dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A Late Bronze Age (1150-750 BC) copper alloy penannular ring, or core of a gold plated penannular ring.



The object is circular in cross-section (c.3.73mm diameter) with abutting terminals. The cross section narrows slightly at the terminals to c.3.10mm in diameter. The ring is slightly bent out of shape causing the terminals to meet at the lower edge. The surface of the metal is smooth and a pale green patina remains.



The ring measures 14.02mm in length, 13.93mm in height, 3.73mm in max. thickness and weighs 2.18g.



Other copper alloy examples on the database include: HAMP-03E054 and NMGW-460555
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Patching, Arun, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.44 mm
Thickness: 6.45 mm
Weight: 2.89 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy arrowhead of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, probably the Penard or Ewart Park phase, c. 1300-800 BC.



The arrowhead is socketed and triangular in plan with a central ridge running down the length. The circular socket is almost complete with some damage to the outer edge. The arrowhead has a pale green patina.



The arrowhead is 23.44mm in length, 14.65mm maximum width, 6.45mm maximum thickness, and weighs 2.89g.



There are few copper alloy Bronze Age arrowheads on the database, with the only comparable example being : SWYOR-02F6E1.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Billesdon, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 271 g
Description: A cast copper alloy (bronze) looped transitional type palstave of later Middle or Late Bronze Age date c. 1150 - 1000 BC - most probably associated with the Penard phase (Needham Period 5).



The palstave is broadly rectangular in plan with relatively straight parallel side which flare on the lower blade and expand to form a shallow crescentic cutting edge. In profile the palstave is lentoid with the widest section being before and after the stop ridge - where it tapers to form the butt and blade. The upper blade is corroded and abraded, though decoration is present at the midrib, consisting of four moulded vertical lines wither side of the stop ridge. The cutting edge of the blade is slightly rounded. On one edge is the remains the fragments of a single loop.  This loop is positioned in line with the stop ridge and extends below this onto the upper blade. The loop is abraded and only partially survives.



Length: 160 mm

Width: 39 mm

Weight: 271 g



Many thanks to Peter Reavill for assisting in identifying this object.



A undecorated parallel can be seen on the database under HESH-5EC144
Notes: 
Record created by images and information kindly provided by the finder, this object has not been seen by the FLO.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dundry, North Somerset, North Somerset ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 131 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight: 500 g
Description: A copper alloy palstave axe that has a wide curved blade that has a bevelled forward edge forming the cutting edge. The sides of the blade are concave and taper to the middle of the axe. On both sides a central ridge emanates from behind the cutting edge and travels the length of the blade. The ridge bisects towards its end, forming a Y-shape which terminates at the stop ridge.  The stop ridge is positioned three-quarters of the way down from the blade, from here tapering flanged sides extend towards the rear of the axe. 



The surface preservation of the item is exceptional which only modest pitting from corrosion effecting the patina which is the original surface. 



This is a Group I: Primary Shield Pattern type and dates to the Middle Bronze Age 1600-1400 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frilsham, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.5 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 13.05 g
Description: A copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed spearhead. Middle BA 'string' side looped spearhead. Middle part and base of the blade is plough rolled and has lost the side loops and the tip.There is considerable damage to each rib and the tip is broken.



These fit well with the rapier series and will date about 1450-1150 BC. The strength on the X shaped casting gives it a high mid rib, suggesting thrusting like rapiers and Dirk's.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 31.76 mm
Thickness: 4.36 mm
Weight: 32.47 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper-alloy bronze age object, probably South Eastern type socketed axehead, dating to the period c.1000 - 800BC.



Description: The fragment is roughly L-shaped in profile, with the surviving outside edges being heavily polished and slightly convex. This latter point suggests it represents part of the body of the axehead. The internal sides is unfinished and rough, with swelling towards the centre slightly. It is noticeable that the fragment's walls are impractically thin. It has a very dark-grey green patination. 



Measurements: Height 31.76mm, Width 50.49mm, thickness 4.36mm and Weight of 32.47g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wrotham, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 172 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight: 500 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy, flanged axehead, dating from the final phase of the Early to the earliest Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 - 1500 BC). Possibly of Arreton type dated to Early Bronze Age III, of metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 BC.



Description: The axehead survives in two heavily corroded pieces. the blade end has snapped just about 3 cms past the shallow proto stop ridge. It has flanged parallel sides which run from the edge of the blade along the body towards the butt. The flanges appears to be cast rather than hammered out. The blade itself is a wide crescent shape with slightly upturned corners. The flanges narrow slightly towards the centre of the body and widen back towards the edge they are also shallower at each end. The axehead's surface is heavily patinated and pitted with some abrasion along the edges. The break are heavily abraded and likely having occured while in the ground. The corrosion is very advanced



Measurements: 172mm long, 69mm wide, 31mm thick (at thickest) and 500g in weight



Discussion: The axehead superficially seems to fit with the Arreton type of long-flanged developed flat axes (Burgess and Schmidt, 1981. 65 - 75). Burgess and Schmidt suggest from their study that the distribution of this Arreton type concentrates in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Their work though only looks directly at the axes of Scotland and Northern England.



Similar examples have been found at Margam, Port Talbot (Savory 1980, No. 122) and Breach Farm, Vale of Glamorgan (Savory 1980, No. 338) associated with a cremation burial recently radiocarbon dated to c. 1750 - 1600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Froyle, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 8.9 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 2.52 g
Description: 
A small cast copper alloy fragment, probably from the butt end of an early to middle Bronze Age copper alloy flanged or palstave axehead. The side profile tapers to the rear edge, which is straight, with rounded corners.

Notes: 
The broken edge across the width of the object exposes vesicles from the casting which may have been a weak point for the break.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -1050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stopham, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 127.06 mm
Thickness: 33.13 mm
Weight: 346 g
Description: An incomplete, cast copper alloy transitional type palstave of Penard/Wallington metalworking, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Periods 5 -6 and dating Middle Bronze Age III to Late Bronze Age I probably c. 1250-1050BC.



The axehead is incomplete, the butt end is missing with an uneven break through the septum 30mm from the stop ridge. The stop has rounded corners. The surface is very corroded and pitted, but there appears to be a rounded central midrib on both faces.  The casting seam is visible along both sides of the axehead with two raised protrusions on one side which are the vestigial remain of the small loop. The blade is narrow and slim, concave below the stop and tapering to a slightly flared curved cutting edge. 



The metal is dark green in colour, heavily pitted with pale green corrosion. 



Measurements: 127.06 mm long,  35.93mm at wide at the cutting edge, and 31.26mm wide at socketed end and  It is 33.13mm thick at its thickest point and weighs 346 grams.



A similar PAS recorded example is: NMGW-0BA169.
Notes: 
Thanks to Peter Reavill for his help with identification. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Gold 
Found: Denmead, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.34 mm
Thickness: 6.24 mm
Weight: 6.78 g
Description: A complete gold (or gold plated) penannular ring of mid to late Bronze Age date (c.1300-750&nbsp;BC.). The body is oval in cross-section. The ring is undecorated, but the outer surface&nbsp;has&nbsp;feint scratches. One face has a small indentation near the left terminal (gap at the bottom) and scratches across the width of the ring. The other face has scratches&nbsp;across the length of the ring (ie the scratches are at a 90 degree&nbsp;angle on the two faces). The terminal surfaces&nbsp;are both flat, but each has a small &#39;U&#39; shaped mark&nbsp;(the bottom of the U towards the centre of the ring), which are possibly&nbsp;cut marks from the removal of the &#39;missing&#39; piece, or casting marks.&nbsp;

Gap between terminals: 2.01mm.

Length: 15.34mm. Width: 17.34mm. Thickness: 6.24mm

Weight: 6.78g
Notes: For similar examples and fuller discussion of their use and date please see&nbsp;SUSS-42C974 and IOW-798B18.

For similar items from Hampshire please see:&nbsp;OXON-5CECC4, SUSS-5B32DE, and HAMP-E74001.

These rings are sometimes&nbsp;formed from a copper alloy core with a gold plating. There is no visual evidence of copper alloy on this item, but its weight may suggest this construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 420 mm
Thickness: 7.8 mm
Weight: 386 g
Description: Two joining parts of a Late Bronze Age sword with the hilt and the upper end of the blade missing, in fresh condition. Surfaces are an even brown with two patches of verdigris, one area covered by a thin blue deposit and another with streaks of rust. The non-recent break (old, but not ancient, likely to be post-depositional) between the parts is the result of bending while the upper break appears similar though there is no sign of distortion. Both faces of the blade are similar, a broad central convexity taking up most of the width and flanked by narrow ribs running parallel with the sharp edges. The ribs die out 82mm above the tip. Weight 386g. Extant length 420mm (both parts are 210mm long). Width and thickness at break 29.4 and 7.2mm. Maximum width, near mid-point of upper part, 31mm. Width and thickness at upper break 26 and 7.8mm. c.1000 - c.800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.1 mm
Thickness: 19.5 mm
Weight: 50.93 g
Description: Copper alloy (bronze) casting waste of uncertain date; most probably Mid - Late Bronze Age (1500-700 BC). However, due to the lack of context and the continuation of casting styles this artefact could be dated from Bronze Age - Roman period (c. 1500 BC - 450 AD). This fragment is from the neck (funnel / well) of a composite probably two part mould. The casting waste is conical; being oval in plan and D shaped in cross section. In profile the edges of the waste taper relatively evenly. The base of the casting waste is irregular with the remains of two runners / casting jets being present. These jets / runners are heavily abraded. The sides show no evidence of casting seams although they are also similarly abraded. The upper surface is pitted and rough, although heavily patinated: at the centre of the upper surface is a slight depression. This surface is commonly seen where the metal is poured into the neck of the mould and shrinks on cooling. The casting waste is a mid green colour with a slight mid grey coloured corrosion product present in several areas. Casting waste is very hard to date in isolation but the patina and form might suggest a Bronze Age - Roman date. The fact that this mould comes to an oval broken edge may suggest that it was for casting a palstave or possibly a tool; it is most likely to date from the Middle Bronze Age. A direct comparison has not been found. The survival of casting waste is relatively rare as it is usually recycled swiftly as a bi-product of casting.



Length: 29.1mm, Width: 28.7mm, Thickness: 19.5mm, Weight: 50.93gms
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to 42)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.2 mm
Thickness: 2.7 mm
Weight: 3.04 g
Description: Copper alloy awl of sub-rectangular cross-section with two pointed ends and a shallow median groove along almost the while length of one broad face. The surface is iron-stained. No good parallel has been noted, perhaps Late Bronze Age or Iron Age. Weight 3.04g. Length 43.2mm. Width 4.5mm. Thickness 2.7mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Odiham, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.6 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 35.6 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment from the central part of the blade of a rapier or sword of Middle to Late Bronze Age date c. 1500 – 750BC. The fragment is 37.6mm in length and 31.5mm in width, with lenticular cross section and a rounded rib, 8.2mm thick, at the centre to give strength to the blade. The edges of the blade have been lost to post depositional abrasion; the remaining surface has an even green patina.
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Weight: 11.37 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead with old breaks, part of a slightly thickened mouth with part of a very low longitudinal rib.  Weight 11.37g. Length 26mm. Width 19.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2200 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wanstrow, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.5 mm
Thickness: 3.87 mm
Weight: 20.35 g
Description: An incomplete, miniature, copper alloy flat axehead of possible Bronze Age to Roman date (c. 2200 BC - AD 410). 



The object has a tapering blade, flat sides and a rounded cutting edge. The entire surface is heavily pitted with corrosion. A broad date has been proposed as the appearance of the object most closely resembles Early Bronze Age flat axeheads of the Migdale type (e.g. HAMP-3781B6 and DEV-8D7466), but its small size is comparable to late Iron Age and Roman miniature votive deposits (e.g. SUSS-9DD02B). 



Length: 49.5mm, width: 25.81mm, thickness: 3.87mm, weight: 20.25g. 



Cf. YORYM-CE8933, LIN-65381C, and NMGW-61E56A.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Gold Copper alloy
Found: Crondall, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 6.63 mm
Weight: 13.54 g
Description: A gold plated Bronze Age penannular striped ring with silvery gold alloy wire circumferentially inlaid. The body is circular in cross-section and it is decorated with broad stripes. Gold plating covers the whole of the core and is seamless over the body of the ring. The circumferential pattern of stripes is spiral and it is wound in a clockwise direction. It appears to be produced by inlaying a continuous strip of silvery gold around the ?copper alloy core to give the appearance of alternating stripes of gold and silver.



Maximum diameter 20mm; internal diameter 6.5mm; thickness of hoop 7mm; gap between terminals 3mm at widest; weight 13.54 grams.
Notes: See TAR 2003 / Treasure Annual Report 2003 (pps. 17-18, no. 5); Murgia et al 2014 / European Bronze Age Gold in the British Museum (3.7.6.3).
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hoby with Rotherby, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 168 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight: 485 g
Description: A Bronze Age unlooped early/primary palstave, dating to c. 1500 - 1300 BC. The blade of the palstave is broadly sub-triangular in plan with relatively straight (but with slightly expanded) sides and a expanding convex cutting edge (fantailed). In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. Beneath the stop-ridge, on both sides of the palstave is a shield shaped depression. The rear part of the axe, from the stop ridge to the butt, is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile) with the widest part behind the stop ridge, it has a central rectangular shaped septum.



Length: 168 mm

Width: 73 mm

Thickness: 31 mm

Weight: 485 g



This form and style of palstave fits can be classified as an early palstave / primary group I - shield patterned and dates to the first phase of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA I) 1500-1300 BC specifically within the Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - both assemblages fit within Burgess Metal Working Stage VIII and IX.
Notes: 
Record created by images and information kindly provided by the finder

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clanfield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 180 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 57.1 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age (c 1400-1100 BC) dirk, 180mm in length. The edges of the blade taper from the butt end, are parallel along most of the blade length and then taper to a leaf-shaped point. The butt is trapezoidal with rivet holes to either side, both of which are broken, which would have secured the hilt. Both rivets are missing. The blade is lozengiform in cross section with a broad and very low central spine. The blade appears to have been intentionally bent at the mid point.
Notes: Dirks and rapiers of this type belong to Burgess and Gerloff's (1981) Group IV.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1500 to 1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 155 mm
Thickness: 66 mm
Description: A complete copper alloy unlooped palstave axehead of middle Bronze Age date (1500-1150 BC).



The blade of the palstave has convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge measures 46mm wide and has a thickness of 3mm and has a shallow edge bevel measuring 10mm in width. The cutting edge is blunt and abraded and is slightly asymmetrical. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the thickest section being at the stop ridge. The blade appears undecorated with either a mid-rib or shield pattern, however the surface is heavily corroded which may be obscuring any decorative details.



The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section. The stop ridge is the widest section and measures 20mm in width and 29mm thick. The septum is U-shaped septum and has straight-sided open flanges for hafting. An air bubble is present at the base of the stop ridge on one of the septum faces. The septum measures 40mm in length. Either side of the septum, the flanges are incomplete, thin and abraded. The butt of the object appears complete and measures 16mm in width and 3mm thick.



The palstave has a bright green patina and lightly corroded and pitted surface.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broadway, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 152 mm
Thickness: 32.5 mm
Weight: 441 g
Description: A complete Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy unlooped palstave, dating to 1500 - 1300 BC. The blade of the palstave is broadly sub-triangular in plan with relatively straight (but with slightly expanded) sides and a expanding convex cutting edge (fantailed). In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. Directly below the stop ridge on one side is a concave depression which is divided vertically in the centre by a raised rib. The rear part of the axe, from the stop ridge to the butt, is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile) with the widest part behind the stop ridge, it has a central rectangular shaped septum. The object has a dark green patina. 

Length: 152 mm

Width: 64 mm

Thickness: 32.5 mm

Weight: 441 g
Notes: 
Images and information kindly provided by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ash, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 169 mm
Thickness: 27.5 mm
Weight: 428 g
Description: A complete copper alloy unlooped and unfinished palstave axehead of middle Bronze Age date (c.1400-1100 BC), possibl of 'South Western type'. Rowlands 'Class 3 Group 2'.



Description:  The axhead has a solidly rectilinear butt which proceeds to flare outwards to the cutting edge. There is a distinct central mid-rib on the blade. Extended raised lines on both sides of the flaring flanges adjacent to the stop appear to be casting marks, which were not removed before deposition. The butt also has a swell on one side perhaps a casting fault which was not cleaned or prepared before use/deposition. The blade itself is triangular and incomplete. The axehead is heavily patinated and pitted due to corrossion. It has a mid - dark green colouraiton with some dark brown patches and speckles.



Discussion: This palstave appears to be an example of the South Western type, which is commonly found across the South West of England in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Multiple single examples have been recorded by the PAS, including DEV-01DDC5 (Shipley 2018), DEV-054D5E (Shipley 2020) and SOM-F224AB (Caswell 2019). Pearce (1983: 432-3) illustrates a number of comparable examples in her study of metalwork from the region. 



They are also comparable to those palstaves placed within Rowlands 'Class 3 Group 2' (see Rowlands 1976: pl 2 85 no.3, and p. 247). Rowlands Class 3 is characterised by a U-shaped septum profile, low triangular or slightly convex flanges, a straight sided triangular or crinoline blade and a triangular depression or ribbed motif beneath the stop-ridge (Rowlands 1976: 32-33). Group 1 and 2 within Class 3 are divided based on blade width, being 7-8cm and 5-6cm respectively. This group, having blades less than 6cm in width therefore fit in Group 2. This class is associated with Needham (1996)’s Period 5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hughenden, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 26.42 g
Description: An incomplete but relatively well preserved fragment of a Late Bronze Age (1500-1000 cal BC) blade and part of its hilt from a rapier or dirk.



The blade projects from the hilt with a width of c.19.3mm after which its sides narrow gradullay in a straight line to c.15.9mm mm from where it ends in a transverse break which is patinated. The blade is vesica (pointed oval) shape in cross section with a sligthly flattened midrib from which it narrows more sharply to an edge that now has many chips along it.



The surviving portion of the hilt is oval in plan but its unlikely to represent its original from. It is divided from the blade by two narrow contractions.



The object has a medium green patina.



The fragment of the object is 67mm long, 19.3mm wide, and is 4.0mm thick. It weighs 26.42 grams.



Without the entirety of the blade the type of weapon must be general. It can be classed as one of Burgess and Gerloff's (1981) Group IV: Notched butt weapons with reworked butts, e.g. Nos. 898-950 (Burgess and Gerloff 1981: Plate 110) although other type II and type IV rapiers show modification to become similar to this example. These probably date slightly later than the original weapons, so a date in the later Middle Bronze Age or earlier Late Bronze Age seem feasible. Similar examples exist on the database such as. SUR-DBFD61, NMGW-4811C9 and SUR-B7F695
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Kirkby, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.54 mm
Thickness: 3.81 mm
Weight: 4.97 g
Description: Miniature copper-alloy axehead of Early Bronze Age c. 2000 BC - 1700 BC.



The object is a miniature or model flat axehead or chisel. The sides are bowed. It is trapezoidal and wedge-shaped in cross-section with a flaring cutting edge and narrowed shaft. The sides descend from the butt almost vertically then expand in a smooth curve to produce a cutting edge. 



Length: 28.54 mm; Width: 14.08 mm; Thickness: 3.81 mm; Weight: 4.97g



Diminutive axes are often associated with Roman votive offerings. However, the axe recorded here is clearly of a Bronze Age form. Miniature flat axes such as this tend to fit in the chronology at the very end of the early Bronze Age when developed axes are becoming established. It is likely that this example is dated to the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II-III), of metalworking tradition phase IV-V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2050 - 1700 CAL. BC. Axes of this size and form are difficult to parallel, Schmidt & Burgess (1981) catalogue a number of small developed flat axes as Variant Swinton (p 67-8, nos. 375-380) but all examples are between 87mm and 92mm in length. Although this example is smaller it may have been used for a similar function. Other examples of diminutive axes can be seen in Needham (unpublished; figures 77, 82 and 91). Other examples can also be seen in Needham 1988, 'Selective deposition in the British Early Bronze Age', World Archaeology, volume 20, number 2, figure 4. These all illustrate the range in size and form of Bronze Age diminutive axes, enhancing the possibility that this object is in fact of Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winslade, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.5 mm
Thickness: 27.7 mm
Weight: 486 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment comprising a quarter of a late Bronze Age bun ingot. The fragment is plano-convex in section and in the form of a quarter circle, with old breaks on two perpendicular sides and the third being curved. The shape suggests an origin in a bowl furnace rather than a mould. Circa 1150 - 600 BC.
Notes: See KENT-14DDA6 for a complete example.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Downton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.7 mm
Weight: 25.1 g
Description: A corroded and incomplete fragment of a small cast copper alloy dagger or dirk, 49.7mm in length, most likely dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1100 BC). The fragment comprises the base of the blade and the butt end, with two incomplete rivet holes. The cross section appears to be flat and lenticular without a clearly defined mid rib and there is no evident decoration.
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Bassett, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 29.5 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 14.54 g
Description: A copper alloy spiral finger ring of Bronze Age to middle Iron Age date with internal diameter of around 21mm. The hoop has a slightly lenticular cross section, 4.2mm thick, with a smoothly rounded interior and a corroded exterior surface. There is no apparent decoration.
Notes: This form of ring is known from the Bronze Age to the early Roman period, with precise dating being difficult. Prehistoric examples are however generally thicker with more turns and a patina comparable to that of other metalwork of the period, as is clearly seen with this example. Similar finds have been recorded on the PAS database (e.g. HAMP-7556B3, NARC-BBBD74 and SF-761FF6), with other examples 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: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1550)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kilburn High and Low, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Thickness: 15.2 mm
Weight: 45.3 g
Description: A cast copper alloy side looped and socketed spearhead dating from the Early Bronze Age period, Arreton phase,  1700 BC - 1550 BC. Only the socket and the lower part of the blade survives. There are side loops on the socket, and the recess only extends just into the blade. There is a casting flaw leaving a hole in one face of the lower blade. Most of the blade has broken off and is missing, and the break is patinated. The midrib has a lozenge shaped cross-section. The mouth of the socket may be broken too - it ends unusually close to the loops and the side curve outwards. There is also a tear in one face of the socket. One face of the spearhead is pitted except on the base of the socket, with a straight line between the two finishes, raising the question of what caused this differential patination. The spearhead is 70.0mm in length, width 29.6mm (including socket loops) thickness is 15.2mm tapering to 12.7mm at the flattened broken end. 45.3g.



The spearhead appears to fit into Davis Group 2 "Early Socketed" because the socket does not extend far into the blade (Davis, 2017,  Later Prehistoric Finds Group Datasheet 5). He dates these spearheads to the Arreton phase, 1700 BC - 1550 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold Copper alloy
Found: Bradley, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 13.17 g
Description: A gold, or gold-plated copper alloy penannular ring of late Bronze Age date. The ring has a&nbsp;near-circular cross section, 7.5mm thick and is&nbsp;20.5mm in diameter with a 2.4mm gap between the ends. The surface is plated as is demonstrated in several places by damage (notably on one of the ends)&nbsp;which reveals a copper alloy core within.&nbsp;There is no sign of banding in differential shades of gold, this being a common form of decoration on similar rings.

Diameter 20.5mm; thickness 7.5mm; weight 13.17g.
Notes: These types of gold or gold-on-base-metal rings and penannular rings are characteristic finds of the Middle to Late Bronze Age (1300-800 BC). They have been termed &#39;hair-rings&#39; and &#39;ring-money&#39; (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O&#39;Connor et al 2008), but their function remains uncertain. It is perhaps most likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Angmering, Arun, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.5 mm
Weight: 20.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy spearhead probably dating from the late Bronze age period. c.1150-750 BC.



Description: The upper end of the spear head survives, with a further break just below the tip which is missing.The socket is wide and continues and narrows towards the break at the tip revealing the continuing circular socket. The side wings are both extensively damaged along their edges. The surfaces have a typical green patina with a brown corrosion.



Measurements: 50.50mm long, 23.45mm wide at broken edge and14.84mm wide at tip. The rib along the edge is 2.14 thick.  The object weighs 20.3 grams.



Other late Bronze age spearheads recorded on the PAS database include: WMID-CFDA5A;  LVPL-750191 and BERK-359D1B.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-950 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.1 mm
Thickness: 8.1 mm
Weight: 20.64 g
Description: A complete but bent cast copper alloy penannular bar bracelet, dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (950 BC-600 cal BC).



The bracelet is composed of a cylindrical bar (c.5.2mm diameter) that has been curved to become a sub-oval shape in plan. It may have originally been more circular in plan. The terminals of the bar are slightly expanded (c.8.1mm diameter) and are sub-circular in section.  The bracelet is mostly a light green patina although has darker green patches near its terminal.



The bracelet is 68.1mm long, 38.5mm wide, and 8.1mm thick at the terminals. it weighs 20.64 grams



Several bracelets with expanded terminals made of gold have been recorded on the database such as BUC-26FC86, NARC-10B4B1, HAMP-5E48D1 and IOW-65AD93 argued to be Bronze Age based on excavated examples in hoards. Similar copper alloy bracelets have been found in the Late Bronze Age hoards at Auchtertyre, Morayshire (O'Connor 1980: fig 55D), St Ishmael in Camarthenshire (NMGW-47D2BB), Northumberland (NCL-9F9F92), near Lancaster (LANCUM-A5AF1B), and Stourmouth, Kent (O'Connor 1980: fig 62A) each associated with Late Bronze Age artefacts often dating to the Ewart park phase (c.950-800 cal BC sensu Needham et al 1997). Occasional fragments have also been recorded on the database from Essex (PUBLIC-9EF82E) and Buckinghamshire (BUC-FFD1F1) although some copper alloy bracelets with expanded terminals have been described as Iron Age e.g. SUR-9ABB65 which is supported by a similar example described as Iron Age but found in an unknown context from France within the British Museum's collection (ML.1966).This artefact has been found in a region with several known Bronze and Iron Age finds such that it may date to either period.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Avebury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 130.3 mm
Thickness: 32.6 mm
Weight: 394.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy looped palstave of possible South Western type dating to the Taunton/Penard metalworking phase (c. 1400-1100 BC).



The palstave has an incomplete length of 130.3mm and a weight of 394.5g. A transverse break at the butt end of the flanges means that the butt is missing but can be assumed to have been relatively narrow- the width at the break is 23.1mm, tapering slightly from the maximum width at the flanges of 28.1mm (not including the side loop). The sides are slightly convex as far as the high point of the stop and are then straight and slightly faceted before flaring out to the expanded blade. The roughly ovoid/flame shaped flanges are relatively high, being 32.6mm at their point of maximum breadth, reaching this point above the stops. The flanges can be assumed to have been slightly higher originally, as the edges show damage. The septum is c. 5.2mm thick and somewhat concave, ending in rounded stops. The broken loop is very slight, being a maximum of only 5.3mm thick and 18.2mm long. It extends from just above to just below the stops. The blade projects seamlessly from the flanges, with the sides smoothly narrowing down from the above the stops before. The length from the stops to the middle of the blade edge is 85.7mm. The blade is decorated with a single broad, poorly defined midrib on each face which extends from the stops to the top of the blade facet. The expanded blade has an incomplete width of 57.8mm, with one of the blade tips, and some of the edge missing. The blade has a maximum thickness below the stop of 27mm and thins to 11.1mm at the blade facet. The maximum length of the blade facet is c. 14mm. Some possible sharpening striations running perpendicular to the blade edge are visible, although the corrosion and abrasion damage on this part of the palstave can make it difficult to be certain.  File marks, presumably from removing casting flashing, are visible on both sides of the blade.  A single casting flaw is visible on one face of the septum, consisting of a cavity that extends through the stop wall and into the body of the palstave.



The palstave is in relatively good condition, with the majority of the original metal surface remaining, which bears a dark green, brown and black patina. There is corrosion pitting and grazes over much of the surface, some of which expose the metallic core.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bentworth, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53 mm
Description: A small cast copper alloy chisel or other type of wood or leather working tool, 53mm in length and potentially of Bronze Age date (c 1100-800 BC). The object is rectangular, with a lenticular side profile. Both ends taper to a thin edge; one is notably more flared than the other, suggesting it functioned as the cutting edge, the other end being likely inserted into a handle. The object is slightly irregular in shape and possibly bent and damaged with losses to the blade edge from use. The surface is pitted and has a green patina consistent with prehistoric metalwork.
Notes: Small chisels and tools of similar type were used into the Medieval period, but comparable examples on the database such as SF-3041F9, SF-81B0CD and published examples such as Pendleton (1999, fig.67, no.291) suggest a prehistoric date.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Henfield, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.1 mm
Thickness: 11.8 mm
Weight: 37.33 g
Description: An incomplete, copper alloy chisel of middle Bronze Age date, c.1500-1300 BC.



The central section remains with a worn transverse break across the septum just beyond the stop and a fresher transverse break 30mm along the blade. The stop is slightly curved with very worn flanges. There is a very worn shield below the stop on one side and the flanges are cast as one with the stop. The blade narrows in width from 19.08mm at the stop to 14.74mm at the lower break. The thickness narrows from 12.22mm at the stop to 9.16mm at the lower break. The surface is very worn and pitted with green and brown patches. 



Measurements: length 35.10mm, width 19.08 mm, thickness 11.80mm, weight 37.33g.



Other examples on the database include;  SF-09D1D5; NMS-56CD12 and KENT-D5F626 which notes:  similar examples are noted by Rowlands (1976: pp. 44-45, form iii, pl. 34 no. 1132), who notes that flanged chisels with shield shaped mouldings have a typological relationship with flanged axes and palstaves and are particularly concentrated in East Anglia.  Peter Reavill, FLO for Shropshire and Herefordshire comments further that "this form of relative rare flanged (palstave-like) chisel are most probably aligned with the middle phase of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA II) c. 1500-1300 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.5 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 13.64 g
Description: A fragmentary cast copper alloy axehead, probably a palstave or flanged axehead  of Middle Bronze Age date (c.1500-1100 BC). The fragment comprises the butt of the axehead, is sub-trapezoidal in shape and H-shaped in section. The edges expand from the butt with increasing thickness towards the break, which measures 4.6mm thick in the centre and 12.1mm thick at the larger surviving edge. The butt edge is The surface is a dark grey-green patina and measures 23.5mm long, 21.8mm wide, 12.2 thick and weighs 13.64. 



Similar objects are recorded on the PAS database e.g. NMGW-FC4B96, SWYOR-E08613, SF-23CC2B, DEV-618BF7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worminghall, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.2 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 19.3 g
Description: A heavily worn fragment of a cast Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe head, dating to c.1300-700cal BC.



The fragment consists of the axe's blade 18.2mm above which is a worn and abraded transverse break. The blade is only slightly crescent shaped with one rounded corner, the other being lost to a chip which continues to the blade edge. The The blade is triangular in profile narrowing in thickness from the break to the blade. At the break the axe is rectangular in cross section. There are no traces of a socket at the break although this is so close that it is not possible to rule out that it comes from a socketed axe.



The fragment has thick brown green patina.



The axehead fragment is 18.2mm long from break to blade, 37.6mm wide, 7.5mm thick at its break and weighs 19.3 grams.



The fragment represents blade end of a rectangular bodied axe. This may have been a palstave axe, in which case being a narrow bladed later type, or a socketed axe. Both possibilities would date this object to the Later Bronze Age and probably Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holy Trinity, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.5 mm
Thickness: 14.3 mm
Weight: 2.79 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age  (1100 BC -800 BC), 43.5mm in length, comprising a corner of the socket. The profile of the socket appears subrectangular and is surrounded by a thick rim with a worn moulded collar. There is a small rounded projection from the socket rim which may be a casting flaw.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ribbon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Worldham, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 13.6 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm
Weight: 0.62 g
Description: A fragment of a strip of ribbon gold, dating to the Bronze Age c. 2200 - 800 BC. One side is covered with parallel grooves running along its length, the other is undecorated. The original width of the strip would have been 8.5mm and it is 0.5mm thick. The fragment has been folded diagonally across its width and is now triangular in shape; it is unclear whether this is intentional or simply the result of post-depositional damage. One end has been neatly cut across the width, the other is less regularly cut or torn. The cut suggests a process of re-use or recycling of the original ribbon ornament.
Notes: The style of this object with its parallel linear ridges is typical of gold strips and ribbons of known and probable Bronze Age date. Examples from excavated contexts which could lend weight to this dating include an excavated example from Oxford found with a Beaker period flint scraper and pottery (Palmer 1980). Comparable finds recently also reported under the Treasure Act include IOW-CE16C7(2020T431)  and LVPL-954858 (2020 T120).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure