dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ampfield, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 152 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight: 377 g
Description: A cast copper alloy early short palstave&nbsp;probably of the Acton Park ii/Taunton metalwork style dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c.1400 BC - 1250 BC), Metalworking Phase VIII and IX which corresponds with Needham&#39;s period 4 and 5.

The butt is triangular in section which thickens towards the septum. The flanges start a short way in from the butt corners. They form a pointed oval shape in profile with the crest of the flange being the widest point, in the centre of the septum. There are slight bulges on the side in line with the fused stop with high flanges. There is a casting seam above but not below. There is a stop before the blade but it is unclear how deep it is. The blade widens in width forming triangular tips from which a crescentic, high cast shield shape.&nbsp;The transition between the blade and flange suggests a continuation into the decoration. The lower blade is distinctly curved and kicks out to the blade tip.
Notes: Photos from finder

Near identical examples are illustrated by Rowlands (1976: plate 27) which are categorised as Class 1 group 1 palstaves although its size is more appropriate for a Class 1 group 3 form. In either case Rowlands suggests these date to the Middle Bronze Age and specifically from c. 1500-1150 cal BC. &ldquo;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abbey Dore, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 40 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment of a late Bronze Age (c. 1100&nbsp;BC&nbsp;to 800&nbsp;BC) socketed axehead measuring 27mm by 43mm. The fragment comprises the blade tip which flares out into a curved cutting edge. The axehead has a triangular side profile and a hollow centre. Much of the original surface has been lost to corrosion.
Notes: Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leamington Hastings, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14.93 mm
Thickness: 10.52 mm
Weight: 8.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy &quot;Moustache-shaped&quot; object probably of Middle Bronze Age to Middle Iron Age date (1500-300&nbsp;BC). The object consists of two pointed drop-shaped elements (both points partially lost), D-shaped in cross-section and joined at their widest point, by a longitudinally recessed oval neck. There are multiple longitudinal grooves on the upper face on both domed sides of the object. The two moustache tips or prongs flare slightly outwards and terminate with a small rounded knop. The central neck section of the object is plain and undecorated but the underside (between the two prongs) has a sub-rectangular perforation, believed to facilitate the attachment of the object.


Length: 14.93mm, Width: 20.91mm, Thickness: 10.52mm, Weight: 8.3g.

Aperture Length: 5.80mm, Width: 4.37mm

The metal is a mid-green in colour with a slightly pitted patina.
Notes: These moustache-like objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117). An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (Current Archaeology March 2012, Issue 264, 35). Some are &#39;single&#39; examples while others are &#39;double&#39; like this example, the drop-shaped elements often extending downwards rather more than outwards, for example YORYM-1AA0C5, SF-520513, HAMP-6F4C45, BERK-C3E5A3 and&nbsp;BH-AA1CBE.
The open area at the centre of the object suggests it was meant to top something that fitted into this gap. Descriptions of other moustache-like objects with similar perforations describe iron corrosion or wood mineralisation around the perforation. Although very similar to wing-shaped chapes, it seems unlikely they had a similar function, as the perforation (and size of the object) is comparably small.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.97 mm
Thickness: 3.66 mm
Weight: 3.45 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy, Bronze Age, spearhead, 1500-900BC. The object comprises the tip of the spearhead, tapering down to a point. There is an old break at the bottom of the object in which there remains only a small circular depression marking the end of the inside of the socket. The object has a brown-green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Baschurch, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.68 mm
Thickness: 9.17 mm
Weight: 21.41 g
Description: An incomplete, copper alloy (bronze) spearhead, likely from the Middle Bronze Age&nbsp;(1450-1150 BC). There is a central rib running along the blade with a high profile and a lozenge shaped cross section that tapers towards the tip of the spear, which would mean that the fragment is likely from a Middle Bronze Age looped and socketed spearhead, similar to&nbsp;HESH-8E7894. The original blade would likely have been leaf-shaped.

The blade has lost much of its cutting edge due to abrasion in the soil.

&quot;Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV; which she dates to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham&#39;s Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150&nbsp;BC). Two similar examples of the overall style of spearhead are illustrated in Savory: Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections ref: 230, Llanbeblig, Caern. and 337:2 Nantcwnlle, Cards. The later example was discovered in an excavation of a burial mound in association with a Pygmy Cup. The metal of the Nantcwnlle spear was analysed and found to be of Cemmaes metal dated to the period 1400-1200&nbsp;BC. Davis (2012) classified this form of spearhead as his Group 6 Developed side looped - Type 6 B (flame - flat blade - lozenge plates).&quot;
- Reavill, P (2017) HESH-8E7894: A BRONZE AGE SPEARHEAD Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/866581 [Accessed: 5 Aug 2022 12:11:05]
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tring Rural, Dacorum, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.54 mm
Diameter: 4.35 mm
Weight: 10.17 g
Description: A complete, copper alloy, Pin of possible prehistoric date, Bronze-Iron Age, 1500-300 BC. The object comprises a narrow cylindrical shank with a sharp point. At the opposite terminal to the point, the terminal has radial ridges. The whole object has a brown-green patina seen in this region on prehistoric alloys. However, there is little else distinguishing this object from Post Medieval or Modern items.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Audlem, Cheshire East, Cheshire East (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 127.06 mm
Thickness: 30.32 mm
Weight: 316.6 g
Description: A complete copper alloy palstave axehead with side loop of Middle Bronze Age date from the period c.1250-1100BC.

The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan, with convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge.&nbsp;The cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical and blunt. It measures 45.81mm in width and is 1.52mm thick. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The object measures 27.23mm in width and 30.32mm thick at the stop ridge. Both faces present a triangle below the stop ridge and at the upper portion of the blade that points towards the blade.

The object has a U-shaped septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. At the stop ridge&nbsp;the flange has a depth of 9.1mm. The butt end thins and is complete with a straight, blunt side. It measures 22.03mm in width and is 3.6mm thick.

There is a single side loop on one side of the palstave. A casting seam is present along both sides of the object. Overall the object has smooth light green patina.

Dimensions: Overall length 127.06mm; width 27.23mm; thickness 30.32mm; weight 316.6g

The palstave fits within the&nbsp;Wilburton and Penard assemblages of the later Middle and earlier Late Bronze Age; this corresponds with Needham (1996) Period 5-6 fitting with Metalworking Assemblage X.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bromley Common and Keston, Bromley, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 126 mm
Thickness: 28.12 mm
Weight: 300 g
Description: A Middle to Late Bronze Age palstave axehead, probably&nbsp;of Transitional or Late type, dating to Circa 1100 - 900&nbsp;BC.

Description:&nbsp;The butt end is damaged and incomplete. The flanges begin about three quarters&nbsp;of the way along the butt&#39;s length.&nbsp;The casting seam is visible along the sides of the axehead.&nbsp;The stop is pronounced and overhangs a little.&nbsp;The stop has rounded&nbsp;corners with the flanges. The loop survives only as residual stumps on one side, and originally arced over the position on&nbsp;the stop. The blade is quite thick&nbsp;before flaring out at the blade end into a curved cutting edge. There is a slight ridge down the centre of each wide face of the blade.

The axehead has a heavily mottled patination of mid green overlain with a patchy brown layer. It has corroded quite badly and exhibits damage and wear that suggests the object has spent some time in an active ploughed environment.&nbsp;

Total Measurements:&nbsp;126mm long, 30.9mm wide at the loop, 35.47mm wide at blade edge, 28.12mm thick at stop, and 300g in weight
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clapham cum Newby, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.9 mm
Thickness: 10.3 mm
Weight: 24.54 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy probably side-looped spearhead dating from about 1550&nbsp;BC&nbsp;- 1250&nbsp;BC. It fits into the Acton Park or Taunton phases. These phases correspond with Needham&#39;s Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150&nbsp;BC). The spear head is probably Davis&nbsp;group 6.

The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces, triangular in cross-section, giving a lozenge shaped cross-section at the point. There is some damage to the edges of the blade and no edge bevels are discernable. The upper blade edges are concave. The spearhead is broken just below the widest point of the blade, so the socket is missing. The spear has a smooth dark brown patina.

Compare WMID-56E2E4 and see also Davis, R (2017) A Short Guide to early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads. Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5.

Length:&nbsp;78.9mm
Width:&nbsp;24.46mm
Thickness:&nbsp;10.3mm
Weight:&nbsp;24.54g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rylstone, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.1 mm
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 21.59 g
Description: A fragment from the blade end of a cast, copper alloy socketed axehead of Bronze Age date, about 1300 BC&nbsp;- 800 BC, type unknown. Only the convex cutting edge survives, with concave sides tapering to a very worn break. The end of the socket is visible across the break. It is triangular in section.&nbsp;The remaining fragment has a smooth, dark green patina. It is 46.1mm long, 18.4mm wide and 6.9mm thick. It weighs 21.59g.&nbsp;It is probably a Northern type of socketed axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Peterchurch, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.5 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 228.79 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy tanged and collared chisel of Late Bronze Age date, probably of Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industry, corresponding with Needham&rsquo;s (1996) Periods 6-7, dated to c.1150-750 BC. The chisel is comprised of the blade and a fraction of the tang with a surviving overall length of 65.5mm. The tang is 9.8mm long (terminating in an old break), sub-square in section (5.4mm wide x 4.9mm deep) and flares out to a sub-oval collar (2.9mm tall x 11.5mm wide x 10mm deep) that narrows before the flanged shoulder (with a minimum width of 7.5mm). The sides of the blade are curved slightly before straightening out at the end, reaching a maximum width of 27.4mm. &nbsp;The original blade edge has been lost and has been lost but is roughly straight and asymmetrical, possibly indicating extensive use-wear, and is diagonal in angle with a chunk missing from the corner. Traces of striations are visible on one side. The surface on the opposing side has been lost to old damage. The surviving surface is a medium-dark green patina with patches of lighter green corrosion and black staining, probably from the deposition environment. The chisel weighs 228.79g.

Tanged and collared chisels typically date from the Late Bronze Age to Earliest Iron Age. An example dating to the Wilburton/Wallington phase is known from Doncaster, Yorkshire (Burgess 1968, 19, fig 7,2; Burgess, Coombs and Davies, 1972, 217), though the many may be dated to the Ewart Park phase (c.950-700&nbsp;BC) and into the subsequent Llyn Fawr period (c.700-600&nbsp;BC).

Tanged and collared chisels have a broad distribution across northern France, Britain and Ireland (see Coffyn et al. 1981, 202-203, Carte 7), though there are relatively few examples from western England and Wales. A very similar example with a thick collar and triangular blade can be seen in the large Ewart Park phase Nottingham Hill hoard, Gloucestershire (Gingell 1974, 308, fig 4,22), as well as a single find from Leigh Woods, Bristol (MacGregor 1987, 109, 11.65). Another example was found at Brogyntyn, Shropshire (Savory 1980, No 288.3) associated with a socketed gouge and a fragmentary Hallstatt &#39;C&#39; sword.

Similar objects have been recorded on the PAS database e.g. NMGW-E96F08, SOM-C8B934, WAW-199132.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Central, Rother, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.44 mm
Thickness: 19.27 mm
Weight: 221 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy low flanged palstave axe with side loop of Middle Bronze Age dating&nbsp;c.1400-1150 cal BC.

The object is very worn and abraded but has a single midrib visible on&nbsp;each face with&nbsp;a worn shield shaped pattern below the curved stop ridge. The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan, with convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical and worn and measures 47.55mm&nbsp;in width.

&nbsp;In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the thickest&nbsp;section at the stop ridge.&nbsp;The object has a U-shaped septum and straight-sided flanges for hafting which are very worn. On one side of the palstave, in line with the stop ridge are two circular worn scars that are the remains of a&nbsp;single side loop. The object has a dark brown patina with patches of bright orange.

Dimensions: Length 113.44mm; width 47.55mm; thickness at stop ridge: 19.27mm; weight 221g.

A wide variation of palstave types are known from throughout the Middle Bronze Age and this example is worn but&nbsp;has characteristics most similar with low flanged palstaves of&nbsp;Group III type&nbsp;(following Schmidt and Burgess 1981). This type mainly dated to theTaunton phase (1400-1275 cal.&nbsp;BC), but could extend into the Penard phase (1275-1100 cal.&nbsp;BC) (Needham et al. 1997).&nbsp;&nbsp;Other recorded examples include LVPL-4E864F; and&nbsp;WAW-33F1B7. However, the axehead also has features which are typical of some continental palstaves found principally in Northern France but which are also found in the south of Britain. A similar unlooped axehead from the Bais hoard with rounded stop, mid-rib and shield with a narrow blade is illustrated in Melin and Nordex (2019), Fig. 11 no: 152. A recorded example on the PAS database:&nbsp;OXON-992040&nbsp;dating 1350-1150 cal BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston Tirrold, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 3.34 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, with a&nbsp;rectangular cross section One end tapers gently to a point, the other abruptly&nbsp;to a flat, flared chisel-like terminal. The surface has a dark-green patina. There is no evident decoration.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800&nbsp;BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bucknell, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 6.2 g
Description: A fragment from the tip&nbsp;probably of a Bronze Age weapon, most likely a&nbsp;rapier dating to the Middle Bronze Age c. 1550-1150 cal&nbsp;BC.&nbsp;

The fragment is from the tip of the blade. It has a pointed oval shaped cross section with wide flat faces and then bevelled&nbsp;blades edges which have been abraded and&nbsp;chipped to become rounded. It widens slightly from its bluntly rounded point to&nbsp; a diagonal break.the fragment has a dark brown sometimes green patina.

The fragment is 36mm long, 18.6mm wide, 2.4mm thick and weighs 6.20 grams.

While a more recent Roman or Medieval date should not be excluded the form of this fragment is consistent with many other rapier fragments recorded by the&nbsp;PAS&nbsp;including&nbsp;LVPL-D62ACD,&nbsp;NMS-3054A6&nbsp;and&nbsp;NMGW-E0FD70.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Willoughby with Sloothby, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Description: Copper alloy axe fragment. Crescentic cutting end of a cast bronze axe. Found among the stones from a potato picking machine. Suggested date: Bronze Age, 1500-800BC

Length [from drawing]: 42mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1800 to 1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Welton Le Marsh, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105 mm
Description: Flat flanged axe, flared cutting edge. Suggested date: Early to Middle Bronze Age, 1800-1400 BC.

Length [from drawing]: 105mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worlaby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75 mm
Description: Leaf shaped spearhead, socket end not preserved. Suggested date: Middle Bronze Age, 1400-1000BC.

Length [from drawing]: 75mm&nbsp;
Notes: The finder is listed as N F, possibly a member of the family of the finder cited here: S F
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Harness Fitting (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1020 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wilton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.1 mm
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 8.54 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy harness fitting of Late Bronze Age date (c. 1020 &ndash; 800 BC). The ring consists of a circular ring (internal diameter 6.5mm, external diameter 18.9mm, 6.9mm thick) with an integrally cast sub-rectangular slot (outside dimensions 10.5mm long x 5.1mm high x 3.6mm thick; internal dimensions 5.3mm long x 2.5mm high) projecting from one end, resulting in a maximum length of 22.1mm. A raised moulded&nbsp;central rib/seam runs along the outer circumference of the ring, giving the object a flattened hexagonal shape in plan. The object is a smooth mid to dark green patina with pocks of light green corrosion on both faces and weighs 8.54g.

Similar objects can be seen in the Late Bronze Age hoard of harness fittings found at Parc-y-Meirch, Denbighshire (Savory 1976: 52 fig.9). The similar objects in this hoard were situated within a larger outer ring, likely facilitating straps on a horse harness. These objects likely date to the transitional period between the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. 

Similar objects are recorded on the PAS database e.g. CAM-6A8D1B, WAW-03C3E, &nbsp;HESH-7BCA6C, HESH-6A1A13.
Notes: Thanks to Cat Rees for her help with the record.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Overton, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.7 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 4.4 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 49.7mm in length. One half has a sub rounded cross section and tapers to a point, the other has a sub rectangular section and tapers to a rounded chisel&nbsp;tip.&nbsp;The surface has a deep-green patina and there is no evident decoration.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800&nbsp;BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton Grey, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 20.3 mm
Thickness: 11.39 mm
Weight: 13.85 g
Description: A cast copper alloy &#39;moustache-shaped&#39; object of late Bronze Age or Iron Age date c. 1500BC - AD100.

The object is&nbsp;formed from a pair of globular ovoid elements&nbsp;with sweeping, drop shaped ends which taper upwards and slightly outwards towards pointed tips. The pair of ovoids are&nbsp;connected with&nbsp;a narrowed bar creating a deep recess between them.&nbsp; The upper edges of the bar are&nbsp;arched with a sub rectangular hollow between the projecting tips&nbsp;suggesting the object fitted on to another object. The outer surfaces of the ovoid elements&nbsp;are smooth with three areas of worn and feint decoration visible in the form of 3 or 4 parallel, vertical,&nbsp;short grooves incised in the middle of the ovoids on either side of the arched edge of the bar. The object has a dark grey patina and the weight suggests this is probably a&nbsp;leaded copper-alloy.

Measurements: height: 20.30mm; width: 20.62mm; thickness: 11.39mm and weight: 13.85g.&nbsp;

A number of these so called &#39;moustache&#39; shaped objects of have now been recorded, with distinct variants identifiable. e.g. SUR-C942E4; KENT-4C615E;&nbsp;NMS-949F71&nbsp;and BH-BD3AFC. They are thought to date from the middle Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. Their function is uncertain, although recess in the body of this example (and in many of the others known) suggests that they were decorative&nbsp;mounted terminals, possibly associated with&nbsp;a dagger handle or on the end of a scabbard; however the absence of evidence makes this entirely conjectural.

One example was found in the Salisbury Hoard&nbsp;which contained Bronze Age material but was buried in the Iron Age (Stead, 1998, no.117).&nbsp;Another example was found in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (Current Archaeology March 2012, Issue 264, 35).&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.3 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 6.3 g
Description: A bent copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 79.3mm in length. One half has a sub rounded cross section and tapers to a point, the other has a sub rectangular section and tapers to a rounded chisel&nbsp;tip.&nbsp;The surface has a deep-green patina and there is no evident decoration.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800&nbsp;BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitfield, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.09 mm
Thickness: 10.8 mm
Weight: 46.68 g
Description: A fragment of copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date (2350-1600BC).

Description:&nbsp;The fragment is relatively short and represents the butt end of the axehead. The butt is rounded narrow and very thin almost like it has extensive post casting working to make it that thin. The fragment widens slightly towards a jagged and patinated break. It has a dark green pitted surface. There maybe evidence of hammering to break up the axehead on one of the upper surface shown by a rectangular mark that has patinated differently.

Measurements: 40.09mm long, 28.31mm wide, 10.8mm thick and 46.68g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Old Buckenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.7 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Description: Two fragments of a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier. They are heavily abraded around the edges (with total or near-total loss of original edge) and do not fit perfectly together. However, they are likely to be two parts of a single object since they are of similar thickness and width, with the same lozengiform cross-section and central longitudinal ridge on both faces. They also have a very similar very dark brown and green patina. They were discovered approximately twenty-five metres apart.

One piece is long and narrow, the other is slightly shorter and wider, but tapering in width from one end to the other, so that at its narrow end it is less than two millimetres wider than the narrow piece. c. 1600 to 1000 B.C

Fragment 1 - Length: 46.0mm. Width: 18.3mm. Thickness: 4.5mm. Weight: 12.3g
Fragment 2 - Length: 40.7mm. Width (wide end): 23.3mm, (narrow end): 17.3mm. Thickness: 4.2mm. Weight: 12.4g
&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stubbington, Fareham, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 131 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight: 320 g
Description: A complete&nbsp;cast copper alloy late Middle Bronze Age side looped and shield-patterned palstave, 131mm in length, of the late Penard / early Wilburton&nbsp;tradition (c. 1150-950 cal BC).

There is a single side loop at the mid point on one side.&nbsp;The blade flares out to a crescentic cutting edge, 46mm in width, with pointed corners. There are moulded shield shapes on both sides of the blade in front of the stop ridge.&nbsp;The butt is triangular in section and thickens towards the mid point of the axehead; both sides have flanges which start a short way in from the butt corners and expand to join the stop ridge, which is slightly curved. There are casting seams running along both sides which have have been filed down along the sides of the axe (the front half) but which remain along the rear portion.
Notes: Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hockwold cum Wilton, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 117.8 mm
Thickness: 19.7 mm
Weight: 287 g
Description: Description&nbsp;
Early to Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy flanged axehead, of Needham&rsquo;s (2017) Class 5D, Type West Drayton. &nbsp;The body is narrow and expands in width only very slightly with near-straight sides for most of its length, from the semi-circular butt end to more than halfway along the blade. It then expands more dramatically and concavely to form the blade edge and crescentic cutting edge, with tips that recurve slightly. There is a subtle stop-bevel at the centre of the body (between haft and blade) on both faces.&nbsp;

The flanges extend more or less the full length of the body, from near the butt end to the edge-bevel of the blade. Viewed from the side, the blade, flanges and butt end together form a lenticular profile. The flanges are each divided into three longitudinal facets by two subtle arrises on the outsides. The two arrises (and so the central facet) form a narrower lenticular shape. The facets are covered with multiple cast-in shallow oblique grooves. These alternate in direction from facet to facet so that there is a near-ninety-degree angle between the grooves of one facet and its neighbour (a herringbone pattern).

The two flat faces of the blade also bear shallow cast-in grooves. Beginning at the stop-bevel and continuing as far as the edge-bevel of the blade, there are five&nbsp;triplets of transverse grooves extending from flange to flange. Some are approximately straight and others are slightly curved. The fifth&nbsp;triplet (immediately before the edge-bevel) on both faces is barely and only partially visible, except at a very limited angle of illumination. The spaces between each triplet on one face is fairly constant at around four to six millimetres. On the other face there is a larger gap of about eight millimetres between triplets four and five, while triplets two, three and four are closer, at four to five millimetres.&nbsp;All surfaces are patinated a fairly uniform mid greenish-brown. c. 1700 to 1500 B.C.

Dimensions
Needham&rsquo;s (2017; 5) abbreviations in parenthesis.

Total length (L): 117.8mm
Length of body, excluding butt and blade edge (LB): 95.0mm
Width at butt end (WB): 24.7mm
Width at centre of body (W2): 28.3mm
Width at 80% of length of body, from butt end (W3): 33.0mm
Width at cutting edge (WE) = 67.8mm
Maximum flange height (HF): 3.7mm
Thickness, including flanges: 19.7mm
Thickness, excluding flanges (MT): 12.3mm

Needham&rsquo;s (ibid; 6-7) critical dimension ratios
RWE = 0.576
RHF = 0.039
RBS = 0.435
MRW = 0.905

Weight
287g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150.8 mm
Thickness: 31.6 mm
Weight: 412.6 g
Description: A complete copper alloy (bronze) copper-alloy Primary / Early phase Group III palstave of Middle Bronze Age dating (1500-1300&nbsp;BC).

The object has a single midrib visible on both faces. The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan, with convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly damaged, but appears to be symmetrical. The cutting edge measures 49.9 mm&nbsp;in width and is 2.4 mm&nbsp;thick. The blade has a length of 90.0 mm.

In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. It measures 25.4 mm&nbsp;in width and 24.5 mm&nbsp;thick at the stop ridge.

The palstave has a U-shaped septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The septum is 18.2 mm wide. The flanges are complete. At the stop ridge on one face the flange measures 7.2 mm&nbsp;in depth. The butt of the object is complete and measures 22.7&nbsp;mm&nbsp;in width and 3.1&nbsp;thick. It is 66.3 mm long.&nbsp;&nbsp;A side loop is present. It measures 28.9 mm in length, 6.4 mm wide and 4.7 mm thick.&nbsp;

Overall the palstave measures 150.8 mm&nbsp;in length, a maximum width of 49.9&nbsp;mm, and a maximum thickness of 31.6&nbsp;mm. It weighs 412.6&nbsp;g.

The palstave is a mid green to brown colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.
Notes: The 3D model has been generated using the mobile phone scanning application Qlone.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ellerker, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 14.7 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 3.1 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy penannular ring of possible Bronze Age date, c.1000 &ndash; 800 BC.

The ring is circular in plan and section with a small gap between two flat terminals.

The metal has a mid-green/black patina and is worn. The object is 14.7mm in diameter, 4.7mm thick and weighs 3.1g

Penannular rings are characteristic finds of the Middle to Late Bronze Age (1300-800 BC), usually being gold plated around copper cores. They are commonly referred to as &#39;hair-rings&#39; and &#39;ring-money&#39; but their function remains uncertain. It is perhaps most likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange. The uncertainties around their use are complicated by the fact that very few are recorded from secure archaeological contexts.

While the general form of this ring is consistent with such Bronze Age objects, the lack of a gold covering makes it difficult to be certain. This object may be more recent and serve a different function than that suggested.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1300 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wootton, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.68 mm
Thickness: 12.59 mm
Weight: 40.82 g
Description: An incomplete, heavily worn fragment of a cast Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe head, dating to c.1300-700cal BC. The fragment consists of the axe&#39;s blade above which is a worn and abraded break that reveals a shallow portion of the socket. The axe fragment is sub-trapezoidal in plan with the sides being slightly concave, particularly on one side as the tip of the blade is not abraded like the other.&nbsp;The blade is an asymmetrical crescent which is possibly due to wear rather than abrasion.

The broken edge of the axe runs transversely across its body giving a flat edge. In cross section the body of the axe is rectangular as revealed by the break. The cross-section perpendicular to the break is sub-triangular excluding the socket.&nbsp;The survivnig socket is only 12.73mm deep.

The axehead fragment is 28.68mm long from break to blade, 43.03mm wide, 12.59mm thick at its break and weighs 40.82&nbsp;grams.

The fragment represents part of the blade end of a rectangular bodied socketed axe. The lack of diagnostic features prevents a more exact type or parallel for the its form being cited however Socketed Bronze Age Axe are believed to date from the middle of the Middle Bronze Age (c.1300 cal&nbsp;BC) to the Earliest Iron Age (c.700/600cal&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horncastle, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.7 mm
Thickness: 3.4 mm
Weight: 6.75 g
Description: Deark green copper alloy spearhead, corroded.&nbsp;Very mangled remains of a spear head.&nbsp;Suggested date: Middle to Late Bronze Age, 1600-800BC

Length: 41.7mm, Width: 19mm, Thickness:&nbsp;3.4mm, Weight: 6.75gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.07 mm
Thickness: 11.32 mm
Weight: 145.65 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (bronze) flat axe of Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2350&nbsp;BC&nbsp;to c. 2050&nbsp;BC).

The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in shape with an incomplete rounded shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with tapering edges. The axehead is broken, with the butt end missing. The break is an irregular concave in shape; the width at the break is 37.99&nbsp;mm&nbsp;(thickness:7.23 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the break to the blade; in shape they are relatively straight. The axe is thickest at the mid point (11.33&nbsp;mm), with no sign of a proto stop ridge. The sides of the blade expand to produce a rounded blade edge with an abraded width of 45.59 mm&nbsp;(thickness 7.98mm).

It measures 62.07mm&nbsp;in length, &nbsp;and it has a maximum thickness of 11.32&nbsp;mm. It weighs 145.65 grams.

The axe is a mid to dark brown colour, with an uneven surface patina. One side has a patch of light green corrosion where the surface patina is damaged, possibly from abrasion caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of the original surface detail.

The axehead is best described as coming from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age and is comparable to (although not containing all the attributes of Migdale axes (many of these tend to have narrower butts which flare at the cutting edge).

These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham&#39;s (1996) Period 2 circa 2350- 2050 CAL.&nbsp;BC. This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.

Reference:

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

Schmidt, P.K. &amp; Burgess, C.B. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck&#39;Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. p.46-47
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Meldon, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.34 mm
Thickness: 9.43 mm
Weight: 12.95 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy (bronze) probable socketed axehead or chisel fragment, of Late Bronze Age dating (c. 950&nbsp;BC&nbsp;to c. 750&nbsp;BC). The expanded blade has a curved convex (crescent shaped) cutting edge which is incomplete. The sides do not appear to be faceted and no ribs are present on either the front or back of the axehead fragment. The blade shows signs of wear to the edge, suggesting that this miniature axehead was a tool and not a small votive offering.

The patina is a light brownish green, with an uneven slightly pitted surface.&nbsp;

The object is sub-rectangular in plan&nbsp;

weight is 12.95g; Max Length, 22.34mm; Max Width 28.92mm; Max Thickness 9.43mm

The maximum depth of the socket is 13.94mm.&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Illingworth and Mixenden, Calderdale, Calderdale (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96.5 mm
Thickness: 8.6 mm
Weight: 162.9 g
Description: A cast copper alloy flat axe dating from the Early Bronze Age, that is about 2200 BC&nbsp;- 1900&nbsp;BC. The axe is narrow with tapering sides. It has an oblique butt and is lenticular in cross-section. The sides curve outwards to form the tips of the cuttin edge, and there is no edge bevel. There is no sign of a stop ridge nor any flanges.&nbsp;The surface is pitted and corroded and&nbsp;the remaining surface has a &nbsp;speckled&nbsp;light&nbsp;green patina. Measurements; length 96.5mm, width 48.5mm (cutting edge) &nbsp;28.2mm at the( butt end), thickness 8.6mm (&nbsp;body), 7.8mm&nbsp; (butt&nbsp;end)&nbsp;6.4mm (cutting edge). the weight is 162.9g.

Compare SWYOR-9EC7C9 and&nbsp;LANCUM-E3C336.&nbsp; This axe shares similarities with axes of the Migdale, Brithdir and Willerby metalwork traditions (Rohl and Needham 1990, 102),&nbsp;EBA&nbsp;II - III.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 120.5 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 62 g
Description: Upper blade-hilt/butt part of a Middle Bronze Age rapier, of Burgess and Gerloff (1981) group IV, all old surfaces are thinly patinated chocolate brown, most probably from deposition (originally) in damp conditions, known as water patination. Most edges are relatively recently damaged and show as pale green, though both&nbsp;sides of the blade expansion for the handle survives as&nbsp;original straight edges, indicating that this rapier had the rivets fully enclosed in a trapezoidal sheet Cua rather than the edges cut or cast with open &ldquo;slots&rdquo; for the attachment of the rivets, these are now damaged and the two rivets themselves are loose, but intact (each slightly bent with hammered&nbsp;ends, c. 16 x 5, expanding to 6.5 mm). The hilt constricts rapidly from the broad, flat hilt into the long, narrow blade of lenticular section, most of which is missing, broken transversely by an ancient break with little sign of bending prior to snapping. 1,600 to 1,000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shelfanger, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.5 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 14 g
Description: Leaf-shaped blade from a&nbsp;very small Middle Bronze Age side-looped spearhead, broken relatively recently across the junction between the socket and the blade itself, the blade has a pronounced median ridge, the remains of the socket is cast offset to one face, now 13 mm deep and 5 mm diameter at the break, constricting towards the point. All old surfaces are patinated a dark glossy chocolate colour with adherent iron oxides (water patination), the recent surface loss is more of a green colour now. 1,600 to 1,000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shelfanger, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 111 mm
Thickness: 6.25 mm
Weight: 16 g
Description: Elongated awl, of sub-square section at the junction of the long point and the short tang, the section changes to circular, blending towards the tip, the tang becoming more rectangular. The point is fairly recently bent as is the tang, probably due to disturbance from agricultural machinery. All old surfaces are patinated a dark chocolate colour, the recent loss to the surfaces is now green. Middle Bronze Age, 1,600 to 1,000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 94 mm
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Weight: 42.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy spearhead of&nbsp;Late Bronze Age dating (c. 1000 BC to c. 800 BC).&nbsp;

The spearhead is in two joining fragments with patinated breaks.&nbsp; The edges and tip of the blade are damaged. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering (tip to base) lozenge shaped midrib.&nbsp;The midrib is damaged on one side. The cutting edge is incomplete and is bevelled. There doesn&#39;t appear to be evidence of use or sharpening on the surface.&nbsp;

The tip part measures 46.5 mm&nbsp;in length and is 15.4&nbsp;mm&nbsp;wide at base and 4.2 mm&nbsp;wide at tip. It has a thickness of 7.7&nbsp;mm&nbsp;and weighs 16.5 g.

The lower&nbsp;part measures 49.5 mm&nbsp;in length and is 16.7 mm&nbsp;wide at top and 29.2 mm&nbsp;wide at base. It has a thickness of 10.2 mm&nbsp;and weighs 26.3&nbsp;g.

The total length of the object is 94 mm. The maximum width is 29.2 mm&nbsp;and the maximum thickness is 10.2 mm. The total weight of the spear is 42.8 g.

The object is a mid to dark green&nbsp;in colour with an even surface&nbsp;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.
Notes: 3d Models have been generated using the mobile phone scanning application Qlone.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1250 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.5 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 2.57 g
Description: A near complete cast copper alloy awl or other leatherworking tool, likely of later Bronze Age date (c. 1250-700BC), but potentially dating from any time between the Bronze Age and the Medieval period (c. 1250BC-AD 1500).&nbsp; The awl is essentially complete barring some minor surface loss, particularly towards the tip.

The awl is rectangular in section at its thickest section c. 27mm away from the point. From this point the awl tapers to a rounded point at one end and tapers to a flattened point at the other. The flattened point was likely the tang and would have been inserted into a handle of wood, antler, or bone.

The awl has an uneven light green patina and small surviving fragments of dark patinated original surface and a pitting with lighter green corrosion.

This artefact type is well represented on the PAS database: c.f. BERK-A89238, OXON-60701B, SUR-74CDD0, and CORN-FE4339.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Old Buckenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 42.8 g
Description: Fragment of the blade end of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe. The cutting edge is convex and complete, although worn. At the opposite end the fragment terminates in a worn and fairly straight transverse break (a long oval in cross-section). From the break to the cutting edge it expands in width with straight sides, only very slightly concavely flaring out at the lateral tips. It tapers in thickness slightly convexly from the break to a point at the tip. The socket survives to depth of eleven millimetres. The external surface is patinated dark brown and pale-green. Similar to NMS-48F7A9. 10th to 8th century B.C.&nbsp;

Length: 30.0mm. Width: 40.5mm. Thickness: 11.5mm. Weight: 42.8g
&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder