dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewknor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 178.6 mm
Thickness: 30.9 mm
Weight: 543 g
Description: A cast copper alloy slender looped Middle Bronze Age palstave, probably dating from c. 1500- 1300 BC. The cutting edge has a pronounced crescentic form with the tips re-curving back onto the expanding form of the blade body. The body has a well-defined stop ridge just short of midway down its length and the flanges extend and taper, down to the blade section. There are clear casting lines down each side of the axe, there are no other design elements to be seen. There is a loop to one side at the juncture between blade and septum.



The diagnostic features of this palstave are its long thing blade, only slightly crescent stopridge, a wide but shallow midrib and an attatchment loop. These are all characteristics highlighted by Schmidt and Burgess (1981: pl 62) for the Shelf variant of transtional palstaves. similarly Rowlands (1976: plate 32) illustrates similar forms all categorised as narrow bladed palstaves. Both studies suggest a late Middle Bronze age date in the Penard to Wilburton/Wallington phase of the Bronze Agec.1250 -1000 cal BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewknor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 170 mm
Weight: 583 g
Description: A cast copper alloy slender looped Middle Bronze Age palstave, probably dating from c. 1500- 1300 BC. The cutting edge has a pronounced crescentic form with the tips re-curving back onto the expanding form of the blade body. The body has a well-defined stop ridge just short of midway down its length and the flanges extend and taper, down to the blade section. There are clear hammer marks across the body on both sides of the axe, there are no other design elements to be seen.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewknor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 179.9 mm
Weight: 570 g
Description: A cast copper alloy slender looped Middle Bronze Age palstave, probably dating from c. 1500- 1300 BC. The cutting edge has a pronounced crescentic form with the tips re-curving back onto the expanding form of the blade body with slight damage to the cutting edge. The body has a well-defined stop ridge just short of midway down its length and the flanges extend and taper, down to the blade section. There are clear casting marks down the body on both sides of the axe, there are no other design elements to be seen.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewknor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125.6 mm
Weight: 453 g
Description: A cast copper alloy slender Middle Bronze Age palstave, probably dating from c. 1500- 1300 BC. The cutting edge has a pronounced crescentic form with the tips re-curving back onto the expanding form of the blade body with slight damage to the cutting edge. The body has a well-defined stop ridge just short of midway down its length and the flanges extend and taper, down to the blade section. There are clear casting marks down the body on both sides of the axe, there are no other design elements to be seen.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Wire (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewknor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 3 g
Description: A small piece of copper alloy Bronze Age attachment wire to a Palstave axe.  Found with a hoard of 6 (2 unlooped, 4 looped) axes.  Looped around.



BERK-
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alfriston, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 176 mm
Thickness: 18.78 mm
Weight: 516 g
Description: A copper alloy, Bronze Age, palstave axe head, 1500-1000BC. The palstave comprises a broad, curved blade, fan shaped. It tapers back from the blade in an arc before levelling out to form the main body of the axe. There is a well defined mid rib running from the central transverse ridge to approx 30mm fro the blade, there are some other visible shorter ridges to either side, these are 20mm long. There are casting seams that run along the length of the top and the bottom of the object. The rear half of the object is defined by the socket of the axe, formed of two flanges upon the top and bottom with a deep recess. This is mirrored on both sides of the axe. The whole axe has a green patina



 Similar but not identical palstaves can be found in Savory 1980, pg169, no.151, 157
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.67 mm
Thickness: 6.15 mm
Weight: 3.56 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age axehead (c. 1500 - 750 BC). The fragment is sub-triangular in plan and profile. It is dark brown in colour with a smooth but scratched surface.



It measures 19.67mm in length, 11.33mm wide, 6.15mm thick and weighs 3.56grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.11 mm
Thickness: 4.82 mm
Weight: 4.04 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy awl of Bronze Age to Roman date (c. 1500 BC - AD 410). The awl has a square section which tapers to a rounded point; the opposing end is broken. It has a light green surface patina which has been heavily abraded. The awl has been bent slightly in the soil.



Other examples can be found on this database from West Oxfordshire (WAW-9874B9), Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (WMID-7999D4) and Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (BERK-AA4DC4). 



It measures 47.11mm in length, 4.82mm thick at the thickest point, 1.74mm at the pointed end and weighs 4.04grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Symondsbury, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 124.36 mm
Thickness: 26.3 mm
Description: A copper alloy looped palstave axehead. The cutting edge is crescentic with a slight flare at one edge. The butt us also slightly curved. The septum is rectangular with a deep stop ridge. The flanges are lozenge shaped,  The blade tapers back to the stop ridge where there are two cast decorative ridges on each face forming a V-shape. On one side is a corroded curved side loop. The surfaces are corroded and pitted, obscuring any casting lines.

Dimensions: 124.36 mm x 44.04 mm x 26.30 mm

Date: Middle Bronze Age c. 1500 - 1300



The axehead probably fits into Needham's group III and the Acton Park II or Taunton metal working phases, and probably dates to c. 1500-1300 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Runhall, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Weight: 10.48 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age socketed spearhead, pointed end, point missing, lower part of blade and socket missing, prominent convex median rib. Extant length 24mm. Extant width 20mm. Weighs 10.48g. 1150-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Yoxall, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.11 mm
Weight: 15.72 g
Description: Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 800BC) socketed spear (spearhead): The copper alloy spearhead consists of the upper portion of the spearhead. In section the spearhead is has a sub-circular, tapering cylinder with a broken upper and lower edges. The breaks are not recent. On the exterior there are the remains of incomplete side loops.



The surface of the spearhead has mottled dark green patina.



The spearhead measures 55.11mm in length, 15.40mm in width, and weighs 15.72g.



It is likely that the spearhead can be attributed to the Middle Bronze Age; specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150BC). However, many of the diagnostic characteristics (such as loops, peg holes and blade shape) have been lost and so a wider date range is suggested above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wicken, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.89 mm
Weight: 4.2 g
Description: 
An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy Awl, the surface is pitted but in fair condition

Notes: Bucks PAS Record Sheet No 117
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wicken, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.56 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 3.6 g
Description: 
An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy Awl

Notes: Bucks PAS Record Sheet No 122
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1600 to 1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eagle and Swinethorpe, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.9 mm
Thickness: 11.49 mm
Weight: 17.39 g
Description: A small cast socketed spearhead, dating probably from the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1600-1400 BC.



The object has a broken blade with an indented quadrilateral cross-section. There is a prominent longitudinal mid-rib on both sides and abraded cutting edges. The roughly circular socket of 7.31 m diameter is not preserved. Most of the original surface is corroded and lost but traces of a brown patina are preserved on both sides. The rest of the object has a green-grey patina.



The blade measures 46.90 mm in length and is 20.55 mm wide at its widest point. The thickness of the wings is 2.82 mm and of the rib is 11.49 mm and the object weighs 17.39 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1100 to 200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bullington, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 7 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy annular ring of unknown function, of probable Late Bronze Age to early Roman date (c. 1100 BC - AD 200). It is sub-circular in cross - section, with both faces of the ring being slightly flattened. Both internal and external edges are convex. It is unclear whether or not the object originally formed a complete ring but the terminii both show a slight degree of possible impact damage.



Width: 21 mm, Thickness: 6 mm, Weight: 7 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Runcton Holme, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.5 mm
Weight: 7.95 g
Description: Blunt point of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead in abraded condition, broken before socket. Extant length 20.5mm. Extant width 19.5mm. Weighs 7.95g. 1000-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tilton, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight: 285 g
Description: Middle Bronze age copper alloy unlooped Palstave, 116mm long, 26mm wide and 28mm thick (at the stop ridge) with a weight of 285grams. The palstave is in fair condition with some surface damage and corrosion and is complete. It is rectangular in cross section and form, flattening and flaring outwards to form a wide rounded blade, 51mm wide. When viewed from the side it has an elongated oval form. It has a prominent central stop ridge with a distinct 'shield' shaped depression, with a central ridge, in front of it on both surfaces. Behind this the butt has an H shaped cross section with high, tapering sides.



The object is similar to SUR-F78859, BERK-41E4C6 and LIN-7DAAC9 and fits Group 1 (shield-pattern) type from the Acton Park phase (circa 1450-1300 BC). Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981. The axes of Scotland and Northern England Munchen : C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung 117-125.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 123 g
Description: Early Bronze age copper alloy flat axe blade, 57mm long, 61mm wide (at blade) and 9 mm thick with a weight of 123grams. The object is rectangular in cross section and sub rectangular in form. It is in fair condition, having lost some surface and it is incomplete having snapped about half way down its orginal length? Here is it 26mm wide and 9mm thick. From here its sides flare slightly outwards and taper in thickness to form a slightly rounded blade 1mm thick. It is decorated on both faces with a series of linear depressions running towards the blade.



The axe is similar to a Migdale type eg 111, in Savory, H.N. 'The Catalogue of Bronze Age Collections, National Museum of Wales'.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Knapwell, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 12 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 1.73 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy bead, 12mm in diameter, 5mm thick and with a weight of 1.73grams.



The bead is circular in form and bi-conical in cross section. It has a central circular hole 3mm in diameter. The bead has a slightly irregular form, having an indented edge and narrowing in width to 3mm at one side. This may suggest a mis-casting?



The bead is extremely similar to SUSS-0C04D4 and similar to SUSS-3278C4 and BH-3A6E57.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clent, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.7 mm
Thickness: 12.4 mm
Weight: 182.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy flat axehead, of the Arreton developed flat axehead type, of Early to Middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1700 to c. 1500 BC).



The axehead is sub rectangular with a crescentic blade. The blade edge has been lost, along with part of the butt. The body of the axe gradually tapers down to a probable rectangular butt. A recess is present on both front and back, a proto socket. No flanges are present along the edges of the axehead. No sign of decoration is present on any face, although most of the original surface has been lost. The sides are lentoid.



It measures 86.7 mm in length, 50.3 mm blade width, 2.5 mm thick (blade edge), 33.5 mm wide (centre), 12.4 mm thick (centre), 20.7 mm wide (butt) and 3.2 mm thick (butt). It weighs 182.1 g.



The flat axehead is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion and surface pitting, has resulted in a loss of most of the original surface.



This flat axehead is consistent with that of an Arreton, a slightly later developed short flange flat axehead, consistent with Early Bronze Age metalworking phase III and Middle Bronze Age metalworking Phase I (c. 1700 to c. 1500 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wicken, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.43 mm
Height: 13.83 mm
Thickness: 4.73 mm
Weight: 77.6 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe head, dating to the period c. 1400 - 800BC. The blade of the axe is crescentic and the socket extends nearly to the tip.
Notes: Bucks PAS Record Sheet no 156
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch Canonicorum, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 75.61 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, probably dating to c. 1150-750 BC. The fragment is extremely abraded, leaving no surface detail and at one point wearing completely through the wall, leaving an irregular perforation. The socket mouth and cutting edge have both been lost to wear, leaving the axe with a narrow sub-rectangular in plan, with a rounded blade-end and the wall of the socket lost entirely on one face. In profile the axehead tapers towards the cutting edge. the socket is sub-rectangular in cross-section and survives to a depth of c. 54.7mm.



Dimensions: length 72.0mm; width 34.8mm; thickness 24.0mm; weight 75.61g.



The probable axehead (although it could potentially be from another form of socketed tool, such as a chisel) is too worn for its form to be paralleled, however a Late Bronze Age date is likely.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rural West, Hartlepool, Hartlepool (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.33 mm
Thickness: 3.31 mm
Weight: 71 g
Description: A cast, copper alloy knife blade, possibly of the Bronze Age c.1500-700 BC



A single-edged knife, in abraded condition, made from copper alloy. In plan, the cutting edge and back of the knife are broadly horizontal but rise and join at the tip. At the opposite end, the blade narrows and has been attached by a rivet to a sub-rectangular piece of copper-alloy, now with an old break. The blade has been folded on itself so that the handle attachment is now touching the blade. The blade measures 109.33mm in length, 42.63mm at its widest and 3.31mm thick; the handle attachment measures 23.43mm by 26.65mm and the blade weighs 71.0g The blade has a light green patina and shows signs of wear and old damage.



A similar object can be found on the database at NMS-94E9A4.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cawton, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.7 mm
Thickness: 12.23 mm
Weight: 23.71 g
Description: Fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed axe head (c. 1100 - 800 BC). Only the cutting edge remains; the fragment is hollow and has a triangular section. The top corner of the cutting edge appears to be flared. Corrosion of the copper-alloy has resulted in a patchy pale green patina and the edges of the axe head fragment are worn and chipped. Unfortunately not enough remains of the axe head to be able to identity it more precisely or attribute a closer date. The length of the fragment is 40.70mm, its width is 22.16mm and the maximum thickness of the fragment is 12.23mm. The weight of the socketed axe head fragment is 23.71g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brinklow, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150.8 mm
Thickness: 27.06 mm
Weight: 292.3 g
Description: An almost complete copper alloy (bronze) unlooped Palstave axehead (Group II) dating to Middle Bronze Age dating (1500-1150 BC).



The palstave has an oval shaped profile with the widest section being before the stop ridge closer to the butt end. At this widest section the palstave measures 27.06 mm in width.



The palstave has a rectangular septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The flanges have suffered some damaged at the edges. The butt of the object is incomplete and measures 26.38 mm in width and 6.12 mm thick. No side loop is present.



Beneath the stop-ridge descends a vertical rib that extends to the mid point on the upper blade. The blade of the palstave has expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical. The original surface is damaged. The cutting edge measures 59.11 mm in width and is 14.05 mm thick which includes the rib.



The palstave is a mid green to brown colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.



Early Midribbed Palstaves belongs to the Acton Park metalworking phase of the Middle Bronze Age, corresponding to the earlier part of Needham's (1996) Period 5, dated to 1500 - 1150BC. This example is similar to Group II - Early Midribbed Type Chepstow; similar to an example from Kilnoterie, Scotland (p127 cat no 794 plate 58, No. 789). 



There are other axeheads of the Early Palstave Group II - Early Mid-ribbed Type recorded on the PAs database and discovered in Warwickshire such as WAW-245FB6 and WMID-7493D3. 



Overall the palstave measures 150.8 mm in length, a maximum width of 59.11 mm at the cutting edge, and a maximum thickness near the stop ridge of 27.06 mm. It weighs 292.3 g.



Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981. The axes of Scotland and Northern England Munchen : C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elmdon, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.9 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 10.2 g
Description: Cast-copper alloy item of unknown function. On first inspection the artefact appears to be a blade tip, as it is sub-rectangular in shape and tapers in thickness to a point.



However, when looking at the item in section, there appear to be sub-spherical cavities inside the item which suggest it was mounted or attached to another object.





Based on the surface patina and the composition of the copper-alloy, a suggested date within the Bronze Age is given.





Dimensions







			
Length (mm)

			

			

			
Width (mm)

			

			

			
Thickness (mm)

			

			

			
Weight (g)

			

		



			
16.1

			

			

			
14.7

			

			

			
1.7

			

			

			
1.3
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Torc (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Old Buckenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 73 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Description: Incomplete copper alloy spiral-twisted torc dating to the Taunton and Penard 'Ornament Horizon' metalwork phases of the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1400-1150 BC. The present 73mm diameter annular shape is formed from circular-section bronze rod which has been twisted into a spiral. The ends slightly overlap and both have been broken in antiquity. On one of the broken ends the twist and cross-section begins to taper-off suggesting that the break is close to a missing hooked-end terminal. The other end is an abrupt break across full twist and cross-section. The evidence strongly suggests that this object is part of a larger penannular twisted torc, that has broken and been reformed into a bracelet-sized loop. It is a matter of conjecture as to whether this happened as a result of deliberate re-puposing, ceremonial practice or simple coincidence. Approximately 50% of the objects surface is covered with a dark green patina, the remainder comprises a lighter green mottled corrosion product formed from the breakdown of the patina. Examples of more complete twisted spiral torcs can be seen in the near Lewes hoard discovered in March 2011 (SUSS-C5D042).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barnwell, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 10.4 g
Description: A fragment from a Bronze Age socketed axe. The fragment consists of the side loop and one edge of the socket rim only. The loop is infilled with dark reddish material, probably iron corrosion. There is no visible moulding. The fragment has a smooth dark brown patina.



Dimensions: 28mm in length, 15mm in length (of loop), 15mm in width, 4mm thick (at mouth),  10.4g



The fragment was broken during antiquity.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.2 mm
Thickness: 2.11 mm
Weight: 2.5 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: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.95 mm
Thickness: 11.48 mm
Weight: 50.48 g
Description: 
A possible blade from a very worn Bronze Age socketed axe which is wedge-shaped in section and has a rounded 'blade'. There is no trace of the socket and the patina and condition are correct for a Bronze Age date.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1000 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hardwick, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.88 mm
Thickness: 20.86 mm
Weight: 18.15 g
Description: A copper-alloy casting well and jet dating to a period between 1000 BC to +AD 1500.  The jet has a narrow oval section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL ( to 1485)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mattingley, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 9.67 mm
Weight: 27.66 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age to Medieval copper-alloy U-shaped, circular-section bar both ends of which are broken. The object is possibly a Bronze Age bracelet fragment, c65mm in length.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.4 mm
Thickness: 11.1 mm
Weight: 78 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy bracelet/arm ring possibly dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). Only half of the bracelet survives with both ends terminating in an old break. It is plain and circular in cross-section. The bracelet narrows to a slightly thinner end. One end is 10.9mm in diameter and the other end is 8.5mm in diameter. The bracelet has green and almost black patina with some brown patches. There are scratch marks which could possibly be due to over cleaning.



The bracelet is 77.4mm long, 11.1mm maximum thickness, and weighs 78g.



Similar bracelets can be seen in Rowlands 1976, BAR 31 (ii), plates 11 & 13.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sickle (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.84 mm
Thickness: 2.64 mm
Weight: 11.53 g
Description: 
A Late Bronze Age copper-alloy blade fragment. The narrow end of the blade shows a number of transverse grooves next to the break, possibly evidence for scrapping.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woodcote, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.73 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 11 g
Description: 
A corroded fragment of a copper-alloy blade, possibly from a razor or knife of middle to late Bronze Age date. The blade has parallel sides and a lenticular cross section with rounded midrib. There is a break through a single circular rivet hole in the centre of one end.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishops Sutton, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 62.3 mm
Weight: 61 g
Description: 
A possibly Bronze Age penannular object with one probable original terminal.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shackleford, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.93 mm
Thickness: 4.37 mm
Weight: 16.42 g
Description: A copper alloy tanged chisel, dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.900-700 BC). The blade is flared with a worn cutting edge. There is a collar comprising two projections and a rounded groove on one side of the tang.
Notes: Tanged and collared chisels typically date from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age but most typically from the Ewart Park metalwork phase (c.900-700 BC). They have a broad distribution across northern France, Britain and Ireland.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Peckham and Golden Green, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.1 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 14.77 g
Description: 
The extreme tip of the socket of a possibly Late Bronze Age copper-alloy spearhead with a sharply widening blade, flattened arms and sharp internal corners.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Gold 
Found: Twyford and Thorpe, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 6.54 mm
Diameter: 13 mm
Thickness: 1.15 mm
Weight: 2.14 g
Description: Bronze Age gold penannular ring formed from four D-sectioned strips of gold probably soldered together with straight, blunt terminals. Each of the D-sectioned strips has slightly raised edges internally.



Approx. measurementsw are: Width of band 11.36-13.16 mm. Height 6.54mm. Thickness 1.15mm. Weight 2.14g.



Composite penannular rings formed from C-sectioned, D-sectioned or sub-circular strips or bars, are a well known Middle Bronze Age artefact type as single finds or forming part of sets of linked rings. See for example NMS-ACBFA4.



​Other similar items: NMS-A1B392, SF-A6DEC7, PAS-DA09A3, SUSS-63B7A6, LIN-9F2713, LIN-D7E6D1, BERK-A5FFE5, ESS-CB3683 and a set of multiple linked rings from Norfolk (HER43133).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Gold Copper alloy
Found: Stoughton, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 14.67 mm
Thickness: 3.89 mm
Weight: 3.96 g
Description: A complete, copper cored, gold, Bronze Age, penannular ring, 1800-1000BC. The ring is is penannular with a small gap between the terminals, which are flat. The ring is circular in cross section. There is substantial copper alloy corrosion on the interior surface of the ring, suggesting that the ring has a copper alloy core, similar to other examples (SUSS-5EF5C1).



These rings are often erroneously referred to as 'ring money' though there is no evidence to suggest that they were used as currency. They are predominantly believed to have been used for personal adornment, such as earrings or nose rings, they have even been suggested as hair ornaments. A complete example can be found in HAMP-0F9AF6 and there are numerous others recorded on the database, some found as part of hoards.



Work on these rings can be found in (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008), See NMGW-04216C for full references.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton-upon-Severn, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.64 mm
Weight: 18.17 g
Description: Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 800BC) socketed spearhead. The copper alloy spearhead consists of the central portion of the socketed spearhead. In section the spearhead is has a sub-circular, tapering cylinder with a broken upper and lower edges. The upper edge break has the patina covering the break. The break of the lower edge is more recent. On the exterior there are the remains of incomplete side loops, one on each side edge.



The surface of the spearhead has an incomplete well-developed mid brown patina.



The spearhead measures 60.64mm in length, 15.28mm in width, and weighs 18.17g.



It is likely that the spearhead can be attributed to the Middle Bronze Age; specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150BC). However, many of the diagnostic characteristics (such as loops, peg holes and blade shape) have been lost and so a wider date range is suggested above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Catton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.3 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 63 g
Description: A complete though very worn copper-alloy 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 axehead is extremely worn and undecorated. No signs of ridges or flanges are present indicating that this is an early flat axe.



The metal has a heavily corroded dark green patina. The axehead is 66.3mm long, 28.6mm tapering to 19.8mm wide, 8.2mm thick and weighs 63g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stainfield, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 11.53 g
Description: A conical copper alloy casting sprue of possible late Bronze Age date. It is 26mm long, 18mm wide, 11mm thick and weighs 11.53g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton Deane, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 99.6 mm
Thickness: 33.7 mm
Weight: 174.25 g
Description: Cast bronze socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date (1000 - 800 BC). The axe is sub-rectangular in plan with a flared convex cutting edge and the socket is sub-rectangular in cross section. The axe measures 99.6mm length, 45.8mm in width at the blade, 35.8mm at the socket, it is 33.7mm thick and weighs 174.25 grams. The depth of the socket is 65.3mm.



The socket of the axe is sub-rectangular with patinated breaks around three sides which have removed the original end of the socket. The remaining complete section has a single swollen moulded collar up to 8.6mm wide. Only the inner stub of the loop survives the middle is missing to an old break and the other end has been lost with the mouth suggesting it was on or adjacent to the collar.



The two long sides of the axe are plain and expand slightly along the length of the socket and terminate with an expanded blade. The casting flashes on the sides of the axe have been hammered. The expanded blade has a curved convex (crescent shaped) cutting edge which is complete but has a corroded surface so it is not clear if it was prepared for use or suffered use damage.



The socketed axe head is a mid matt greenish brown colour with an even, well formed patina which covers most surfaces. There are several areas where this patina has been lost - probably through abrasion.



In general socketed axes are rarer in Somerset than palstaves. The axe appears similar to Savory (1980) no. 200 and 281-9. from Llanberis and Llantwich Major. It is probably of Type A1 and dates to the Ewart Park phase, 1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Hale, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 19.33 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age razor, Piggott's (1946) Type I, although no close parallel . Flattened lozengiform section, a broken loop in the same plane as the blade springs from the broad rounded end, the body then tapers to a point and has a longitudinal median arris on both faces. There is a slightly obique transverse bend near the broad end. Extant length (unbent) 65mm. Width at break 28mm. Maximum surviving thickness 5mm. Weighs 19.33g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Slapton, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.49 mm
Thickness: 14.64 mm
Weight: 40.13 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy axehead Bronze Age 2500-700BC. The object has a green patina with red iron corrosion. The cutting edge measures 22.74mm. There are grooves worn into the cutting edge. The axehead appears to have been socketed but the upper section, which would have met the handle, is missing. It weighs 40.13g. It is 36.49 mm long and tapers from 14.64mm thick at the socketed end to a thickness of 1.58 mm at the cutting edge. The width at the socketed end is 17mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 144.9 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 33.5 g
Description: A copper alloy rapier dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1400 - 1100 BC). The rapier is of the notched-butt type having a butt that is trapezoid in form with shoulders that curve inwards to the narrow blade. Two rivet holes through the butt show how the blade was secured into a wooden or bone handle; one of the notches still retains its copper alloy rivet which is cylindrical with an   expanded domed head at either terminal. The blade is mostly straight and only tapers towards the point. A prominant midrib can be seen down the length of the blade, which has been bent in antiquity. This rapier fits within Burgess and Gerloff's Group IV Type, see WILT-AD8D05 for a similar example and further discussion. A very similar rapier was discovered a few miles to the north of this example and is recorded on this database as GLO-036A39.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wistow, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62 mm
Height: 17 mm
Diameter: 18 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 35.55 g
Description: Cast copper alloy socketed side-looped spearhead with a plain short kite-shaped blade with a lozenge cross section and slightly channelled blade faces (Matt Knight pers comm). The blade is 33 mm long and expands to a width of 20.5 mm, with a bevelled edge that is 3 mm wide at the widest point of the blade. Below the blade on each side of the socket there is a side loop for binding the spearhead to the spear shaft. The side loops are lozenge-shaped in profile and are 16 mm long, 8 mm wide and 2 mm thick. The socket is circular in section and has an internal diameter of 14 mm and an external diameter of 18 mm with the collar being 2 mm thick.



The spearhead is classified as a Type 4b plain kite-blade, short (Matt Knight pers comm) following Davis, R. 2012, pp.56-59, and dates from the Acton Park phase, c.1500-1400 BC, of the Middle Bronze Age.



Davis, R. 2012. The Early And Middle Bronze Age Spearheads of Britain. Prähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung V, Band 5. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar side-looped spearhead with a short blade from Cheselbourne in Dorset on page 100, pl.27, no.222 (see DOR-30E216).
Subsequent action: In a private collection, recorded for academic use
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ely, East Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 28.9 g
Description: Cast copper alloy tanged bifid razor with six vertical grooves on one face and five grooves on the other which are unevenly spaced and extend below a circular perforation to the tang. The circular perforation is 3 mm in diameter and 4 mm in from the V-shaped notch above which is 19 mm long and 9 mm wide at the opening. The base of the blades on either side of the tang are slightly concave leading to heel-shaped corners which then curve outwards around the perforation and inwards again towards the notch. The blades are almost semi-circular in plan and are 60 mm long and together they are 54 mm wide towards the base. The tang is 35 mm long and 8 mm wide at the base of the blade and 2.7 mm thick and tapers to 5 mm wide and 2 mm thick at the tip.



This decorated bifid razor is classified as a Type Feltwell (Jockenhövel 1980) and dates from the Late Bronze Age from the Wilburton to the Ewart park phase, c.900-700 BC (Matt Knight pers comm).



Type Feltwell razors are common in Scotland and England, less so in Wales and Ireland. Rare examples can also be found on the Continent (Jockenhövel 1980; Plate 50, Map A).



Ref: Jockenhoevel, A. Die Rasiermesser in Westeuropa (Westdeutschland, Niederlande, Belgien, Luxemburg, Frankreich, Großbritannien und Irland). Prähistorische Bronzefunde VIII,3 (Verlag C.H. Beck, München [1980]) IX, 239 S., 104 Tafeln.



There is a similar Type Feltwell bifid razor (1998,0901.279) from the Salisbury Hoard at the British Museum which dates from Llyn Fawr phase of the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, c.800-600 BC.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar tanged bifid razor with vertical grooves from Camerton in Somerset on page 85, pl.12, no.366c.
Subsequent action: In a private collection, recorded for academic use
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitfield, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.43 mm
Thickness: 13.18 mm
Weight: 127.8 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 or possibly of a Central European type known as a 'Randleistenbeil' dating to a similar period of time (Huegelgraeber-Bronzezeit Reinecke A/B)



Description: The axehead survives as the blade end and about a third of its original length. It has flanged parallel sides whcih runs along the back of the blades to the tip. The blade itself is a wide crescent shape with upturned corners. There is a very shallow stop ridge, now difficult to discern. Although not complete the flanges appear to narrow towards the body/butt end of the axehead. The axehead's surface is heavily patinated and pitted with some abrasion along the edges and the break is heavily abraded and likely having occured in antiquity.



Measurements: 53.43mm long, 53.05mm wide, 13.18mm thick and 127.8g in weight



Discussion: The superficially seems to fit with the Arreton type of long-flanged developed flat axes (cf Burgess and Schmidt: Axes of Northern Britain pp 65 - 75 specifically 415, 422 and 425). 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.



The very rounded blade shape and the flanges' meeting with the blade does however more closely resemble flanged axes / Randleistenbeile in use on the Continent during Bronzezeit A/B (Dot Boughton, pers. comms.)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder