dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brough with St. Giles, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 226.23 mm
Thickness: 8.46 mm
Weight: 249 g
Description: Two pieces of an incomplete copper-alloy late Bronze Age sword, dating to the period c.1100-800 BC. The two pieces fit together to form a blade that expands outwards from its pointed terminal before narrowing again. Worn breaks are present where the point has broken off, at the line of impact where the two pieces have separated and at the terminal which would have been closest to the grip. Corrosion is present in patches over the surface on both sides and the edges are very worn. The sword has a wide central ridge down its length and a lozengiform cross section which narrows in thickness towards the point. A brown and green patina is present on the surface.



Although most of the diagnostic features have been lost, the 'tongue-like' form of the blade suggests an Ewart Park or Wilburton type (Dot Boughton and Peter Reavill pers comm). 



Piece A measures 162.35mm in length, 37.75mm in width at its widest, 12.21mm in width at its narrowest, 8.06mm in thickness at its thickest (the middle point of its cross section) and weighs 168g.



Piece B measures 63.88mm in length, 36.27mm at its widest, 29.86mm at its narrowest, 8.46mm inthickness at its thickest (the middle point of its cross section) and weighs 81g.



Cf. LVPL-81B2D7 and LANCUM-0FD0F6 on the database
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 12.3 mm
Weight: 14.09 g
Description: The worn central part of a Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed gouge. What is left of the socket is 30.5mm deep.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1400 to -400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.1 mm
Diameter: 10.5 mm
Weight: 29 g
Description: A near complete copper alloy hair or dress pin, possibly a derivative of a Picardy-type pin of Middle Bronze Age date. The pin has a globular head with flat, indented top. Below the head is a slightly swollen collar decorated with two circumferential lines of simple incised linear scores of shirt length, arrange vertically around the pin. The shaft of the pin then tapers slowly with a sub-circular section into the almost rectangular terminal, which appears to be missing the very tip. The pin has been bent round and is now penannular; this may have been purposeful and reused as a bracelet. The pin does have similarities with an example of Cool's (1990:170) Class 24 pins of probably second century AD date, however identations on pin heads are seen throughout the Iron Age too. This pin does share similarities to Early and Middle Iron Age 'cup-headed pins' however examples of this period display a deeper cup than seen on the example recorded here. The patina, head style and otherwise simple form and decoration of this pin does suggest an early date - possibly Middle Bronze Age (1400-1250 BC) through to the Middle Iron Age (to c. 400 BC).
Notes: Picardy type pins are dated from the early Taunton phase of the Bronze Age and according to the most recent interpretations probably go out of use by the Renard phase, giving a date range of between c.1400 and 1250 BC (Roberts, 2007: 141). These pins are still very rare along the Atlantic seabord although there are two others known from Suffolk and at least one from Norfolk, but in general they seem confined to southern and south-eastern Britain.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Warley, Brentwood, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.28 mm
Thickness: 24.73 mm
Weight: 117.13 g
Description: A lump of casting waste, probably dating to the Late Bronze Age (1500-800BC). The object is formed of a flat circular section with a irregularly shaped lump projecting from one side. As the pattina suggests much of the lump is unbroken, there is no obvious form of object that would be shaped in such a way. The most likely answer would be a cauldron lug, though the object does not curve enough. 



Dimensions: length: 43.28 mm; width: 53.32 mm; thickness: 24.73 mm; weight: 117.13g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Granby, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.5 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age axehead, probably from a palstave or a socketed axe (c.1600-c.800 BC). Only the cutting edge is present. It is convex with a V shaped side profile. It is corroded, and the break, 5-6 mm in from the edge, is pattinated and appears ancient. The fragment is 36 mm long, 6 mm wide and 4 mm thick. It weighs 4.5 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Dunham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight: 31.61 g
Description: Butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave. The break is old and irregular and there is worn damage and pitting and corrosion on both faces. Extant length 30mm. Width 26mm. Thickness 13mm. Weight 31.61g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 112 mm
Weight: 29.85 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead with side-loops and a strong mid-rib on the blade. The tip, much of one blade edge, a small part of the other and fragments of the socket mouth are missing, a result of recent breaks. There is no peg hole in the socket which ends before the mid-point of the narrow leaf-shaped blade. Length 112mm. Width 17.5mm. Weight 29.85g. c.1300 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.03 mm
Diameter: 8.48 mm
Thickness: 1.57 mm
Weight: 10.18 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed side loop spear head dating to Middle Bronze Age (c. 1600-1150 BC). Part of the object is missing. The blade is leaf-shaped and lozengeform in cross-section, showing a prominent central ridge that extends into the old broken shaft. On one side is still visible the attachment point of the side loop which is incomplete from an old break. The spear head narrows from the tip to the shaft and measures 47.03mm in length and 14.59mm in width. The blade is 1.57mm in thick, the internal diameter of the shaft is 8.48mm and the spear measures 10.18g.



The spear is substancially smaller than the similar examples illustrated in Moore C.N. and Rowlands M. (1972), pl. XI.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Kelsey, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 3.73 mm
Weight: 5.74 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle to Late Bronze Age spear. Only the tip survives. It is lozenge in section and has a shallow rib running down the centre on both sides. The entire perimeter is damaged. Much of the blade is pitted with bright green patches of corrosion, however, the original surface is smooth and has a mid-brown patina. The break is irregular and does not appear to have been done intentionally.



38mm x 16mm x 3mm. 5.73g.



This item possibly dates to the Ewart park phase of the Late Bronze Age (1,000-700BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Kelsey, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 12.58 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle to Late Bronze Age spear. Only part of the blade located near to the terminal (tip-end) survives. It is lozenge in section and has a pronounced rib running down the centre on both sides. The entire perimeter is damaged. Much of the blade is pitted with bright green patches of corrosion, however, the original surface is smooth and has a mid-brown patina. One of the breaks is irregular and does not appear to have been done intentionally; the other, however, is more regula, straight, and might be the result of having been cut.



38mm x 21mm x 4mm. 12.58g.



This item possibly dates to the Ewart park phase of the Late Bronze Age (1,000-700BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Breamore, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.04 mm
Thickness: 2.23 mm
Weight: 22.77 g
Description: A nearly complete cast copper-alloy socketed gouge dating to c. 1000 to 650 BC. The gouge is oval in cross ssection and narrows from the base to the tip. On both sides are visible small ribs, residue of the casting process. The tip of the object is thinner than the body and is U-shape in cross section with a central groove that is 6,50mm in length and narrows down through the body, disappearing before reaching the base. The gourge has not been finished as elements from the casting process have not been removed.



It measures 46.04mm in length, 10.91mm in width, 2.23mm in thick and weighs 22.77g.



Similar examples are recorded on PAS database as WILT-FF82BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rampisham, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96.19 mm
Thickness: 11.4 mm
Weight: 131.04 g
Description: A developed flat axe with hammer raised flanges of later Early Bronze Age date (c. 2000 - 1700 BC) specifically of the axe type Arreton which is dated to Early Bronze Age III, of metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL BC.



This axehead is broadly sub-rectangular with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt is narrow and rounded and measures 22mm in width and is 3.4mm thick. In profile the axe is a sub pointed oval with both terminals tapering. In section the axe is slightly H-shaped as the side edges of the axe have been worked to form a slight raised collar rather than cast flanges .The expanded blade measures 43.64mm in width and is 2.4mm thick.



The axe is in good condition although there is some damage to the blade. The object has a green patina and the surface is slightly pitted. A small area of the original cutting surface survives on the central part of the blade but there is some damage towards the peripheries of the cutting edge. The sides of the axe are raised, with distinct but very low flanges extending from the base of the blade to near the butt. There is no evidence of casting seams which would indicate that the axehead has been reworked after casting to produce the raised flanges.



The axehead measures 96.19mm in length, 43.64mm in width (at the blade) is 11.4mm thick and weighs 131.04g.



In HESH-3AFE67 Peter Reavill comments that the axehead is best described as coming from the Arreton type of long-flanged developed flat axes (cf Burgess and Schmidt: Axes of Northern Britain pp 65 - 75 specifically 420, 423and 413). Burgess and Schmidt suggest from their study that the distribution of this Arreton type concentrates in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Their work though looks directly at the axes of Scotland and Northern England.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hallaton, Harborough, Leicestershire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 24.28 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy axehead fragment, 37mm long, 20mm wide and 12mm thick with a weight of 24.28grams. The object is rectangular in form and triangular in cross section and is worn. It has a rounded outer edge, forming the axes blade and is hollow.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1100 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy palstave dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age c. 1500 - 1150 BC. The fragment is sub-rectangular in shape the butt and a fragment of the flanged sides survive. The axe has an angular butt . The sides are unfinished, as you can still see the ridges from the casting process.





The faces of the axe fragment are slightly concave, creating a H-shaped cross-section. The faces of the axe show signs of wear, such as scratches and the break is even and patinated, suggesting that the object was broken in antiquity, located at the break are two voids from a casting flaw. 



The fragment measures 25.31mm in length, 24.93mm wide, 12.78mm thick and weighs 34.11 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holymoorside and Walton, North East Derbyshire, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.99 mm
Thickness: 12.74 mm
Weight: 138.48 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy narrow butted Early Bronze Age (c.2,300 BC-c.2,050 BC) flat axehead, of the Metal Assemblages Type III. The object can be classified somewhere between the Migdale and Aylesford types, as the blade is fan-shaped, with narrow blade tips, and tapers into a narrow trapezoidal head with straight sides and a slightly-damaged flat-edged butt. In profile the axehead is a pointed oval, tapering from the stop bevel at the centre to a tip at the cutting edge and the butt. The axehead is rectangular in cross-section. The object is patinated browny-green and pitted. Overall the object measures 80.99mm long, 39.37mm wide and 12.74mm thick. It weighs 138.48g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hotham, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29 mm
Thickness: 10.57 mm
Weight: 15.5 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 BC. The fragment comprises a section of the upper part of the spearhead. It is trapezoidal in plan, the blade narrowing sharply towards the tip. A high rounded rib runs longitudinally down the centre of both sides. Each terminal ends in a worn break, and exhibits a lozengiform cross section with a pronounced bulge at the rib. At the lower terminal the cross section reveals the end section of the socket within the rib. A green patina is on the surface. The fragment has lost its diagnostic features and is therefore difficult to classify further, though it is probably comparable with the range of spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11.



The fragment measures 29mm in length, 25.18mm in width at its widest, 15.52mm in width at its narrowest, 10.57mm in thickness at the mid rib, and weighs 15.5g.



Cf. SWYOR-1F74C1 and SF-C557DC, which states that a high mid rib is more common on Middle Bronze Age spearheads.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1800 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31 mm
Weight: 12 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment/casting error, or casting waste, possibly Bronze Age in origin circa 1800 - 600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1500 to 1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.02 mm
Weight: 5.91 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy sub rectangular fragement of a blade dating to the Bronze Age, periods 1500-1200 BC. The fragment has a lozenge-shaped cross section, which is typical for the Bronze Age. The upper edge of the blade narrows slightly and has rounded corners. The sides are not quite parrallel as they narrow towards one end of the fragment, this particular end is thicker than the other end.



Similar blades are recorded on the PAS database including SUR-750511 and NLM-9DE2F3, both dating to Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2550 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 47 mm
Weight: 24.68 g
Description: Copper alloy axe head probably Early Bronze Age 2550 to 1600BC. The axe head has a lenticular profile with a convex section/ thickness at the sides. The parallel sides are particularly straight, although they expand outwards with a protruding blade tip to either side. Although most of the original cutting edge survives, the probable blade facets are not particularly noticeable. The artefact is in a worn but fair condition with a mid-brown patina. The length is 100mm, the width blade is 54mm, width butt 34mm, thickness 20mm and the weight 184.94g. The axe probably fits into the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage I-II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 1-2 circa 2500- 2050 CAL. BC, or slightly later. This is a small, flat axe that is most plausibly early in the period, c.2550-1600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Diameter: 72 mm
Weight: 67.1 g
Description: Dr Peter Chowne writes: a complete cast copper-alloy developed side-looped spearhead that can be assigned to Davis Group 6A (Davis, 2012). The terminology used below follows that of Davis. Although complete there is some damage to the blade both ancient and modern, probably the result of agricultural activity. Surface colour is predominantly dark brown some of the damaged areas have green corrosion. The tip of a wooden shaft survives within the socket. Length: 125 mm, Width: 26 mm, D; 72 mm, Weight: 67.1 g. The blade is flame-shaped with a low (25%) 'Position of Maximum Width' and slightly concave blade edges. The blade surface is flat with a distinct bevel to the blade edges. It has a long midrib with a circular cross-section. The socket base aperture is 19 mm at the widest point. Loop plates have been modified after casting and are lozenge-shaped. Grooves left by sharpening are visible on the bevels and edges of the blade. There are clear indications of working around the loops in the form of striations made by an abrasive tool such as a file.



Type 6A have a number of distribution concentrations the main ones being the Thames Valley and East Anglian fenland. There is a secondary distribution in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland and eastern Scotland. Spearheads of this type have been found in Lincolnshire at Digby (Daubney 2010), Temple Bruer (Vine, 1987) and Tetford (Davey, 1973). The Digby example most closely resembles this spearhead from Woolsthorpe by Belvoir. There is a similar example on display in Yorkshire Museum. The provenance is 'Yorks" and it is slightly larger and heavier than the Woolsthorpe spearhead (Davis, 2012, 16 no. 224; Radley, 1967).



Group 6 spearheads are most likely to date to the Taunton metalworking phase of the Middle Bronze Age (1400-1250 cal BC) although the earliest examples may date to the late stages of the preceding Acton Park phase. Dating is based primarily on hoard associations.



References



Daubney, A. (2010). LIN-0DDC06: A BRONZE AGE SPEAR Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/406559 [Accessed: 4 Nov 2016 12:31:26].



Davey, P. J. (1973). Bronze Age Metalwork from Lincolnshire. Archaeologia, 104, 51-127.



Davis, R. (2012). The Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads of Britain. Stuttgart: Steiner.



Radley, J. (1967). New Bronze Age spearheads from Yorkshire and a provisional list of Yorkshire spearheads. Yorkshire Archaeol J, 42 (1), 15-19.



Vine, P. M. (1987). Analysis of distribution of selected Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts in Central England. (Unpublished PhD), University of Nottingham.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 39.42 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1100 - 800 BC. The oblong socket is cast off centre with a shallow curve to the cutting edge, the blade has no flare. The sides appear to be parallel and have casting seams in situ. This is possibly a deliberately broken fragment or possibly a casting failure. The surface has a smooth mid to dark green patina. See ESS-BEBA61
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Uley, Stroud, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.75 mm
Weight: 5.5 g
Description: Cast copper alloy blade fragment possibly dating from the Late Bronze Age, that is c. 1500-800BC. The incomplete blade is broadly sub-triangular which expands towards the cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly convex and the edges slope to the edge. The upper edge tapers towards a a rectangular sectioned tang which tapers to a blunt point.



The surface has a mottled dark green and brown surface.



It measures 28.03mm in width at the widest point and 3.95mm at the narrow point and 40.75mm in length, and weighs 5.5g.



The thin triangular-shaped blade suggests that this object may be either a chisel or leather-working knife.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stockton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 87.7 mm
Diameter: 20.3 mm
Thickness: 20.3 mm
Weight: 65.96 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age (c.1100-650 BC) copper alloy socketed gouge, with wide flaring collar and prominent (but smoothed down) casting flashes. 

The collar moulding expands from 18.1mm in diameter to 20.3mm in diameter (internal diameter 15.1mm) over 13.9mm. Below it measures 17.5mm in diameter, narrowing to the relatively straight cutting edge which measures 13.9mm in width and 5.6mm in thickness. The back of the gouge is linearly faceted (eight faces) while the inverted-V shaped groove reaches from the cutting edge to just before the collar moulding.
The metal is a mid-green in colour with a greyish hue, presumably the result of a copper-tin alloy. The patina is smooth and shiny. The gouge measures 87.7mm in length, 19.9mm in max.width, 20.3 in max.thickness and diameter and weighs 65.96g.
It is likely that this tool is from the Wilburton, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking phases which correspond to Needham's (1996) Period's 6 - 8.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hethersett, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 20.29 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, leaf-shaped blade with ribs flanking the tapering central socket with much of one side and just over half of mouth missing. Damaged cutting edges. Length 54mm. Extant width 20mm. Diameter of socket 25mm. Weight 20.29g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wanborough, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.23 mm
Weight: 21.76 g
Description: The rim and part of the wall of a Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe. The axe has a slight rounded collar. The rim is 5.85mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wanborough, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.44 mm
Thickness: 2.69 mm
Weight: 7.6 g
Description: 
A fragment from just above the tip of a Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier-like blade. The fragment has multiple scratches and there is some post depositional pitting. The blade has a rounded platform which merges into slightly concave blade edges. Such fragments are difficult to date stylistically - although the deliberately thickened point which was designed for thrusting is typical of short knives and rapiers of this Middle Bronze Age period.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.65 mm
Thickness: 5.31 mm
Weight: 2.35 g
Description: 
A Middle to Late Bronze Age copper-alloy spearhead tip with a pronounced midrib. Running centrally along the midrib is a line of punched dots.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirkby Ireleth, South Lakeland, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Weight: 45.3 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe head dating to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC) probably of the Ewart Park phase. The fragment is now roughly L-shaped in section. Only the complete blade end and part of the socket survive, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The socket end is oval in form with the base of a narrow oval socket just visible. Beneath the socket the object flattens and flares to a rounded blade. No other decorative or diagnostic features can be discerned due to the fragmentary nature of the object. The length is 54mm, the width is 36mm, width of blade 36mm and the weight 45.30g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2500 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Faversham, Swale, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.75 mm
Diameter: 0.78 mm
Thickness: 0.9 mm
Weight: 3.3 g
Description: A high tin copper-alloy awl of probable Bronze age date (2500 -700 BC).



The awl is sub-square in section at one portion and circular in section at the other. In plan it is an elongated sub-rectangle in plan. The circular section gradually tapers to a blunt point, while the other is flatened to a chisel shape. It has a smooth polished black surface. 



length:19.75mm, weight: 3.3g.

point - dia.: 0.78mm

midway along shaft - width: 2.08mm, thickness: 1.91mm - rectangular in section.

flattened end - width: 2.24mm, thickness: 0.9mm
Notes: Similar on P.A.S. database eg. WAW- 8A1C15, BH-8196E7, WAW-697DC5
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.59 mm
Thickness: 1.79 mm
Weight: 5.34 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy blade, possible Bronze Age in date, dating to the period c.1500BC - c.1100BC.



The blade appears to be in an elongated oval and is rectangular in cross section. The blade narrows from 1.75mm thick in the centre of the blade to 0.4mm thick at the edges. One oval tip is incomplete.



Length: 57.59mm, Width: 15.17mm, Thickness: 1.75mm, Weight: 5.34g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middle Aston, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Chance find during metal detecting
Length: 29.9 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 16.3 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Late Bronze Age socketed gouge (1150 BC-800 BC). Most of the socket is missing due to a break. The cutting edge is C-shaped in cross-section exapanding in to the socketed oval cross section at the break. The gouge hollow is C-shaped in section and both narrows and reduces in depth as it extends further away from the cutting edge. According to Pearce (1983:43), socketed gouges 'appear to have begun in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age', although most socketed gouges can be dated to the Ewart Park phase of between c. 1000 - c. 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymeswold, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 16.06 g
Description: Middle Bronze age copper alloy side looped spearhead, 70mm long, 12mm wide and 11mm thick with a  weight of 16.06grams. The object is sub rectangular in form and circular in cross section. It is in a worn condition and is incomplete, missing part of its base, tip and one side loop.   It has a narrow oval shaped blade with a circular cross sectioned rib running down its centre. the blade tapers into the main body, which consists of a hollow tapering shaft about half of the objects length. Half way down the shaft, in lien with the blade edge,  is a poorly cast side loop, formed of an oval  shaped recess with a rounded projection about it.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wallington, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18 mm
Diameter: 15 mm
Weight: 6.69 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy cup-headed pin. The date of the object is uncertain and could range from the Bronze Age through to the Roman period. The stud comprises a hollow, hemispherical head which is filled with remnants of blue enamel. From the base of this head there extends a rectangular-section, slightly tapering stem. The stem is bent and appears to be broken. The stud measures 18mm in length, with the head measuring 15mm in diameter. It weighs 6.69g.



Cup-headed pins are known from the late Bronze Age (Ewart Park phase), but these tend to be larger and do not have inlays or settings in the head; they are also very rare. O'Connor (Cross-Channel Relations in the Later Bronze Age (1980) 201, 560-1, fig. 71.3) lists only three from England, one from Scotland and one from the Netherlands, although they are said to be more common in Ireland (e.g. that illustrated in Megaw and Simpson, Introduction to British Prehistory (1979) fig. 6.37.3). Alternatively, an Iron Age or Roman date is possible.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pewsey, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.45 mm
Diameter: 4.31 mm
Weight: 5.53 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of possible Bronze Age date (cBC1600 - 700). The point of the awl is circular in cross section and is 4.31mm in diameter at its widest, tapering to a sharp point at the end. It is 73.45mm in length, with the other end becoming rectangular in section and terminating in a flattened wedge. It weighs 5.53g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heckington, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 24.8 g
Description: Cast copper alloy casting jet with two conical sprues or flashes that is ovate in plan, with two conical projections that are triangular in profile. The casting jet was formed during the casting of a socketed axe in a two-part mould, where the molten bronze was poured into the entrance of the mould around the gate piece which had two conical apertures that the bronze then solidified in once it had filled the mould for the axe. Socketed axes of this type date from the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BC).



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar casting jet with conical sprues from Lelant in Cornwall, which was found associated with swords fragments that are from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) on page 571, pl.10, no.82e.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a casting jet from Gussage All Saints in Dorset on page 82, pl.9, no.247f, which was found with a socketed axe mouth fragment.



The length is 28mm, the width is 30mm, thickness 17mm and the weight 24.80g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Childerley, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 5.63 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy spear head fragment, probably from the middle bronze age (1500BC to 1150BC), 37mm long, 10mm wide and 7mm thick with a weight of 5.63grams. The object is triangular in form and rectangular in cross section. It represents the tip of a spear head, with a rounded terminal intact. It has a prominent tapering, rounded ridge running its length and two damaged edges forming the inside of the blade section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hevingham, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 17.41 g
Description: Fragment, with both ends broken in antiquity, of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier blade with bevelled edges and broad midrib. Extant length 43mm. Width 20- 18.5mm. Thickness 5mm. Weight 17.41g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ivychurch, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.3 mm
Thickness: 12.81 mm
Weight: 31.2 g
Description: Lower part of a copper alloy socketed looped axe dating from the Late Bronze Age, i.e. c. 1000-800BC. Possibly of plain South Eastern Type.



Description:



The fragment survives only as the blade end. The sides curve inwards from the curved crescent blade-edge, flaring in section to a rectangle. The break across the body is irregular. The surface of the axe is heavily mottled dark to light green to dark brown in patina and is heavily pitted by corrosion across its entirety. It looks like it was not faceted or had a ribbed decoration.



Masurements: 27.3mm long, 36.16mm wide, 12.81mm thick and 31.2g in weight
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wallington, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 2.94 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of uncertain date. The awl is rectangular in section and tapers to a point at each end. It measures 50mm in length, 5mm in width, 5mm in thickness and weighs 2.94g.



A similar awl is illustrated in Read B. (2001), p. 94, no. 694. Similar awls are also recorded on PAS database as SWYOR-220A7C, LEIC-1EA9CB and SUR-660898.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Livesey with Pleasington, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 115 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 54.98 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Middle Bronze Age (c.1600-c.1000 BC) spearhead missing part of its socket. The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade and is bent (possibly deliberately) so that it curves slightly towards the tip. The blade appears to have had slightly curved cutting edges. A prominent raised circular sectioned midrib runs longitudinally down the centre of each face, all the way to the tip and is lozengiform in cross-section. The socket is sub-rectangular and measures 15mm in diameter at the break. The spearhead was probably originally side-looped. The length is 115mm, the width is 35mm thickness 15mm and the weight 54.98g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Compton, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 148 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight: 339.99 g
Description: A copper alloy palstave axe that has a wide curved blade. The sides of the blade are concave and taper to the middle of the axe. The stop ridge is positioned three-quarters of the way down from the blade, this is shallow with short and low flanged sides to the front creating a small dished forward edge with and deeper flanged sides behind that run almost the whole length of the rear third.



This item is heavily corroded, there are patches of dark green patina which is the original surface, however, most of this has been removed leaving a light green pitted surface.



This is a Group I: Primary Shield Pattern type and dates to the Middle Bronze Age 1500 BC - 1150
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne Bassett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.87 mm
Thickness: 3.23 mm
Weight: 7.87 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Bronze Age to Iron Age socketed axe dating to the period c.1000-800 BC. The fragment comprises a section of the edge and is broadly rectangular shape in plan. It is smooth, undecorated and covered with a green patina. It measures 28.87mm in length, 16.19mm in width, 3.23mm in thick and weighs 7.87g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne Bassett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.12 mm
Thickness: 7.11 mm
Weight: 14.1 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Bronze Age to Iron Age socketed axe dating to the period c.1000-800 BC. The fragment is elongated shape and comprises a section of the edge. It is smooth, undecorated and covered with a green patina. It measures 30.12mm in length, 19.63mm in width, 7.11mm in thick and weighs 14.10g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Moulton, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Weight: 7.19 g
Description: Tip of Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead in abraded condition, broken above socket, of which there is no trace. Slight widthways bend. Extant length 30mm. Extant width 14mm. Weighs 7.19g. 1000-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Button (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Arborfield and Newland, Wokingham, Wokingham (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 27.35 mm
Weight: 7.04 g
Description: 
A Bronze Age circular copper-alloy button. The button has two raised concentric circles in a recess, and with a central pit. There is a raised area on the back of the button and the stub of an integral loop with areas of iron (which may be accretions). The button has a dark green patina with corrosion pitting.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wacton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.5 mm
Description: Incomplete and abraded probable Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl, both ends missing. The central part is of sub-square cross-section and the object tapers towards both breaks. It is uncertain which part is the tang and which the point. Extant length 53.5mm. Maximum width 5.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hartshill, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.3 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 11.6 g
Description: An incomplete fragment from a socketed axehead, of Late Bronze Age dating (c. 950 BC to c. 750 BC).



Less than 25% of the socketed axehead is present, and consists of part of the mouth and body. The rest is missing, presumed lost in antiquity,



The mouth may have originally been square in shape, as the fragment exhibits an almost right angle bend. The mouth has a rolled rim. The start of two ribs are present on the body.



It measures 21.3 mm in length, 28.2 mm wide and 6.5 mm thick (at the mouth), 3.4 mm thick (body). It weighs 11.6 g.



The socketed axehead fragment is mostly a dark green colour, with the odd light green patch. These lighter areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion (bronze disease) occuring, which exhibitis as a bright green powdery residue. To reduce the risk of this happening, the fragment should be stored in a sealed airtight dry box (such as a tupperware box with a liquid seal), with plenty of silica gel.



Too little is present of this socketed axehead to determine what type it was, but it is definitely of Late Bronze Age dating (c. 950 BC to c. 750 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1500 to 900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bentley Pauncefoot, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 71.06 mm
Thickness: 14.85 mm
Weight: 26.05 g
Description: Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 900 BC) socketed spear (spearhead): The copper alloy spearhead consists of the central portion of the spearhead. In section the spearhead is, at the upper terminal, is a lozenge and the lower edge is a tubular, but is incomplete. The broken edges are not too recent. 



The spearhead has a broken side edge which reveals the interior of the socket. The other side face is abraded and reveals an incomplete side-loop. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead. The surface of the spearhead has traces of a mid grey patina, otherwise the surface is heavily abraded.



The spearhead measures 71.06mm in length, 19.88mm in width, 14.85mm thick, and weighs 26.05g.



It is likely that the spearhead can be attributed to the Middle Bronze Age; specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. (c. 1500 - 900 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 71.3 mm
Thickness: 2.88 mm
Weight: 7.6 g
Description: The tip of the blade of a cast copper alloy rapier of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, c. 1400-800 BC. The fragment consists of the end of the blade and is 71.3mm in length. The very tip of the blade is broken and missing and there is some bending to either end of the object, probably post-depostional. The rapier blade is nearly flat in cross section however there is a faint mid-rib that runs the length of the blade but is non-perceptatble in cross section. There is old damage to all edges.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stanford Dingley, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 123.4 mm
Thickness: 27.4 mm
Weight: 326.3 g
Description: A near-complete cast copper alloy palstave of Middle Bronze Age date. The palstave is in good condition with minimal pitting and only slight wear to the blade edge. There appears to be an old break to the butt end but otherwise the palstave is in very good condition. There is a pronounced casting seam down the centre of the flanges and there is a hollow below the stop ridge on both sides of the object. There are two small 'V' shaped marks just below the stop ridge but restricted to one side of the object - this appears to have occured during casting. The blade measures 49.9mm wide, is complete and has a crescentic plan with short curved tips. The blade facet is not visible. The axe is of Middle Bronze Age date (1500 - 1300 BC) and is most probably associated with the Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - both assemblages fit within Burgess Metal Working Stage VIII and IX.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bruntingthorpe, Harborough, Leicestershire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 23.69 g
Description: Bronze age spearhead fragment, 52 mm length, 26 mm width, 11 mm thickness, weight 23.69 g. The object represents the tip of a larger spearhead and is triangular in form and 'lozenge' shaped in cross section. It has a distinct rounded ridge running down the centre of each face and it narrows from 11mm thick to 4mm thick at the tip.  Its edges are damaged and some of the orginal surface has been lost. The object is probably middle Bronze Age in date, c. 1500 - 1300 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 86.1 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy (bronze) short flanged axe of Middle Bronze Age dating, probably of the Acton Park I metalwork assemblage and dating from c.1700 to c. 1500BC.



The axe has a shield shaped pattern below a very slight stop ridge, and raised flange facets. The blade of the object expands outwards to a crescentic cutting edge. The cutting edge measures 1mm thick. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The blade (measured from the cutting edge to the start of the flanges) is 37mm in length.



At the top of the blade below the flanges on each face of the object is an incised U-shaped groove which is probably an area of decoration typically described as shield shaped. The rear part of the axe (from the slight stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile). The flanges are worn and turn slightly inwards towards the septum where the handle would have been hafted.



The object has a dark black-brown patina and is heavily pitted in places with the pitting maintaining the same patina.



Many short flanged axes of this type are very narrow and they are probably a specialist tool / chisel. They evolve into palstaves when the stop ridges fuse with the side flanges



Dimensions: 96mm in length, 16mm in width, 15mm thick, 86.1g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder