectangular and there is damage to the edge with some light green, active corrosion. There is a groove which runs around the object, presumably parallel to the original edge of the socket.



This object is a Ewart Park Class A1, South eastern type and there are similar objects recorded on the PAS database, see KENT-4B9466 and KENT-2126A8
Subsequent action: Returned to finder