dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MODERN ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.1 mm
Thickness: 10.1 mm
Weight: 10.02 g
Description: A copper alloy unidentified object of unknown date. The object is cylindrical but solid, at one end there are four triangular projections, two of which have rounded knops on the terminal end. Inside the projections is hollow, with traces of corrosion. In the body of one of the projections is a circular indentation, possibly a ring and dot decoration. Below this is a circular perforation, this is mirrored on the opposite side of the object. At the opposite end of the cylinder the object ends in a worn break. Either side of this is a half circular globular projection, projecting out like wings and running from the top edge to the lower edge of the object. The outside of the object has a mid green patina, on the inside of the broken end it is a dark red brown colour. It measures 29.1mm in length, 15.4mm in width, 10.1mm in thickness and weighs 10.02g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Downton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.65 mm
Weight: 11.15 g
Description: A Fragment of a Middle or Late Bronze Age copper alloy spear head, probably dating to c. 1550-800 BC. The surviving fragment comprises of the point of the spear head, between the point and the internal socket end. The fragment is sub-triangular in plan, expanding from the point into an old break. The spearhead is cast with a central longitudinal midrib, from which the wings project tapering into the edge. The mid-rib and socket are both rounded in cross section. The fragment is bent, curving to one side in profile.



Dimensions: length 35.65mm; width 16.80mm; thickness 9.10mm; weight 11.15g.



Without the socket, the fragment cannot be more precisely dated. However the roundness of the central mid-rib may suggest a Middle Bronze Age date, cf. Davies 2017, nos. 5-7.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Tisbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.45 mm
Weight: 6.29 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, dating to c BC 1100 - 800. The surviving fragment comprises of a section of the socket mouth; it is sub-trapezoidal in plan and slightly curved in profile. The base of the fragment is expanded in cross section, suggesting an expanded socket mouth, and with a second, less pronounced collar, parallel to the mouth, below the break. 



Dimensions: 19.45mm in length; 18.90mm in width; 6.29g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Patrick Brompton, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.29 mm
Height: 40.61 mm
Weight: 216 g
Description: A copper alloy late Bronze Age socketed axehead dating from about 1000 BC - 800 BC. It is a South Eastern ribbed type. The axe has a square, collared socket, from which two faces angle inwards, widening at the point at which they meet to form a slightly curved cutting edge. The mouth has a double collar moulding, the upper one more pronounced. There is a D-shaped loop springing from the lower collar on one of the triangular side faces. There are three ribs spaced evenly but closely across the front, and three on the back face, extending approximately halfway down the face. A casting seam is visible along both side faces, and there are the stubs of four casting jets, one on each edge of the mouth, with internal casting seams down the centre of the front and back faces of the axe. The cutting edge is extensively chipped, showing light green metal beneath the smooth blueish green patina. It is 80.29mm long, 40.61mm high, 37.37mm wide and weighs 216g. The socket is 59.6mm deep, 27.8mm wide internally. 



This axe fits the Ewart Park phase, metalworking phases X - XII, or Needham Periods 6-7, dating from about 1150-750 CAL BC. This axe is likely to date from about 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stratton Audley, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 142.6 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 32.84 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC) dirk or rapier, 142.6mm in length. The edges of the blade are straight and gradually taper to a rounded point. The butt is trapezoid with a flat rear and concave shoulders. Rivet holes to either side,of the butt, one of which is partially broken, would have secured the hilt. Both rivets are missing and one of the holes is filled with iron concretion. The blade is lozengiform in cross section and has a very low rounded spine. The rounded tip and uneven edge suggest re-sharpening and a prolonged lifetime of use. The surface of the object shows some damage and is covered by extensive iron concretion from ground water.
Notes: Dirks and rapiers of this type belong to Burgess and Gerloff's (1981) Group IV.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ascott-under-Wychwood, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 3.92 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy spearhead, dating to the middle or late Bronze Age (1200-800BC). Only the tip of the spearhead remains, which is triangular in shape, and lozenge in cross section. The break is worn. An insufficient amount of the spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed. The tip has a mid green/brown patina.



Weight: 3.92gms Length: 32.2mm Width: 9.7mm Thickness: 4.1mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Coombe Bissett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.1 mm
Thickness: 7.6 mm
Weight: 8.44 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper alloy spear head, probably dating to c. 1550-800 BC. The fragment consists of the point of the blade; it is sub-triangular in plan, with a circular sectioned mid-rib and mid-rib aperture, from which project the wings of the blade. These taper in section into the point. Rest of the spearhead is lost to an old break.



Length: 32.1mm; Width: 16.5mm; Thickness: 7.6mm; Weight: 8.44g.



Precise typological classification is difficult considering the fragmentary nature of the object, however its form would suggest a Middle or Late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wimborne St. Giles, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.75 mm
Weight: 6.31 g
Description: A probable Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead fragment, probably dating to c. 1100-800 BC. A sub-rectangular fragment with a sub-triangular cross section, comprising of part of the cutting edge and internal socket end. Only one wall survives, leaving the socket open on one face, with all breaks being old. 



Dimensions: 28.8mm in length; 18mm in width; 6.31g in weight.



Although the fragment is too small to be certain, it probably fits into the Ewart park or Wilburton metal working groups, giving it a date of 1100-800 BC (Schmidt & Burgess 1981: 119).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leafield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 8.9 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 3.96 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date. Only the blade edge survives intact, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The fragment measures 8.94mm long, 30.97 wide and has a maximum thickness of 5.55m. It weighs 3.96g.



The fragment is 'D' or crescent shaped in plan with a curved cutting edge, and has a straight inner edge. In cross section this inner edge is a pointed oval. The blade edge thickens evenly either side from the cutting edge towards the main section of the axe. Internally the blade is solid at this point. The blade edge has one small chip likely to be post-depositional, the chip showing a clean break.



The fragment is light green in colour and much of its original surface is covered by dark brown well-formed patina.



Given the extent of the curve of the blade and the even thickening towards the centre in cross section, the fragment is likely to be from a Late Bronze Age (c.1150 - 800 cal BC) socketed axehead, although it is not possible to rule out that it was a Middle Bronze Age Palstave. (c.1600 - 1150 cal BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merstham, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20 mm
Thickness: 1.4 mm
Weight: 1.11 g
Description: A small copper alloy barbed and tanged arrowhead, 20mm in length, of probable Middle - Late Bronze Age date (c. 1300 - 800 BC). The arrowhead has considerable abrasion and loss to the blade edges and tip, however it is clearly of triangular form. The cross sectional profile is flat, slightly elliptical but without a prominent midrib. The trapezoidal tang is splayed and relatively wide (6.5mm) compared to the overall width of the head (12.6mm).
Notes: The only example of this type of bronze arrowhead from a securely dated archaeological context comes from the Penard hoard (c. 1275-1140 BC) and was published in Archaeologica 71 (p. 138). At the time of its discovery it was a unique find in Britain and was presumed to be an import on the basis of a range of previous finds of bronze arrowheads recorded from Northern France. PAS recorded finds have since demonstrated that these bronze arrowheads were also a native British tradition, although they are very rare finds. Though the barbed and tanged form was used in flint from the Early Bronze Age, the Penard find suggests at least a Middle Bronze Age date for copper alloy examples such as this one which likely derive their shape from these earlier flint precursors.



Other examples on the database include SWYOR-3A2CF7, NMS-B061B6, NMS-F982A3, WMID-CE6A76, NARC-F9B223, NMS-477E93 and SF6680. This is the first recorded example from Surrey.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hadlow, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.49 mm
Thickness: 16.67 mm
Weight: 88.92 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe head, probably dating to 1100-800 BC.



Description: The fragment survives only as the cutting edge and part of the long rectangular socketed body. The cutting edge survives intact, albeit heavily worn. The blade runs in a very shallow convex curve and is heavily abraded, the blade tips flare slightly outwards. The surviving cross section of the socket is sub-oval. The remaining body appears to be undecorated although with such little remaining it is not possible to be sure although the casting seam is clearly visible . The axehead is patinated a mid green and the breaks have lead to more extensive corrosion.



Measurements: Length: 44.49mm, Width: 43.08mm, Thickness: 16.67mm, Weight: 88.92g.



Discussion: Although, due to completeness it is not certain but this axehead probably fits into the Ewart park or Wilburton metal working groups, giving it a date of 1100-800 BC (Schmidt & Burgess 1981: 119).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Carleton Rode, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Chance find during metal detecting
Length: 119.5 mm
Weight: 30.99 g
Description: Unusually large Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl with circular-sectioned point and tapering square to rectangular-section tang, slight damage at end. Length 119.5mm. Maximum width 7.5mm. Weight 30.99g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Notes: ENF-144937
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swine, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 154.1 mm
Thickness: 22.3 mm
Weight: 102.2 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy side-looped spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1550 - 1125 BC. It fits into the Acton Park or Taunton phases. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). 



The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced triangular cross-sectioned mid-rib on both faces, giving a lozenge shaped cross-section at the point. The edges of the blade are irregular and highly fragmentary due to corrosion. Some trace of edge bevels are discernable along parts of the blade edge, but it is hard to distinguish these from areas of corrosion. At the base of the blade is a socket, which is rectangular in plan, circular in cross-section, and is hollow, with no trace of wood remaining inside. Corrosion has created several holes in the sides of the socket. The socket has cast side loops roughly half way along its length, which are fragmentary.



The spearhead is green and brown in colour and in poor condition. All surfaces of the object are pitted and have copper disease, and the edges of the object are very fragile. The spearhead is 154.1mm in length, 35.9mm in width, 22.3mm thickness, and weighs 102.2g. 



This object corresponds closely with Davis Group 6, 'developed side looped'. For this group, the most numerous of all Early and Middle Bronze Age spearheads, Davis suggests a chronology corresponding with the Acton Park and Taunton phases, about 1550 - 1250 BC. Similar objects have been recorded on the database as SWYOR-A8FC69, OXON-838037, and YORYM-2D7578
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Quainton, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.3 mm
Thickness: 17.8 mm
Weight: 57.51 g
Description: A complete copper alloy Middle Bronze Age socketed spearhead of Davis Group 6 type, dating from c. 1500 to 1300 BC, placing it in the Acton and Taunton phases. These phases correspond with Needham's period 5.



The spearhead has a leaf shaped blade, with a pronounced and rounded midrib ridge which runs to the tip of the spear. The tip is now worn and broken, as are the edges of the blade. The blade and midrib cross section is lozenge shaped. The socket is circular in cross section and hollow.



The loops are about half way down the socket of the spearhead, these are formed of a narrow rectangular loop plate on both sides. The loops are D shaped in cross section, with an oval perforation. Running along the edges close to the loops are raised casting seams. The socket flares out towards the terminal edge, which is now worn and broken. One part has been folded inwards, and another part is folded outwards.



The spearhead has a dark green patina, with small circular patches of light green on the surface. At the socket end there is traces of orange brown on the surface. The spearhead measures 101.3mm in length, 22.4mm in maximum width, 17.8mm in maximum thickness and weighs 57.51g.



See Davis 2017, page 2, figure 6.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rylstone, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 92.8 mm
Thickness: 12.6 mm
Weight: 108.1 g
Description: A complete Early Bronze Age cast copper-alloy undecorated developed flat axe dating from about 2000-1700 BC. The axe is sub-rectangular in plan with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt, in plan, is complete with a rounded terminal. The side view of the axe is a sub pointed oval with both terminals tapering. 



In cross section the body of the axe is H-shaped as the side edges of the axe have been raised by hand hammering to form slight flanges. The flanges appear to have been cast and probably augmented by hammering. On both faces of the axe there is a slight bump / rib / proto-stop ridge, where the butt and the blade meet and the face of the axe changes angle. The thickness of the axe across the flanges is 12.6mm and the septum is 10.2mm thick at the proto-stop-ridge. There is no decoration present and the casting flanges have been trimmed filled and hammered flat.



The blade tip flares outwards from the body. One edge is angled outward, and the other is a concave curve. There is no obvious cutting edge bevel towards the blade edge, although it does tapers giving a slightly blunt edge.



The surface of the axe has a well-developed dark green to dark grey patina. It is 92.8mm long, 43.1mm wide and 12.6mm thick. 108.1g.



The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Early Bronze Age (EBA III), of metalworking stage IV-V (more likely V) specifically within the developed flat axe tradition which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL.BC.



The axe seems similar to some Brandon types. These are described by Burgess and Schmidt in Catalogue of the Axes in Northern Britain as: being "notably smaller than other advanced flat axes, usually under 130mm length. They have straight parallel or near parallel sides which curve out suddenly just above the blade to a widely expanded crescentic cutting edge. This example does not have a particular flared cutting blade. 



Compare also WAW-2779F8, LANCUM-FF1A46, YORYM-57D704 and SWYOR-3DAD49.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wacton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 162 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight: 451 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age palstave dating to the period c. 1600 - 1400 BC. The butt end exhibits a large notch and traces of damage. The socket is formed by a set of right angled flanges which flank the flat central area and increase in height towards the centre of the blade where they are joined by a horizontal stop ridge, forming an H in cross-section. The flanges are slightly damaged along the topmost edge on both sides, with pitting on the outward facing sides of each flange. Immediately below the stop ridge is a shield shaped depression. The blade has inward-bowing sides which flare towards the blade which terminates in a convex cutting edge, now heavily abraded. There is a vertical casting seam along each long edge, tool-marks indicating that this was filed down during finishing. The presence of a casting seam indicates the use of a two-piece mould in production. The surface has a smooth dark brown patina, heavily pitted and damaged by abrasion in places, showing as a dark green.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Luttons, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.3 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 25.1 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date, c. 1000 - 800BC. The fragment is the blade end of the axehead which is sub-rectangular with a worn cutting edge and rounded corners. The cross-section is rectangular and the breaks are old and worn.



The metal has a dark green delaminated patina and is worn. The fragment is 44.3mm long, 19.7mm wide, 9mm thick and weighs 25.1g.



Due to the incomplete nature of the axehead it is not possible to ascribe it to a particular type series and it has therefore been dated broadly as late Bronze Age in date circa 1000 - 800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Henfield, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.59 mm
Thickness: 18.63 mm
Weight: 147 g
Description: An incomplete, mid Bronze Age (1450 to 1200 BC), copper alloy, palstave. The fragment is very worn and missing the end that would have attached to a staff. The object is solid, not hollow. With the lack of evidence of a socket and the thickness at the break this is likely to be a palstave rather than a socketed or flat axe.



The shape of the axe is sub-triangular in plan and in profile, and the cross section of the break is rectangular.



Dimensions: length 66.59mm, thickness 18.63mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1200 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.8 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 12.08 g
Description: The tip of an incomplete cast copper alloy socketed spearhead, of Middle to Late Bronze Age dating (c. 1200-c. 800 cal BC).



The blade is narrow and triangular and has a pronounced mid rib on both sides extending to the tip of the spear, which remains pointed. In cross section the mid rib is lozenge shaped with a maximum thickness of 7.5mm. to either side of the mid rib are two smaller and subtler ridges probably indicating the presence of channels along much of the blade.



The spear head is covered in a thick dark green copper patina that is chipped/abraded in parts. underneath this patina the object is light green. The blade is mostly well preserved but has several chip along both edges these are not as patinated such that these chips look to have occurred after its deposition.



The fragment is narrow being 57.84m in length with a maximum width at its break of 15.8mm. It weighs 12.08 grams.



As this represents only a small fragment of the spear it is not possibly to classify the form of the complete object. It is probably of a later Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age (c. 1200-c. 800 cal BC).



Similar objects include: NLM-99D791, IOW-F3883D, SUR-BB2595
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sheepy, Hinckley and Bosworth, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 84 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy axe fragment, 1500-1150 BC. Length: 39 mm, width: 49 mm, thickness: 14 mm, weight: 84 g.



Fragment of a probably palstave axe, consisting of the rounded, splayed blade and part of the solid rectangular shaped and cross sectioned body (29mm wide) which is decorated with a rounded ridge running down its centre towards the blade.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Longwick-cum-Ilmer, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 50.38 g
Description: A copper-alloy sword fragment dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.1100-800 BC). The blade is trapezoidal in plan and lozenge-shaped in cross sections. The blade is thickest along the central axis and gradually thins towards the outside edges. There is some additional damage along the already broken edges, as well as minor abrasions and scratches across the surfaces of the blade. The fragment has a patchy dark-green and brown patina. It measures 32mm in length, 55mm in width and a maximum of 8mm thick. The blade weighs 50.38 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ford, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 129.5 mm
Thickness: 14.4 mm
Weight: 305 g
Description: A complete, copper alloy, Later Short Flanged axehead of the Lisset Type, dating to the middle Bronze Age, BC 1300-1200.



The axe head is sub-rectangular in plan with a narrowed square butt end which has been slightly damaged with some jagged edges. The lozenge-shaped flanges start a short way in from the butt corners; all of the flanges have been slightly bent backwards. The flanges terminate approximately mid-way along the body. There is no obvious stop ridge for the handle to butt against although there is a not very pronounced curved stop on the main body just above the lower end of the wings. The blade is thicker than the septum and tapers in thickness to the crescent shaped blade with slightly upturned points. The edge of the blade is slightly chipped on one side. There are rough casting seams down the sides of the object from the pointed apex of the flanges to the points of the blade. There is no evidence of any decoration on the axe head. The patina is generally of a dark green colour with some dark brown patches.



Length: 129.5 mm

Width: 36.94 mm

Thickness: 14.4 mm

Weight: 305 g



Several examples of flanged axe heads can be found on the database although the types differ with small changes in shape, the closest parallel being LANCUM -F0B1FD which states that "This is quite a large, common group and part of the Taunton Metalwork Assemblage, dating from c. 1300 - 1200 BC". This axehead thus belongs to a group of Later Short Flanged axes, Lissett Type (Schmidt and Burgess, 1981,100;  plate 48, numbers 616-620).



Schmidt, P.K., Burgess, C., 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. C.H.Beck.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middlezoy, Sedgemoor, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 184.9 mm
Thickness: 6.8 mm
Weight: 29.35 g
Description: A near complete copper alloy Middle Bronze Age dirk (small rapier) dating to the period c.1500 - 1150 BC found in 4 adjoining pieces.



The butt exhibits a series of old breaks along the lower edge which is convex curved and widens out to a maximum of 16.7 mm in width. It then tapers inwards to form two C-shaped notches on either side which are the remains of two broken rivets holes used as the attachment point for the missing handle. Both rivets are missing, and the holes are too fragmented to accurately estimate their diameter.



From these rivet holes the sides of the rapier expand into the shoulders of the blade. The maximum width of these shoulders is 27.1mm. From the shoulders the edge of the rapier narrows into the blade. From this point the blade itself tapers in width more gradually to almost have straight edges towards the end of the blade, the tip of which is missing. The blade is pointed oval in cross-section with no clearly defined mid-rib or edge bevels.



The object has a dark green patina which is particularly thick on the blade close to the rapier's shoulders. On the hilt area are concreted deposits which may be the remains or organic material preserved by copper salts. The majority of the blade's edge on all fragments shows chips, notches and damage but these may be due to post depositional damage. The maximum surviving width of the blade from midrib to edge is 17.1mm and it is maximum thickness is 7mm.



The longest fragment of the blade is bent so that it now forms a gentle curve when viewed in profile. The bending of the blade this way, and the snapping of it, into multiple fragments may have been deliberate although the fragments were found together and still fit together.



The total length of the rapier measures 184.9mm while the surviving portion of the blade is 157.9mm long. Both these figures would have been longer if the longest section of the blade were not bent. The blade has a maximum width of 4.7mm and a minimum width of 2.1mm. It minimum thickness is 1.96mm and its maximum thickness is 6.8mm. The rapier weighs 29.35g.



The object is likely a Group IV blade, with a comparable example no.864 from Undley, Suffolk (Burgess and Gerloff 1981, Plate 107). Close parallels include SOM-EECC89, a complete GLO-036A39 and pieces of two further such implements SUR-A18104/Treasure case 2015 T331. All of these rapiers are of similar form, being of Burgess and Gerloff's Group IV (1981) and dating to the period c. 1500-c. 1150 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middlezoy, Sedgemoor, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 133.8 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight: 91.58 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy leaf-shaped basal-looped spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500 - 1250 cal BC) probably Ehrenberg Class IIIa.



The spear has a sub-circular socket which tapers to a lozenge midrib with rounded ridges on the blade. The internal diameter of the socket is 17.9mm. The socket appears to be filled with concreted material, possibly organic 'fossils' imbuded with copper alloy salts..



The spear's blade is leaf-shaped (a stretched oval) and has narrow incorporated loops with flat plates, with no decoration, on either side at the base of the blade. A large proportion of the spear is covered in a green and brown copper corrosion and concreted material however enough of the blade is visible to discount the presence of channels along the spear. There also appear to be no defined edge bevels although the edges are sharp. The tip of the spear is broken off about 82.2mm from the base of the blade. The edges of the blade at the break are very chipped and fragmented. The break is unworn but patinated.



The concreted material on the surfaces appears to be organic material that was adjacent to the blade when deposited and has become concreted to it with the organics becoming imbuded with metal salts and preserved as 'fossils'.



Length 133.8mm, midpoint at 42.22mm from base of blade width 34.1mm, thickness 22.0. The midrib at the break at the tip end is 10.1mm thick and 6.6mm wide. The diameter of the socket mouth is between 20.3mm and 22.41. It weighs 91.58 grams.



The spear tip's poor preservation makes it difficult to precisely identify the length of the blade. If its tip was near the broken end of the spear the point of the blade's maximum width would lie between 40% and 50% of the blade as measured from its blade/socket junction. This would define the spear as a Davis type 2 (2006, 26). However, it is also possible that the blade extended further, or even became concave in form, which would change the classification of this blade to either the flame (type 3) or ogival (type 4) form respectively. The lozenge shaped midrib with its rounded corners would be consistent with these classes (Davis 2006, 33)



Regardless Davis's review of the dating evidence (ibid. p.49) concluded that, Type 2 and 3 'originated in the Acton park phase, and had its main period of use in the Taunton phase' (ibid. p.50), so around c.1500-1250 cal BC. However, there is also a limited amount of evidence to suggest that a few spearheads were in use beyond this period into the late Bronze Age, perhaps passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms (ibid.).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shamley Green and Cranleigh North, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.2 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 10.04 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy blade, possibly from a Bronze Age rapier or dagger dating to 1500 - 1000BC. The fragment has a lenticular cross section and is trapezoidal in plan. There is heavy iron concretion and loss to the blade edges and surface. The portion of surviving surface on one side demonstrates a central rib formed by a tapering pair of ridges with an outer pair of ridges towards the edge of the blade.
Notes: The pattern of ridges on the blade may be suggestive of KENT-AEA581 or LANCUM-FF125F as examples of the original form of this fragment.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bronington, Wrexham, Wrexham (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74.22 mm
Thickness: 4.81 mm
Weight: 29.82 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy dagger dating to the middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1100BC). The object has a lozenge-sectioned narrow blade which widens at the haft end, narrowing at two semi-circular indents which are the remains of rivet holes, and terminating in a sub-rectangular extension. The object is extremely worn with the tip of the blade missing leaving a worn break and the cutting edges chipped. The blade has a very slight curve. The object has a pitted brown to mid-green patina. 



Similar objects recorded on the PAS database include:  LANCUM-6693B2; GLO-7EFE1A; and DUR-C9E965.   



The overall dimensions are as follows: 74.22mm in length, 23.04mm in width, 4.81mm in thickness and 29.82g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold Copper alloy
Found: Oving, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.6 mm
Height: 6.8 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 3.66 g
Description: A complete, Late Bronze Age penannular ring (or lock-ring) made from decorated gold sheet around a copper alloy core. The ring is oval in plan with a triangular cross-sectional profile. The face has a pronounced midrib and eight smaller concentric ribs running around either side of the face (17 ribs in total) suggesting construction from gold wire, in contrast to the gold sheeting of the inner surface and terminals which is flat and undecorated. The opening in the ring has been damaged, with the gold plate broken to reveal the corroded copper alloy core. One of the terminals has split and been pushed back inside the ring, with the sheeting ruptured; there is additional crushing damage to one side of the ring which has ruptured the sheeting on the inner surface.



Length: 19.6mm; width: 17.1mm; thickness: 5.2 mm; weight: 3.66g
Notes: These types of gold or gold-on-base-metal rings and penannular rings are characteristic finds of the Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC). They belong to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings', 'ring-money' or 'lock-rings' but whose function remains uncertain. They may have been personal adornments worn on the ears or nose, rather than items of exchange. A closely similar example in size and construction in the British Museum's Greenwell Collection (WG 20) was found at Cheeseburn Grange, Northumberland.



For comparable examples on the database which have been declared Treasure, see SOM-50218D, ESS-5ECCA2 (2016T592), BERK-4A433E (2016T106) and BH-8DC056 (2009T513).



Conclusion: The item comprises more than 10% precious metal and is dated at over 300 years old at the time of finding. Additionally it is of prehistoric date and contains a proportion of precious metal. On both counts it therefore qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1000 to 800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Wall, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 29.62 mm
Thickness: 2.86 mm
Weight: 2.62 g
Description: A gold lock-ring and three small fragments of gold. The lock-ring is decorated with a series of incised concentric lines. One edge of the lock-ring is broken in a ragged edge, the other follows a neat line that may represent the original edge or a cut mark. The lock-ring is in a moderate condition, with cuts and distortion across its faces. There is evidence of tubing holding the two faces together (this has lifted in one section to reveal this construction technique). Around 1 quarter of the object is now missing and it is unclear from the initial inspection whether the small gold fragments form part of the broken edge or whether they are remains of other elements within the lock-ring construction. More investigation of this piece is required. 

Dimensions: Weight 2.62g; Diameter: 29.6mm

Scientific Analysis

Analysis was carried out by the Department of Scientific Research at The British Museum. 

Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated a surface composition of approximately 80-82% gold, 14-16% silver, the rest being copper. 

Discussion

This Late Bronze Age gold &lsquo;lock-ring&rsquo; dates to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BC). Lock-rings are known in relatively small numbers from Ireland, Britain and western France (Eogan 1969). A small number of examples are known from the North of England and the South of Scotland (see Eogan 1994, figure 41). Most of the finest examples have been found in Ireland. The find from &lsquo;Near Errington&rsquo; is a fine example of its kind and, despite its moderate condition, deserves to be acquired and studied in further detail. 

Conclusion

Due to the precious metal content of this object being over 10% gold, and it being over 300 years old, this object qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Artington, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.1 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight: 67.86 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy ingot, possibly a late Bronze Age bun ingot. The lower surface is plano-convex, the upper is broken up and irregular. The plano-convex face suggests an origin in a bowl furnace rather than a mould; the irregular upper surface may suggest distortion from partial re-melting.Circa 1150 - 600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Compton, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.5 mm
Thickness: 17.6 mm
Weight: 74.92 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy late Bronze Age bun ingot, 53.5mm in length and weighing 74.92g. As is typical for such finds, the surface is pitted and the sides of the fragment have cavities where air bubbles formed during the casting process. Circa 1150 - 600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1150 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 19.7 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy heavy duty ring probably dating from the late Bronze Age to Late Iron Age (c. 1150 BC - AD 43). The ring is circular in plan sub-circular in section. The inside of the ring has what appears to be file marks or possibly scratches resulting from use, however these markings do not cover the entire inner surface. A couple of sections are smooth like the outside, which may suggest the presence of a strap. One area of the ring is slightly thinner than the rest; again a possible indication of use. The ring is undecorated but it has a beautiful green-brown patina which, when compared to other typologically and chronologically distinctive artefacts from the same area, suggests a Bronze Age or Iron Age date. It has an internal diameter of 27.6mm.



Similar rings have been discovered in a number of Bronze Age hoards and have been suggested to be horse harness fittings, part of the handles of a sheet-metal cauldron (Llyn Fawr, Ballyshannon and Castlederg types; Gerloff 2010, Pl. 17, 7b; Pl.32, 14a; Pl. 33, 14f-h; Pl. 34, 15d, Pl. 54, 33c and Pl. 66, 37g), or part of a chain from which a cauldron or other vessel was suspended over a fire. Several are recorded on the PAS database although dates vary: NLM-56D148 and  WAW-0255D3 (Roman), SUR-EDE94A and LANCUM-5BFE21 (Iron Age).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Erth, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.5 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight: 131.8 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy socketed axehead dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age (c.800-700 BC). The collar and the upper half of the axe is missing and there three fragments of more of the wall of the axe that also survive. The lower half that survives is sub-rectangular in plan, triangular in profile and the socket is almost square in section. The socket, when complete, would have held the wooden haft or handle of the axe. The sides of the axehead are straight and almost parallel but expand slightly towards the blade making the cutting edge a little crescentic, which is probably the result of sharpening during use. The cutting edge is also slightly damaged although this appears to be limited to the surface corrosion and is more likely the result of soil movement and of agricultural equipment since depostion than of use. A longitudinal linear casting seam is visible on one side but the other side is pitted and more worn. Most of the surface is oxidized to a pale green with a few patches of dark green patina.



The narrow straight sides of the blade suggest that it is part of an Armorican socketed axe, which are also referred to as 'Breton axes', a type which are usually non-functional and may have been 'ingot-axes' at least in north west France. Outside north west France they are widespread but uncommon. They date from the Late Bronze Age, the Llyn Fawr phase (c.800-700 BC), and into the Early Iron Age, the Hallstatt C phase (c.800-650 BC).



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar Armorican socketed axes from Carn Brea, in Cornwall, on page 424, plates 16-17, nos.129a & c.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate similar socketed axes from Cornwall on pages 38 & 97, plate 24, nos.100-101.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.82 mm
Thickness: 4.78 mm
Weight: 12.67 g
Description: A copper-alloy unidentified object of probable Bronze Age date, c. 2350-801 BC. The rectangular object is lozenge shaped in cross-section with tapering edges along the longest sides and a raised central ridge.



The object measures 34.82 mm in length, 12.85 mm in width, 4.78 mm thick and weighs 12.67 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bottesford, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 5.48 g
Description: Late Middle Bronze Age - Late Bronze Age socketed spear tip fragment. 27mm in length, 14mm wide and 8mm thick with a weight of 5.48g.



The object is sub rectangular in form and cross section and is badly damaged. It has a tapering cross section which terminates in a rounded point. This is flanked by one partial flat 'blade' It has a very slight rib on each surface and is very worn.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hunston, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.41 mm
Thickness: 11.65 mm
Weight: 20.9 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy spearhead probably of middle to late Bronze Age date (c.1550-800 BC).



The spearhead is fragmentary, missing the base of the socket, half the length of the midrib and the opposing blade; with only half the upper section surviving to the tip. The midrib is circular in section (approximately 8mm in diameter at the break) and extends into the blade to the tip. The surviving blade wing is very worn and abraded and widens from 5.5mm at the base to 9.0 mm before tapering to towards the tip.



The fragmentary condition of the object makes typological identification uncertain so a wide date range of Middle to Late Bronze Age is suggested. 



Measurements: length: 78.41mm; width: 17.98mm: thickness: 11.65mm and weight: 20.9g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bonsall, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.4 mm
Thickness: 31.3 mm
Weight: 260 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave axe head dating to the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1450 - 1200 BC. The palstave is in good condition but broken behind the stopridge, most of the rectangular cross-sectioned butt is missing. It has a single, well formed side loop. The blade has a heavily curved faceted/bevelled cutting edge which shows marks of hammering. On both sides there is a thin median rib from the stop ridge to the blade facet.



The object is an early/primary looped palstave (group III) with a mid-rib, dating to the Acton Park II to Taunton to early Penard phase of metalwork (1450 - 1200 BC). The blade facet shows ripples from the metal being drawn down through hammering to sharpen the blade. The surface of the rest of the blade, on all four sides, has many small indents that appear to be decorative.



The patina of the axe is almost complete. One face of the axe has a distinctive light blue to turquoise colour while the other is a darker green. The break appears old and has developed a green patina. The surface of the break is pitted and has several deep indents, formed by air bubbles in the alloy as the object was being cast.



A similar object is illustrated in Rowlands 1976 Fig 3, Plate 54 (Eglesham Meadows hoard).



Overall length 95.4 mm. Width at butt 23.4 mm, at blade 63.7 mm. Thickness 31.3 mm at stopridge, tapering to 1.0 mm at blade edge. Weight 260 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Send, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.5 mm
Height: 28.4 mm
Weight: 138.51 g
Description: A triangular fragment of copper alloy, possibly a late Bronze Age bun ingot, 45.5mm in length and weighing 138.51g. As is typical for such finds, the surface is pitted and the sides of the fragment have cavities where air bubbles formed during the casting process. Circa 1150 - 600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder