dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woldingham, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.62 mm
Thickness: 10.16 mm
Weight: 32.23 g
Description: 
A fragment of a much pitted copper-alloy blade from a probable Bronze Age palstave axe, which has been broken centrally along its axis and transversely. One corner of the blade survives.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.7 mm
Diameter: 57.7 mm
Thickness: 2.7 mm
Weight: 3.8 g
Description: A complete copper alloy bracelet of probable Middle Bronze Age to Middle Iron Age date. The bracelet is formed from a single bar of copper alloy that has been twisted to create a spiralling effect around much of its length. Towards the two terminal ends the wire is not twisted and instead is a short length of rectangular section. The terminals are hooked allowing the bracelet to be joined together. The wire terminates in a point on each terminal hook. Althogh now slightly distorted, it is evident that the closed diameter of the bracelet would have been very small.



Spiral torcs are known from the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1400-1200 BC) and twisted wire torcs and cabled bracelets from the Iron Age and Roman periods, however the form of this example suggests an early date. No direct comparison for the small size can be found on the PAS database nor in the usual literature however twisted torcs are a well-known artefact of the 'Ornament Horizon' period of the Middle Bronze Age. Of example recorded with the PAS there are two recently discovered spiral torcs from Hampshire (SUR-9A711C), while a much grander example from Wiltshire shows the skill of the manufacturers (WILT-12B9D2). The 'Near Lewes' hoard also exhibits a complete spiral torc (SUSS-C5D042). They all have the untwisted sections before hooked terminals. The example recorded herein is of much cruder workmanship when compared to other examples.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1400 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.2 mm
Diameter: 4.8 mm
Weight: 3.5 g
Description: An incomplete and corroded copper-alloy awl of Middle Bronze Age to Roman date. The centre section of the awl is sub-circular in section with one end of the awl tapering to a sharp point and the other tapering to a thinner rectangular sectioned point, however the very tip is missing. Awls are very difficult to date so a wide range of dates is suggested here, however looking at other finds from the area this is prbably of Middle Bronze Age to Late Iron Age date (c. 1400 BC - AD 43).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.4 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead of the stepped type, dating from Late Bronze Age (1150 - 800 BC). Although fragmentary the spearhead tip is in good condition; the break appears to be ancient.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 163 mm
Diameter: 21 mm
Weight: 110.3 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy leaf-shaped basal-looped spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1400-1150 BC), Ehrenberg Class IIIa. Although complete the blade edges are slightly 'nibbled' where they are very thin but where complete the edges are still sharp. There are mulitple scratches along the blade and socket, possibly a result of finishing after being removed from the mould. The internal diameter of the socket is 17.9mm. This spear head is one of several from the area, and a number are known from across Oxfordshire/Berkshire, many associated with watery contexts. Similar leaf-shaped basal-looped spearheads include examples from Marlow, Speen and Wallingford (Ehrenberg 1977 nos 32, 79, 106 and 137 respectively).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.1 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 12.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy bladed weapon, possibly a knife or dagger dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1400-800 BC). The blade fragment consists of the tang, which is rectangular in section with two small notches near the top, and a small part of the blade, which narrows from expanded shoulders at the base of the tang. The blade is lentoid in section. This object may have been reworked or reduced by continual sharpening, which is seen on other examples.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.3 mm
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Weight: 10.4 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy bladed weapon, possibly a knife or dagger dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1400-800 BC). The blade fragment consists of part of the tang, which is under half-complete, broken through a central perforation, possibly a rivet to secure the tang to the weapon handle. There is a large notch in one side of the tang, which would have presumably been repeated on the opposing edge. Below the notch the blade begins to taper in width to the break; all breaks appear ancient. The blade has a nearly flat cross section. This object may have been reworked (includng the addition of the rivet hole) and possibly reduced by continual sharpening, which is seen on other examples. The fragmentary nature of the object makes classification difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stourpaine, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93.38 mm
Thickness: 6.12 mm
Weight: 71.22 g
Description: A small copper alloy flat axehead. It has a thin sub-rectangular cross section. THe faces of the axe are both flat with no side flanges. The sides are slightly convex with a faint trace of a mid casting line on each. It has a slightyl flared, thinned and out-curved cutting edge without a clear facet.The axe tapers at the sides to a narrow rounded butt and the faces also taper so that it is thinned. There is considerable corrosion on one face of the axe.

Date: Early Bronze Age - c. 2100 to 1900 BC

Dimensions: 93.38 mm x 36.84 mm x 6.12 mm

Weight: 71.22 g



Ther axe is simlar to LANCUM-CDB533 which is identified by Dot Boughton as belonging to the Migdale metalworking phase.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Orwell, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.85 mm
Weight: 4.5 g
Description: A complete copper alloy awl, probably of late Bronze Age date. The shaft is square in cross-section and tapers towards a point. The opposite end is squared off. It survives in fair condition with a corroded surface with a white green patina.



It is difficult to date Bronze Age awls precisely, however, Ben Roberts, Curator, European Bronze Age, The British Museum (pers. comm.) suggests that they are likely to date to later in the period. The form changes little throughout time, however, and post-Bronze Age examples are also known. Many similar examples have been recorded on the PAS database, including SWYOR-220A7C from Yorkshire, HAMP-D070D5 from Wiltshire and SOM-7C6ED1 from Somerset.



Length: 44.85mm, width: 4.93mm, weight: 4.5g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stone with Bishopstone and Hartwell, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.31 mm
Thickness: 3.35 mm
Weight: 4.92 g
Description: A cast fragment of a Bronze Age spear or sword, c.1800-1000 BC. The piece, which comprises the tip of the weapon,  has a tapering central ridge upon both sides, with tapering narrow blades to either side of the ridge. The object break is worn and old, the whole surface of the object having corroded to a dark red/brown colour.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 143 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight: 62.93 g
Description: Mid to Late Bronze Age copper alloy fragment probably a broken rapier or dagger dating 1500 - 1000BC. The object is triangular in form and an oval in cross section. It represents the damaged tip of a spear head. It has a narrow central rib with adjacent channels which has a circular cross section and tapers towards the point. The blades which are damaged taper in width towards the point. Rapiers are really long and have a slim blade and the shoulders and hilt, have broken off Similar to GLO-7EFE1A and WILT-471861 on the database. The length is 143mm, the width is 38mm thickness 20mm and the weight 62.93g.

The fragment seems comparable with Burgess and Gerloff's Type III which date to the Taunton Phase, c.-1400 to -1250.

Ref. Burgess, C.B. and Gerloff, S. (1981), The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Prähistorische Bronzefund IV, 7.

Rapiers date to the Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC) and fragments sometimes turn up in Late Bronze Age hoards, suggesting their continued use.

1. Burgess C.B. & Gerloff S., 1981; The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IV. 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: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 133 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Description: A complete Early Bronze Age cast copper-alloy undecorated developed flat axe (c. 2000-1700 BC): This implement is sub-rectangular in plan with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt, in plan, is complete with a rounded terminal. The side profile of the axe is lentoid with both terminals tapering. In cross section the body of the axe has lentoid profile. The axe is decorated with short incised probably chiselled lines below the stop ridge and along the length to the blade. The butt end of the axe has been hammered flat creating a proto-stop ridge. The blade tip flares outwards from the body forming a concave hollow. The blade appears to be symmetrical. There is an obvious cutting edge bevel towards the blade edge where it has been hammered for sharpening. The surface of the axe has a dark greenish-brown patina. The length is 133mm, the width of blade is 78mm, width of butt is 28mm, thickness 18mm.



The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Early Bronze Age (EBA III) of metalworking stage IV-V (more likely V) specifically within the developed flat axe tradition which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL.BC. This axe is very similar to a number of examples specifically from the type: Brandon. These are described by Burgess and Schmidt in Catalogue of the Axes in Northern Britain as: being "notably smaller than other advanced flat axes, usually under 130mm length. They have straight parallel or near parallel sides which curve out suddenly just above the blade to a widely expanded crescentic cutting edge. The decoration could reveal an Irish influence.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy Wood
Found: Thorpe Market, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 106 mm
Weight: 142.22 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axehead in two pieces. The transverse break is recent. There is much recent scuffing on the mouth, side-loop and cutting edge, and all the surface damage is also modern. Below the mouth there is a collar and the cross-section is circular. The collar ends at the springing of the side-loop, at which there is an abrupt change to octagonal. The facets continue to the cutting edge. When found both parts of the socket were filled with wood. After drying this became loose and was dislodged (it has not been identified). Length 106mm. Width 46.8mm. Weight 142.22g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 133 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Description: Bronze Age small cast copper alloy flat axe with a narrow butt end and a slightly flanged blade, dating from the Early Bronze Age c. 2125-1950 BC. The edge of the blade of the axe appears to be unused, and the size of the axe suggests that it might have been used for votive reasons. The colour suggests that the axe is copper-rich and the original surface survives well in places, with patches of corrosion product and a few pits, and a few marks on one face of the blade. Otherwise the axe is in good condition. Flat axes with narrow butt ends with rectangular sections and slightly flanged blades can be found during the Brithdir metalwork phase (c.2150-2000 BC) of the Early Bronze Age, such as the Class 3 axe illustrated in 'The Circulation of Metal in the British Bronze Age: The Application of Lead Isotope Analysis' (Rohl & Needham 1998, 123, fig.24, no.34). Plain axes like this are also classified as Type Migdale which belong to 'Metalworking Assemblage III', corresponding to Needham's (1996, 122) Period 2 (c.2300-2050 BC).



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate a similar small flat axe from Patrington in plate 14, no.176, which is classified as a Type Migdale flat axe.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar example of a slender Migdale type flat axe from Salcombe in Devon, on pages 453 & 599, plate 38, no.289.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate the latest small, slender Migdale type of flat axe to be recorded in the South West, from Bishop's Tawton in Devon, on page 87, pl.14, no.111.



The Migdale Phase is now dated from c.2125-1950 BC (Roberts et al. 2013, p.23, fig.2.2).



References cited

◾Pearce, S.M., 1983 The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain Oxford : British Archaeological Reports , 453 & 599, plate 38 , no.289

◾ Needham, S.P., 1996 Chronology and periodisation in the British Bronze Age, 67, 122,

◾ Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981. The axes of Scotland and Northern England Munchen : C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung 14

◾Knight, M., Ormrod, T. and Pearce, S., 2015 The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain: A corpus of material found between 1983 and 2014 Oxford : Archaeopress, 87, pl.14 , no.111

◾Roberts, B. & Uckelmann, M. & Brandherm, D., 2013. Old Father Time: the Bronze Age Chronology of Western Europe. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 23, fig.2.2 ,
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 158 mm
Thickness: 50 mm
Description: Cast copper alloy palstave dating from the Middle Bronze Age, i.e. c. 1500-1300BC. The axe is a heavy implement for its size and complete with the two flanges and a crescent-shaped blade with up-turned corners. It is part of the Taunton metalwork assemblage. The axe has two triangular flanges (diamond-shaped from the side). The casting flashes are visible and have been filed but are still slightly raised and with its small, worn semi-circular stop-ridge it could be related to the shield-pattern palstaves of the Acton Park metalwork assemblage to which it bears some resemblance. It has a dull brown patina. The axe blade is bevelled and appears to have been re-sharpened. The patina is a dull blackish-green. A similar, less complete palstave was recorded here: LANCUM-F8B182. The length is 158mm, the width is 72mm, thickness 50mm and the weight too heavy for scales.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Slag (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy Tin or tin alloy
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 44.01 g
Description: Two amorphic piece of copper alloy slag. Found in an area with Bronze Age and Roman artefacts. The surface is characterised by lumps and hollows and has a tin element is indicated relating to bronze working. The slag has a good deep green patina, similar to that seen on some local Bronze Age metalwork, so it may date from this period. If this lump of slag is indeed Bronze Age, it is interesting that it has survived and was not re-melted. Fragments of casting waste like this one are hard to date. Scientific analysis of the elemental composition of the copper alloy would allow a more accurate date to be suggested.



Fragment 1. The length is 45mm, the width is 22mm.



Fragment 2. The length is 31mm, the width is 41mm and the combined weight 44.01g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barham, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 121 mm
Thickness: 41.49 mm
Weight: 1225 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy ingot of probable late bronze age date, c. 1150 - 600BC.



Description:The ingot is a plano-convex discoid shape possibly suggesting the production in a bowl furnace rather than a mould. The upper is flat but with a large knop or swelling relating to the casting gate used in its production. The bottom is a rounded convex shape. The ingot is heavily pitted likely due to a mix of impurities in its matrix and the uneven natural material used to create the bowl in which it was cast.



Measurements:121mm in diameter, 41.49mm thick and 1,225g in weight



Discussion:The bowl furnaces were developed during the Mediterranean Bronze Age, becoming popular in Britain in the Late Bronze Age and were used intermittently to the modern era for many types of metal. It becomes much rarer in the production of copper-alloy after the Roman Period. Iron Age and Roman bun ingots tend to be much heavier than those of the bronze age often weighing upwards of 12kg, this example weighing only 1.25kg would be suggestive of a late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morningthorpe and Fritton, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 30.86 g
Description: Pitted and corroded fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, cutting edge and the end of the socket containing some corrosion. The breaks are ancient. Extant length 21mm. Width 24.5mm. Extant thickness 10.5mm. Weighs 30.86g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.3 mm
Diameter: 13.5 mm
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy tanged chisel of Late Bronze Age date. The chisel is in good condition and appears undamaged, with evidence for use wear on the blade tip and edge. The chisel has a tapering square-sectioned tang which abuts the round-sectioned, collared handle stop of the chisel blade. The collar is 13.5 mm diameter. From the collar the chisel blade, which is broadly triangular in plan, flattens in profile and expands to a thin cutting edge with slightly flared shoulders. The cutting edge is 27.5 mm wide. The object is in very good coniditon and has a mid-brown patina across much of its surface.



Tanged chisels, which date from c. 1150-850 BC, are known from several hoards and as isolated finds; complete examples from such contexts are uncommon. Three other complete tanged chisels from Oxfordshire are of almost identical form; on this database an example from South Oxfordshire (see BERK-52E8C3), from Noke (BERK-D3E079) and another illustrated in Evans (1881:168 no. 193) from Wallingford (formerly Berkshire). Other examples from across the country include DUR-5BADA1 and NMS-769173.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loggerheads, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.8 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 5.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy awl probably dating from the Middle Bronze Age to Roman periods, c. 1500 BC - 410 AD. 



The object is broadly a thin pointed oval shape in plan. It is double ended, with one end being circular in section while tapering to a sharp rounded point. The opposing end is broadly rectangular in section while thinning to a chisel-like point, though the tip of the latter is broken away in old damage. The centre of the object is broadly square in section. 



The object measures 62.8 mm in length. It measures 4.9 mm wide in the centre, is 2.4 mm wide at the rounded point terminal and is 4.25 mm wide at the chisel like terminal. It has a thickness in the centre of 4.7 mm, measures 2.0 mm thick at the rounded terminal and is 1.7 mm thick at the chisel like terminal. It weighs 5.8 g. 



The object is a dark brown in colour with an even patina. There are areas of light green colouring which may be copper corrosion products. Abrasion caused by movment whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail. Other similar objects have been recorded on the database including WAW-9874B9, SF-9D2A15, BERK-7C4FE6,SF-6B4D8D and SF-480E7C.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Higham, Gravesham, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.92 mm
Thickness: 4.69 mm
Weight: 5.85 g
Description: A complete awl of possible Bronze Age to Roman date, (c. 1500 BC- AD 410.



Description:  It is formed from a rectangular cross-sectioned copper-alloy rod, one end terminates in a pyramid, where each face comes to a point. At the other end the faces narrow to the wedged end. both ends have been formed by hammerning them into a point.



Measurements: Length:47.92mm, width: 4.67mm, thickness: 4.69mm, weight: 5.85g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Button (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Field Dalling, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 4.81 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy button, circular plano-convex with two concentric moulded grooves on the face. There is an integral sub-oval sectioned loop on the hollow reverse, with internal dimensions of c.9 x 1.5mm. Very similar to two examples from the Reach Fen hoard, Cambridgeshire (cf. Inventaria Archaeologica, Hawkes and Smith, 1956, GB.17 3 (3) no. 26 - 27), and one from Colkirk, Norfolk (HER 37128). Diameter 19.2 - 20mm. Thickness 3.7mm. Weight 4.81g. 1,000 - 701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alderholt, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.93 mm
Weight: 185.15 g
Description: A late Bronze Age faceted socketed axe of Meldreth type, Ewart Park metalwork assemblage, c1000-800BC. The axe is gently flaring to the curved cutting edge. There are ridges along the faceted sides of the axe. The casting ridges are visible. At the socket end of the axe is a narrow ridge and a deep convex collar. The collar is broken at a point. The socket is circular and there are slight inward projections set opposite on the edge, probably sprues from the casting process. At one side below the collar is a side loop. 



The socketed axe measures 101.93mm in length, 50.59mm wide (blade) and 6.43 mm thick (blade). It weights 185.15 g 



The collar measures 31.11 mm in diameter.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Collingbourne Kingston, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.04 mm
Weight: 7.96 g
Description: A complete Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed spear head dating to period c. 1300-800 BC, probably the Penard or Ewart Park phase.The spear is socketed and leaf shaped with a central ridge running down the length. The ridge is circular in section. In the socket (the diameter measures 8.78 mm) there are two holes.



The socketed arrowhead measures 47.04mm in length, 14.80 mm wide (max) and 7.14 mm thick (max). It weights 7.96 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stoke Gabriel, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 168.69 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy ingot or 'cake' possibly dating from the Bronze Age period (c. 2100-1500 BC). The object is irregular in plan and curved in profile with one smooth concave face and a rough uneven outer convex face. The outer face is rough and pitted.



The edges of the object are uneven and rough but with an even patina due to breaks during antiquity. The object has a light green patina and is probably the result of metal working. The colour, texture, shape and formation of the ingot suggests that it may date from the Bronze age period, however without metallurgical analysis it is difficult to date the ingot precisely and it may be more recent. The object has a mid-green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Weight (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1350 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Denton with Wootton, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.57 mm
Thickness: 9.45 mm
Weight: 32.66 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy rectangular block of middle to late Bronze Age date.



Description: The objects is roughtly rectangular with 3 equally spaced wavy lines on each of its' wide faces and one on the two thing long faces. At each end the lines extend a small amount onto the face.. The block is patinated dark green colour with marginal pitting from light green verdigris



Measurements: 21.57mm long, 18.82mm wde, 9.45mm thick and 32.66g in weight.



Description: This weight resembles an example found on the Salcombe Bronze Age wreck and amongst Central European grave contexts dating to the late fourteenth- and thirteenth-century BC, such as at Horušany in Bohemia or Hurlach in Bavaria (Rahmstorf 2019. 1200).
Notes: This object was published in Rahmstorf (2019)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Field Dalling, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.3 mm
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Weight: 3.02 g
Description: Small fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy two-edged knife, broken at both ends and with both edges missing. The breaks are ancient but there is some recent scuffing with the loss of some brown patination. Extant length and width 22.3 and 14.5mm. Thickness 2.2mm. Weight 3.02g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boldre, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.88 mm
Thickness: 7.52 mm
Weight: 60.17 g
Description: 
A heavily corroded blade from a Bronze Age axehead. The axehead is heavily pitted and no original surface survives. This may be an Early Bronze Age flat axe but this is far from certain. It is too narrow to be an axe of socketed form.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wingham, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Thickness: 6.66 mm
Weight: 19.91 g
Description: A fragment of worn cast Middle Bronze Age II to Late Bronze age, 1300BC - 800BC, Possibly Wilburton or Ewart Park type.



Description: The fragment is irregular shaped but roughly rectangular in plan, lozenge in cross-section with a flat mid rib. It is heavily patinated and pitted typical of highly corroded copper-alloy. The fragment, due to its small size likely originates from the upper section of the sword.



Measurements: 28.85mm wide, 24mm long, 6.66mm thick and 19.91g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Watlington, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.14 mm
Thickness: 12.55 mm
Weight: 35.45 g
Description: 
A copper-alloy sub-oval casting well with no clear stubs of runners. This is probably of Bronze Age date.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leconfield, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 90.8 mm
Diameter: 22.8 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 41.9 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy leaf-shaped peg-hole spearhead of late middle to late Bronze Age date, 1200-750 BC. Ehrenburg 1977 Class V; Penard - Ewart phase; Needham Period 6 – 7. Davis (2017) dates this type, 'generic' pegged, Davis Group 11, to the Late Bronze Age, 1100 – 800 BC.



The spearhead comprises a leaf shaped blade with chamfered edges and a conical socket with two circular peg holes; one to either side of the socket which are positioned in line with the blade. The edges of the blade are worn. Slight casting flashes are visible from the point at which the blade meets the socket to the mouth of the socket.



The object measures 90.5mm in length, 25.8mm in maximum width. The socket depth is 47.1mm, it is 22.8mm in diameter with walls which are 2.9mm thick. The spear weighs 41.9g.



The metal has a mid to dark brown patina with lighter green patches in delaminated areas.



A similar spearhead has been recorded as LVPL-D726F2 in which it is noted that Ehremburg notes that there is a sub-classification that she calls 'short stumpy' types (p.15) which have a length of less than 100mm with the width of the blade being approximately 1/3 the length. Ehremburg suggests that these are from the Ewart Park (1000-750 BC Needham Period 7) assemblage.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wilberfoss, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.2 mm
Thickness: 7.1 mm
Weight: 40.6 g
Description: A complete tough worn copper-alloy chisel of middle to late Bronze Age, c. 1800 - 750 BC. The chisel is rectangular in both plan and section with a slightly pointed ovate profile and slight raised flanges to the butt end.



The metal has a dark green patina with slight pitting to the surface and is worn. The object is 82.2mm long, 14.9mm wide, 7.1mm thick and weighs 40.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hindringham, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 1.79 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age cast copper alloy razor: perforated sub-triangular lug or loop at the surviving top of the upper edge, notched at both edges on both faces at the junction with the broken sub-oval remains of the blade, all of cutting edge missing. Extant length 24mm. Extant width 20mm. Maximum thickness 2.5mm. Weighs 1.97g. Probably part of the central section of a razor of Piggot's (1946) Class III, exotic ie Continental types. c.800 - c.600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1600 to 1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lesbury, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 90.31 mm
Thickness: 12.63 mm
Weight: 149.57 g
Description: A copper alloy flanged axehead of Early Middle Bronze Age date of later short-flanged axe of Type Ulcrome. The axehead dates to c. Acton Park II / Taunton phase of early MBA which corresponds to Needham typology date is c. 1600-1300 BC.



The blade of the palstave is a splayed/crescent-shaped, with convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge, which is damaged. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being at the stop ridge. The blade is 90.31mm in length. The width of the cutting edge measures 38.21mm. The thickness of the blade is 12.63mm 



The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and lozenge shaped in section (profile).



The palstave has a mid-brown patina with patches of light green corrosion showing through in places - it is abraded and appears to have suffered damage in the plough soil.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.9 mm
Diameter: 6.1 mm
Thickness: 8.6 mm
Weight: 14.65 g
Description: An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, probably from the Late Bronze Age or possibly Earliest Iron Age (950-750BC). The spear head is ogival in shape, with a raised triangular sectioned mid rib running down either side of the blade. Just before the blade widens there is a shallow dip on the mid rib on either side. The tip of the spear head is missing, and the edges of the blade is worn and broken. In cross section the shaft is lozenge shaped, with the flat wings of the blade extending out on each side. One edge of the socket is slightly thicker, making the socket slightly offset. The blade narrows towards the blade-socket junction, then extends into the socket. There is a worn break across the socket, which would have fitted over the haft. It is also possible that it was pegged, however this is part is now missing. The almost diamond-shaped midrib cross section may suggest a very late date in the Bronze Age or possibly an Earliest Iron Age date, i.e. 8th century. The spearhead measures 57.9mm in length, 17.9mm in width, and 8.6mm at maximum thickness along the mid rib. The socket measures 6.1mm in diameter. It weighs 14.65g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A fragment of the tip of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead of the stepped type, dating from Late Bronze Age (1150 - 800 BC). The fragment is lozenge in cross section, and has three steps running out from either side of the central rounded ridge. The tip is slightly broken and worn, it is now blunt and rounded. There is a worn break on the opposite end, the inside of the spearhead is a dark brown red colour. The outside of the spear head has a dark green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.9 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 19.61 g
Description: Probably an incomplete Late Bronze Age chisel or leather-working knife dating from the 10th-9th century BC. Only the blade and part of the collar survive. The artefact was composed of a wide, triangular/crescent-shaped blade and a rectangular-sectioned tang. Tang and blade were separated by a now very worn collar.



These artefacts tend to be identified as chisels, i.e. wood-working tools, such as in WREX-9F314E. However, they resemble (in size and shape) Earliest Iron Age so-called socketed chisels (SUR-2B05A8) which have now been reinterpreted as leather-working knives. Thus, the earlier tanged examples may be better identified as leather-working knives owing to their often thin, wide blades (IOW-383C47 and WAW-CEC22C).



The chisel measures 37.9mm in length, 41.1mm in width, 5.7mm at maximum thickness at the tang, and weighs 19.61g.



Similar knives are still in used today: http://www.knipknives.com/leather.php
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -2300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32 mm
Thickness: 16.3 mm
Weight: 105 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave axe head dating from the Mid Bronze Age, c.1250-1000 BC. The axe is rectangular is shape in the body, widening slightly towards the cutting edge, which is sub-circular and curved. A hammered and trimmed casting seam is visible. In profile the cutting edge narrows to a rounded point, it is narrow which suggests that it is probably a transitional palstave. In cross section the axe head is triangular in shape. There is a worn break across the body of the axe head, which is rectangular in cross section. The axe head has a dark green patina. The palstave measures 32.0,mm in length, 28.4mm in width across the blade, 30.2mm in width across the body, 16.3mm in maximum thickness, and weighs 105g.
Notes: The style of the cutting edge corresponds with the Taunton and Penard assemblages (predominately Taunton) - which fits into Needham periodisation as Period 5 (Burgess Metalworking stage IX). However this isn't definite due to only a small amount being visible. - P. Reavill, pers comm, 21/07/2017
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 25.14 g
Description: A fragment of a possible well and jet perhaps of Bronze Age to Roman date. The jet has a circular section of 11mm diameter which expands into an incomplete conical body 21.7mm wide. The identificaiton is not certain: the object appears too symmetrical to be the byproduct of metal casting.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cobham and Downside, Elmbridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.02 mm
Thickness: 4.38 mm
Weight: 32.03 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier or dirk hilt fragment with patches of original surface surviving. The remains of two rivet holes survive only partially on the upper heavily worn and eroded external edge of the hilt. The hilt is broadly is trapezoidal in shape. The width of the blade at the break is 16.79mm and the measurement between the rivet holes is 25.89mm. There is no evidence of a raised or cast mid-rib to the blade



The distinction between dirks and rapiers is difficult when the fragment is as small as this example - the main difference between a dirk and a rapier is that a Rapier is over 30cm long and therefore considered to be more of a thrusting weapon whilst a Dirk is under 30cm and so more useful for stabbing. However it is often difficult to identify whether a blade is a dirk or a rapier as they are frequently found in a fragmentary state. From the size of this example it is more likely to have been from a dirk (dagger). Good PAS examples can be seen from Bampton, Oxfordshire (GLO-036A39), and Flawborough, Nottinghamshire (DENO-C2BC23). The findspot of this example - in the environs and watercatchment area of the River Mole - is common for such metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.9 mm
Diameter: 6.04 mm
Thickness: 10.07 mm
Weight: 15.5 g
Description: A small cast socketed (probably side-looped) spearhead, dating probably from the early Middle Bronze Age, c.1600-1400BC.



The object has a broken blade of indented quadrilateral section. There is a prominent longitudinal mid-rib on both sides and abraded cutting edges. Approximately one third of the blade has been broken off. A deep sub-circular socket of 6.04mm diameter is present. Much of the original surface has corroded and is lost; however, that which survives has a mid-brown patina. the remiainder of the object has a mottled green-grey patina.



The head measures 5.9mm in length and 15.96mm wide at its widest point. The blade is 10.07mm thick at the rib and weighs 15.5g.



It is most likely that the object is a spearhead as described above, the spear having being broken at the base resulting in the loss of the side loops. As such the record for similar spearhead LANCUM-7609C0 states that: "Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, c. 1500-1150BC. The spearhead was likely to have been short and similar to Savory (1980) nos. 227 - 230, which Savory argues are of Acton Park metal, although no. 228 gave an analysis suggesting Penard metal. A side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has been radio-carbon dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating."



Whilst rare, there exists the possibility that the object could be an arrowhead. Information on the database states that "Socketed arrowheads, whilst originally noted as being absent from UK finds have appeared across England, with the majority being found in the Midlands, with an example each from North Yorkshire and Shropshire. These artefacts are often found heavily corroded and thus can easily be mistaken for a small spearhead." Examples can be found at SWYOR-19E2B1 and WMID-3AE711.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ribbon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Gold 
Found: St. Mary Bourne, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.84 mm
Weight: 1.83 g
Description: A length of gold ribbon, apparently complete. Both long sides taper gradually towards a rounded terminal which is now hooked over. The corners of the  opposite end are both bent over and flattened. Multiple transverse ridges suggest that the ribbon has been folded multiply at some point in its life and then rolled flat again. No ornament is present.



Dimensions: Length 44.84mm; width 11.12mm; weight 1.83g.



Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis undertaken by the Science department at the British Museum indicated a surface composition of approximately 89-92% gold, 7-10% silver, the rest being copper.
Notes: It is difficult to identify this fragment as a particular object type, although it may belong to a range of ribbon or strip ornaments of Bronze Age date. Several precedents and parallels are available, for instance see Treasure case 2013 T674 (from Oxfordshire), and reference and comparanda there within.



Discussion: This object is more than 300 years old and is composed of more than 10% precious metal. It therefore should be considered Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Walton on the Wolds, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 14.27 g
Description: Middle Bronze age copper alloy spear fragment, Length: 60 mm, width: 18 mm, thickness: 6 mm, weight: 14.27 grams. The object is a central section of a spear head and has a triangular form and a circular cross sectioned central rib which runs through the fragment, becoming narrower towards the top (as shown). The edges which emerge from this are badly damaged and the breaks appear ancient. Overall, the shape is consistent with a side-looped socketed spear head, but not enough of the object remains for definite identification. See also DENO-447EC6 and YORYM-564F27 for similar objects.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broadwoodwidger, Torridge, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.3 mm
Thickness: 26.3 mm
Weight: 217.39 g
Description: An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe head, probably dating to c. 950-750 BC. The surviving section comprises of the cutting edge, now highly abraded, and blade, with the mouth, loop and collar all lost to an abraded, but patinated break. The axehead is broadly trapezoidal in plan, 82.3mm long and expanding from a 36.4mm wide at a worn break to 53.8mm wide at the cutting edge. The object is triangular in profile, tapering from 26.3mm thick at the break to 21.3mm at approximately the mid-point, before continuing to terminate in a point at the cutting edge. In cross section the axehead is rectangular, wit the internal socket being sub-rectangular in cross section. The walls of the axehead appear relatively thin, c. 3mm thick, although thickneing into the corners. The socket survives to a depth of 58.0mm.



The sides of the axehead expand in a gradual, shallow curve, and although now worn, the cutting edge seems unlikely to have flared significantly and is convex. The faces of the axehead are plain, with no indication of ribs or other decoration. Raised casting seams are present on both sides, which appear to be unfaceted. With the exception of the cutting edge, where it has flaked away, the surface of the object survives well, with a rich brown patina.



Overall dimensions: length 82.3; width 53.8mm; thickness 26.3mm; weight: 217.39g.



The tapering, rectangular cross section of the blade and its lack of decoration would suggest that the axehead dates to the Late Bronze Age, contemporary with South-eastern type axes (Pearce 1984: 34), whilst most likely of the Ewart Park phase (compare, for example CAM-3FFFA1 and WMID-B61E05 on this database), given the fragmentary nature fo the axehead a more precise classification is difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder