dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lyminge, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.38 mm
Thickness: 5.19 mm
Weight: 4.95 g
Description: A complete copper alloy awl / leather working tool of uncertain date, possibly Bronze Age but conceivably Roman or medieval.



Description: The awl is heavily patinated and has taken a lot of damage around the nib leaving it distorted and with several deep cuts across its surface. The awl has a circular cross section. With a long sharp tapering point. The opposite end to the point is significantly wider and and rounded. Some awls may have been hafted in to a wooden or bone handle however it is uncertain in this case which category it falls into.



Measurements:56.38mm long, 4mm, 5.19mm and 4.95g in weight.



Description: From the PAS website: (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/awl) Awls are difficult to date but most copper-alloy examples are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections and are generally undecorated. They would have been used to make holes in leather or wood and many were probably were inserted into a handle made from organic materials. Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). 'Awl' is often used to refer to any number of small, pointed instruments. Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117). They were presumably used for perforating leather, but it was once suggested that they were used for tattooing human skin.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barham, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.46 mm
Height: 27.42 mm
Weight: 56.55 g
Description: A piece of copper alloy casting waste likely a 'casting jet' from a two piece mould. Uncertain date possibly Bronze Age.



Description: The object is circular in plan and sub-conical. Four circular-sectioned runners project from the body of the object at irregular points on the body. The upper surface is dished with a rough surface. The object has a mid-green patina.



Dimensions: 27.42mm in length, 31.46mm long, 26.24mm wide, 56.55g



Discussion: Casting jets are waste products which form at the top of a two-piece clay mould when the molten metal has filled the object-shaped void below. As they represent re-usable metal, they were often retained and regularly turn up in base metal hoards of the Bronze Age. C.f PAS record BH-8DDE6E. A similar casting jet albeit probably form a South-Wales type axe is recorded at LVPL-0C459C. A late Bronze Age date is therefore tentatively suggested.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leafield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 9.68 g
Description: 
A fragment of a copper alloy Bronze Age axe blade, type uncertain.

Notes: Oxfordshire & West Berkshire PAS Record Sheet No. P254
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Norton, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.18 mm
Thickness: 7.61 mm
Weight: 32.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Palstave of middle to late Bronze Age date (1500-1150 BC). The item consists of the butt end, of the socketed aspect of the object, designed to fit a wooden handle. The flanges are retained on both sides, tapering into the butt. At the break is transverse, old and abraded.





The metal is dark green in colour with areas of light green corrosion and pitting. The core of the object, as visible due to the break, is light green and shows signs of active copper corrosion.





Length: 28.18mm, Width: 26.97mm, Thickness: 7.61mm, Thickness (with flanges): 12.07mm, Weight: 32.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Claverley, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 196 mm
Thickness: 14.5 mm
Weight: 125.1 g
Description: An almost complete cast copper alloy, socketed spearhead of Davis Group 13, dating from the Late Bronze Age. The spearhead can be described as a pegged leaf-shaped socketed spearhead with lanceolet blade and circular sectioned mid-rib. It dates from c. BC 1000 - BC 800.



The spearhead has an elongated leaf-shaped blade, the edges of which are bevelled and still sharp. The very tip of the blade is damaged. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering (tip to base) lozenge shaped midrib. The midrib expands towards the base to form the socket, the socket has an internal diameter of 20.6 mm and the wall is 2.1 mm thick. Mid-way down the socket there are opposing circular peg holes, (measuring 5.4 mm in diameter). The blade is broadly leaf or flame shaped in plan, and in section the wings are triangular. The cutting edge is present and is bevelled. There doesn't appear to be evidence of use or sharpening on the surface. The wings taper in at the base towards the peg holes. There is a modern break situated about half way up the blade, and a piece missing from here on the reverse of the object. There is a triangular groove above the peg holes on the front face of the socket.



The tip part measures 86.3 mm in length and is 29.7 mm wide at base and 4.7 mm wide at tip. It has a thickness of 9.2 mm and weighs 41.0 g.



The socket part measures 117.5 mm in length and is 31.1 mm wide at top and 26.3 mm wide at base. It has a thickness of 14.5 mm and weighs 84.0 g.



The total length of the object is 196 mm. The maximum width is 31.3 mm and the maximum thickness is 14.5 mm. The total weight of the spear is 125.1 g.



The object is a mid green in colour with an uneven, but mostly shiny green patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail and some damage to the object. This object probably corresponds with examples from metal working phase I or II of the Late Bronze Age. Similar objects have also been recorded on the database including DENO-F70BF6, BUC-8CCAA3 and SF-161BF3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -750)
Material: Gold 
Found: Downton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 16.02 mm
Thickness: 4.59 mm
Weight: 4.72 g
Description: 2018 T111; Undergoing Valuation



Description: A Late Bronze Age gold penannular ring, dating to the period 1150-750 BC. It measures 16.02mm in diameter at its widest point and 14.67mm at its most narrow, making it slightly oval. It is 4.59mm thick and weighs 4.72g. It narrows towards the terminals to 3.95mm. The gap between the terminals measures 1.9mm.



Discussion and Date: The Penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Egan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C; references therein). Similar examples to this object are found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database including: DUR-EC189D, HAMP-F7B741, YORYM-0DD2F7.



Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.



Fiona Johnstone

Finds Liaison Assistant, Wiltshire
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1600 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chalgrove, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 36.53 g
Description: A copper-alloy sword or dagger fragment dating to the middle to late Bronze Age (1600-800 BC). The fragment comprises a cast segment from a markedly tapering blade of lentoidal section. The fragment measures 48mm in length, 31mm in width and 6mm in thickness. It weighs 36.53g. See NLM-56F0CD for a parallel.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kings Somborne, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.6 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 3.98 g
Description: The tip of a cast copper alloy blade, probably a rapier of Middle Bronze Age date (1600-1000 BC). The surviving fragment is sub-triangular in shape with the edges near the tip being concave. It has a broad central rib 6.2mm wide at the old, worn break narrowing to 2.0mm wide at the tip, which is rounded. The cross-section is pointed oval or lenticular, with a slight flattening to either side of the midrib on both faces. The metal is a mid-green in colour with a smooth and shiny patina.

The fragment is 31.6mm long and 12.4mm wide. It narrows from 3.2mm thick at the central rib to c.0.7mm thick at the edge and weighs 3.98g. The central rib is 2.9mm thick at the tip.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1300 to 1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gilston, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy dagger dating to the later Middle or earlier Late Bronze Age, probably 13th-12th century BC. The fragment comprises a small portion of the blade and the tang. The blade is missing its tip but is lentoidal in section. The edges of the blade are either missing or heavily corroded. The tang extends from the blade and is approximately trapezoidal in plan. The remains of a hemispherical section rib are visible on both the upper and lower surfaces of the tang. The fragment measures 49mm in length, a maximum of 25mm in width and a maximum of 7mm in thickness.



Two small fragments of copper-alloy waste/slag were found at the same findspot. They measure:



a) 22mm in length, 16mm in width, 8mm in thickness and weighing 7.4g.



b) 23mm in length, 21mm in width, 8mm in thickness and weighing 7.86g.



The dagger is similar to BH-2DF409 and LANCUM-EDDE97 which both date from 1300 to 1150BC. This fragment with its pronounced midrib resembles both daggers and might therefore belong to the Penard phase, too, dating to the earliest phase of the Late Bronze Age 1300-1150 BC. It would be a smaller bladed/pointy weapin, i.e. a Ballintober type dagger - the term 'Ballintober type' normally referring to swords. Most British Ballintober swords come from the Thames Valley and a small number was found in South West England and South Wales.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hadlow, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 0.836 mm
Thickness: 0.096 mm
Weight: 3.31 g
Description: A heavily worn and corroded middle Bronze Age flat axehead fragment. Dating to EBA III c. 1800-1600 BC.



Description: This approximately thumbnail size flake from a flat axehead is heavily worn and corroded. There is a slight raised ridge down the middle of the fragment. It's colour is almost black on one side and a mottled green finish on the other.



Measurements: Length: 0.836mm Width: 0.613mm Thickness: 0.096mm Weight: 3.31g



Discussion: The poor condition of this object makes determining its exact nature difficult but a number of Bronze Age Specialist agree that it is likely a fragment of EBA III axehead likely.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Paythorne, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 77.73 g
Description: Early Bronze Age copper alloy developed flat axe, possibly Aylesford or Bandon type (Schmidt and Burgess, 1981, 65-7) probably dating to between c2300 to c1700 BC. The axe has a broad head, tapering to a narrow butt. There is no evidence of flanges or ridges along the sides of either face but it is heavily corroded. This implement is sub-rectangular in plan with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt, in plan, is complete with a rounded terminal. In cross section the body of the axe has lentoid profile. The axe appears to be undecorated. The length is 77mm, width 37mm, thickness 10mm, and the weight 25.54g.

The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Early Bronze Age (EBA III) of metalworking stage IV-V (more likely V) specifically within the developed flat axe tradition which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL.BC. This axe is very similar to a number of examples specifically from the type: Brandon. These are described by Burgess and Schmidt in Catalogue of the Axes in Northern Britain as: being "notably smaller than other advanced flat axes, usually under 130mm length. They have straight parallel or near parallel sides which curve out suddenly just above the blade to a widely expanded crescentic cutting edge.

Reference:

Needham, S. (1996) Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologia, vol 67, pp121-140

Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. p.46-47.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crich, Amber Valley, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.7 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 22.9 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed axehead dating to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - c. 800 BC). Only the tip of the axehead survives. The blade edge is mostly intact and has a convex curve. The fragment has a broadly rectangular cross-section at the break. The break reveals the very tip of the inside of the rectangular socket. The fragment is corroded and pitted, with an olive-brown patina and patches of green corrosion product. Overall, the object measures 20.7mm from the break to the cutting edge, 35.1 mm wide (length of cutting edge), and 9.7 mm thick. It weighs 22.9g. The internal measurements of the socket are 24.7 mm by 2.4 mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swinderby, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 15.14 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy spearhead fragment of Davis Group 13. The fragment is sub rectangular in form, with a central circular cross sectioned, tapering shaft, flanked by incomplete blade projections. At one end there is a circular hollow forming the base of the shaft and the other (upper) edge there is a circular cross sectioned, solid centre with triangular cross sectioned projections. The fragment forms the lower part of the blade, where it joins its shaft and is in a very poor condition. Length: 42 mm, width: 20 mm, thickness: 11 mm, weight: 15.14 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stokenchurch, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78 mm
Diameter: 6 mm
Weight: 7.06 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl or punch of Late Bronze Age date. The awl possesses an oval-section body which tapers and terminates at each end in a point. The awl measures 78 mm in length and a maximum of 6 mm in diameter. It weighs 7.06g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fiskerton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 23.82 g
Description: An incomplete socketed copper alloy spear head dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1250 BC. It probably can be assigned to Davis's Group 6 'Developed side looped' type (Davis 2017). It has a narrow blade measuring 45 mm in length. The tip is missing and the break is very worn and patinated suggesting it broke in antiquity. Only circa 12-15 mm of the tip appears to be missing. The blade wings are highly abraded and irregular, though much of this appears to have occurred post-deposition since the breaks are a different patina to the rest of the object. A maximum width of 7mm remains of the the blade wings. There is a hollow cylindrical socket at the blade base. The base of the socket is incomplete, and no side loops are visible.



The total length of the spearhead is 66 mm and the maximum width (from blade wing to wing) is 21 mm. The maximum thickness is 14 mm. The diameter of the socket at the base is 14 mm. The spearhead weighs 23.82g.



Davis (2017) notes that "Spearheads from the earlier MBA were those with sockets extending into the blade, and with loops on the side of the socket. They date to the Acton Park and Taunton phases, 1550-1250 BC."



Davis R (2017) Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5; A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lynford, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.5 mm
Thickness: 14.5 mm
Weight: 9.69 g
Description: Fragment of a probable Middle Bronze Age copper alloy unidentified (probably composite) object, half extant, 'moustache-shaped' with a central hollow. There are two opposed rivet-holes in the sides adjacent to the flat mouth of the internal hollow. The object is unbroken and must have comprised one of two separate parts of a composite moustache-shaped fitting, unlike most examples, which are complete or to be part of broken objects cast in one. Deep multiple longitudinal grooves on the upper part of the moustache the end plain where it tapers to a point. Height / length 25.5mm. Width 14.5mm. Thickness 14.5mm. Weight 9.69g. The date of this enigmatic object is uncertain. Examples occurred in the Salisbury Hoard, which contained Bronze Age material but was buried in the Iron Age (Stead 1998). An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (see entry for HAMP-C04CC3). Other Norfolk examples have been found in Attleborough (NMS-54B54B, HER 33179), Gayton (HER 16121), Barton Bendish (HER 17600), Methwold (HER 5235), Runcton Holme (HER 33872), Shernborne (HER 24431), Shouldham Thorpe (HER 39265), Snettisham (HER 24432), Swaffham (HER 29208), see Rogerson and Ashley (2009), 556-7, figs.1-3.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Haddenham, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 165 mm
Weight: 434 g
Description: A complete copper alloy unlooped palstave axehead, dating to the middle Bronze Age, 1500-1400 BC.



The palstave is rectangular in shape with a central stop ridge which is worn on both sides. In cross section from the top the axehead is H shaped. After the stop ridge the axehead flares out to form a wide curved blade which measures 72.9mm in width. In profile the blade is triangular and narrows to a sharp edge. There are a couple of small breaks and notches in the blade edge. In cross section from the side the axehead is composed of two ovals. On both sides there is a irregular casting seem running the length of the axehead. The axehead is similar to the shield-patterned pastaves from Acton, however there is no 'shield shaped' impression below the stop ridge.



The axhead is dark brown with orange and green patches. There are circular holes, both large and small, on both sides from casting. The axehead measures 165mm in length, 26.2mm in width across the body, and weighs 434g.



C.f. Rohl and Needham 2015, page 128, figure 29.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Quainton, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.2 mm
Weight: 70 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave axe head dating from the Mid Bronze Age, c.1250-1000 BC. The axe is rectangular is shape in the body, widening slightly towards the cutting edge, which is sub-circular and curved. A hammered and trimmed casting seam is visible along both sides.One side flares out slight more to the other. In cross section the cutting edge is triangular in shape. There is a worn break across the body of the palstave which is rectangular in cross section. The axe head has a dark red brown patina. Part of the upper surface has chipped away along the blade edge and along part of the worn break, revealing a light green patina underneath. There are also circular air holes across the surface from casting. The finder has put a thick layer of varnish coating across the surface of the axe head.



The palstave measures 28.2mm in length, 57.5mm in width, and weighs 70g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 15.8 g
Description: Fragment of a copper alloy spear head dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1250 BC. It probably can be assigned to Davis's Group 6 'Developed side looped' type (Davis 2017). It has a narrow blade measuring 44mm in length and 18mm in width. The tip is missing and the break is very worn and patinated suggesting it broke in antiquity; the base of the fragment also shares the same patina. Most of the spear head is missing.



Davis R (2017) Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5; A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads



Class: Davis Group 6
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1750 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nether Wallop, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.2 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 7.91 g
Description: A complete copper alloy miniature flanged axe, dating to the late Early/ early Middle Bronze Age (c.1750 - 1550 BC).

The axe has expanding, straight sides, curving into the cutting edge. At this point there is a slight imitative stop ridge on both faces. The flanges are low (c.1mm high), extending from below the butt end and tapering out as the sides curve into the cutting edge. The butt end is narrow and thin (6.3x0.9mm) with a slight convex curve and possibly a small area of damage at one corner. The cutting edge has a more pronounced curve, is 14.8mm wide and 0.8mm thick at the very edge. In profile, the object is lenticular or an elongated pointed oval. The max. thickness is at the centre of the object, where it is 3.8mm thick. The sides expand to 10.7mm before curving into the cutting edge. There are vertical scratch marks along the body of the axe on both faces.

The object measures 49.2mm in length, 14.8mm in max.width, 3.8mm in max.thickness and weighs 7.91g.



This object is clearly modelled on the low-flanged axe, characteristic of the Arreton Park metalwork assemblage. Arreton types date to metalworking stage VI, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 4 circa 1750-1550 BC. It is uncertain whether this is a miniature axe intended for use (it seems rather small for axe-purpose) or perhaps had use as a votive object; it is larger though in its miniature form similar to miniature socketed axes (for eg.HAMP-657353) thought to have an amulet or votive function and believed to date between the Bronze Age to the Roman period (Robinson, P; 1995).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gwinear-Gwithian, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 32.17 g
Description: Cast copper alloy awl, sub-triangular in plan, rectangular in profile and ovate in section. The awl tapers in plan from the rounded spatulated end which is 14.6 mm wide, and sub-rectangular in section, to the pointed end which is 3 mm wide and circular in section. The awl is heavily patinated and has taken a lot of damage around the nib leaving it distorted and with several deep cuts across its surface. Some awls may have been hafted in to a wooden or bone handle and this flattened butt end may have made for better hafting. Plain copper-alloy awls are hard to date precisely, but ones of this form are known to have been introduced in the Bronze Age with most being later Middle to Late Bronze Age in date c.1150-800 BC. The form changes little throughout time, however, and post-Bronze Age examples are also known.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar awl with a chisel-like opposite end from Tarrant Rushton in Dorset on page 103, pl.30, no.314, recorded in DOR-6DF7F6 and dated from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, c.1500-800 BC.



Similar examples have been recorded on the PAS database, including SF-333182 from Suffolk, SWYOR-55A4B7 from Yorkshire, and WILT-97977D from Wiltshire.
Notes: From the PAS website: (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/awl) Awls are difficult to date but most copper alloy examples are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections and are generally undecorated. They would have been used to make holes in leather or wood and many were probably were inserted into a handle made from organic materials. Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). 'Awl' is often used to refer to any number of small, pointed instruments. Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117), they were presumably used for perforating leather, but it was once suggested that they were used for tattooing human skin.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2200 to 1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Longtown, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.7 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 22 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze flat axe-chisel

The axe-chisel is near-complete but is heavily corroded with some damage to the blade and butt and is comparatively small (with a length of 46.7mm and a weight of 22.0g). The butt is straight and flat with a little damage (12mm wide and 2mm thick). The sides are near-straight and divergent for the entire length of the axe-chisel, reaching the maximum width at the blade (of 26.4mm and with a thickness of 1.5mm). Much of the original blade edge is lost, which is of curved form but was not recurved. Both faces are very gently convex across their lengths but reach a maximum thickness (of 5.7mm) approximately one-third of its length from the butt (15mm from the butt) and is near-flat across their widths. There is no discernible median bevel or blade facets, although the blade faces converge more sharply (beginning 9mm from the blade edge). The side has a lenticular profile and there are no 'developed' features evident on the axe-chisel. The original surface has nearly all been lost with small remnant patches evident on both faces with a mid-green patina, elsewhere the pitted surface has corroded bright-green to green brown.
Notes: Early Bronze Age axe-chisel implements are difficult to relate to established axe typologies with any confidence. This example has no 'developed' features, perhaps indicating an early date of the bronze implements from the Early Bronze Age but also possibly because of a restricted casting technology and limited subsequent working. It could be suggested that the axe displays features more similar to Needham's Type 2 axes with a lenticular profile, comparatively wide butt and straight sides (perhaps 2C /D), although visual examination suggests a bronze rather than copper metallurgy. It is possible to suggest therefore that the axe may belong to Metalworking Assemblage III, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 2 -3 and probably dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (950 to 750)
Material: Lead 
Found: Myddfai, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100.6 mm
Weight: 277.1 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park Metalworking Industry of Needham's (1997) Period 7, dated to c. 950 - 750BC

The socketed axe is complete (with a length of 100.6mm and a weight of 277.1g). The top of the mouth is flat (with external dimensions of 54.5mm x 41.7mm and internal dimensions of 33.6mm x 27.8mm) and the remnants of the four casting stubs are evident, positioned near the inner edge of the mouth. The socket is sub-rectangular and appears to retain some sediment (at a depth of 66mm). Beneath the mouth the collar is short (7mm - 8mm) and bevelled to the faces, somewhat rounded in areas. The arched loop (37mm long 12mm high externally and 16.9mm x 6.5mm internally) springs from the base of the collar moulding and is of D-shaped section (5mm wide and 4mm thick). The sides are near-straight, very gently concave (with a minimum body width of 41.7mm) before diverging a little more sharply at the blade. The casting seam is evident on both faces and is now corroded but was raised and carefully finished. The sides are bevelled towards the seam, producing a sub-hexagonal body profile. The blade edge has a slight expansion (with a blade width of 48.0mm) and is moderately rounded. Both faces are straight along their lengths before a subtle but discernible blade facet (27mm from the blade edge) and have a slight convexity across their widths. Both faces are decorated with three ribs, which are near-parallel on one face but convergent on the other. The ribs (52mm - 61mm long) descend from the collar moulding and end before the blade facet. Much of the surface has been lost on the blade but a fragment of original surface survives showing sharpening striations running along the blade. The surface has a variable patina of pale to dark-green with peripheral surface loss and active pale-green corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 155.16 mm
Thickness: 27.81 mm
Weight: 466 g
Description: Primary / Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy early palstave (1500-1300 BC): The blade of the palstave is sub-trapezoidal in plan with slightly concave sides, flared blade tips, and no side loop. The cutting edge is heavily abraded, as is the surface of the blade so not sure whether it is symmetrical or asymmetrical through use. The sides of the blade are concave in plan, and this curvature stops at the junction of the blade and flange side. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. There are no traces of a casting seam but this may be due to corrosion.



The palstave, on both faces, has a prominent straight stop-ridge which is rectangular in plan. There are no hollows or ribs before the stop-ridge. The flange sides are a sub oval in profile with a flattened surface along the centre which was probably due to the removal of a casting seam.



In plan the septrum is rectangular and the butt has an abraded edge. The flange tops lean inwards over the septrum forming a convex exterior surface of the flange. 



The palstave has a well-developed brown patina which is incomplete and abraded. 



The palstave measures 155.16mm long from the blade cutting edge to the butt, 61.33mm wide from one blade tip to the other, and 27.81mm thick across the apex of the flanges. It weighs 466g.



Similar to Figure 19, No. 129 in Savoury (1980). The palstave is an early/primary example dates to the Middle Bronze Age period, and can be narrowed down to c. 1500-1300 BC.



Savory, H.N. 1980 Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections National Museum of Wales: Cardiff
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2250 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horningtoft, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51 mm
Thickness: 7.1 mm
Weight: 51.1 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy Early Bronze Age flat axehead dating to the period c. 2250 - 1900 BC. Trapezoidal in shape with a curved cutting edge. The butt end is incomplete due to an old break and now measures 21mm in width. The blade then expands along its length to the cutting edge and has a maximum width of 33.2mm.



It exhibits a mottled green brown patina.



51mm in length, 33.2mm maximum width, 21mm minimum width, 7.1mm maximum thickness, 0.6mm minimum thickness and weighs 51.1g.



Similar objects on the database include CORN-7E0A41, SOM-05539E & HESH-33EA4A
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy Other
Found: Narborough, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.5 mm
Diameter: 5.5 mm
Weight: 2.85 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age pin. The flaring head has a slight chamfer at the upper edge and the top is very slightly concave. Below the head there is a band of multiple fine incised lines and three broad bands of multiple incised oblique lines (those in the central band are reversed), the lower edge of this decoration is damaged where the pin is slightly bent and the rest of the circular-sectioned shaft is undecorated with the terminal broken in antiquity and now worn smooth. Extant length (unbent) 49.5mm. Diameter of head 5.5mm. Weighs 2.85g.



Unlike the large 'Picardy' pins of the Middle Bronze Age, this small pin has no swelling on the shaft. However, as with Picardy pins, it is likely to belong to the 'Ornament horizon' phase of the late Taunton or early Penard phase of the later mid Bronze Age, approximately 1400-1250 BC.



(Finder's number DW7-97)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lenham, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.08 mm
Thickness: 15.91 mm
Weight: 21.21 g
Description: A complete cast and decorated socketed chisel head dating to the Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age transitional period c.9th-8th century BC, Ewart Park Phase.



Description: The chisel has a wide flat crescent shaped blade at the end of a long cylindrical body. The blade heavily abraded. The socket end has an oval aperture 10.57mm by 7.97mm. Each edge has a pair of opposed diagonal lines incised on them, creating a feathered decorative affect. One of the thin edges has the feathering go all the way up to the blade while the other stops before the blade begins to fan out. A fifth line exists as a second collar prior to the collared socket. Despite some minor verdis gris around the abrasion on the blade edge the chisel remains in excellent condition albeit in a dull dark brown colour.



Measurements: 53.08mm long, 23.29mm wide (at blade end, 17.05mm at socket end), 15.91mm thick (at socket end, 2.05mm thick and blade edge) and 21.21g in weight. Socket is 10.46mm high, 8.27mm wide.



Discussion: Dr. Dot Boughton observes that while this chisel superficially looks like a socketed axe is rather an unlooped woodworking tool. She continues, that it is likely of LBA, Ewart Park (c.10th-8th centuries BC) as shown by the herring bone decoration which is mirrored on some specimens early Iron Age Sompting type axes but not on LBA examples, and it is much better executed than on EIA axes. we could make a case for this being transitional, ie LBA-EIA, 9th-8th century.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gussage St. Michael, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.89 mm
Thickness: 2.89 mm
Weight: 7.86 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy Bronze Age blade, dating to the period 1500-1150 BC. It measures 38.89mm in length and 17.8mm in width. It is 2.89mm thick and weighs 7.86g. The patina is smooth, the colour is dark green and brown. The blade is lozengeform in cross section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mileham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.2 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy barbed and tanged arrowhead of probable Middle - Late Bronze Age date (c. 1600 - 701 BC). One barb is missing and the other is incomplete due to old damage. The tang is slightly fluted on both faces, although the fluting is slightly asymmetrical between the two faces. The notches between the barbs and tang are slightly indented on one face. Both faces exhibit a central longitudinal mid-rib, giving a lozengiform cross-section.



Stuart Needham, having examined a photograph of another Norfolk example (NMS-477E93), commented: "It is interesting to learn of yet another of these arrowheads from British soil. Many years ago I would have ]...[ suspected a collector's loss. However, there are now sufficient (as well as the one secure context in the Penard hoard, Glamorgan) to suggest some currency of the type in this country. Despite the morphological similarity to flint versions, they by no means have to be Early Bronze Age. Bronze barbed-and-tanged arrowheads in one guise or another continue right through and my suspicion would be that most finds are Middle to Late BA. The Penard example proved to have an unusual metal composition suggestive of it being a foreigner."



Similar in form to: SF-C931F4, SF-4014B0 & SWYOR-3A2CF7.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mileham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 12 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead dating to the period c. 1100 - 750 BC. It commences in an old break at the base of the socket and tapers into the cutting edge. Lenticular in cross-section and triangular in profile.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leafield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.1 mm
Thickness: 14.5 mm
Weight: 46.32 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead tip. The blade edge narrows to a flat tip, still relatively sharp, and is curved in form with crescentic sides that narrow in towards the main section of the axe. In cross section the axe head is rectangular in plan and is hollow, showing the beginnings (or end) of a socket. This is a fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe, possibly from the Ewart Park phase of metalwork c. 1000 - 800 BC.
Notes: Oxfordshire & West Berkshire PAS Record Sheet No: B452
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fulford, York, York (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.9 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 5.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy dagger tip of Bronze Age date, c.2300 - 800 BC. The fragment is triangular with an ogival section. The surface is undecorated and no midrib can be determined.



The metal has a delaminated light green patina. The fragment is 38.9mm long, 14.5mm wide, 4.1mm thick and weighs 5.3g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bilton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 83.3 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 122 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy 'Yorkshire Type' socketed axehead of Late Bronze Age date, 1000 - 800 BC. The axehead is wedge shaped with a sub-square socket, the mouth has been lost to old worn breaks. Internally the socket tapers and narrows to the cutting edge. Externally the axehead tapers and narrows along the body before expanding into the blade and cutting edge which flares towards each blade tip. Much of one surface is damaged, broken and worn. A D-shaped, ovate sectioned attachment loop is present to one side, below the mouth and casting flashes are present on both sides of the axehead including the loop. The surviving face appears to have faint traces of three worn short and narrow ribs.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The axehead is 83.3mm long, the remaining socket has an external diameter of 24mm x 27.2mm and is 3.5mm thick, the blade is 45.5mm wide. The axehead weighs 122g.



Three ribbed Yorkshire type axes are a well-known part of the Ewart Park metalwork assemblage of the British Late Bronze Age. In Yorkshire, many hundreds of these axes have been found as single finds as well as in hoards.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leafield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.13 mm
Thickness: 15.77 mm
Weight: 85.41 g
Description: A Bronze Age copper alloy fragment of a socketed axe which comprises the blade cutting section, most of which is intact. The rest is broken away as a result of old damage. The socket is triangular in profile. Dates to the Ewart Park phase, c. 1000 - 800 BC. This axe cannot be typified more exactly due to the lack of more diagnostic features such as the socket mouth, mouldings and side-loop.
Notes: Oxfordshire & West Berkshire PAS Record Sheet No: B490
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leafield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.1 mm
Thickness: 13.6 mm
Weight: 46.4 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead tip fragment with some corrosion. The blade edge narrows to a flat tip, still relatively sharp, and is curved in form with crescentic sides that narrow in towards the main section of the axe. In cross section the axe head is rectangular in plan and is hollow, showing the beginnings (or end) of a socket. This is a fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe, possibly from the Ewart Park phase of metalwork c. 1000 - 800 BC.
Notes: Oxfordshire & West Berkshire PAS Record Sheet No: P556
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Blewbury, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 169.8 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 53.2 g
Description: An Early to Middle Bronze Age (1800 - 1400 BC) copper alloy dirk or dagger. Ogival blade expanded centrally. The butt is trapezoid in form with shoulders that curve inwards to the narrow blade. Two rivet holes to the bottom of either side would secure the hilt in place, both of which still retains its rivet; the rivet is 11.5mm long with a 7.4mm diameter and has a slightly expanded domed head at either terminal. The sides of the blade are straight and gradually taper to the point, running down the length of the blade on both sides is a very low central spine. Post depositional corrosion has resulted in shallow notches being removed from the side of the blade but otherwise this item is in very good condition with a light brown patina over most of the artefact.

Dirks, dagegrs and rapiers of this style are classified as the Wessex Culture (c.1800-1400 BC) by Read 2001, 76, no 625, fig 53 and as belonging to Group 2 in Burgess, C., and Gerloff, S. 1981, 'The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland'. Similar artefact on the database: GLO-7EFE1A
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Watton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125.2 mm
Diameter: 22.1 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 89 g
Description: A nearly complete cast copper-alloy socketed side-looped spearhead of early Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1550-1250BC. Acton Park I-II Type, (Needham Period 5) - Burgess's Metal Working Stage VIII and IX. Davis Group 5, wide blade side looped.



The spearhead comprises a leaf shaped blade with chamfered edges and a conical socket with protruding, semi-circular side loops; one to either side of the socket which are positioned in line with the cutting edge of the blade. A protruding mid-rib is present to both surfaces of the blade where the socket tapers to the tip. The edges of the blade are worn with a small semi-circular break to the lower curved edge of one side. Slight casting flashes are visible to either side of the loop though have been removed and smoothed down along the socket. Two small worn circular perforations are present on the socket, one to either side midway between the blade and loops. It is possible that the spearhead's stability has been reinforced with the addition of pegholes. Pegged varieties were not exclusive to the Late Bronze Age; as Davis (2017) notes in discussing the early socketed groups, some 'may have peg holes'. A slight bend in the blade is present which may be the result of purposeful decommissioning of the object though may also be a result of depositional processes.



The metal has a dark brown patina, delaminated with powdery green patches in places. The spearhead is 125.2mm long; the blade is 36.8mm x 4.3mm; the socket is 22.1mm in diameter, 2.7mm thick, 73.4mm depth. The object weighs 89g.



Side-looped spearheads correspond to Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV which date to the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, c. 1500-1150BC. A side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has been radio-carbon dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upper Sheringham, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16 mm
Weight: 5.08 g
Description: Fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe. Extant length 16mm. Extant width 18mm. Weight 5.08g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder