dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 141 mm
Thickness: 12.6 mm
Weight: 75.8 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed spearhead of uncertain type, possibly pegged or side-looped, probably of Wilburton Metalworking, dated to c. 1200 – 900BC



The cast spearhead is fragmentary, missing the basal end and was comparatively large (with a surviving length of 141.0mm and a weight of 75.8g). The blade appears to have been of lozenge of kite-shaped form and has broken on one side near its base and on the other side near its widest point. The socket interior is evident at the break (with a maximum surviving depth of 114.6mm, ending 35mm from the tip) and there is also a blade edge facet discernible, suggesting the blade has broken at its start. There is no suggestion of a loop-hole, suggesting the spearhead was not of a Basal Looped type. The blade edge appears to widen with a linear edge (for 43mm, where the spearhead has a maximum surviving width of 42.5mm), the blade edge then has a near-linear convergence to the tip. The socket position is marked by the circular-sectioned midrib on the faces (with a thickness at the break of 1.0mm and a maximum depth through the midrib of 12.6mm), which gradually narrows and thins towards the tip. The blade wings thin slightly towards the edge (with a maximum thickness at the midrib of 5.0mm and a thickness before the edge facet of 3.4mm).  The stepped blade bevel or blade facet is preserved along much of the surviving blade edge (with a maximum width of 5.7mm). Some of the damage to the blade edge may be contemporary with its use but much of the edge, particularly the shorter side is more recently damaged. The surface is somewhat pitted and corroded with a dark-brown patina. Linear striations running along the blade wings are preserved beneath the patina. There is a bend just above the widest point of the blade but a loss of patina and green corrosion at the bend may suggest that the damage occurred more recently.



The absence of the socket makes typological identification uncertain and the lozenge or kite-shaped blade form is also a little unusual. The more commonly–recovered types consistent with the form of the fragmentary spearhead are pegged, of Davis’ generic Group 11 (2015)[1], or possibly of a side-looped type, Davis’ (ibid) Group 6, although the blade would seem to be too large for a Group 6 spearhead. Socketed Spearheads of Davis’ Generic Group 11 can be dated to the Wilburton phase of the Late Bronze Age, dated by Needham et al (1996)[2] to c. 1200 – 900BC.





[1] Davis, R., 2015; The Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads of Britain, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung V. Band 5.



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-11500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.4 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 42.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type and of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries dated to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The fragmentary cast axe is represented by a blade fragment only (with a surviving length of 25.4mm, a maximum thickness of 11.5mm and a weight of 42.6g). At the top of the fragment is the base of the socket, now worn and corroded but probably of sub-rectangular form (29mm wide and with a maximum surviving depth of 2mm). Little of the either side of the axe survives (with a maximum surviving length of 18mm) but the short length are straight and divergent (producing a blade width of 44.9mm and a width of 40.8mm at the break). The blade edge is not expanded and has a gentle curve. (7.1mm deep).  The surviving blade face fragments are convex across their widths and near-straight across their short surviving lengths with no evidence for ribs present on the fragment. The surface is pitted with a corroded dark-brown patina and areas of green corrosion. There are probable casting flaws at the break, which are likely to have weakened the axe.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The presence of a socket base would imply a Late Bronze Age date for the axe, c. 1,150 – 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork. The unexpanded and shallow blade form is consistent with Ewart Park axes of South Wales and similar types.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.5 mm
Weight: 51 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, probably of Ewart Park Metalworking and of Needham’s Period 7 



The cast socketed axe is incomplete, broken in antiquity and is missing the upper part of the body, including the mouth and loop (with a surviving length of 45.5mm and a weight of 51.0g). The axe body is of sub-rectangular section at the break (with dimensions 28.9mm x 16.4mm). The socket is oval sectioned (22.3mm x 12.8mm and 8.5mm deep). The wall thickness is variable, considerably thicker on the sides (at 2.6mm) compared to the faces (at 0.9mm). The sides are straight and near-parallel, before expanding sharply to the slightly recurved blade tips (giving a blade width of 38.9mm) and producing a curved blade edge. The casting seams are evident on both sides but have ben neatly fettled. There are no discernible ribs on the either face. There is a point impact depression immediately below the break on one face and a rounded indent at the break on the other face. Both faces are moderately straight and convergent before converging more sharply at the blade but with no obvious blade facet. The surface is pitted and corroded with a dark-green patina. 



The missing mouth makes typological identification difficult. The comparatively small size of the axe suggests that it is not of South Wales type but the form is consistent with axes of Ewart Park metalworking, dated to c. 1000 – 750BC.



The axe was reported with the socketed containing sediment which was removed at AC-NMW. At the base of the socket was loose organic fibrous deposits, possibly the remains of the wooden haft.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merton, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.2 mm
Weight: 3.9 g
Description: A complete, cast, copper alloy awl of probable Late Bronze Age date (c.1150-800 cal BC).  The object is slightly bent and sub-rectangular in cross section.  The blunt end gradually thickens along the tang to a wider mid-section 4.3mm in diameter before tapering to a point.  Found with a second, smaller complete copper alloy awl (OXON-D77AEC).



The awl is 58.2mm in length, 4.3mm at the widest section and 1.5mm in diameter at the blunt end.  It weighs: 3.9 grams.



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). Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117). Plain awls are difficult to date but most are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They are generally considered to be Later Bronze Age in date (c.1600-800 cal BC) however, as a functional object the form of the awl barely changes from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and a selection of broadly comparable awls are recorded in Ottaway and Rogers (2002). Similar examples on the PAS database are numerous and include SUR-398CA4, OXON-C4D536, OXON-FC5735, PUBLIC-E1E3A8 and DOR-03E430
Notes: From OXON-C4D536:- Plain awls are difficult to date but most are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They are generally considered to be Later Bronze Age in date (c.1600-800 cal BC) however, as a functional object the form of the awl barely changes from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and a selection of broadly comparable awls are recorded in Ottaway and Rogers (2002). Similar examples on the PAS database are numerous and include SUR-398CA4, OXON-C4D536, OXON-FC5735, PUBLIC-E1E3A8 and DOR-03E430
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merton, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.5 mm
Weight: 1.7 g
Description: A complete, cast, copper alloy awl of probable Late Bronze Age date (c.1150-800 cal BC).  The object is slightly bent and flat in sub-section at one end and sub-rectangular in cross section at the point.  The blunt end gradually thickens along the tang to a wider mid-section 3.4mm in diameter before tapering to a point.  Found with a second, slightly larger complete copper alloy awl (OXON-D74956).



The awl is 42.5mm in length, 3.4mm at the widest section and 2.0mm in diameter at the blunt end.  It weighs: 1.7g.



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). Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117). Plain awls are difficult to date but most are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They are generally considered to be Later Bronze Age in date (c.1600-800 cal BC) however, as a functional object the form of the awl barely changes from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and a selection of broadly comparable awls are recorded in Ottaway and Rogers (2002). Similar examples on the PAS database are numerous and include SUR-398CA4, OXON-C4D536, OXON-FC5735, PUBLIC-E1E3A8 and DOR-03E430
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Reynoldston, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Three pieces of copper alloy casting debris found together of uncertain date



The casting waste comprises a casting jet and two pieces of dross. The casting jet is of conical form (with a maximum diameter of 26.0mm, a length of 14.0mm and a weight of 28.5g) The underside of the jet has three runner stubs, now truncated but appear comparatively slender (with a diameter of 4mm). The upper surface is concave and undulating. 



The dross is irregular (weighing 19.1g and 16.0g) and one of the pieces is wedge-shaped and may be a fragment but has lost all the original surface.



The surface has corroded pale-green with a dark-green patina surviving. 



The casting waste of undetermined age, possibly Bronze Age but may be more recent
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Gransden, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 122.64 mm
Thickness: 10.02 mm
Weight: 32.1 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Socketed Spearhead with side loops of Middle Bronze Age date (1500-1150 BC). The object has a leaf-shaped blade and is sub-circular in cross section with a central rib running down to the blade and extending into the shaft and socket. All edges of the blade have portions missing due to breaks and abrasion and there is a transverse break approximately half way down the length of the blade. The socket is circular and hollow and tapers in from the base to the blade. There are two loops on opposing sides of the socketed end, in line with the casting seams. These loops are slightly flattened on the outside to make them appear lozenge shaped. There is a break across the mid-section of the socket and loops. 



Length: 122.64mm, Width (socket): 13.34mm, Width (blade tip): 4.57mm, Thickness: 10.02mm, Weight: 32.1g



The metal is dark green in colour with areas of light green corrosion. The object has a predominantly smooth patina. 



A similar spearhead is illustrated by C. N. Moore and M. Rowlands (1972) in the Salisbury Museum Bronze Age metalwork catalogue (plate XI, no. 57) and recorded as Greenwell and Brewis Class IV. 



Similar looped spearheads have been dated by Margaret Ehrenberg to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions (1500 - 1150 BC).This object is therefore likely to be of a similar date.



Other examples can be found on PAS database as ESS-A7B5E4 and KENT-350034.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to 600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Peterston-super-Ely, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.4 mm
Thickness: 13.2 mm
Weight: 11.9 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of indeterminate type probably of Ewart Park metalworking Industry, dated to c. 950 &ndash; 750BC but possibly of Wilburton-Wallington through to Llyn Fawr Industries, dating to c. 1,150 &ndash; 600BC

The axe head is fragmentary missing the upper part and is represented by approximately half of the original (with a maximum surviving length of 61.4mm and a weight (containing sediment) of 111.9g). The break across the axe occurred in antiquity (where the axe had a maximum surviving width and thickness of 42.8mm and 13.2mm respectively). The axe is likely to have had a sub-rectangular section at the break but both faces are now dished as a result of battering the socket from both faces. The battering appears to have occurred at the base of the socket, although this cannot be demonstrated because of the sediment within the socket. The surviving part of the side is straight and near-parallel before diverging gently to a slightly expanded blade edge (with a blade width of 47.9mm). The sides of the axe are rounded across their thickness with the casting seam evident running along the centre and neatly finished. The blade edge is comparatively straight, rounded near the tips. Both faces are dished beneath the break and suggest considerable force was applied; one face has a linear indentation from the more complete side, while the other face has a rounded depression. Beneath the break on one face is the base of a decorative rib, suggesting three parallel or near-parallel ribs. No ribs are now discernible on the other face. Beneath the impact damage on the blade, the faces are slightly convex across both their lengths and widths and gradually convergent to the edge, with no blade facet evident. The surface is damaged and torn around the impact area but has mid &lsquo;olive&rsquo; green patina surviving elsewhere. 

The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The form is consistent with socketed axes of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,150 &ndash; 600BC of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. However, the form and ribbed decoration are likely to suggest Ewart Park metalworking industry (c. 950-750BC) and possibly of South Wales or allied axe type. The damage to the axe is deliberate, perhaps as an attempt to close the socket, as seen on other axes with deliberate damage.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2050 to -1850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Arvans, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.2 mm
Thickness: 11.9 mm
Weight: 152.4 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze flat axe, probably of Needham’s Class 4 and probably relating to axes of later Class 3 or earlier Class 4. 



The axehead is complete with a broadly lenticular profile but with subtle bevels and is comparatively small (with a length of 91.2mm and a weight of 152.4g). The thin butt has a gentle curve (with a width of 19.5mm and a thickness of 2.0mm). One side is near-straight, slightly convex and diverging gently towards the bade (with a width at the top of the blade of 29.5mm), before diverging sharply to the recurved blade edge (with a blade width of 44.0mm). The other side has a noticeable bulge below the butt, giving the axe an asymmetric appearance. The blade edge was crescentic, now asymmetric, perhaps slightly eroded or worn on one side. The sides are convex across their thicknesses’ but without faceting and without a practical flange, although there appears to be a lip or low flange from the side-working. Although the faces give the axe a lenticular long profile, two curving bevels present: the median bevel is subtle and is positioned comparatively low on the axe (54mm from the butt and where the axe has a maximum thickness of 11.9mm). A more pronounced blade facet is evident (23mm from the blade edge). There are irregular incised marks on the blade, below the patina but unlikely to sharpening striations. The surface has a dark-green patina with some bright green damage on one face. 



The presence of a subtle median bevel, blade facet and ‘lip’ flanges all suggest early developed features, probably indicating an axe early in the sequence of class 4 or the last of Class 3 axes of the Mile Cross Assemblage. The dimensions and ratios do not correlate directly with Needham’s subtypes, although are perhaps closest to 3G, Type Knapton but do not closely confirm to the type. The form broadly corresponds with Type Aylesford, as defined by Schmidt and Burgess’s (1981, p. 60)[1] as a ‘primitive’ developed flat axe. The form would suggest a date at the earlier part of Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 3, probably dating to c. 2050 – 1850BC.







[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Longtown, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.2 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 29 g
Description: Bronze fragment, possibly of Bronze Age date but of uncertain artefact type



The fragment has broken on one end (with a surviving length of 47.2mm and a weight of 29.0g) and the other end is of irregular sub-rectangular section (13mm x 7mm) and is corroded and heavily-pitted. The sides of the terminal are straight and near-parallel as far as a stop (17mm from the terminal where it has a width and thickness of 15.0mm and 9.0mm respectively. Above the stop the sides are straight but more divergent to the break (with a width and thickness of 18.8mm and 7.0mm respectively). The septum is longer on one face (with a surviving length of 20mm and 24mm, a thickness at the break of 1.8mm and a maximum width of 12.5mm) and the side flanges end in a rounded stop. The stop is comparatively shallow on both faces (at 1.5mm). The surface is heavily-corroded with a dark-green patina preserved on the septum. 



The object has the flange and stop features in common with palstave axe types, generally of Middle Bronze Age date. It is possible that the terminal is incomplete and originally ended with a blade, perhaps suggesting a chisel or similar. If the end is relatively intact, it may be possible to suggest a small hammer that may have been hafted in a similar form to Middle Bronze Age palstaves and therefore earlier than socketed hammers. However flanged hammers of this form are difficult to parallel.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentyrch, Cardiff, Cardiff (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.9 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 18.1 g
Description: Bronze Age blade fragment of uncertain type, probably from a rapier or sword of Middle to Late Bronze Age date c. 1500 – 750BC.



The blade is fragmentary, represented by a slender fragment, broken at both ends in antiquity (with a surviving length of 31.9mm and a weight of 18.1g). The blade has no clearly defined midrib and is of lenticular section of consistent thickness (of 5.8mm – 6.3mm). The blade is comparatively slender and both original blade edges have been lost. The blade edges were straight and convergent to one end (with a maximum surviving blade width of 20.4mm and minimum width of 17.8mm). The short blade fragment has a gentle curve across its length, with the suggestion of bending prior to breaking. The surface is very heavily-corroded and much of the original surface with a dark grey-green patina over red-brown areas of surface loss.



The fragmentary nature of the blade, lacking diagnostic features makes typological identification difficult. The comparatively slender form of the blade may suggest that it’s derived from just above the tip of a sword although a rapier fragment is also possible. Rapiers date from the Middle Bronze Age while leaf-shaped swords of Late Bronze Age date tend to be more commonly recovered.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.1 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 7.3 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe mouth fragment of uncertain type and of Wilburton, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries of c. 1150 – 600BC date



The axe is represented by a mouth fragment from the top of one face only (with a surviving length of 17.1mm, a surviving width of 30.8mm and a weight of 7.3g). There is a rounded protrusion on the top of the mouth where the mouth is also thicker (at 5.0mm, compared to 3.9mm), possibly the remnants of a casting runner stub, which has been well-finished. One end of the mouth has a slight curve and is likely to be approaching the axe side. The mouth has a lip above a moulding (9mm long), below which the tops of two ribs are evident immediately above the break. The axe is likely to have had three ribs originally. The lip at the mouth is also present on the inside of the socket but no other features are evident inside the socket.  The surface is heavily-pitted with a dark-brown patina. 



The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The form is consistent with socketed axes of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,150 – 600BC of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. Axes of Ewart Park tradition are more commonly recovered.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1900 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Templeton, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.5 mm
Thickness: 11.3 mm
Weight: 101.8 g
Description: Early Bronze Age developed flat axe of Needham’s Class 4 but of uncertain sub-type, probably dating to Willerby assemblage (Metalworking Assemblage V), the later part of Needham’s (1996)[1] Period 3 to c. 1900 – 1600BC



The axehead is near-complete but has lost all of its surface, except at the blade edge and is a comparatively small axe (with a length of 80.5mm and a weight of 101.8g). The axe is likely to have had a lozengic long profile but the surface loss has eradicated any median bevel. The butt (with a width of 18mm and a thickness of 1.7mm) is straight and angled to one side. The sides are straight and near-parallel, gently divergent, before diverging more sharply at the blade (52mm from the butt, where the axe body has a width of 25.5mm). The blade is now asymmetric, differentially worn or corroded on one side. The blade edge is moderately expanded, producing a curved blade edge (with a surviving blade width of 38.2mm). The flanges appear to have begun just below the butt and probably reached their maximum heights around the midpoint of the axe (with a surviving maximum depth of 11.3mm and a height of 2.1mm), which was likely to have corresponded with the median bevel. The sides are convex across their thicknesses and there is the suggestion of a central ridge. The flanges are likely to have been hammered, rather than cast. The faces are now gently convex across their lengths, with no surviving evidence for a median bevel or for blade facets. The blades also have a gentle convexity across their widths. The surface survives near the blade edge with a dark-brown green patina. Sharpening striations running along the blade are discernible on one face. Elsewhere the surface has been lost and has corroded bright-green. 



The loss of surface detail makes typological identification difficult. The low flanges indicate a developed form and the straight butt and straight, near-parallel sides, only more divergent at the blade may suggest an axe of Type Bandon, as defined by Schmidt and Burgess (1981, p. 65-8)[2], furthermore, its comparatively small size would seemingly indicate the variant Swinton. 









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



[2] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lydiard Tregoze, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.1 mm
Thickness: 3.4 mm
Weight: 11.9 g
Description: Copper alloy blade fragment, probably a Bronze Age reworked blade, possibly of Middle Bronze Age date



The weapon is fragmentary, represented by the lower part of the hilt and the top of the blade (with a surviving length of 67.1mm and a weight of 11.9g). The hilt has broken through a rivet-hole, positioned off-centre (with a diameter of 4.2mm). The hilt has a lenticular section at the break (2.0mm thick at the break and 3.2mm thick at the shoulders), becoming lozengic at the shoulders. The sides of the hilt are moderately straight and diverge slightly towards the shoulders (with a width at the break of 12.6m and 15.0mm above the shoulders) and both sides appear to have been blunted (with a thickness of 1.3mm). The shoulders are expanded (where the blade has a maximum width and thickness of 16.9mm and 3.4mm respectively). Below the shoulders, the blade narrows sharply to produce a rapier type blade profile (with a width and thickness at the break of 6.0mm and 1.6mm respectively). The top of the blade has a defined mid-ridge, with the suggestion of a flat-topped ridge near the break. The original blade edge has been lost and it is now uncertain whether any of the damage relates to its contemporary use.  A curve at the break indicates that the blade was bent prior to breaking. The surface has surviving remnants of a mid-brown patina over a darker-brown corrosion



The comparatively long hilt with central rivet placement does not correspond with typical wide and trapezoidal butted dirks and rapiers, usually secured with side rivets or notches. The blade width is also unusually slender. The fragmentary condition of the weapon makes a definitive identification problematic, however it is possible to suggest that the weapon was reworked from an earlier blade. Rapiers were in use in Britain principally through the Taunton and Penard Metalworking Industries of the Middle Bronze, dated to c. 1400 – 1100BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pont-y-Clun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.6 mm
Thickness: 27.4 mm
Weight: 86.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of Ewart Park Metalworking Industry, dated to c. 950 &ndash; 750BC

The axehead is complete and is a comparatively small example (with a length of 62.6mm and a weight of 86.6g, including sediment in the socket). The mouth is oval (33.0mm wide and 27.4mm deep external and 23.8mm x 17.8mm internal). The top of the mouth has a lip-ridge from casting and appears to have been a four-runner casting, now with two stubs evident. The collar is rounded and bevelled to the face. The loop springs from the base of the moulding and is of rounded, sub-lozenge section (with a length of 21mm, 9.0mm internal, 4.8mm wide and 4.3mm thick). The sides are moderately straight and near-parallel (with a width below the loop of 28.2mm) before diverging sharply to produce an expanded and curved blade edge (with a width of 37.6mm). Both sides have a clear ridge from the casting seam, which has been neatly finished. The casting seam on the unlooped side is notably flattened opposite the loop, perhaps from the binding. The blade edge has some post depositional damage. Both faces are decorated the three converging ribs, with the side ribs beginning at the corners of the faces. The faces are convex across their widths and also have a gentle convexity across their lengths, before converging sharply below a blade facet (19mm from the blade edge). The body of the axe has a rounded, sub-rectangular section. Sharpening striations are evident on both on faces, running along the blade. The surface is corroded with a patchy dark-brown patina over a mid-brown surface.

The ribbed socketed axehead with no moulding beneath the collar and probable four-runner casting is likely to indicate an axe allied to the South Wales (Stogursey) type. However, the axe is considerably smaller than would be expected and also has a rounded body section with a blade facet and recurved blade, which are all features atypical of the type.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rudry, Caerphilly, Caerphilly (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.9 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 6.1 g
Description: Copper alloy blade, probably corroded remnants of an Early Bronze Age dagger



The leaf-shaped blade is truncated and heavily-corroded (with a surviving length of 47.9mm and a weight of 6.1g). The butt is evenly-rounded, giving the blade a maximum width at the base of the blade of 18.9mm). There are small rounded indents beneath the start of the blade edge, possibly remnants of rivet notches to secure the handle. The butt is thinned (with a minimum thickness of 0.8mm) and reaches its maximum thickness (of 2.5mm) near the midpoint of the blade. The butt is flat across its width, while the blade appears to have had a rounded central ridge. The original blade edge and tip have been lost. The surface is very-heavily pitted and has a pale to mid-green patina.



Metallurgical analysis was undertaken[1] using X-Ray fluorescence, which demonstrated the alloy is a tin-bronze with trace elements of iron, lead, zinc and arsenic detected. 







[1] By Mary Davis; Principal Analytical Services Officer at Amgueddfa Cymru
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1600 to 1450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 145.9 mm
Thickness: 36.6 mm
Weight: 475.5 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group I, Primary Shield Pattern type as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981)[1] and of Acton Park 1 metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 – 1450BC



The palstave is near-complete, with some damage to the blade edge (with a length of 145.9mm and a weight of 475.5g). The butt is moderately straight and undulates slightly (with a width of 24.5mm and a thickness of 3.1mm). The flanges end just below the butt and rise to their highest point above the stop (with a maximum depth of 36.6mm and a maximum height above the septum of 14.5mm). The flanges have a slightly convex profile across their widths. The septum is concave across its width and the stop is of bar ledge form and is near-straight (with a maximum height above the septum of 12.5mm and 14.4mm). The sides of the palstave are straight and near-parallel, slightly divergent as far as the stop (with a width of 30.4mm), below which, they gradually become more divergent before expanding sharply to the splayed and recurved blade tips, now slightly damaged(producing a blade width of 62.0mm). There are subtle transverse ridges or ‘nicks’ on the sides below the stop (where the blade has a width of 32.2mm). The blade edge is asymmetric, partly through wear but with some damage at the centre. The casting seams are discernible but appear to have been carefully removed and finished on both sides. The flanges extend onto the top of the faces, flanking a central hollowing below the stop. The hollowing is coarse and unfinished but has a broadly ‘shield-pattern’ form. The axe faces are flat across their widths and their lengths before converging more sharply below a blade facet (17mm from the blade edge). The blade edge is corroded, with no surviving evidence for sharpening striations. One of the blade faces has striations running up the blade evident above the facet but beneath the patina, possibly finishing marks. The surface has a mid to dark-brown patina, largely preserved but damaged at the blade.





The palstave demonstrates the characteristics of Primary Shield Pattern palstaves, but has a shallow depression rather than a moulding for the shield-pattern. This example with the recurved blade edge, slender body and of a smaller size the many Acton Park type examples, would suggest Type Colchester as defined by Schmidt & Burgess, (1981, p. 117).







[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



[2] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Goetre Fawr, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.6 mm
Thickness: 22.3 mm
Weight: 143.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of indeterminate type probably of Ewart Park metalworking Industry, dated to c. 950 – 750BC but possibly of Wilburton-Wallington through to Llyn Fawr Industries, dating to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The axe head is fragmentary missing its upper part and is represented by approximately half of the original (with a maximum surviving length of 56.6mm and a weight (containing sediment) of 143.6g). The break across the axe occurred in antiquity (where the axe had a maximum surviving width and thickness of 42.3mm and 22.3mm respectively). The axe has a sub-rectangular section at the break and is of variable wall thickness (1.8mm – 4.3mm).  The surviving parts of the sides are straight and near-parallel before diverging gently to a slightly expanded blade edge (with a blade width of 48.3mm). The sides of the axe are rounded across their thickness with the raised casting seam evident running along the centre and finished. The blade edge has a gentle curve, rounded near the tips. There is the suggestion of a central rib on the more complete face. The faces are slightly convex across both their lengths and widths and gradually convergent to the edge, with no blade facets evident. Both faces have deep striations running diagonally along the entire surviving lengths beneath the patina. The surface has dark-green patina surviving elsewhere. 





The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The form is consistent with socketed axes of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,150 – 600BC of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. However, the form and suggested ribbed decoration are likely to suggest Ewart Park metalworking industry (c. 950-750BC) and possibly of South Wales or allied axe type.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tidenham, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.5 mm
Thickness: 10.7 mm
Weight: 73 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze blade fragment from an axe of indeterminate type, probably of Early or Middle Bronze Age date



The axe is fragmentary, represented by the blade end only and has broken across its width in addition to its length (with a surviving width of 51.1mm, a surviving length of 31.5mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 10.7mm and a weight of 73.0g). The break occurred in antiquity and there is no socket base evident on the sub-rectangular body section. The surviving side fragment is convex, widening to the blade tip, now truncated but indicating an expanded blade edge. The original blade edge has been lost but the current edge suggests a moderate curve (with a depth of approximately 14mm). The side is widest at the edges, possibly as a result of hammering. The blade faces have a slight convexity across both their widths and lengths but with no obvious blade facet. The original surface has been lost and the current surface is heavily-pitted and corroded with a dark-green to brown patina.



The fragment condition of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The lack of a socket base and wider expansion that might be expected on a socketed axe may suggest a flat, developed or palstave axe, suggesting an Early to Middle Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Coombes, Adur, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.4 mm
Thickness: 3.72 mm
Weight: 2.21 g
Description: An incomplete, copper-alloy blade possibly a spearhead, rapier or dirk of the Middle Bronze Age period c.1450-1150BC.



Description: only the tip remains. The blade is solid and lozenge shaped in cross section. The tip is rounded and worn and a central, raised midrib runs vertically down the middle of both sides of the blade. There is a worn break at the base with knicks and worn areas on both edges of the blade. The fragment has lost all its diagnostic features and so the classification cannot be further refined.



The blade is dark green in colour. 



Measurements: length: 32.40mm; width; 7.57mm; thickness: 3.72mm and weight 2.21g. 



Discussion: Similar examples on the database include; SWYOR-1F74C1; WMID-95EB72 and WMID-7DD405 all of which date to the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fishguard and Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.2 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 24.7 g
Description: Copper tanged gouge of uncertain date possibly Bronze Age 



The cast tanged gouge is complete (with a length of 86.2mm and a weight of 24.7g). The tang is pointed at its apex ad below is square to rectangular sectioned, with straight sides gradually diverging towards the blade (reaching a maximum thickness of 5.6mm at the top of the blade, where the gouge has a width of 9.8mm). The sides of the blade are also straight and diverge more markedly to the blade edge. There are no lugs or mouldings on the sides. The blade edge is straight (with a width of 23.4mm and, a depth of 4.2mm). The flute gradually both deepens and widens along the blade (with a length of 37mm). The surface is heavily-corroded and is stripped to the red-brown metal with traces of pale to dark-green patina. 



Metallurgical analysis was conducted on the gouge using X-Ray Fluorescence and suggested that the metal composition is largely copper. 



The gouge is of an unusual form and cannot easily be paralleled in Bronze Age metalwork. Gouges generally are of socketed form and date to the Late Bronze Age. Very few tanged gouges are recorded, with one of the few instances in the Carlton Rode (Norwich) hoard[1] of Ewart Park metalworking, although the examples are of significantly different form, being slender and collared. Tanged chisels are easier to parallel and also date to the Late Bronze Age but also generally have a collar or side lugs. Simple ‘chisels’ of similar form have been recovered, including the ‘axe-chisel’ from Llandyfan (Anglesey) associated with an Early Bronze Age Food Vessel urn (Savory 1980, no. 334)[2]. The suggested copper composition would be very unusual for Middle and Late Bronze Age artefacts and if Bronze Age, a Late Bronze Age date may be expected for the gouge. Therefore it is perhaps unlikely that the gouge dates to the Bronze Age but cannot be discounted. 







[1] NHER Number: 1002



[2] Savory, H.; 1980; A Guide Collection of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93.6 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 199.2 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze flat axe probably of Needham’s Class 3 axes but of uncertain subtype



The axehead is incomplete, missing the butt end and with some truncation to the blade tips and edge (with a surviving length of 93.6mm and a weight of 199.2g). The axe is rectangular-sectioned (with a width and thickness at the break of 28mm x 10.0mm), with no suggestion of hammered flanges or developed edge features on the intact areas of the edges. The sides are straight and divergent before expanding more sharply to the blade tips, now damaged and truncated (with a surviving width of 69.1mm). The original blade edge has been lost (with a minimum thickness at the blade edge of 3.2mm) and the current edge is comparatively straight with a shallow profile, although the original edge was likely to have been deeper and with at least a moderate curve. The blade faces are flat across their widths and the blade becomes more convergent but there is no discernible facet and there is no median bevel evident. Hammering marks are evident on the blade and there is the suggestion of a blade facet (7mm deep from the current blade edge) with sharpening striations running along the blade facet. Large areas of the surface survive with a dark-green to brown patina, elsewhere the surface has a pale-green corrosion. 



Metallurgical analysis was conducted on the axehead using X-Ray Fluorescence and suggested that the metal composition is a leaded bronze. 



The fragmentary and truncated condition of the axe makes detailed typological identification uncertain. The lack of any developed features but the bronze composition would suggest a Needham Class 3 axe and generally perhaps corresponds to the Migdale type as defined by Schmidt and Burgess (1981)[1] of Metalworking Assemblage III and dated to c. 2200 – 1900BC.







[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 234 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of (Class B) Southern English ribbed type and of Ewart Park metalworking, dated to Needham’s (1996)[1] Period 7, c. 950 – 750BC



The socketed axe is fragmentary, missing the mouth and one face (with a surviving maximum length of 104.0mm and a weight of 234.0g) and was damaged in antiquity. The more complete face is likely to have broken just below the mouth but with no mouth moulding surviving. The socket has a moderately consistent rectangular profile (29mm x 19mm and with a surviving depth of 67.5mm). The longer side has the stub of the loop surviving just below the break (with a surviving height of 9.0mm). The sides are near-straight, gently convex and divergent before a moderate out-turning at the blade tips (giving a blade width of 54.3mm). The sides are perpendicular to the faces and straight across their thickness. The casting seams are discernible and were finished but the detail has been removed through corrosion. The blade edge has a slight curvature with some damage. The faces are gradually convergent with no blade facets and have a shallow convexity across their length and are near-flat across their widths, producing a rectangular body section (with a maximum surviving body width, below the loop of 38mm). The faces were decorated with vertical parallel ribs and the more complete face appears to have had 6 ribs, with the two outermost ribs following the edges of the face. Striations are evident running between the ribs.  The surface has a dark-brown patina partially preserved, with pale-green corrosion elsewhere.





The missing mouth makes any typological identification uncertain, the form and size of the axe would suggest the axe type to be a Southern English ribbed axe, which Needham (1990, p 32)[2] called Class B and if the axe also had a double-mouth moulding may have been similar to his B1 axe but with a less expanded blade edge. Southern English ribbed axes are not commonly recovered from South Wales and together with occasional Carp’s Tongue components in Ewart Park hoards, perhaps begin to suggest a degree of contact between western and South Eastern Britain at the start of the 1st millennium BC, which may be observed proportionately less in South Eastern Wales.







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



[2] Needham, S. 1990; The Petters Late Bronze Age Metalwork; An Analytical Study of Thames Valley metalworking in its settlement context; Department of Prehistoric and Romano-British Antiquities 1990; British Museum Occasional Paper 70
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penton Mewsey, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20 mm
Thickness: 29.9 mm
Weight: 13.1 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of indeterminate type probably of Ewart Park metalworking Industry, dated to c. 950 – 750BC but possibly of Wilburton-Wallington through to Llyn Fawr Industries, dating to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The axe is represented by one corner of the blade (with a surviving length of 20.0mm, a surviving blade width of 28.8mm and a weight of 13.1g). The axe has broken in antiquity, at a position just above the base of the socket (with a surviving depth of 6mm, where the axe has a thickness of 9.9mm, the faces have a thickness of 2.8mm and the side if 5.5mm thick). A small length of the side survives, which is flat across its thickness with a raised but hammer-finished casting seam running down the centre. The blade tip is prominent and out-turned. The blade edge has a moderate curve for its surviving length. The blade edge has impact damage (5mm long), probably contemporary with is use or breakage, adjacent to the break. The short surviving blade lengths gradually converge towards the edge. The surface has a black-green patina with areas of green corrosion. Sharpening striations beneath the patina are evident of both blade faces. 





The fragmentary condition of the axe makes precise typological identification indeterminate. The form is consistent with socketed axes of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,150 – 600BC of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. Axes of Ewart Park tradition are more commonly recovered. It is possible although not certain that the breakages on the axe may have been deliberate.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder