dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104.6 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 29.7 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy double-ended chisel or early flat-axe dating to the Early or Middle Bronze Age. The object is a thin, tapering flat bar of copper alloy, rectangular in cross section without bevelled edges. At its widest the bar measures 16.5mm wide reducing to 10mm at the opposite end. The widest end has a flared axe-like blade extending to 26.2mm wide with a slight bevel from the bar into the blade on both surfaces. The opposing end of the object, where the bar is narrowest, also has a small flared-edge axe-like blade terminal, bevelled on one side only. This blade measures 13.8mm wide. There is a slight bend about a quarter of the length down the bar behind the largest bladed end. It appears that both ends of this object were designed to be used, probably within the hand without being mounted or hafted into a handle or the like.



Similar objects are illustrated in Evans (1881:166), including an object described as a chisel from Plymstock in Devon (figure 190) which is the same length as this example from Southmoor. For comparison a similar, but not exact, object recorded on this database as an early flat axe is LEIC-3F1A93.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: High Wych, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.4 mm
Weight: 3.45 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age



The widest point of the artefact is approximately halfway along, either side of which it tapers. One side has a rectangular cross section and extends to a wedge-shaped terminal; the other side is of circular cross section and terminates in a sharp, curved point.



Length: 42.4mm; maximum width: 4.6mm. Weight: 3.45g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-10000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harpham, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.9 mm
Thickness: 16.2 mm
Weight: 96 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end including the base of the socketed area. It is a tapering rectangle in section and trapezoidal in plan with a worn flared cutting edge and rounded corners. The breaks at the socketed end are old and worn and casting flashes are present along either side. The surface of the axehead is undecorated.



The metal has a mid-reddish-brown patina and is worn. The fragment is 61.5mm long, 42.9mm to 32.1mm wide, 16.2mm to 4.7mm thick and weighs 96g.



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: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Minver Lowlands, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 31.97 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy blade from a socketed axehead that is sub-square in plan, triangular in profile and rectangular in section. The blade is narrow with straight sides with no suggestion of flanging and the cutting edge is rounded and blunt, though severely affected by corrosive pitting. The broken end of the blade still has the end of the socket which would have expanded within the axehead as the blade developed into the body and the collar at the opposite terminal. The socket is 20 mm long, 5 mm wide and 13 mm deep on the side that is intact. The socket, when complete, would have held the wooden haft or handle of the axe. The original surface has partly corroded away and there are patches of light green bronze disease at the broken edges. The narrow straight sides of the blade suggest that it is part of an Armorican socketed axe, also refered 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 sparse. They date from the end of the Bronze Age, the Llyn Fawr phase, and into the Early Iron Age, the Hallstatt C phase (c.800-700 BC).



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar Amorican socketed axes from Newlyn, Carn Brea and Penquite, in Cornwall, on pages 421 & 424-5, plates 14 & 17, nos.115, 129c & 134.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Arkesden, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74.06 mm
Thickness: 11.38 mm
Weight: 87.08 g
Description: Copper alloy short-flanged axehead, dating to the Middle Bronze Age (1600-1400BC). The butt is rounded with two low side flanges extending upwards, with a lozenge profile. There is a slight stop ridge half way along the axehead where the flanges cease.The blade is not at its orginal length or width due to being worn away through use. The axehead is covered in a green patina.



A similar style axehead can be found on the database CORN-F6BDEC



The axehead weighs 87.08g, 74.06mm in length, 11.38mm thickness (centre of axehead), 29.86mm width (blade end), 16.98mm width (butt end)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bampton, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.4 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 33.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy rapier or dirk dating to the later Middle Bronze Age, c. 1300-1100 BC. The rapier consists of the butt, shoulders and part of the blade. The butt is rounded above the shoulders with the securing notches now broken and incomplete. The blade narrows only slightly from the shoulders and is lozenge-shaped in cross section. The edges of the blade is bevelled from a wide flat plan that narrows down the length of the blade.



This rapier or dirk blade is similar to Trump's (1962) Group III rapiers, specifically no. 15, which is catagorised as the Lisburn class of blade. These Lisburn blades have been found in Ireland as well as Britain, with a large number coming from the Thames.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clanfield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: An unidentified cast copper-alloy object of a type usually referred to as 'moustache-like' or 'moustache shaped'. These objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead 1998; ref. 117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are associated with Middle Bronze Age material. It has been suggested that they are part of sword scabbard chapes however their true function remains uncertain. For a similar object see HAMP-C04CC3.
Notes: 
Image provided by the finder - object not seen by the FLO.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Newton on Trent, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.4 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 2.6 g
Description: A cast copper alloy spearhead fragment, probably dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 BC - 1150 BC, although a later date cannot be ruled out, consequently a broader range of about 1550BC - 800BC is suggested. Probably Davis Groups 5-11. Only the very tip of the spearhead survives. It has straight sides at the tip, and the centre of the blade is divided by a tapering (tip to base) lozenge shaped midrib.



The object has a smooth grey green patina damage to the blade edges. The broken end is less patinated than the rest of the object, but it is not an immediately recent break.



It is 26.4mm long, 9.4mm wide and 4.8mm thick. 2.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishop Burton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 2.59 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age (about 1150 BC - 800 BC).



The widest point of the artefact is approximately two thirds along, either side of which it tapers. The longer part has a rectangular cross section and extends to a wedge-shaped terminal; the other side is of circular cross section and terminates in a sharp point. The artefact has a smooth, well-developed blue green patina. It is 43mm long, 3.8mm wide and 3.6mm thick. 2.59g. The form of the awl does not change much through time and similar objects are also noted in the Roman period and possibly later, as leather working tools as well as for use on wood.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Themelthorpe, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.5 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 3.89 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl. Rounded sub-rectangular sectioned mid-point (5 x 5.5mm) with tapering tang and circular-sectioned point . The faces of the tang have lost much of the original surface. Length 51.5mm. Weight 3.89g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Coffinswell, Teignbridge, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Description: A small fragment of copper alloy which is possibly Bronze Age in date. The item is broadly triangular shaped in plan and oval in section. It is hollow at the centre, and appears to have been socketed. The tip tapers to a rounded, blunt point. One face appears to be very slightly convex, whilst the other face is flatter. The item is very abraided; the patina is a mid green colour and there are lighter green powdery patches of corrosion on the surface. The item is 20mm in length and 18mm in width at the wider end; it tapers to 7mm at the rounded end and is 5mm in thickness.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ludham, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 34.16 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy sword blade, both ends broken in antiquity. Length 34mm. Width 35mm. Thickness 7mm. Weight 34.16g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to EARLY MEDIEVAL ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eartham, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 14.42 mm
Thickness: 5.51 mm
Weight: 2.88 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy bead dating from the Bronze age to the Early Medieval period. The bead is sub-biconical in form with a slightly flattened top and bottom. In section the bead is plano-covex with a large internal perforation, and the object demonstrates an even greenish brown patina. The external diameter of the bead is 14.42mm, the internal diameter is 6.22mm and th maximum thickness is 5.51mm. The object weighs 2.88 grammes.
Notes: 
Copper-alloy biconical beads are difficult to date without a secure stratified context, and thus a wide date range has been suggested. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buckland-Tout-Saints, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116.5 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 56.96 g
Description: An early Middle Bronze Age copper alloy side looped spear head, probably dating to c. 1600-1400 BC. The spearhead was found in two parts, and subsequently pinned and the join obscured by green, probably acrylic-based paint. That the break fits would suggest that it was fairly recent damage, rather than an intentional feature of the object's deposition.



The spearhead has an abraded piriform blade, surviving to 19.6mm wide at its shoulders and tapering into a worn break below the point, 10.8mm wide. The blade has a central rib, sub-lozengiform in cross section, flanked by the largely flat wings of the blade, in thickness this mid-rib is 6.8mm at the break, and 12.6mm at the juncture between the blade and socket. This is is sub-circular in cross section and sub-connical in form, tapering from 16.8mm in width at the mouth to 9.6mm at the juncture between the socket and blade. In profile the spearhead tapers continuously from the mouth of the socket, 18.0mm thick, to the break at its point. Two integral, incomplete side loops expand from opposing sides of the socket, on the same plane as the wings of the blade. The depth of the socket could not be measured, with it being blocked by the abovementioned repairs.



A small amount of wood was found preserved within the socket.



Dimensions: Length 116.5mm; width 19.6mm; thickness 18.0mm; weight 56.96g.



A spearhead of very similar form and proportions is published by Pearce (1984: 457, no. 309), from Pinhay and now in the collections of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. cf. DOR-2D27D7 on this database, which is also very similar. In LANCUM-7609C0 Dr Dot Boughton notes "Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, c. 1500-1150BC. [...] A side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has been radio-carbon dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating."
Notes: This record is based on notes and photographs taken at a finds day and may thus fall below our usual standards for recording and identification. This spearhead was initially recorded in 2015, but was left unfinished; it was subsequently brought into a second finds day in 2017 and further detail added.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buckland-Tout-Saints, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.2 mm
Thickness: 16.7 mm
Weight: 94.55 g
Description: A fragment of a late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, probably dating to c. 1100-800 BC. The fragment consists of the cutting edge, blade and partial socket. It is rectangualr in plan, with parallel sides and a slightly convex cutting edge without flaring blade tips. In profile the blade tapers from the worn break to the cutting edge, with very pronounced casting seams creating a sub-hexagonal cross section, although with a rectangualr socket. Both faces have been decorated, although highly truncated, with two or more converging lines which meet just below the break.



Dimensions: length 42.2mm; width 37.8mm; thickness 16.7mm; weight 94.55g.



The fragment probably fits into the Ewart park or Wilburton metal working groups, giving it a date of 1100-800 BC. The fragment is extraordinarily heavy for its size, suggesting a hihg lead content in the Bronze.
Notes: This record is based on notes and photographs taken at a finds day, it may thus fall below our usual standards for recording and identification. Initially recorded at Kingsbridge Finds day, November 2015, but left unfinished, subsequently viewed at a second finds day in 2017 and further detail added.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loddiswell, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.5 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 23.28 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze age Copper alloy blade, probably dating to c. 2400-800 BC. The fragment is sub-rectangular in plan, tapering from 16.4mm to 12.4mm from one end to the other. In cross secion the blade is pointed-oval, tapering into the edges, and being 6.5mm thick at its maximum, and 4.7mm thick at the narrower end. The fragment terminates in a worn, patinated break at both ends, with one section of an edge folded in on itself.



Dimensions: length 65.5mm; width 16.4mm; thickness 6.5mm; weight 23.28g.
Notes: This record is based on notes and photographs taken at a finds day, it may thus fall below our usual standards for recording and identification. Initially recorded at Kingsbridge Finds day, November 2015, but left unfinished, subsequently viewed at a second finds day in 2017 and further detail added.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Colchester, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.42 mm
Weight: 10.92 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy, probably Middle Bronze Age (1500-1050 BC), socketed spearhead, consisting of the tip of the blade only.





The blade has a pronounced mid-rib, c 8mm across at its wider end/ break and narrowing to 4.14mm in diameter at the point. It is slightly oval in profile. The sides of the blade are c 3.60mm at the break, thus the blade is c 13.50mm in width overall at that point but the edges are abraded.





The patina is green in colour. The fragment measures 43.42mm in length. It weighs 10.92g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kilham, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 87.45 mm
Weight: 14.67 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl or chisel of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1500-800BC). The object is roughly rectangular in plan, broader at its mid-point. The two ends of the object are very different: one end is sub-round in cross-section tapering to a point, the other is rectangular in cross-section and tapers to a flattened and rounded terminal. These two ends converge at the broader middle.



There is no evidence here of mid-point projections, ridges or flanges is the case on chisels dating to the Middle Bronze Age (see HESH-51B7E2, YORYM-71EBF0 and WAW-EF4C84). This example better fits into the Late Bronze Age Awl category, usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976, p.48). They may have been used to make holes in leather and wood. Awl parallels have been recorded as SF-ECC48E, NMS-5DE706, and NMS-1EF240.



The object has a covering light green patina. It is 87.45mm in length, 8.50mm wide at is mid-point, and weighs 14.67g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Mount (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Thamesfield, Wandsworth, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 4.4 mm
Diameter: 25 mm
Thickness: 0.3 mm
Weight: 1.41 g
Description: Description: A Bronze Age gold decorative band dating 2200-800BC. This is a circular band of gold with parallel sides and stamped and incised decoration. There is no visible seam. The decoration comprises an irregular line of dots running along the midline of this band; the dots have been stamped through from the reverse. There is an incised line running both above and below the line of dots forming borders. The shape of the band is distorted and irregular.



Dimensions: height: 4.4mm; thickness: 0.3mm; diameter: 25mm; weight: 1.41g.



Metal composition: Analysis by Dr Harriet White (British Museum) established that the precious metal content is more than 10% and the composition is consistent with a Bronze Age date: "Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the decorated band from London, indicated a surface composition of approximately 85-86% gold, 13-14% silver, and less than 1% copper. The decorated band weighs 1.42 g." (Department of Scientific Research, British Museum, File No. 7643-2 2015 T941, 20th January 2017)



Discussion: No exact parallel is known for this object but the decoration of goldwork with dot and incised line decoration is a known feature of (Early) Bronze Age goldwork (e.g. Taylor 1970) and the metal composition does not disagree with a Bronze Age date. The function of the object is unclear but it is unlikely to have been a finger ring and is more likely to have been a fitting, perhaps comparable to dagger hilt bands of this period, although these differ in form and decoration from this find.



Kate Sumnall, Finds Liaison Officer for Greater London, 17.02.16.



Edits: Neil Wilkin,The British Museum Harriet White (metal composition), The British Museum, 27.01.17
Notes: As the finger ring is greater than 300 years old and is more than 10% gold it fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2500 to -350)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.4 mm
Thickness: 8.77 mm
Weight: 4.63 g
Description: 
A Bronze Age to Early Iron Age moustache-shaped object with a hollow back and extensive deep ribbing.

Notes: A number of objects of this type have been recorded on the PAS database. One example was found in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117), and as such, they are thought to date from the middle Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. Dr JD Hill at the British Museum suggests that they are Iron Age rather than Bronze Age, but this is yet to be confirmed by excavation of a stratified example. Their function is uncertain, although circular recesses at the bottom of some examples suggests that they were mounted on or below something.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72 mm
Thickness: 2.59 mm
Weight: 3.27 g
Description: 
A Bronze Age to Iron Age copper-alloy awl, now bent. The awl is rectangular in section and has one flat chisel-shaped end and one pointed end.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -1)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.88 mm
Weight: 4.21 g
Description: 
A Bronze Age to Iron Age copper-alloy awl. The awl is square in section merging into a rounded section. The point is broken and the intact end is squared off.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penton Grafton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.08 mm
Thickness: 8.11 mm
Weight: 6.28 g
Description: 
A fragment of a Bronze Age copper alloy blade. The fragment is part of the corner from a probable socketed axe.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upham, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.41 mm
Diameter: 4.17 mm
Weight: 7.12 g
Description: A blunt-ended copper alloy pin of uncertain, but possibly prehistoric, date. The broken end comes just after the shaft turns at 80 degrees and narrows. The section is oval at the break and suggests a missing head set at an angle to the shaft.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Knoyle, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.63 mm
Thickness: 3.16 mm
Weight: 4.06 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age blade tip.



The fragment is broadly triagnular tapering from 27.65mm to 3.6mm at the tip. The fragment is lozengeform in cross section and narrows from 3.2mm thick at the break to 1.4mm thick at the tip. The fragment weighs 4.06 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Camborne, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.6 mm
Thickness: 5.8 mm
Weight: 62.5 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy sword blade, sub rectangular in plan and lozenge-shaped in profile and section. Both cutting edges are worn and incomplete and the perpendicular edges to these are broken so that the original length of the blade is unknown as well as the position of this fragment along it, though it is at the end that tapers towards the tip or point, as any raised area has flattened out in section. The surface of the blade has more corrosion product and is more pitted on one face than the other, probably due to exposure. There are also gashes and later damage on both faces, which has happened since deposition. The fragment may be a result of deliberate decomissioning of a sword into separate pieces before it was ritually destroyed, or it may have been broken up in order to melt it down and re-use the metal. The two broken edges may also have been subsequently trimmed in order to re-use the weapon as a tool such as a razor or scraper.



The lozenge-shaped section of the blade without a defined central mid-rib suggests that this is probably part of a sword from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age, c.950-850 BC.



Needham & Rohl (1998) illustrate two similar lozenge-shaped sections of Ewart Park swords on page 135, fig.37, nos.386-7.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar section from a Ewart Park sword found at Cranborne in Dorset, on page 665, plate 104, no.365.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate similar fragments of swords, from Lydford and Holne in Devon, on pages 98-99, plates 25-26, nos.145 & 136 (DEV-A6FA73), which are dated from the Ewart Park phase and the Late Bronze Age, c.1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Vessel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Tuddenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.2 mm
Thickness: 3.4 mm
Weight: 3.78 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy cauldron lug of possible Bronze Age date, possibly c. 1200-700 BC in date as suggested by the below arguments. It is also possible that this item dates to the Iron Age or later and this is also discussed below. The remaining fragment is a portion of one of the cauldron's handle loops, but this fragment has broken off from the larger vessel, now missing. The fragment is curved in profile, with three deeply grooved ridges on the outer surface, which have been indented along the centre, suggesting that another element abutted this area. The interior edge of the loop is smooth and undecorated. Both surfaces have a dark green patina and colour. This fragment measures 19.2mm long, 13.1mm wide, 3.4mm thick and weighs 3.78 grams.



A parallel with additional portions of the vessel attachment has been recorded onto the PAS database as: SF-832744 . That example was extensively discussed by specialists and a portion of that discussion is included here:



'This is a handle from a large sheet copper-alloy cauldron. Parallels in the Late Bronze Age are noted with Gerloff's (1986) Class A cauldrons, notably the Shipton Type and Tulnacross Type caulrons (Gerloff, 1986: pp. 93-97, cf. fig. 10 for examples from the Isleham Hoard; see Ashmolean Museum AN 1928.324 for the Shipton-on-Cherwell cauldron). See also examples of buckets with similar handles in Gerloff (2004), notably from Hatfield (Gerloff, 2004: fig. 17.4). These would indicate a date range in the Late Bronze Age Penard to Ewart Park phases, perhaps c.1200-700 BC. However, similarities with later, Iron Age, examples are also evident, such as in parallels from Sheepen in Essex (Colchester Caslte Museum) and the Battersea Cauldron (BM 1861, 0309.1), which have similar sheet construction and cast copper-alloy handles. The current example is quite possibly Late Bronze Age in date, perhaps as early as the last quarter of the 2nd millennium BC, however a later (Iron Age or later) date range cannot be ruled out entirely.'
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Longstock, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.8 mm
Height: 29.8 mm
Weight: 43.1 g
Description: A copper alloy casting jet of probable Bronze Age date (2150 BC - 800 BC). The object has a flat sub-oval head, the surface of which is irregular and pitted. This uneven surface was probably created when the molten metal was solidifying. Below extend a pair of sprue elements (feeders) at c.135 degree angles. Each feeder is c.13mm long and D-shaped in cross-section, being flat to the inside surface. Both ends (measuring 12.6x9.6mm and 14.1x10.9mm) have rectangular depressions at the centre.

The object has a mid- green patina and a lightly pitted surface.

The jet stands 29.8mm in height, is 33.8mm in length and 22.4mm in max.width (at the head). It weighs 43.10g.
Notes: Similar casting jets on the PAS database are SF-935A54 and IOW-CE75F0.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Preshute, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.8 mm
Diameter: 19.3 mm
Weight: 48.8 g
Description: A nearly complete cast copper-alloy socketed gouge dating to the Ewart Park phase of the Bronze Age, Needham's (1996) Phase 7, that is c. 1100 to 800 BC. The socketed end of the gouge has a circular section and an internal diameter of 16 mm. The end of the socket, which may have been collared or just lipped, is now missing due to an old break. The gouge tapers down its length into a C-shaped section, with a furrow widening down the length from the open socket. The furrow widens from a point to c. 9mm. A gouge of this type would have been used for woodworking. Similar examples are recorded on this database including one from Dorset (DOR-FD5EF4), another from near Salisbury (WILT-1D68BC) as well as part of a hoard from Cumbria (LANCUM-6F9525).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lindsell, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.05 mm
Weight: 121 g
Description: A late Bronze Age plain socketed axe of Southeastern type, Ewart Park metalwork assemblage c1000-800BC. The axe appears to have had a long and interesting life and has been used despite a small casting flaw in the form of a hole below the loop. The two parts of the mould were not aligned properly; the casting seams have been smoothed and the axe shows signs of use. There are striations on the blade; the blade has been shaped and formed and has been used and resharpened. The blade is now blunt and this may have been deliberate.



The axe shows clear signs of initial work to break it up for recycling. The socket is distorted and torn. The breaks appear fairly fresh and apart from the contemporary damage the axe is otherwise well preserved with a dark green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barham, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 76.7 mm
Weight: 33.87 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy chisel, dating to c. 1000-700BC. The object is solid cast and roughly concoidal in shape, tapering from one end to the other. There is a circular socket at the widest end which would have held a wooden or bone handle, is 15.1mm in external diameter. The circular sectioned shaft then narrows to create a rectangular sectioned blade end. The blade is convex in shape and is 7.7mm in width.



The chisel is 76.7mm long and weighs 33.87 grams.



The chisel is very similar to another on the database, NMS-5DC7C7 which cites an example from the Burton Upon Stather hoard illustrated in Inventoria Archaeologia, GB.23, 3 (3), no.14. c.1000 - c.700 century BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alpington, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 102 mm
Thickness: 13.2 mm
Weight: 346 g
Description: Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axehead with all surfaces uniformly pockmarked, but otherwise undamaged. Length, width and thickness 102, 64.6 and 13.2mm. Weight 346g. c.2350 - c.1500 BC.



Field JW8
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Radley, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.3 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 23.3 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe head dating to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC). The fragment is part of the open socket, which is now roughly L-shaped in section. It has a raised and slightly everted collar with a raised rib located beneath; no other decorative or disgnostic features can be discerned due to the fragmentary nature of the object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Purton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 47.85 mm
Thickness: 5.85 mm
Weight: 21.01 g
Description: A copper alloy possible horse harness ring of Bronze Age to Roman date (c. 1000 BC - AD 410). The ring measures 47.85mm in diameter (internal diameter 34.55mm), is 5.85mm thick and weighs 21.01g. It is circular in shape with a defined circumferential ridge running around the centre. The interior surface also features a defined circumferential ridge, creating a lozenge-shaped cross section. The interior surface exhibits scratch or wear marks which appear to have occured during use. The ring has a smooth dark green patina.



Similar rings have been discovered in a number of Bronze Age hoards and have been suggested as horse harness fittings, as being part of the handles of a sheet-metal cauldron of Class A1 (Type Tul-na-cross) and Class B1 (Types Llyn Fawr, Ballyshannon and Castlederg) (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. Similar rings have been recorded from the Hindon hoard
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penton Grafton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.89 mm
Thickness: 12.92 mm
Weight: 24.84 g
Description: 
A circular copper-alloy casting well with a stub of a narrow jet set centrally. This object may be of Bronze Age date but could be later.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bracon Ash, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48 mm
Weight: 14 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, worn and corroded, point missing, broken across socket. Extant length 48mm. Extant width 17.5mm. Weighs 14.00g. 1000-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Oval, Lambeth, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.07 mm
Thickness: 2.43 mm
Weight: 12.35 g
Description: An incomplete possible Bronze Age copper alloy annular or penannular bracelet. The object is now folded in two and the band has corroded. It is possible that it has broken but in its current condition it is also possible it was a penannular design. It has a D shape section band and there is no visible decoration to the surface, the copper alloy has a dark olive green patination. When complete the bracelet would have been quite small in diameter. The band is a relatively regular width and thickness along its length, save for a small area where corrosion has narrowed the band considerably. A Bronze Age date is possible based on its context, close to other finds of prehistoric date.



Length: 75.07mm
Width: 4.92mm
Thickness: 2.43mm
Weight: 12.35g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woodhouse, Charnwood, Leicestershire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 62.12 g
Description: Middle to late Bronze age copper alloy socketed spearhead, 125mm long, 33mm wide and 12mm thick with a weight of 62.12grams. The object is in poor condition and incomplete. It consists of a leaf shaped plate which would have has a facetted blade edge, now mostly missing. It has a centrally placed circular sectioned shaft which is damaged, particularly on one side, and tapers to a point just below the tip of the spear.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bix and Assendon, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.12 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 4.44 g
Description: A fragment of a very corroded copper-alloy spearhead of probable Middle Bronze Age date (1600-1150 BC). The fragment comes from near the tip / upper blade and has a pronounced spinal ridge. Due to the small nature of the fragment it is undiagnostic - there is an outside possibility that it could be the tip of a dirk / rapier - this is based on the thickenening to the medial ridge at the tip - which is a diagnostic feature of thrusting / piercing weapons (such as spearhead and rapiers).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.08 mm
Thickness: 23.4 mm
Weight: 203 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age copper-alloy circular plano-convex ingot. The fragment weighs 203g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne Bassett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37 mm
Weight: 4.37 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age blade tip.



The fragment is broadly triagnular tapering from 15.45mm to 2.7mm at the tip. The fragment is lozengeform in cross section and narrows from 2.85mm thick at the break to 0.9mm thick at the tip. The fragment weighs 4.37 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, York, York (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.3 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 35.8 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 a tapering rectangle in section and trapezoidal in plan with a worn flared cutting edge. The breaks at the socketed end are old and worn and what remains of the surface of the axehead is undecorated.



The metal has a mid-brown patina and is worn. The fragment is 43.3mm long, 25.2mm wide, 11mm thick and weighs 35.8g.



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: Ear Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Iron Acton, South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 8.48 g
Description: A gold loop of uncertain function made of square cross-sectioned rod that has been bent into a sub-circle shape, one side is slightly distorted and straight and the terminals are over-lapping. The rod is thickest at its centre and thinnest at the terminals.



Dimensions: Weight: 8.44g; Diameter: 22mm by 22mm; Thickness: 5mm (max.) - 1mm (min.)



Metal composition:

Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the ear-ring carried out by the British Museum's Department of Scientific Research indicated a surface composition of approximately 86-87 % gold, 11-12 % silver and at least 1% copper. The ear-ring weighs 8.44 grams.



Discussion:

Gold rod with square cross-section is a typical feature of both Middle and Late Bronze Age British ornaments (cf. Eogan 1994), but is rarely found in other periods. The precise form of the gold loop is not closely paralleled by other known examples bar and usual copper alloy penannular ring found in Hampshire (PAS-HAMP114), also of uncertain but probably later Bronze Age in date. The metal composition does not disagree with this statement. It is possible, on the balance of probabilities, to accept this as a prehistoric object.
Notes: In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Iron Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Caistor, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 4.2 mm
Diameter: 15.38 mm
Thickness: 3.66 mm
Weight: 3.1 g
Description: A Bronze Age, Copper Alloy bead. The bead is a torus shape with a slight bend and noticable seam across the cross section where each ends of the loop would have been attached together.



The bead has a diameter of 15.24mm but extends to 15.65mm in the bend, 3.6mm thick, 4.2mm high and weighs 3.1g. It has a bronze, brown colour which has faded in some patches. Otherwise, it is in stable condition.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aislaby, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 92.01 mm
Thickness: 8.84 mm
Weight: 39.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy tanged spear / spearhead of Early Bronze Age (Arreton industry) date (1700-1500 BC). The object is broken across the lower blade and the tang and butt of the blade are preserved. The blade would have been lanceolate in shape (being broadly triangular in plan) and has a pronounced, raised central rib terminating at the junction with the tang. This rib is present on both faces of the blade. The cross section of the blade is lentoid (lanceolate). The tang is integrally cast and rectangular in shape; it tapers toward the butt end where the lower edge is broken across a oval shaped rivet hole. Sub rectangular depressions are present on both faces on the upper part of the tang. The outer edges of the blade are heavily abraded and both the ends of the object terminate in old patinated but abraded breaks. The metal is a mid-brown in colour with a thick well preserved surface patina on most faces; where abrasion has removed this patina patches of light green, pitted corrosion are present. This form of spearhead is relatively rare with only 47 examples recorded in the recent volume British Bronze Age Spearheads (Davis 2012). This form of spearhead corresponds with  Davis's (2012) Group I form and of Arreton Down metalworking dating to the latest part of the Early Bronze Age, (Early Bronze Age III) which correspondes to Needham's (1996) Period 4 dated c. 1700 - 1500BC and Burgess's Metalworking stage VII.  Two similar examples of Arreton metalworking tradition spearheads are recorded on the PAS database from Penllyn, Vale of Glamorgan (NMGW-0BF252) and Shalfleet, Isle of Wight (IOW-221956) . 



An image of this was sent to Richard Davis (University of Nottingham) who comments:



[This is an] Arreton tanged spearhead. However some of its attributes do not match any of the 47 that I have recorded in the PBF book. The blade base has a protruding ridge or rib which is not present on other tanged spearheads. This, however, is found on some of the early socketed spearheads (Arreton phase). The narrow vertical, central rib on the blade is not present on other tanged spearheads, but again this attribute is similar to some on the early socketed spearheads. The indentation on the upper face of the tang is unique. It may have been designed as a seating for some form of bronze collar which also abutted the ridged blade base (see the well known Snowshill spearhead). The length of the tang and the broken peg hole is typical of the tanged spearheads of this type



Length: 92.01mm, Width: 23.51mm, Thickness: 8.84m, Width (of tang): 13.03mm, Thickness (of tang) : 6.76m Weight: 39.5 grams.



Thanks are extended to Richard Davis for his comprehensive and useful notes. This find has been noted of Regional Importance.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Awre, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 9.16 g
Description: Copper alloy awl/point that is a long thin rod that has an expanded waist a quarter of the way down its length, from here both side tapers to a point. The shorter side (form the expansion) is 18mm long with a rectangular cross section that narrows to a flat terminal; this side may have been used as a tang and could have been inserted into a socket. The longer side is 51mm long and has a circular cross-section that terminates in a rounded point. Date 2150 BC - 800 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Erith, Bexley, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 88.11 mm
Diameter: 6.81 mm
Weight: 18.66 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl, possibly of Late Bronze Age-Roman date. The awl's shaft at the head end is octagonal in cross-section alternating wide and thin faces until it reaches its widest point (19mm from the head), after which it becomes cylindrical and thins gently until it reaches its point, the point has a pinch just behind the nib.



Tanged chisels and awls have few diagnostic features and change little through time, making their dating and identification more difficult. The attention to detail with the decorative facets around the head, may be suggestive of a Bronze Age date. Bronze Age awls and narrow chisels are not common finds and their dating is further hampered by a lack of associated datable artefacts within hoards but tend to date to the Late Bronze Age, c. 1250-800BC, but maybe much later.





Measurements: 88.11mm long, 6.81mm in diameter and 18.66g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder