dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bramdean and Hinton Ampner, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.78 mm
Thickness: 1.93 mm
Weight: 1.42 g
Description: The tip from an incomplete cast copper alloy blade, probably a rapier of Middle Bronze Age (1600-1000 BC) date. The surviving fragment is sub-rectangular in form and has a central rib from where the blade narrows to the thin edges, making it slightly lozengiform in cross-section. The tip narrows to a blunted point at one end and terminates in old breaks at the other. The surfaces have a pitted dark green patina.



The fragment is 23.78mm long and 8.88mm wide. It narrows from 1.93mm thick at the central rib to c.0.8mm thick at the edge and weighs 1.42g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 135.2 mm
Weight: 32.6 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze blade, possibly a dirk of Group II or III blade with a damaged butt





The dirk is incomplete with some peripheral damage to the butt and upper part of the blade (with a length of 135.2mm and a weight of 32.6 g). The top edge of the butt is damaged and irregular, with a number of arcs, possibly related to rivet holes but none of which may now be identified with any certainty. The dirk is thinnest at the butt (with a thickness of 0.8mm) and is widest across the eroded shoulders (with a surviving width of 38.7mm). The original form of the hilt is now uncertain but there is a clear midrib on the blade, which begins comparatively near the end of the dirk (at approximately 12mm), possibly suggesting that most of the butt has been lost or possibly that the blade is reworked. The blade gradually narrows from the shoulders, giving the dirk something of a triangular form, rather than the wide-butted and slender-bladed types. The blade edges appear to have been more sharply convergent (for c. 32mm from the butt), before being more gently convergent but still straight and then converging with an arc to the tip (for c. 19mm). Both faces are very heavily-corroded, masking the detail but the midrib is evident on both faces (giving the dirk a maximum thickness of 3.0mm below the shoulders) and there is the suggestion of blade facets. The pitting on the surface has penetrated the bronze in areas and the surviving surface has a dark-brown to black patina and with an area of brown and grey corrosion. There is no surviving evidence for a hilt mark on the surface



The corrosion and fragmentary, eroded butt makes it difficult to confidently identify the blade typologically within the scheme as outlined by Burgess and Gerloff (1981) but would seem to best fit the Group II to III weapons. It is also very possible that the blade has been reworked. Group II to III blades belong to Acton Park II and Taunton Metalworking industry of the Middle Bronze Age, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Period 5, dated to 1500 - 1150BC.



1. Burgess C.B. & Gerloff S., 1981; The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IV. Band 7.

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: High Easter, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.87 mm
Diameter: 12.34 mm
Thickness: 3.57 mm
Weight: 12.76 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy socketed spear-head, dating 1500-1150 BC. The blade is leaf shaped, though the edges are incredibly worn and the tip is missing. Below the blade is a cylindrical shaft which flares towards the base. Midway along the shaft, on either side, are traces of two sideloops. The base is also incredibly worn. The entire object has a dark green patintion with patches of dark brown.



A few similar examples can be seen on the PAS database, cf.HESH-218915.Similar looped spearheads have been dated by Margaret Ehrenberg to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions (1500 - 1150 BC).This object is therefore likely to be of a similar date.



Dimensions: length: 64.87 mm; blade thickness: 3.57 mm; socket diameter: 12.34 mm; weight: 12.76g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight: 150.88 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, thickened moulding at slightly flared mouth, side loop on one side and vertical casting seams on both sides. The elegant narrowed and faceted octagonal body flares to the broad cutting edge. Length 116mm. Width of cutting edge 50mm. Width of mouth 34.5mm. Thickness of mouth 33mm. Weight 150.88g. c. 1000-700 BC. 



(Finder's number DW9-226)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Foxley, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight: 40.52 g
Description: A blade fragment of a Late Bronze Age (1150 - 800 BC) copper alloy socketed axehead consisting of the cutting edge and lower part of the body only, broken just above the start of the socket. The fragment is sub-rectangular, rectanuglar in cross-section. The cutting-edge is angular and narrow. The blade shows signs of breakage and damage. The sides of the axe are triangular, tapering towards the cutting-edge. The break is uneven on both faces and the lower portion of the socket is visible at the break, consisting of a narrow, sub-triangular hollow.The length is 36mm, the width is 35mm, thickness 16mm and the weight 40.52g. Similar examples of this can be seen in records KENT-ECBAFE, WMID-6D041B and HAMP-4A5FB6. Due to the size and condition of the fragment it is difficult to confidently assign a Type of socketed axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Punch (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Foxley, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 8.58 g
Description: Late Bronze Age cast copper alloy tanged punch, corroded slightly, rectangular-sectioned with transverse stop ridge at mid-point, tapering towards both damaged ends, length 112mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC. The length is 48mm, the width is 9mm, thickness 8mm and the weight 8.58g. Below the head the punch tapers to a handle that is almost circular in section at the broken end and polygonal nearer the head. This handle is broken. The object is quite narrow compared to records NMS-9B6D51 and BERK-E133A6.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Donats, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.4 mm
Weight: 101.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of faceted type, Type Meldreth, variant Aylsham, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 204-8) and of late Wilburton to Ewart Park metalworking phases, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Periods 6 to 7, c. 1150 -750BC





The axe is fragmentary and damaged, missing the blade and part of the mouth and is partially filled with sediment (with a surviving length of 78.4mm and a weight of 101.6g). The socket mouth is circular and incomplete, with a little over half remaining (with a diameter of 33.0mm). Below the socket, the mouth is concave (for 11mm) before a moulding, producing the characteristic 'trumpet-shaped collar'. The loop springs from below the moulding (with a length of 21mm) and has been distorted with a blow to its midpoint, producing an undulating form. The looped side is more complete and is concave across its length, expanding towards the missing blade (with a maximum surviving width 28.0mm and a width below the loop of 25.5mm). The casting seam is evident running along the preserved side and has been finished. The body of the axe has a number of facets, seemingly twelve, which characterise the axe type. The blade of the axe appears to have been removed and significant battering above the break has closed the socket at the break (giving a thickness at the break of 11.8mm). The mouth has also received a blow, causing a part of the body to be folded into the socket. The split continues to the break at the base and has also received a significant blow above the blade. The surface is corroded and worn with a light-brown corrosion overlying a black patina.
Notes: The axe demonstrates clear evidence of deliberate damage, apparently to the mouth, the loop in addition to the faces and sides of the blade. Faceted axes have been recorded from a Late Wilburton hoard in Co. Roscommon, indicating a possible date for the type from the transition of the Wilburton-Wallington and Ewart Park metalworking phases.



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

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Snettisham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 5.76 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl, round-sectioned (7mm) pointed end and narrowed and tapering rectangular-sectioned tang. Length 53mm. Tang 4.5mm x 4mm in section. Weighs 5.76g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Snettisham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 13 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.97 g
Description: Fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe. Extant length 13mm. Extant width 20mm. 4mm thick. Weight 4.97g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Castle, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 131.4 mm
Weight: 19.7 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze blade, possibly a dirk of Group II blade with a damaged butt.



The dirk is incomplete with some peripheral damage to the butt and some distortion (with a length of 131.4mm and a weight of 19.7g). The shoulders are eroded but are probably close to their original width (with a surviving width of 39.2mm). The original form of the hilt is now uncertain and there are no definitive arcs from rivet holes present along the edges although it is possible to suggest an arc at the apex, towards the more complete shoulder side. The butt is thinned (with a thickness at the apex of 0.8mm) and may have been reworked. Below the shoulders, the sides are gently concave (for 24mm) before becoming near-straight and convergent (for approximately 82mm) before converging more sharply above the tip. The blade outline is comparatively triangular and perhaps suggests a Group II blade. The blade section is now difficult to determine with no midrib or mid-ridge discernible although there is the tentative suggestion of ephemeral surface marks or facets. The blade achieves a maximum thickness (of 2.3mm) below the butt and gradually thins to the tip (at 1.4mm thick).



The blade edges have been lost and are now rounded on one edge and stripped on the other. The original surface has been lost and the metal is heavily-corroded with a grey-brown to black patina and with areas of pale-green corrosion. There is no surviving evidence for a hilt mark on the surface.
Notes: The blade has bowed slightly along its length in both directions so it has a low wave-like side profile. Due to the thin nature of the blade, this could be the result of soil warping or another post-depositional process. Alternatively, it may be the result of heat warping, as seen on burnt Early Bronze Age daggers, or deliberately distortion by some other means. The poor surface condition is indicative of burning damage.



The corrosion and peripheral damage makes it difficult to confidently identify the blade typologically with the scheme as outlined by Burgess and Gerloff (1981) but the triangular form would seem to best fit the Group II weapons with damaged or reworked butts. Group II have a suggested date range spanning the Early to Middle Bronze Age transition (ibid., p 45), and largely belong to Acton Park Metalworking industry but continue into Taunton Metalworking, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Period 4 - 5, and perhaps can be dated to c. 1600 - 1200BC.



1. Burgess C.B. & Gerloff S., 1981; The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Prähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IV. Band 7.



2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 11 g
Description: Copper alloy blade, probably a blade edge fragment from a Bronze Age axe of indeterminate type and date.

The axe is fragmentary, represented by the blade edge only (with a width of 36.5mm, a surviving length of 14.0mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 6.0mm and a weight of 11.0g). The break occurred in antiquity and there is no socket base evident on the fragment. The blade edge is convex and is incomplete, with approximately two-thirds represented. The original edge has been lost through corrosion. The surface is heavily-pitted and corroded and very little of original surface survives with a green-black patina.
Notes: The small fragment represented makes any identification uncertain.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103.9 mm
Weight: 66 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze side-looped socketed spearhead of Davis' (2012, 53-58) Group 4: Plain kite blade, dating to the Acton Park metalworking phase (1500-1400 BC) (Needham et al. 1997).



The spearhead is near-complete with peripheral damage to the mouth and tip (with a length of 103.9mm and a weight of 66.0g). The socket is circular (with an internal diameter of 17.2mm and an external diameter of 20.2mm) and has a rounded step just above the mouth. The socket has not been completely cleaned-out (and has a current depth of 23mm) and contains bronze corrosion. The sides of the socket are near-straight and convergent towards the blade. The loops are flat topped of sub-lozenge shape (14mm long by 6mm wide), which begin 21mm from the socket mouth. The perforations beneath the loops are slender and oval, containing sediment (4.0-5.7mm long and 2mm high). Both sides have a ridge, running between the mouth and the loop and between the top of the loop and the base of the blade, resulting from the careful finishing of the casting seams. There appear to be decorative grooves flanking the loops.



The short blade can be described as "kite-shaped" (with a maximum width near its base of 23.0mm and a length of 48mm) with flat blade edges. The socket continues into the blade as a narrowing and more angular midrib. Weak blade facets are discernible but are now worn. The spearhead has been very neatly finished with no casting flashes evident. The surface of the spearhead is preserved with a dark green patina. Deep sharpening striations are evident beneath the patina running along both sides of the blade and onto the midrib on both faces.
Notes: Davis (2012, 53f.) presents plain side-looped spearheads with a kite-shaped blade as his Group 4 for Britain. These are further sub-divided into two types, based on the overall size of the spearhead and the shape of the loop plates. The present examples can be classed as Type 4A due to it being over 90mm and having lozenge-shaped loop plates. Davis (2012) records 21 Type 4A spearheads, though this example is the first from a secure context in Wales. Previously, one was known from the Museum of Aberystwyth, but without any provenance. A spearhead of a similar form was found at Marbury cum Quoisley in Cheshire (PAS LVPL-69F851).



A similar side-looped spearhead was found in the Thames at Mortlake, now in the Museum of London , and had remnants of the wooden shaft surviving. The shaft was radiocarbon dated by Needham et al (1997, DOB 31) to 1680 - 1400BC (with 95% confidence).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: The Havens, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.5 mm
Weight: 74.8 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe probably of Type Portree or a variant, possibly Variant Kalemouth, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p. 184-90) possibly dating to the transition of the Wilburton-Wallington and Ewart Park metalworking phases corresponding to Needham's (1996) Periods 6 to 7, c. 1150 -750BC.





The axe is of 'Baggy' form and is incomplete, missing the mouth and loop (with a surviving length of 55.5mm and a weight of 74.8g with the wood in the socket and 73.3g without). The top of the axe has broken or is eroded, probably just below the mouth. The mouth is oval to sub-rectangular (31.4mm wide and 25.1mm deep). The socket is rectangular (21.7mm x 13.6mm and 36.8mm deep) and when reported, contained the distorted wooden remains, probably of the handle. After the removal of the wood, no internal ribs were identified at the base of the socket. The poor preservation of the wood has made it difficult to obtain a species identification. There is a horizontal collar moulding, now heavily worn, positioned at the top of the loop. The loop has mostly been lost, with only the basal stubs now surviving (with a length of 17.0mm). The casting seams are evident on both sides and appear to have been finished. The sides are near-straight, only very gently concave and parallel for approximately half their lengths before diverging to produce a moderately expanded blade edge (with a width of 37.1mm). The axe has an oval to sub-rectangular body section (31.0mm x 16mm below the loop) without any facets. The faces are convex across their widths and comparatively flat across their lengths, converging more sharply above the blade but without a discernible blade facet. The original surface has been lost and is striped and heavily-pitted with a pale-green corrosion.
Notes: The truncated mouth makes precise typological identification difficult. The axe has the 'baggy' form, of types well represented in Ireland. The axe would appear to best fit Eogan's (2000, p 20-30) Class 2 A or B with a suggested date range from the 11th to 9th centuries BC (ibid, p 30). Axes of type 2 have a distribution largely in the northern half of Ireland, although examples are recorded from as far south as Cork (ibid. pl. 113B).



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

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

3. Eogan, G., 2000; The Socketed Axes in Ireland; Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, Band 22
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Denbigh, Denbighshire, Denbighshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 163 mm
Thickness: 22.1 mm
Description: Early to Middle Bronze Age bronze Group I, Primary Shield Pattern palstave of Acton Park Metalworking Industry and of Needham's (1996) Periods 4-5, c. 1600 - 1400BC.





The palstave is near-complete, missing one blade tip (with a length of 163mm, it was not possible to obtain a weight). The butt is near-straight. (22.3mm wide and 5mm thick). The sides are straight and near-parallel as far as the stop and is comparatively slender (at 25.0mm wide and 25.4mm wide at the stop). The sides are not nicked below the stop but are concave and divergent to produce a moderately expanded blade edge but has lost one of the blade tips (with a surviving width of 59.7mm) and has also lost the original blade edge. There was no loop and the casting seams are evident on both sides and have ben finished, probably by hammering. The flanges begin below the butt (approximately 13mm) and are now truncated but are straight, gradually rising towards the stop (where the axe has a maximum thickness of 22.1mm) but do not continue onto the blade. The septum has a slight concavity across its width and has a consistent thickness. The stop has a gentle curve and is slightly undercut (with a height above the septum of 8.2mm and 6mm above the blade). Below the stop on the blade is a shallow shield-shaped depression (21mm long), characteristic of the palstave type. The blade is convex across both its width and length. There is the suggestion of two weak blade facets and discernible hammer marks are present on the lower part of the blade. Sharpening striations are evident running off the blade edge. The surface has a dark-brown patina with more recent surface damage and loss with a bright green corrosion. The surface has been treated by the finder, possibly altering the patina colour.
Notes: The axe is an early example of the palstave form and it has been argued (Schmidt & Burgess 1981, pp. 125) that North-East Wales and the Marches was the source of this form of axe type.



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

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



(Record Produced at a 'Finds day' with limited equipment and references - the quality of record will not be of usual standards)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Flintshire, Flintshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.2 mm
Weight: 25.2 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze blade.





The blade is incomplete and fragmentary, in two pieces (the upper fragment has a length and weight of 75.2mm and 25.2g respectively, the lower part is similarly 39.6mm and 8.5g, with a combined dimensions of 110.9mm and 33.7g). The butt or hilt is missing with no evidence for rivet holes or a tang but the top of the blade does not appear to be widening (with a width of 17.2mm). The blade has a prominent rounded midrib of consistent width and thickness (of 4.0mm width and 4.0mm thick). The original blade edges have been lost but the surviving edge is comparatively straight (with a maximum surviving width of 24.8mm) for most of its surviving length. The blade appears to taper near one end (from approximately 39mm) and is likely to have been approaching the missing tip. There is the suggestion of a slight step from the midrib to the blade and the blade profile appears to be slightly convex. There is clear suggestion of a bend prior to breaking at the fracture. The surface is heavily corroded with dark-green patina and with suggestions of sharpening striations.
Notes: 
The following comment has been offered by Mr Matt Knight (pers. comm.):



Bent and broken blades are known throughout the Bronze Age, with fragmentation particularly common in the Late Bronze Age. The form of this is blade is suggestive of a Late Bronze Age form, perhaps the lower blade of a sword. The breakage into several pieces, as well as the associated bend, may indicate this damage was the result of intent. However, bending and breakage has been known to occur through use.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bielby, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.9 mm
Thickness: 18.1 mm
Weight: 54.5 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end including the base of the socketed area. It is trapezoidal in shape with a worn cutting edge and flared rounded corners. The cross-section is a tapering rectangle which is broken to the wider end. The breaks are old and worn.



The metal has a dark brownish-green patina and is worn. The fragment is 31.9mm long, 47.8mm wide, 15.1mm thick and weighs 54.5g.



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 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Over Wallop, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.3 mm
Thickness: 7.8 mm
Weight: 8.59 g
Description: A (probably later) Bronze Age (c.1150-800 BC) copper alloy tanged awl, missing the tip of its tang (recent damage).

The body of the awl is conical in shape, being rather more square in cross-section at its widest end and measuring 8.2x7.8mm. It narrows to a rounded point (2.3mm in diameter) over  25.5mm. The tang is square in cross-section where it extends from the wide end of the conical body, measuring 5.7x5.6mm. It thins to 2.5mm thick and 5.8mm wide at the recent break.

The patina is a smooth, shiny green in colour with patches of a brighter green corrosion product. The damaged end of the tang and the very tip of the conical body show a purple-brown coloured surface beneath.

The awl measures 56.3mm in incomplete length, 8.2mm in max. width, 7.8mm in max.thickness and weighs 8.59g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.23 mm
Thickness: 2.12 mm
Weight: 2.97 g
Description: 
A fragment of a probable Bronze Age razor. Few original edges are present although the inside curves of the tang and blade junction survive. One surface is very pitted. The fragment has a flat slightly lens-like section although on one side a midrib is more prominent.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Evesham, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 4.41 g
Description: Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) blade fragment: The cast copper alloy blade fragment is a pointed oval in cross-section with smooth curve on both surfaces and a very slight mid rib on both faces. The breaks arcoss the blade are not old, but not too recent. The surface of the blade has a heavy mid green patina which is slightly pitted. It measures 18mm long, 15.09mm wide, 4.1mm thick. It weighs 4.41 grams. 



It is probably a fragment from a sword or rapier of the Late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heath, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.8 mm
Thickness: 15.4 mm
Weight: 34.6 g
Description: A blade fragment of a Late Bronze Age (1150 - 800 BC) copper alloy socketed axehead. The fragment is sub-rectangular, rectangular in cross-section and consists of the cutting-edge and approximately one third of the blade. The cutting-edge is angular and narrow, with one damaged corner. The sides of the axe are triangular, tapering towards the cutting-edge, with visible casting seams present on both sides. The break is uneven on both faces and the lower portion of the socket is visible at the break, consisting of a narrow, sub-rectangular hollow.



It measures 33.8 mm in length. 35.6 mm wide, 15.4 mm thick and weighs 64.6 g.



Due to the fragmentary nature of this object, it is very difficult to confidently assign a Type of socketed axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tattershall, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Description: An early to middle Bronze Age copper-alloy flat axehead. The butt is wedge-shaped, and slightly concave along the edge. The body is rectangular in section, and flares to the blade. The body may have had flanges, but these are not clear from the photo. The blade is crescent shaped, and has a small notch, presumably damage, towards one edge.



From the end of the shaft to the blade edge the aze measures 68mm. From point to point on the blade it measures 55mm. The axe measures 10mm in width at its widest point.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 11.24 g
Description: Copper alloy loop of a Palstave axe dating to the early Bronze Age (circa 2550 BC - 1500 BC). The loop is in good condition and does not appear to be damaged. The patina is dark brown. Records NMGW-0BA169 and NMGW-FDCDF0 indicate what the loop would have looked like attached to the axe. The length is 32mm, the width is 15mm, thickness 10mm and the weight 11.24g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Deopham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.5 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 9.48 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, both ends broken and all on one side of the midrib lost in antiquity. There is no part of the socket present. Extant length 23.5mm. Thickness 9mm. Weight 9.48g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104.35 mm
Thickness: 14.38 mm
Weight: 44.76 g
Description: A copper alloy Thorndon type socketed knife found in two pieces. The knife is in good condition apart from a concreted lump on the blade. Close striations are visible on the exterior of the socket. The knife measures 31.9mm and has a width aross the widest part of 29.7mm. The socket is 128.63mm in length and the hole which runs across the socket is 4.93mm in diameter.
Notes: Cf. NMGW-6F3FF3
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.92 mm
Thickness: 8.12 mm
Weight: 28.62 g
Description: 
The copper alloy blade of a probable late Bronze Age socketed axe. There is no trace of the socket so this may be a palstave axe. The axe is rectangular in section at the break and has splayed blade terminals.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alderminster, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.62 mm
Thickness: 14.79 mm
Weight: 21.62 g
Description: 
A fragment of the butt of a Middle to Later Bronze Age palstave axe. Part of one side wing survives but neither terminal nor stop ridge is present.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.44 mm
Thickness: 9.38 mm
Weight: 17.85 g
Description: 
A fragment of a part molten, possibly Bronze Age, copper alloy object. The fragment has a rounded D-shape in section and has one flat side.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.5 mm
Weight: 12.06 g
Description: Mouth fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead decorated with closely spaced longitudinal ribs. The breaks are not recent. Extant length 31.5mm. Weight 12.06g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beeston with Bittering, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.5 mm
Diameter: 21.5 mm
Weight: 61.18 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, leaf-shaped blade with ribs flanking the tapering central socket and with a radial rib above the socket. The end is filled with ferrous concretion. Some nicks in the sharp cutting edges, damaged point. Length 109.5mm. Width 29mm. Diameter of socket 20.5- 21.5mm. Weight 61.18g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.62 mm
Thickness: 27.54 mm
Description: 
A fragment of a copper alloy plano-convex bun ingot of Bronze Age date. Unfortunately the weight was not taken.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stockton, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44 mm
Weight: 13.96 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, worn and very corroded, point missing, broken across socket which ends just beyond the break. Extant length 44mm. Width 15mm. Weighs 13.96g. 1000-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beausale, Haseley, Honiley and Wroxall, Warwick, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.7 mm
Diameter: 27.4 mm
Thickness: 3.4 mm
Weight: 6.4 g
Description: A complete, copper alloy, Quoit Headed Pin of the Middle Bronze Age Period, circa 1500 BC - 1150 BC.



The shaft of the pin is complete and tapers to a sharp point at the distal (furthest) end, it is circular in cross section. The shaft is bent at the point where it meets the head of the pin. The pin shaft angles to the right towards the distal end of the pin. The head of the pin is circular in plan and circular in cross section, and is complete. It has an external diameter of 27.4 mm and an internal diameter of 20.6 mm. The pin is undecorated but does show evidence of silvering on the surface.



The pin measures 78.7 mm in length, and the head has a diameter of 27.4 mm. It has a thickness of 3.4 mm and weighs 6.4 g.



The pin is a mid brown in colour, with evidence of silvering in places, mostly on the front of the pin at the proximal (closest, or head) end. It has an uneven patina. Abrasion caused by movement in the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.



Dr Eleanor Blakelock (Birmingham Museums Trust) tested three areas on the pin using a Mistral Tabletop XRF machine. The areas tested were: a silvered area, a cleaned area that revealed silver from the surface layers, and the final area was further down the pin to assess the core metal composition. The XRF results would indicate that the pin has been silvered.






Test area

			
Gold (Au)

			
Silver (Ag)

			
Copper (Cu)

			
Tin (Sn)

			
Zinc (Zn)

			
Lead (Pb)

			
Mercury (Hg)

			
Iron (Fe)

		


Cleaner Silvered area

			
0.00

			
53.28

			
20.20

			
0.20

			
3.45

			
1.02

			
0.00

			
21.85

		


Silvered area

			
0.00

			
38.51

			
57.86

			
0.32

			
0.00

			
0.21

			
0.00

			
3.09

		


Base of pin

			
0.00

			
0.16

			
82.61

			
0.13

			
0.95

			
4.12

			
0.00

			
12.04

		



Other examples of this type of pin can be seen on the Database, including SF9909, SOMDOR-839ED2, SF-81BA51, SF-54D866 and BUC-7C4708. All have been given a date of around 1500 BC - 1150 BC. Pins of this type are more commonly found in Eastern and Southern Britain.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heytesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.12 mm
Thickness: 6.86 mm
Weight: 12.32 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age socketed axe head dating to the period c. 1600 - 800 BC. The fragment consists of part of the mouth and the haft end of the body. It measures 23.12mm in length, 28.03mm in width, is 6.86mm thick and weighs 12.32g.



The mouth consists of a single moulded ridge 6.86mm thick with a casting seam visible running around the top. Below is a shallower horizontal ridge below which the fragment terminates in an old break. The reverse is slightly concave.



The axehead has an uneven dark green patina with a greyish sheen indicating a high tin content.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishop Norton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.4 mm
Thickness: 20.4 mm
Weight: 136 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy probable chisel or possibly a palstave dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1600 - 1100 BC. Only the blade end of the object survives. The cutting edge is 37mm wide and the sides then taper to 22.2mm wide at the break, where it is 20.4mm thick and a rounded rectangle in cross-section. No evidence of the side flages or stop ridge survive making the object hard to classify and date confidently.



The narrowness of the blade and thickness at the break are perhaps more similar to chisels such as NMS-894E92, SF2649 and SOMDOR-7B3C43 on this database, but it does not seem to have the horizontal sides of the more common chisel form, as seen on SF-09D1D5 and SUSS-D93644 on this database. However, small, narrow-bladed palstaves belonging to the Taunton phase (1400-1300 BC) of metalworking or possibly to the slightly earlier Acton Park II period, (c.1500-1400 BC); (both corresponding with Needham's period 5, 1500 - 1150 CAL BC) are also similar, especially in the rapid thickening from blade to break. It was perhaps similar to SOM-1DE687, HAMP-996311 or the axeheads in GLO-6535E4. Further arguments on either side are given in SOM-2B70A5.



The tool is 60.4mm long, 36.7mm wide and 20.4mm thick. 136g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2400 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Weight: 4.91 g
Description: Copper cake casting waste probably Bronze Age but could be Medieval. The length is 75mm, the width is 62mm thickness and the weight 289.11g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hockering, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15 mm
Description: Socketed spearhead with strong midrib, broken on one side and at springing of socket, ancient breaks. Damaged point. Middle or Late Bronze Age. Extant length 50mm. Width 19.5mm. c.1600 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Osyth and Point Clear, Tendring, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.96 mm
Thickness: 4.05 mm
Weight: 22.13 g
Description: An fragment of a possible Late Bronze Age copper alloy chisel, dating 1000-700BC. The object is sub-rectangular in shape, tapering slightly from one end to the other. The object would have been hollow, as only part of it remains showing one face and part of one other face. The object has a mid-dark green pattination across the surface and is rather worn considerably worn along the breaks.



A similar though more decorative example has been recorded on the PAS database (DOR-EE8574). The example on the database is Late Bronze Age in date, making it likely that this object is of a similar date.



Dimensions: length: 44.96 mm; width: 23.24 mm; thickness: 4.05 mm; weight: 22.13g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Button (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rockland St. Mary, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 19 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 4.28 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy button, circular plano-convex with two broad, deeply engraved concentric grooves on the face. There is an integral rectangular loop on the slightly hollow reverse, with an unusually slender aperture (5 X 0.5 mm). Very similar to two examples from the Reach Fen hoard, Cambridgeshire (cf. Inventaria Archaeologica, Hawkes and Smith, 1956, GB.17 3 (3) no. 26 - 27), NHER 37128 and NMS-960333. Diameter: 19 mm. 3 mm thick. Weight: 4.28g. 1,000 - 701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tanworth-in-Arden, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.3 mm
Thickness: 4.44 mm
Weight: 13.17 g
Description: Late Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) bronze sword or rapier fragment : The sword, if that what it is, is fragmentary and comprises the probably base of the hilt and top of the blade. The copper alloy fragment is a sub-oval in plan, with all the edges being broken, but not recently. The blade portion of the hilt has a elongated rounded lozenge, with a slight rib in the centre. The upper portion of the hilt is flattened on both faces. The surface has a well-developed mid grey/green coloured patina which is slightly pitted. It measures 36.3mm long, 25.57mm wide, 4.44mm thick and weighs 13.17g. 



The fragment is probably a late Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) bronze sword or rapier.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Antingham, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Description: Distal end of an Early or Middle Bronze Age copper alloy axehead with a crescentic cutting edge, along all of which there is recent scuffing. The brown patination has also been lost in places, while the ancient break is partly covered by ferrous staining. Extant length 40mm. Width 58mm. Thickness 17mm. Weight 94.07g. c.2350 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merstham, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.58 mm
Thickness: 6.82 mm
Weight: 18.88 g
Description: 
A fragment of a cast copper alloy sword blade of Bronze Age date. Both faces are rounded and the blade edges are both worn away.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Northleach with Eastington, Cotswold, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 6.67 g
Description: An incomplete and worn copper-alloy blade fragment probably of Bronze Age date 2150-800BC, perhaps from a knife, rapier or similar item. The blade is a flat diamond in section, each edge sloping from a central spine which is flattened on one surface, the flat area being appx 4mm wide along the length of the fragment. The opposite surface does not exhibit the same flattening.It has a greenish patina, with some brownish pitting.The length is 28mm, the width is 17mm thickness 5mm and the weight 6.67g.



Similar to GLO-71F6AF and SF-E15226
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nutley, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.35 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 12.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper ally tanged chisel of Late Bronze Age date, probably of Ewart Park metalworking industry, c. 1000 - 750 BC. All that survives of this chisel is the blade, which is broken where it narrows at the top, just below where it would have formed into the tang. The blade is worn and has a light green, slightly powdery patina to it, which indicated its probably Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stockton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 194 mm
Diameter: 21.4 mm
Thickness: 3.3 mm
Weight: 147.07 g
Description: A complete Late Bronze Age copper alloy spear, dating to 1150 - 800 BC. The spear consists of a triangular-shaped blade, which tapers towards the tip. The blade has beveled blade wings, with one cutting-edge complete with minor damage, while the other is missing fragments of the edge due to old damage. The blade wings extend from the socket at a right angle. The blade has a circular cross-sectioned mid-rib which gradually widens towards the base of the blade to form the socket. The mid-rib has bordering moulded grooves on both sides of the blade. 



On one side of the socket, approximately 18.0 mm below the edge of the blade is a sub-triangular peghole, which is approximately 6.5 mm in length. The spear measures 194.0 mm in length, 32.8 mm wide, 21.4 mm in diameter at the socket, 3.3 mm wall thickness at the socket and weighs 147.07 g.



Pegged spearheads are very varied and the blades are frequently leaf-shaped, with one or two pegholes. An incomplete spear with a comparable blade is recorded on the database as LIN-E2B925.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.2 mm
Thickness: 10.7 mm
Weight: 21.6 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy developed axe or palstave dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age c. 1500 - 1150 BC. Only the butt survives; the fragment is sub-rectangular in shape. The axe has an uneven, angular butt, with sides that gradually taper towards the break. One side of the fragment has slight flanged sides, which develop close to the break, created a 'T'-shaped cross-section and both faces of the axe fragment are slightly concave. The faces of the axe show signs of wear, such as scratches and the break is patinated, suggesting that the object was broken in antiquity.



The fragment measures 26.2 mm in length, 22.1 mm wide, 10.7 mm thick and weighs 21.6 g. 



Due to the fragmentary nature of the object, it is difficult to confidently assign a Type, although the fragment does appear to be indicative of a palstave rather than a developed axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder