dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clarendon Park, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.8 mm
Thickness: 15.8 mm
Weight: 48.25 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age copper alloy palstave axehead, probably dating to c. 1500-1100 BC. The fragment comprises of the butt-end of the axe. The fragment is subrectangular in plan and cross section, with flanges projecting from the longitudinal edges of both faces. When viewed in profile these flanges are triangular, tapering towards the butt. The original edge of the butt and flanges are lost to abrasion, whilst the fragment is truncated prior to the stop-ridge by a soil encrusted break. 



Length 42.8mm; Width 25.0mm; Thickness 15.8mm; Weight 48.25g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.9 mm
Thickness: 8.6 mm
Weight: 15.04 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged chisel dating to the late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - 800 BC). The chisel has a tang with a rectangular cross section which has broken at a transverse collar. This collar is 14.3mm wide and circular in cross-section, tapering at either end to give it a barrel-shaped form. The blade itself expands from a narrow neck, 9.5mm wide, curving outwards to become 24.9mm wide to where it ends with concave breaks on either side. The side profile of the blade tapers towards these breaks.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Appleshaw, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98 mm
Thickness: 33.7 mm
Weight: 304 g
Description: An incomplete Middle to Late Bronze Age palstave axehead of Transitional or Late type, dating to the Penard or Wilburton phase (MBA III to LBA I; 1100 - 900 BC). Almost the entire butt end is missing (old break), making it difficult to determine its original length. It has the remains of one side loop (old break).

The long edges of the blade flare gently in a straight line, subtly expanding just above the curved cutting edge which has suffered some damage (now worn but leaving indents along the edge). The blade is 27.7mm wide just below the loop and increases to a width of 41.8mm at the cutting edge. Just above the loop is the stop ridge, deeper than it is wide (27.8mm wide x 33.7mm deep). From this and extending longitudinally at the centre of both faces, is a ridge-like moulding (rather than a defined mid-rib), which shallows-out towards the cutting edge.

The remains of the loop measure 10.6mm in length, 7.0mm in width and 8.2mm in thickness. It is oval in cross-section. Extending from the base of the loop to the cutting edge and slightly more towards one face than the other is the remains of a worn casting flash. This is also apparent to the opposite side of the axehead, again leaning slightly more to one face than the other.

The stop ridge is convex to front and back while its side edges are straight; in cross-section it forms an 'H'. The depth between ridge and face of the butt end is 10.8mm to one side and 12.8mm to the other. The flanges are of uneven thicknesses: with the loop facing left and looking at the stop ridge from above (in cross-section) the flange on the bottom right measures 5.9mm, the top right measures 4.5mm, the bottom left measures 5.1mm and the top left is missing. The remains of the face measures 9.7mm thick and c.6mm in length.

The incomplete palstave measures 98.0mm in length, 41.8mm in max.width, 33.7mm in max.thickness and weighs 304g (to the nearest 2g). Cf. Burgess and Schmidt (1981)Type Roundhay, Midribbed Variant (Transitional, pl.64-5) and Type Silsden (Late, pl.66-7).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Batcombe, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.52 mm
Thickness: 17.87 mm
Weight: 42.82 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed spearhead in two refitting pieces. Possibly a pegged  type, although this feature does not remain due to the break. The spearhead is leaf-shaped with gently out curved blades. The mid-rib extends to the tip of the spearhead and tapers to a point. The hollow of the socket extends to 35 mm short of the tip of the mid-rib and is circular in cross section. At the base the socket is slightly flared to the break. This spearhead belongs to Davis LBA Group 11 (generic).

Date: Late Bronze Age 1100-800 BC 

Dimensions: 109.52 mm x 31.23 mm x 17.87 mm

Weight: 42.82 g



Reference: Davis, Richard, 2016, A Short Guide to Later Bronze Age Spearheads, Object Datasheet No. 3, Later Prehistoric Finds Group.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Dereham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21 mm
Weight: 12.39 g
Description: Mouth fragment of a late Bronze Age socketed axe with ancient breaks, extant length 21mm, weight 12.39g, c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Car Colston, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.5 mm
Thickness: 13.3 mm
Weight: 38.2 g
Description: A fragment of a socketed axe of the late Bronze Age, dating c.1100-800 BC. The fragment comprises the cutting edge, blade, blade tips and just the lower portion (approx 11 mm) of the body.



The cutting edge is crescent shaped, the blade flares out to the tips. The casting seams on the sides of the axehead have not been worked down and remain fairly prominent, there is little sign of overall wear on the blade. The body is sub rectangular in section, as is the internal socket end. The whole object has a well formed, dark brown patina. Although it is difficult to determine from a fragment, the axehead  probably fits into the Ewart park or Wilburton metal working groups, giving it a date of 1100-800 BC (Schmidt & Burgess 1981: 119).



Width blade tip to blade tip 50.2 mm, body width 34.9 mm, length  24.5 mm, thickness 13.3 mm. Weight 38.2
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 28.9 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 19.08 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy ring with a circular cross section of probable late prehistoric (late Bronze Age to Roman) date. The ring is solid, with an external diameter of 28.9mm and internal diameter of 15.4mm. The hoop is 7.3mm thick and 7mm wide although varying in thickness around the ring, which may be the result of differential wear. Possibly a harness component; however such simple objects found in isolation are very difficult to attribute to a specific function or date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Blakenham, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.13 mm
Thickness: 4.02 mm
Weight: 13.2 g
Description: A fragment from a copper alloy Blade, Dagger or Rapier, of Mid to Late Bronze Age date (1600-800 BC). The object is sub-rectangular in plan. The original cutting edges have been lost to post depositional abrasion; the remaining surface has an even dark green patina.. There is a central rib on both faces giving a shallow lozengiform cross section.



Length: 37.13mm, Width: 21.71mm, Thickness: 4.02mm, Weight: 13.2g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Axminster, East Devon, Devon ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.5 mm
Thickness: 17.4 mm
Weight: 146 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead dating to the Late Bronze Age, c. 1300-700 BC.



The axehead consists of part of the hollowed blade. It appears truncated, so that a portion of blade and socket are missing. The blade itself is markedly thicker on the upper surface (8.53mm) than the lower surface (2.50mm), but both share the same profile, flaring from the rectangular socket to form a wider cutting edge. There are some signs of unfinished seams on the side surfaces. It is now a greenish patina with a notable area of damage in different places on both sides- diagonally across the blade and at the lower edge of the blade and side piece. 



The axehead is slightly reminiscent but neater and better produced than no. 176 in Pearce (1983: 431), which she describes as being from the Ashburton area. WILT-A8FADF is a closer example.



Measurements: 46.5mm length, 43.5mm width, 17.4mm thickness, weight 146g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.2 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm
Weight: 3.32 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a blade from a Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC) dirk or rapier. The edges of the blade gradually taper to a point which has been rounded, possibly from use. The cross section is lozengiform with broad and rounded midrib suggesting that it may correspond to Burgess and Gerloff's (1981) Group IV.
Notes: These types of blades date to the Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC); fragments also sometimes turn up in Late Bronze Age hoards, suggesting their continued use.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Allerston, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.8 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 9.4 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy miniature flat axehead of early Bronze Age date, c.2150 - 1500 BC. The axehead is sub-trapezoidal with a curved blade tapering to a rounded cutting edge. The sides are slightly concaved and the axehead is undecorated. 



The metal has a dark green/brown patina and is worn. The axehead is 44.8mm long, 18.3mm tapering to 4.4mm wide, 4mm thick and weighs 9.4g.



This object is too small to have functioned as an axe and current archaeological thinking suggests they played a role in votive/ritual practices or functioned as amulets. Despite the obvious lack of contemporaneity, those modelled on later Bronze Age axe types, socketed and looped, have been found in secure Iron Age and Roman contexts.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Maker-with-Rame, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.8 mm
Thickness: 6.7 mm
Weight: 16.22 g
Description: Cast copper alloy fragment of a Late Bronze Age sword, sub-rectangular in plan and profile and 'flying saucer'-shaped (stepped lozenge) in section, from the Carp's Tongue complex, dating from c.1000-800 BC. The blade is incised on both faces with a pair of parallel longitudinal grooves, approximately 4.7mm in from the edge, at the junction of the oval-section midrib and the bevelled blade edges. The grooves taper as the blade edge does, towards the rounded broken edge, which is not the tip of the blade. The grooves border a central raised mid-rib which is 14 mm wide and 6 mm thick, measuring both faces of the blade together, but more pitted on one side. The wider broken end appears to have been deliberately  and cleanly cut perpendicular to the edge which is commonly seen in the breaking up of swords into fragments for deposition (Matt Knight pers comm). 



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar fragment of a Carp's Tongue sword with two longitudinal grooves from West Knighton, Dorset, on p.99, pl.26, no.325.



Burgess (1968) illustrates a sword found in the River Thames on page 22, fig.13, no.1 which dates from the Carp's Tongue Complex of the Late Bronze Age, c.1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wilsford cum Lake, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead fragment, probably dating to 1100-800 BC. The fragment consists of one corner of the blade, with traces of the internal terminal of the socket present on one side. It is sub-rectangular in plan and triangular in profile, tapering into the cutting edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 19.81 mm
Thickness: 2.85 mm
Weight: 2.7 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy Finger Ring of probable Middle Bronze age date (1500-1150 BC). The object is a spiral ring and attributable to the 'ornament horizon' of the Taunton and Penard metalwork phases. The spiral is circular in plan and formed of one overlapping coil which is ovate in cross-section with both terminals tapering to a point. 



The exterior surface is heavily pitted; the interior has a smooth dark green patina.



Diameter: 19.81mm, Thickness: 2.85mm, Weight: 2.7g



See also SF-4497E7, HAMP-7556B3, ASHM-A4CAD2 and SF-761FF6. There are also examples of comparable spiraloid rings in the Near Lewes hoard (SUSS-C5D042) and the Ockham hoard (SUR-B41DB6), both Middle Bronze Age in date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 27.4 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 11.71 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy ring with a circular cross section of probable late prehistoric (late Bronze Age to Roman) date. The ring is solid, with an external diameter of 27.4mm and internal diameter of 14.7mm. The hoop is 5.5mm thick and 5.8mm wide. Possibly a harness component; however such simple objects found in isolation are very difficult to attribute to a specific function or date.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1100 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.6 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 14.45 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age to early Iron Age (800 BC -700 BC) comprising a corner of the socket rim. The rim is 5.2mm thick with a moulded collar on the outer surface which is 12.9mm wide. There is a prominent casting seam evident down the mid part of one side.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.4 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 4.94 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment from the tip end of the blade of a dirk or rapier of Middle Bronze Age (c 1500-1100 BC) date. The fragment is 20.4mm in length and 13.3mm in width, with a lenticular cross section. The fragment is heavilly corroded.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Silk Willoughby, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100.3 mm
Thickness: 11.9 mm
Weight: 154 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy flat axehead of early Bronze Age date, c.2150 - 1500 BC. 



The axehead is sub-trapezoidal with a lenticular long profile, thickest at the middle. The haft end terminates in a flat topped butt which is broken and worn. The sides of the axe expand gradually to the wide crescentic blade end with beveled cutting edge. The axehead is undecorated.



The metal has a mid-orange/brown patina and is worn. The object is 100.3mm long, 54mm to 19.2mm wide, 11.9mm thick and weighs 154g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Copper-alloy awl, possibly for leather working. The head is rectangular in section and tapers into a cylinder before ending at a blunt point. Likely dating from the mid-late Bronze Age c. 1250 -800 BC



The item is dark brown and green with a generally smooth patina. 



weight: 3.28g, length: 51.1mm, width: 3.4mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradley, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.9 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 8 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date, 85.9mm in length. The object is undecorated, square in cross section in the middle and tapers to points at either end. One tip is bent and has suffered post-depositional damage to the surface.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Routh, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.4 mm
Thickness: 9.2 mm
Weight: 16.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy spear head dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 BC. Only the tip of the spear remains which is triangular in shape and lozenge in section. A central rib is present on both faces of the spear extending from the pointed tip to the lozenge terminal end. The blade extends either side of the midrib terminating in abraded edges. The inner portion of the spear head is hollow, in which a wooden shaft would have been fitted. Although insufficient remains to have complete confidence in classifying this object, as the midrib extends to the tip, it is probably comparable with the range of spearheads in Davis Groups 5-11, while its section is possibly most indicative of the Late Bronze Age pegged types, Davis Group 11.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The spear head is 46.4mm long, 27.3mm wide, 9.2mm thick and weighs 16.1g.



Similar objects recorded on the database are: YORYM-17F9E2 and YORYM-A2E2F3.b
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , South Somerset, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 126.9 mm
Thickness: 18.3 mm
Weight: 53.54 g
Description: A copper alloy Middle Bronze Age side looped and socketed spearhead dating to the period c. 1600 - 1150 BC. The blade is leaf-shaped with a lozengiform sectioned midrib. It exhibits a hollow socket and cast side loops. It is complete apart from a small amount of damage to the base of the socket. The spearhead measures 126.9mm in length, 21.6mm maximum width, 9.3mm minimum thick on the blade, 18.3mm in diameter at the base of the socket and weighs 53.54g.



The tip of the blade has a slightly break to one side and the edges of the blade are chipped along their length. The sides widen towards the base but are straight or only very slightly convex. At the base is the widest point then a distinct carination then they angle downwards  into the socket. There seems to be some evidence of a sharpened blade edge but not clear bevel and this is mostly lost to chipping.  The blade measures 62.7mm in length,21.6mm maximum width. The edge of the blade is 0.9mm thick, tapering to a maximum thickness of 2.8mm by the midrib. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering lozenge shaped midrib which expands from a thickness of 2.7mm at the tip to 9.3mm at the base of the head.



The socket is oval in cross section at the top wider in line with the midrib, narrower in plane with the blade) 10.9mm by 9.3mm. It becomes circular in shape by the base where it measures 18.7mm in diameter. The mouth of the socket  has an old break to one side. The socket is at least 24.8mm deep but contains dry, copper stained material so was originally deeper. This is dust with no fibrous properties remaining but could be the remains of the wooden haft, or of later mud.



The loops are positioned on either side of the socket, about half way down, approximately opposite one another. The loops are curved, more elongated than a semi-circle and have slightly widened outer edges into slight loop plates . The loops measure 11mm in length, 3.5-4mm in width at the base, 4-4.5, at the centre and project 4.5-4.7mmmm from the outside of the socket. The holes are now filled with corrosion. Casting ribs are visible running along both sides of the body from the mouth to the point at which the blade commences.



The spearhead has a mottled dark green patina and the surface is heavily pitted.



HESH-CFC925, WAW-DC8222, HESH-CE6980 and SWYOR-BF67A6 are similar examples on the database. The record for the former states that: similar side looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV dated to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1700 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Routh, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.6 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 6.1 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment of a blade dating possibly to the Bronze Age period, about 1700-800 BC. The fragment is rectangular in plan and triangular, or wedge shaped, in section. The outer edge of the blade fragment flattens to a sharp edge, whilst the inner edge widens to a broken edge. Both the top and bottom of the blade fragment are broken. It seems likely this is a fragment of a triangular blade possibly from a spear head which would widen to a central prominent rib. 



The metal has a mid-green patina. The object is 39.6mm long, 12.5mm wide, 5.3mm thick and weighs 6.1g.



Although the object is relatively undiagnostic, its shape and association with other Bronze Age spear head fragments suggests it is of this date and type. Davis (2017) has classified spearheads of the Early to Late Bronze Age, and whilst this fragment does not suggest a type, if it is from a spearhead it would date from about 1700 - 800 BC. A complete example is recorded on the database: YORYM-748913.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buttermere, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.8 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 12.93 g
Description: A copper alloy tanged chisel dating to the late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - 800 BC). The chisel has a tang with a rectangular cross section which tapers to a point. At the junction with the blade is an asymmetrical bulge; the blade itself is around 35mm in length and expands to 15.9mm wide at the curved cutting edge, which is slightly lopsided, possibly from use wear. The side profile of the blade is flat.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1550 to 1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Routh, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.6 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 20.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged knife of probable Bronze Age date (c. BC 1550-1150). The tip of the handle and most of the blade are missing. The portion of the blade remaining is rectangular in shape and lozenge in section, and has a central rib running longitudinally down the blade. The base of the blade widens into a ‘hipped’ expansion formed of two triangular shapes pointing outwards, after which the knife narrows again. The opposite end splits and is formed of two prongs which would have formed an attachment hole for a plug rivet when complete.  



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The knife is 50.6mm long, 23.6mm wide, 5mm thick and weighs 20.1g. Similar examples on the database include SUR-D5A3E7 and SF-E21E0E.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.5 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 18 g
Description: An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe dating to the period circa 1300-700 BC. The only surviving part of the object is the corner of the socket rim, which forms an L shape in section. The rim is 4mm thick consisting of a moulded central spine. On the surface of the object a prominent casting seam forming vertical and horizontal grooves. 



The fragmentary remains of the object preclude any further typological certainty but it socketed axes were in use from the middle Bronze Age through to the onset of the Iron Age, and use-wear analysis indicates they were used for a variety of activities subject to change throughout this period (Roberts and Ottaway 2004).



Length: 28.5mm; Width: 28mm; Body Thickness: 3.5mm; Weight: 18g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Walesby, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.29 mm
Thickness: 7.18 mm
Weight: 123.39 g
Description: An incomplete, cast, copper-alloy, Early Bronze Age flat axehead (c.2500 to 1600 BC).



The axehead is sub-triangular in plan and profile, narrowing towards the butt creating a typical lentoid shape. The parallel sides are relatively straight, expanding towards a curved shaped blade that has a width of 30.28 mm. The rounded blade is slightly damaged along one side. Both faces of the object are heavily abraded and pitted with a light brown patina with patches of bright green. The edges are rough and have a green patina.



The axehead probably fits into the earliest phases of metalworking in Britain, metalworking stage I-II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 1-3 c.2500-2050 cal.BC, or slightly later.



Similar examples on the PAS database have been recorded under various types, including miniature object e.g. YORYM-CE8933 (59.01 mm), flat axe e.g. KENT-CF6F79 (80.6 mm) and YORYM-D53C89, chisel e.g. SUSS-9B7F13 (65.17 mm) and flat axehead e.g. LVPL-03D15C (61.5 mm).



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



Dimensions:

Length: 73.29 mm

Width: 30.28 mm

Thickness: 7.18 mm (rounded edge) and 3.45 mm (butt end)

Weight: 123.39g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rothwell, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.27 mm
Thickness: 12.14 mm
Weight: 16.61 g
Description: Cast, copper-alloy socketed spearhead dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age, c. 1600-800 BC



The spearhead takes the form of a regular cone with opposed flanges forming blades that extend from the pointed tip and mouth of the socket, although now heavily worn. The outer cutting edges of the blades are abraded, showing a green tint against an overall brown patina, on the other side there is heavy damage with a gaping sub-triangular shaped jagged hole. No decoration is visible. The patina on the ragged side indicates that this damage might have occurred in antiquity. 



An example of a similar spearhead in a better condition includes NLM-572E82 from Wrawby, North Lincolnshire. Suggested date: Middle to Late Bronze age, 1600-800 BC



Surviving length: 57.27 mm, Width (at tip): 4.09mm and (socket): 19.79mm, Thickness (wall, at mouth of socket): 12.14 mm, Weight: 16.61g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horningtoft, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 13.64 mm
Weight: 38.8 g
Description: Fragment of copper alloy late Bronze Age socketed axehead. The fragment comprises the transversely-fractured cutting edge of the blade with just enough of the length surviving to indicate its socketed nature and betray the slightly flaring exterior profile towards the end of the blade. The inside of the socket is bright green with bronze disease whilst the exterior has surviving dark brown patina with underlying green corrosion where the patination has eroded. Circa 1300-700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mileham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Weight: 114 g
Description: Copper alloy late Bronze Age socketed hammer head. The socketed end has a single raised collar with broadly square-shaped (externally 23.7mm x 23.3mm) socket and tapers slightly to a more rectangular shaped head (17.7mm x 21.7mm) which has been slightly upset through use. The overall length of the head is 64 mm with a socket depth of approximately 44 mm providing a 20 mm long solid bronze striking section. Both casting seams have been removed and only a scant trace on one side is evident. The dark green to brown patina is largely complete save small eroded areas around the mouth of the socket that reveal an underlying light green colour. Similar types of hammer can be found at - IOW-8B13A7 & IOW-A05DE6 on this database. Circa 1000-700 BC.
Notes: Note: This object was found in the same field as another possible Bronze Age artefact (NMS-7DE817 at around 250yd separation). However, it has not been possible to definitively date this other object to the same period and accordingly the two have not been declared as treasure. If further Bronze Age artefacts come to light in the immediate vicinity the new finds will have to be considered as potential treasure.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to 1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mileham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.89 mm
Weight: 34 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy fragment of an unidentified object. The form is sub-triangular in cross-section and in plan. One side of the triangular cross-section curves inwards and the other two are slightly convex creating a broadly central arris along its length.  There is a break at the wider end that to one side curves into a slight flange, with another break at the narrow apex end. The shape is reminiscent of Medieval to Post Medieval cooking vessel handles or legs but the light green matt patina is more suggestive of Bronze Age artefacts, albeit the precise nature of the object remains unidentified. For this reason a very wide date range is suggested at circa 1000 BC AD1700, however, the consensus is much more towards the earlier date.
Notes: Note: This object was found in the same field as a Bronze Age hammer head (NMS-7D35CC at around 250yd separation). However, it has not been possible to definitively date this object to the same period and accordingly the two have not been declared as treasure. If further Bronze Age artefacts come to light in the immediate vicinity the new finds will have to be considered as potential treasure.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Quatt Malvern, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.35 mm
Thickness: 2.57 mm
Weight: 9.2 g
Description: A Bronze age possible blade probably dating to the early Bronze Age, circa 2300 – 1800 BC.



The object is broadly an inverted triangle in form with a rounded point. The upper terminal is broken, it is slightly waisted at the upper terminal with rounded edges.



Peter Reavill (per comms) suggests "The section is flat and similar to that of a flat axe rather than sword or arrow. It may also possibly be an early blade fragment that could be reused to form an arrow."



The object has a very pitted and worn dark green coloured patina. 



The object measures 65.35 mm in length, 15.34 mm in width, 2.57 mm in thickness and weighs 9.2 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stoneleigh, Epsom and Ewell, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.8 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 28.31 g
Description: A blade fragment from a mid to late Bronze Age Rapier or sword, circa 1400-800 BC. The blade is 5.9mm thick with a rounded midrib. The sides are parallel suggesting the blade was long and slender.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Trimdon, County Durham, County Durham (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Description:  Hoard of two complete cast copper alloy axes comprising: 

1.    Complete cast copper alloy socketed axe head. The axe is relatively short. It has a subrectangular body, with sides that flare outwards towards the cutting edge. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. A small lip runs around the edge of the socket and there is a collar of similar width around the narrowest part of the axe. The axe is otherwise undecorated. Both sides of the axe have a pronounced casting seam running along their centre. There is a loop on one side of the axe, joining next to the collar and extending to about halfway along the blade.

2.    Complete cast copper alloy socketed axe head. The axe is relatively long. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. It has a subrectangular body, narrowest in the middle, flaring wider towards the socket and widest at the cutting edge. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. There is a double raised collar at the socket end. The axe is otherwise undecorated. Both sides of the axe have a pronounced casting seam running along their centre. There is a  loop on one side of the axe, joining next to the collar and extending about a quarter of the way along the blade. 



The finder has treated both axe heads with Renaissance wax. Photos from before this treatment show a dark green-brown patina. 



Dimensions: 

1. Length: 98.68 mm    Width: 54.94 mm    Depth: 37.05 mm    Weight: 294.02 g. External mouth dimensions 36.89 mm (side to side) by 39.27 mm (front to back). Internal mouth dimensions 28.35 mm (side to side) by 28.21 mm (front to back). Loop measures 26.24 mm long, 8.27 mm wide and 11.36 mm out from the body of the axe.

2. Length: 116.90 mm    Width: 46.20 mm    Depth: 32.65 mm    Weight: 240.24 g External mouth dimensions 40.05 mm (side to side) by 37.73 mm (front to back). Internal mouth dimensions 28.90 mm (side to side) by 26.40 mm (front to back). Loop measures 21.46 mm long, 11.00 mm wide and 10.56 mm out from the body of the axe.



Discussion: 1. Is Type Portree (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, esp nos. 1043 and 1051). 2. Is a socketed axe of Type Wilburton (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, nos. 1007-1009). They both date from the earlier Late Bronze Age, c. 1125-900BC. The two axes are contemporary, which fits with them having been deliberately deposited together as a hoard. A similar combination of types can be seen in the hoard from Lowthorpe ER Yorkshire (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, Plate 139E).



Conclusion: 

The objects qualify as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) (Designation Order 2002), which states that any find of two or more base metal objects of prehistoric date qualify as Treasure.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Next the Sea, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 144 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight: 246 g
Description: Palstave axe of Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1,600 to 1,400 BC), of typical non side-looped form with a &quot;shield&quot; shaped moulding immediately below the stop ridge. It is of heavily corroded condition, with thin green patination. The extensive surface loss is due to exposure to (now) marine deposition, this is likely to have formed part of a&nbsp;funerary&nbsp;group of implements deposited at the site known as Seahenge, Holme-Next-The-Sea, cf. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 82, Robertson. D,(2016), pp 227-258 ,&nbsp;original deposition&nbsp;at the time was inland.&nbsp;

The H-sectioned split hafting has now corroded to a thin irregular form, the blade is rather smooth with shallow, broad pits and the cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical, it is unsure if the this was intentional or just due to the corrosion. See&nbsp;NMS-C9B2AD for an example of this type&nbsp;found in Norfolk in better condition.
Notes: Association with &quot;Seahenge&quot; monument.&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.8 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 7.3 g
Description: Fragment of a copper alloy blade, probably a Middle to Late Bronze Age dirk or rapier. No original edge survives, the top and bottom having broken away and the sides eroded. It is lentoid in cross-section, i.e. it has a rounded median rib and sides which taper to form a slight flange. c. 1600 to 700 BC



Length: 19.8mm. Width: 17.0mm. Thickness: 5.0mm. Weight: 7.3g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merton, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.9 mm
Height: 40.2 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 30.01 g
Description: A Late-Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, cast copper alloy razor dating to c.800BC-600BC.  The razor has a trapezoidal shaped blade, which is sub-triangular in cross section.  The lower portion of the blade is decorated with three grooves separated by two moulded ridges.  A transverse moulded line, which is triangular in cross-section, runs across the top of the blade and links the two integral loops. 



The razor has a mid-brown patina and has significant pitting over both faces.  The cutting edge is worn, with some small breakages in parts. 



Broadly similar examples can be found in the British Museum's Online Catalogue: 1998,0901.287 (blade shape), 1963,1208.1 (moulded line at top and blade shape).  Comparable groves can be seen on NMS-F0B277 on he Portable Antiquities Scheme database.



Measurements: length at base: 79.9mm; length at top: 44.6mm; height (including loop): 40.2mm; height (excluding loop): 29.8mm; thickness at base: 0.8mm; thickness of top: 3.1mm;  thickness of loop: 3.4mm; external diameter of loop: 10.8mm.  Weight: 30.01g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brassington, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 141.5 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 362.3 g
Description: A complete, cast, copper alloy flat axehead, dating to the Bronze age (c. 2200 - 1900 BC). The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in plan with a splayed crescent shaped blade, showing damage. In profile the axe broadly lentoid, with slight tapering edges; in cross section the axe is D shaped. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow sub-rounded profile. The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively flat. All surfaces are covered in a green patination, little of original surface visible. Length 141.2mm, width 81.5mm at cutting edge, 29.0mm at butt, thickness 11.0mm and weight 362.3g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Camelford, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 131.81 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy flat axehead dating from the Migdale tradition of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC. The sides of the axehead look slightly raised on both faces but that is because the original surface, which has turned dark brown in colour, has only survived around the edges making it look crisper, and also on the blade above the slightly expanded but worn and rounded cutting edge. The axehead is sub-trapezoidal in plan, triangular in profile, tapering towards the cutting edge, and rectangular in section at the butt end. The blade narrows towards the damaged butt end, but with almost straight sides. There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on the surface of the axe, but the original surface has corroded away and is now very pitted, so that preservation is poor. There are many circular depressions on the surface that have been caused by blisters forming as the axehead has corroded and then breaking down and powdering away. 



Similar slender flat axeheads with straight-sided butt ends can be seen in records CORN-6C605C, DENO-93FB17, SUR-E3F467, LANCUM-6507C2, and SOMDOR-C71623 on the database.



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 (c.2350-2050 cal BC). This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar flat axeheads of Type Migdale from Scotland, Briach Moor and Morayshire on pp.41-42, pls.12-13, nos.143, 147 &155.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar example of slender Migdale type flat axehead from Tregonjeeves Quarry in Cornwall on p.400 & 453, pl.1, no.6.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate the latest slender Migdale type of flat axes to be recorded in the South West from Boscastle in Cornwall, Bishop's Tawrton in Devon and Burton in Dorset on page 87, pl.14, nos.3, 111 & 213.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Melton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 72.37 g
Description: Incomplete late Bronze Age socketed axehead. About half survives, now squashed flat. There is a crack down both sides, and the axe has apparently been deliberately hammered flat, although there are no visible hammer marks. The break across the centre is old and worn. It measures 30.5mm across the broken edge, and 45mm wide at most. The fragment is 49mm long and a maximum of 11mm thick, and weighs 72.37g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penton Mewsey, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.5 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 14.68 g
Description: A fragment of Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) socketed axehead, consisting of the splayed, curved cutting edge only. The patina is worn and pitted and there is a trace of the socket in the (old) break.

The fragment measures 16.5mm in length, 34.3mm in width, 8.3mm in max.thickness (at the break) and weighs 14.68g.
Notes: 
This find was recorded at a rally and therefore the identification and photograph may not be of our usual standard.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boroughbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 24.1 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 4.9 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy annular ring of middle Bronze Age to Iron Age date, c.1500 – 100 BC. The internal edge is faceted and bears repeating linear striations some of which resemble lettering but this is likely coincidental. 



The metal has a dark brown delaminate patina with pitting. The ring is 24.1mm in diameter, 3.6mm wide, 4.7mm thick and weighs 4.9g.



Peter Reavill, Finds Liaison Officer for Herefordshire & Shropshire, comments that parallels with cut marks, incised patterns and inlay for glass are known in later Bronze Age and Iron Age traditions. 



Similar objects have been recorded on the PAS database as LIN-4F191E and NARC-5B60BD and have also been found in hoards with Bronze Age socketed axes, such as Treasure Case 2014 T442 (YORYM-15AA2D). A number of functions have been suggested including horse harness fittings, cauldron handles or cauldron suspension chains.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1600 to 40)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Seething, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Height: 12 mm
Weight: 12.73 g
Description: Copper alloy 'moustache-shaped' object, cast in one piece, of probable middle Bronze Age to Iron Age date. It has a central narrowed constriction, undecorated and with a vertical step down to it, which is curved on the top and has a rounded hollow on the underneath, c. 7mm in diameter. The constriction measures c. 9mm thick and 13mm wide. To either side is a thicker, tapering, drooping element, D-shaped in cross-section although slightly rounded rather than completely flat on the underside. The upper surface of each half is curved with no surviving trace of the usual engraved linear decoration and with rounded rather than pointed terminals. 



The whole object is worn and pitted. It is 26mm from end to end, 13.5mm wide when viewed from the top, and measures 12mm from top to bottom when viewed from the side. It weighs 12.73g. There is little dating evidence available for these enigmatic objects. An example was found with the Salisbury Hoard, indicating a Bronze or Iron Age date; the style might suggest an Iron Age date.



Compare NARC-6A4546, LVPL-B000C6, HAMP-6F4C45, PUBLIC-E9E1C5, NARC-925E14, WILT-616785, KENT-77A0BF and SF-722CF5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder