dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amport, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.01 mm
Thickness: 8.28 mm
Weight: 9.95 g
Description: A mouth fragment of cast copper-alloy socketed axe, dating to the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age c. 1000 - 700 BC.



Description: The triangular fragment represents part of the socketed end of the axe head and is unevenly shaped. Part of the rimmed collar for the socket remains. The fragment is slightly curved. Both the internal or external surface are rough and pitted, some of this is down to lack of finishing and some due to corrosion. It has a mottled dark-light green patina.



Measurements: 26.01mm long, 24.81mm wide., 8.28mm thick and 9.95g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ropley, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.6 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 6.92 g
Description: A cast copper alloy blade fragment, most likely from the blade of a dirk or rapier of Middle Bronze Age (c 1500-1100 BC) date. The fragment is 25.6mm in length and 17.8mm in width, with no evident midrib or surface decoration and a lenticular cross section.
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1050 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Higham, Gravesham, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 170 mm
Thickness: 25.22 mm
Weight: 387.6 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy (bronze) palstave axe with side loop and decorative rib of Bronze Age date, most probably from the period 1050-950 BC.



Description: The axe is broadly rectangular in plan and ovoid in profile. The blade of the palstave has straight sides that flare to form a crescent shaped cutting edge. The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile). The two sides flare progressively from the butt to the raised and thickened stop. The flanges are fused to the stop and the septum of the axe is relatively plain and undecorated. The casting seams and associated flashes on either side (long edge) have been trimmed and hammered almost flat. An integrally cast side loop descends on one edge; it is positioned immediately below the stop towards the blade. The loop is D-shaped in cross-section.  Below the stop ridge of the axe on the upper blade is a central rib which continues towards the cutting edge of the blade, tapering to flatness at about 25mm from the cutting edge. The rib is present on both faces - although better defined on one. Each face has two further ribs which run from the butt to join the central rib at 20mm towards the blade - again one side is more defined. The palstave has a well-defined polished dark green/brown coloured surface patina which is pitted and broken in places, exposing areas of corrosion, particularly along the external and raised edges.



Measurments: length: 170mm; width (across the blade): 61.63mm; width (across the butt): 20.8mm; thickness (across the stop): 25.22mm; thickness (of the septum in the mid point of the butt): 7.14mm. The side flanges raise to a height of 9.2mm above the septum. The axehead weighs 387.6 grams.



Discussion: There is a similar but incomplete example on this database at DENO-07C564.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ditchling, Lewes, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 140.74 mm
Thickness: 27.92 mm
Weight: 452 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy unlooped primary / early phase palstave axehead (Group II) of later middle Bronze Age date (1500-1300 BC).



The palstave has a high, stop with high flanges on both sides. The blade has flattened flanges running on each edge with irregular facets and flares to a curved cutting edge. A central rib runs down the middle of each side of the blade from the stop. The axe is heavily corroded and missing the butt and half of the cutting edge. 



Measurements: Length: 140.74mm; width at stop: 26.75mm: width at broken edge of blade: 53.22mm; thickness at stop 27.92mm: at cutting edge: 3.29mm. Weight: 452g.



Discussion: Early midribbed palstaves belong to the Acton Park Phase II of the Middle Bronze Age, corresponding to the earlier part of Needhams (1996) Period 5 dating to 1500 to 1300BC. A similar example on the PAS is LVPL-3F046A.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 23.9 mm
Weight: 91.4 g
Description: Copper alloy casting jet probably of Middle to Late Bronze Age date



The casting jet is of two-runner type and is likely to be complete, after removing from the tool or weapon (with an overall length of 36.0mm and a weight of 91.4g). The upper face of the jet is sub-oval (37.8mm x 23.9mm) and has an undulating surface, as cast. The sides of the jet are divergent (to 12mm below the surface) before becoming more parallel sided (15.4mm thick). One of the runners is significantly larger than the other (18mm x 12mm compared to 9mm x 5mm) but both are similar lengths before being cut (14mm long). The surface is corroded with a pale-green corrosion. 



The two-runner jet is comparatively substantial, perhaps suggesting its use in casting a larger object, perhaps an axe or sword.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.6 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 106.4 g
Description: Middle to Late Bronze Age bronze palstave fragment of indeterminate type 



The cast looped palstave fragment has lost the blade, butt and loop and is represented by the stop fragment (with a surviving length of 46.6mm and a weight of 106.4g). The sides of the palstave are straight for their short lengths, either side of the breaks. The butt end is sub-rectangular sectioned at the break (17.8mm x 12.2mm), slightly concave across the width of the septum and has lost the flanges. One side has a prominent raised stub (giving a maximum surviving width of 26.4mm) from the remains of the loop. The stops are truncated slightly (with a height above the septum of 5 -6mm and a thickness of 24.0mm) and are straight and vertical. The top of the stops are bevelled to the blade, which is of sub-rectangular section at the break (20.9mm x 15.4mm), with convex faces, across their widths. There is the suggestion of ribs at the top of the blade faces but now lost to corrosion. Both breaks occurred in antiquity and the position of the breaks may suggest deliberate damage to the palstave. The surface is worn and corroded with a dark-green patina and areas of pale-green corrosion.



The fragmentary state of the palstave makes typological identification indeterminate but the slender form with a loop would suggest Low Flanged. Transitional or Late Palstaves of Taunton, Penard, Wilburton-Wallington or Ewart Park metalworking, dated to c. 1400 – 750BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: New Moat, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 18.2 g
Description: Blade fragment from a Bronze Age axehead of uncertain type, probably of Early Bronze Age date, c. 2000 – 1500BC



The cast axehead is fragmentary, represented by the blade and is comparatively small (with a surviving length of 32.3mm and a weight of 18.2g).The body is rectangular-sectioned at the break (with a width of 17.8mm and a thickness of 5.1mm) and the sides are straight and moderately divergent, before diverging more sharply to the expanded blade edge, now worn (with a blade width of 26.6mm).  The sides are heavily-corroded and pitted but there is the suggestion of a casting seam evident on both sides. The faces are largely flat, before converging to the blade edge with a discernible blade facet (7mm from the blade edge). There is a slight bend across the length of the blade, suggesting the axe was bent prior to breaking. The corroded and pitted surface has a dark-green patina with areas of bright-green surface loss. 



The small and corroded blade fragment is difficult to identify in relation to typological features. The form is perhaps best paralleled with Early Bronze Age flat axes or Developed axe types and the narrow straight sided form and with a blade facet is suggestive of Developed types. The diminutive size may suggest an ‘axe-chisel’.  Flat and Developed axe types are associated with Metalworking Assemblages II – VI, corresponding with Needham’s (1996)[1] later Period 2 –to Period 4 but Developed types are of Periods 3-4, c. 2000 – 1500BC





[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: New Moat, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.5 mm
Diameter: 26.3 mm
Weight: 38.6 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed fitting of uncertain function and date, possibly Bronze Age



The fitting is cast and is fragmentary broken in antiquity at one end (with a surviving length of 39.5mm and a weight of 38.6g). The mouth is irregular and sub-circular (with an internal diameter of 15mm – 18mm and a maximum thickness of 3.2mm) before a bulbous collar (with a maximum diameter of 26.3mm). The fitting gradually narrows before being near-parallel sided, gently convergent to the break (with a diameter of 16mm – 177mm). Immediately beneath the break are integral lugs now truncated (8mm -9mm long, 4mm thick with a surviving height of 2.3mm). The lugs had a circular perforation, suggesting both may have been loops. The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted with a dark, olive-green patina and areas of pale-green surface loss. Where the surface survives, beneath the loops, there are irregular striations from finishing.



The identification and date of the object is uncertain. The looped lugs on opposite sides of a socket is similar to socketed spearheads of Early to Middle Bronze Age date, of Davis’ (2012) Group 2 – 7 of Arreton, Acton Park and Taunton Metalworking, corresponding with Needham’s (1996)[1] Periods 4 -5, and dated to c. 1700 – 1200BC. However a bulbous mouth on a socketed spearhead would be very unusual and is difficult to parallel. Additionally, the narrow looped lugs with thin circular perforations would by unusual.





[1] Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Jeffreyston, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.5 mm
Thickness: 2.3 mm
Weight: 40 g
Description: Butt fragment from a Bronze Age blade, possibly a rapier or dirk, and possibly dating to c. 1600 – 1300BC



The blade is fragmentary, represented by the incomplete butt and top of the blade (with a surviving length of 61.5mm and a weight of 40.0g). The butt is of irregular trapezoidal form and is thinnest at the end (with a maximum width of 45.6mm and a minimum thickness of 2.3mm). There are no obvious rivet holes surviving on the butt although a slight recess near the centre of the top edge may possibly be the remnants of a rivet hole. A central ridge is evident just before the end of the butt and develops as a prominent mid-ridge on the top of the blade. The butt is asymmetric, with three edges on one side and two on the other, although the maximum width of the butt from the central ridge is consistent on both sides. The butt both narrows and thickens to the top of the blade (with a width of 31mm and a thickness of 4.9mm). The blade narrows further towards the break (to 24.0mm wide and 5.2mm thick). The prominent mid-ridge along the blade creates a lozengic blade section. The blade edges have been lost on both sides. There are a number of striations running at different angles off the edges of the butt that appear to be preserved beneath the patina and are discernible on both faces. The surface has a dark-brown patina with areas of grey-green surface loss and bright-green corrosion.



The fragmentary state of the blade and loss of diagnostic features makes identification difficult. The trapezoidal butt form and prominent mid-ridge on the blade may tentatively suggest a Group II – III blade but the lack of rivet holes further complicates any identification. The butt is comparatively substantial, possibly suggesting a larger weapon, perhaps a Group III rapier ‘with damaged butt’. If the suggestion of a Group II – III blade is correct, then the weapon is likely to relate to Acton Park to Taunton metalworking, dating to c. 1600 – 1300BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: New Moat, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 141.3 mm
Thickness: 6.1 mm
Weight: 356 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze flat axe of uncertain type, probably an axe-blank perhaps related to Type Migdale, c. 2,100 -1900BC



The cast flat axe is incomplete somewhat truncated and with considerable peripheral damage (with a maximum surviving length of 141.3mm and a weight of 356.0g) and has no developed features, comprising a sub-triangular bronze slab. The damaged butt is narrow and arched (with a width of 20mm and a thickness of 5.2mm). The sides are somewhat damaged but appear to be near-straight and divergent or gently concave, before widening more sharply near the blade (with a surviving blade edge width of 64.2mm and a thickness of 6.1mm) but not expanded. The straight blade does not have an edge and it is unclear whether the edge is truncated or was unworked. Both faces are flat (10.6mm 50mm from the blade end), although one face more so and suggests it was in contact with the mould during casting. The original surface has been lost and the surface is heavily-pitted and has a bright-green and light-brown corrosion. Damage at the sides (54mm) from the butt exposes a lamination running along the axe and evident from both sides and probably the result of the casting process. 



The axe has few diagnostic or developed features and has lost most of the edges, making any identification uncertain. The ‘as-cast’ face suggests that the axe is unworked and therefore may be interpreted as an axe blank. The general form with narrow butt and broad blade is perhaps closer to Migdale axe forms and suggests a contemporary date Visual analysis suggests the metal is a bronze, rather than copper but it has not been possible to scientifically test the alloy. If possible, analysis later may provide further evidence for the date of the axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: New Moat, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 157 mm
Thickness: 31.6 mm
Weight: 316 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group I, Primary Shield Pattern type as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981)[1] and of Acton Park 1 metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 – 1450BC



The palstave is near-complete, missing the top of the flanges and with some surface damage (with an overall length of 157mm and a weight of 316.0g). The butt (with a width of 24.0mm and a thickness of 5.0mm) is straight and is slightly angled. The sides are straight and near-parallel to a point below the stop (with a width at the stop of 26.2mm, where the axe has a depth of 31.6mm). Below the stop (13mm below) both sides have a transverse rib or nicked-sides. The sides are moderately divergent beneath the nicks, producing a comparatively narrow and unexpanded blade edge (with a blade width of 52.0mm). The casting seams are evident on both sides but have been neatly finished. The flanges rise from the butt and have a straight top edge, the tops are now truncated but probably reached their maximum heights above the stop (16mm above the stop and with a maximum surviving height of 29.7mm). The septum is flat and is near-perpendicular to the flanges and stops (with heights of 11.4mm and 12.9mm). The stops have a slight curve across their width and are very slightly under-cut. The stops are also raised above the faces (with a height of 8.6mm and a thickness of 4.0mm - 6.8mm). The flanges extend onto the faces (for 20mm), before converging together as a shield moulding, enclosing a shallow depression. Both faces also have a midrib beginning below the stop and forming a trident decoration with the shield. The faces have a sub-rectangular section but slightly convex and with a midrib.  There is no obvious blade facet on the unexpanded edge. The surface has a dark-brown patina, which has laminated to a mid-brown surface above a green-brown surface.



This palstave does not closely correspond with the two subtypes proposed by Schmidt and Burgess (1981) but is closer to their Type Acton Park but is considerably smaller than most palstaves of the type and also has a trident decoration, rather than a shield. 







[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: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1600)
Found: Templeton, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.5 mm
Thickness: 8.9 mm
Weight: 72.7 g
Description: Blade fragment from an axehead of uncertain type and date, probably a Developed Flat Axe of Early Bronze Age date.



The axehead is fragmentary and heavily-corroded (with a surviving length of 52.5mm and a weight of 72.7g). The break occurred in antiquity and at the break, the axe body is slender and of sub-rectangular section (with a width of 22.3mm and a thickness of 8.9mm). The sides diverge moderately (for 24mm) before expanding sharply to produce an expanded blade edge (with a width of 50.0mm and an expanded edge length of 17mm). The faces are flat across their widths and also their lengths before a curved blade facet (19mm from the blade edge), positioned at the point where the blade is expanded. The edges of the faces appear to have slight ridges, seemingly the remnant ends of corroded flanges. The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted with no original surface surviving. But has a mid to bright green corrosion. 



The probable presence of flanges on the edges of the face would suggest the axehead was of a developed type. The fragmentary condition of the axehead makes further typological identification difficult and speculative. The slender body expanding sharply to a possible recurved blade may suggest an axe of Type Bandon as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 65-8)[1]. Developed Flat axes relate to Metalworking Assemblages IV -V and date to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 3, dated to c. 2050 – 1700BC. Type Bandon Axes probably relate to the Willerby assemblage (Metalworking Assemblage V) with a proposed date range of c. 1900 – 1600BC. 





[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: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Jeffreyston, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.3 mm
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Weight: 44.6 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type and of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries dated to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The fragmentary cast axe is represented by a blade fragment only (with a surviving length of 27.3mm, a blade edge width of 50.6mm, a maximum thickness of 12.3mm and a weight of 44.6g). The base of the socket is evident at break and is rectangular form (38.7mm x 7.0mm and with a maximum surviving depth of 14.6mm). The axe has broken above the blade tips with no surviving blade side remaining on the fragment.  The original edge blade edge has been lost and is eroded but has a moderate curved edge (with a surviving depth of 12mm). The surviving blade face fragments are convex across their widths and slightly convex across their short surviving lengths. The surface has remnant patches of a dark-brown patina and elsewhere has a pale green corrosion. 



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The presence of a socket base would imply a Late Bronze Age date for the axe, c. 1,150 – 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Talybont-on-Usk, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66 mm
Thickness: 34.4 mm
Weight: 151.9 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park metalworking industry dated to c. 950 – 750BC



The cast socketed axe is incomplete and damaged, missing the blade, an area of the mouth and is also perforation through one face (with a surviving length of 66.0 and a weight of 151.9g). The incomplete mouth is sub-rectangular to oval (48.5mm x 34.4mm (surviving)) and similarly the top of the socket is sub-rectangular (32.0mm x 26mm (incomplete)). The top of the mouth is moderately flat and has the suggestion of two, possibly three of the casting runner stubs, now corroded and worn. The mouth moulding is ‘lip-like’ and is short (5mm) and rounded. The loop springs from the base of the moulding (26mm long, 11.2mm high, 6.5mm wide) and is complete, enclosing a rounded D-shaped aperture (8.5mm x 6.1mm) with low casting flashes evident on the interior. The sides are near-straight for their surviving lengths, narrowing beneath the mouth before beginning to widen towards the missing blade, above the break (where the axe has a width of 40.0mm and depth of 13mm). The casting flashes are evident on both sides but are finished and rounded. The axe has broken above the socket base, leaving a slender oval aperture (24.0mm x 5.8mm) at the base. The sides of the axe are gently convex across the widths, giving the axe a near rectangular body section. The faces are straight and gradually convergent for the surviving lengths. Both faces are decorated with three parallel ribs and there is the suggestion that the face sides have also been enhanced to suggest ribs. Both faces were damaged during antiquity.  A pointed implement has been used to punch through the upper part of one face and the missing part of the opposite face is likely to be a result of the same action. Additionally, it seems likely that the blade has been removed. The surface is heavily-worn and corroded with a mid-green patina and may have been heat-affected, as evidenced by the coarse and crystalline-like surface condition. There is the suggestion of a black patina, partially preserved, possibly tenorite.



The damage on the axe appears to be deliberate, suggesting deliberate destructive treatment of the axe prior to deposition. Blade removal of the axe is unlikely to have occurred during normal use and experimental archaeology has indicated that an axe has to be heated to a high temperature to remove the blade, possibly resulting in the suggested heat-affected surface.   



The axe is of clear South Wales type but also has minor variations to the typical form, specifically the lipped mouth moulding, the suggestion of ribbed edges to the face and a more rectangular, rather than hexagonal body section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wick, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.1 mm
Weight: 86.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of uncertain type probably South Wales (Stogursey) or allied Type and of Ewart Park Metalworking, dating from c. 950 &ndash; 750BC

The cast axe is fragmentary, missing the mouth, one side and much of the faces (with a length of 78.1mm, a maximum surviving breadth of 26.2mm and a weight of 86.4g). The better preserved side has a small area of the mouth surviving, which is slightly out-turned (with a thickness of 4.8mm) with no discernible evidence for a collar moulding. The socket is of rounded rectangular form (with a depth of 60.9mm). The casting seam is raised, extenuated by a slight mismatching in the mould alignment but is neatly finished. The sides are moderately angled to the central seam, giving a sub-hexagonal body section to the axe. The side is straight along its length before a gentle expansion at the blade. The blade is very slightly expanded (with a blade width of 43.2mm) and has a modest curve (with a depth of 10mm). The original blade edge has been lost.&nbsp; The better preserved face (with a thickness of 2.9mm &ndash; 3.6mm) has a gentle convexity across both its length and width, with no blade facet evident. The face has the suggestion of parallel or near parallel ribs, now worn and corroded. The surface is heavily-corroded but there is a distinct black patina, possibly tenorite surviving over much of the external surface. Otherwise, the surface has corroded pale-green. 

The fragmentary condition of the axe, lacking the mouth makes typological identification uncertain. The general form, dimensions and ribbed decoration of the axe are all consistent with South Wales (Stogursey) Type axes of Ewart Park metalworking, c. 950 &ndash; 750BC. The heavily-patinated, possible tenorite deposits on the axe are of interest, possibly indicating a deliberate black colouring of the axe[1]. 


[1] Dr M. Davis Pers. Comm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bedlinog, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 418 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 292 g
Description: Bronze Age blade, from a sword or rapier of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, c. 1300 – 700BC



The blade is incomplete and fragmentary, now in three conjoining fragments (with a combined surviving length of 418mm and weights of 146.7g, 130.3g and 15.0g (292g combined)). The upper fragment has broken through a central rivet hole (of 3.6mm diameter, now 7mm from the damaged hilt top). The blade is thickest (at 10.0mm) across its hilt and appears to have been of rounded, sub-rectangular section. The hilt has lost both sides and therefore the ricasso and beginning of the blade are not evident. On one face there is a clear change of patination from a green-brown dull patina to a dark-brown ‘glossy’ patina. The difference is straight with an apparent step towards the blade edge and may represent a hilt mark. The variable patina is not evident on the other face. The blade is of lenticular section, with a rounded midsection but with a clear blade facet, where it survives on one short section (20mm long, 144mm below the top, where the blade has a width of 27mm and a thickness of 8.6mm). The blade form cannot be determined because of the loss of the blade edges on both sides but there is the impression that the sword narrows before widening again and perhaps, tentatively suggesting a leaf-shaped blade profile. The blade appears to be narrowing towards the lower section and may have been approaching the tip. Despite the considerable peripheral damage to the blade, much of the surface is well-preserved with sharpening striations evident, mostly running along the blade but also diagonally off the blade. There are no grooves evident along the blade. The hilt has deeper short grooves below the patina. The surface has a dark-brown patina with areas of brown surface loss and powdery, pale-green corrosion. 



The extensive peripheral erosion has removed nearly all the diagnostic features, making typological identification difficult. The comparatively substantial and thick blade would suggest a sword rather than a rapier. Additionally, the surviving rivet hole would further suggest a sword, the earliest sword types which have central rivet holes through the hilt are of Balintober Type, of Middle Bronze Age date and Penard metalworking, c. 1300 – 1150BC but the hilt arrangement continues through the Late Bronze Age, of Wilburton and Ewart Park metalworking, and is also present on Gündligen Swords of Earliest Iron Age date and Llyn Fawr metalworking (c. 800 – 600BC). The majority of swords recovered in both Wales and Britain are of Ewart Park Type (c. 950 – 800BC) and the surviving features are consistent with the type. The extent of the erosion and damage may suggest that the sword was complete when deposited.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Darran Valley, Caerphilly, Caerphilly (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.5 mm
Thickness: 11.1 mm
Weight: 98 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze axehead, blade fragment probably from a Developed axe, cast flanged axe or palstave of Early to Late Bronze Age date, probably c. 1700 – 1000BC



The axehead is fragmentary, represented by the blade only (with a surviving length of 47.5mm and a weight of 98.0g). The break has occurred in antiquity and the axe is of sub-rectangular section at the break (with a width of 34mm and a thickness of 11.1mm). The sides are somewhat straight and divergent (for 20mm) before flaring outwards to the blade tips to produce a moderately expanded blade edge (with a surviving blade width of 52.4mm). Any casting seams on the sides are no longer evident, probably masked by corrosion and surface loss. The original blade edge has been lost and the blade edge is now asymmetric, differentially worn on one side and has a comparatively deep curve.  The blade faces appear moderately flat before converging to the edge, with a possible subtle blade facet (16mm from the edge). There is a prominent mid-ridge evident on both faces but more noticeable on the better preserved face. It is possible that the mid-ridge may be the distal end of a midrib but may also have had a consistent ridge along the length of the blade. The surface is partially preserved on one face with a dark-green to brown patina and has been lost on the other. There are a number of scratches or striations on the area of preserved surface and appear to be beneath the patina. 



The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification difficult, the central blade ridge suggests an axe of Developed Type or palstave blade, suggesting a the axe belonged to Arreton tradition at the earliest, dated from c. 1700BC to and probably through to Wilburton at the latest, c. 1000BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Willersley and Winforton, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103.3 mm
Thickness: 16.4 mm
Weight: 78 g
Description: Middle to Late Bronze Age socketed spearhead of Acton Park to Ewart Park metalworking phase, c. 1550 – 800BC



The cast spearhead is incomplete, missing the base of the socket and the basal parts of both blades (with a surviving length of 103.3mm and a weight, including sediment in the socket of 78.0g).  At the break the spearhead is sub-circular sectioned (with a maximum diameter of 16.4mm) and the internal socket is sub-circular to oval (10mm x 11.5mm). The socket is considerably thicker on one side (5.0mm thick compared to 0.8mm) causing a weakness in the socket wall and probably resulting in the break. There is no evidence that the socket has broken through perforations for attachment. The damaged blades are present at the break across the socket (giving a surviving width of 19.5mm). The blades are largely damaged and truncated, surviving on one side (with a length of 51.6mm and a thickness of 1.6mm) and has a moderate convex curve to the tip. The blade edge is evident over short areas but has largely been lost. The socket is conical, gradually narrowing to the tip (where it has a diameter of 3mm). Striations are evident where the surface survives, running along the socket and adjacent blade. The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted with a dark-brown patina and some patches of green corrosion.



The fragmentary condition of the spearhead where the diagnostic features have been lost, makes typological identification indeterminate. Socketed spearheads begin in Arreton phase towards the end of The Early Bronze Age and continue to the Ewart Park Phase of the Late Bronze Age. The form of the spearhead probably suggests that it is unlikely to be from the types found in the Arreton phase and is likely to date from Acton Park to Ewart Park, dated to c. 1550 – 800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 166 mm
Weight: 361.8 g
Description: Early to Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group II, Early Midribbed type, and of Type Chepstow as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p. 125-7)[1] and of Acton Park metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 – 1400BC



The palstave is near-complete, with minor damage to the blade edge and some surface loss (with an overall length of 166mm and a weight of 361.8g). The butt (with a width of 22.8mm and a thickness of 3.2mm) is straight and perpendicular to the sides. The sides are straight and slightly widening to a point below the stop (with a width at the stop of 32.4mm, where the stops have a height of 24.5mm) before prominent side mouldings or ‘nicked sides’ (giving a width of 36.5mm). The sides are gently curved along the blade, before flaring out to the blade tips, producing an  expanded and rounded blade edge, slightly damaged at the blade tips (with a blade width of 77.1mm and a blade depth of 22mm). The casting seams are barely evident on both sides and have been neatly finished, particularly on the sides of the blade. The flanges rise from the beneath the butt (17mm beneath) and have a gentle curve reaching their apexes above the stop (20mm above where the flanges have a height of 34.6mm and a thickness of 24.4mm at the stop). The septum is near-straight and slightly rounded across its width (33mm long and 18 – 19mm wide). The stops have a slight curve across their widths, are vertical sided (with a stop height of 8.4mm - 8.8mm and are raised above the faces (with a height of 4mm-5mm and a thickness of 5mm). A single rib extends from the stop on each blade face (for a length of 44mm and 49mm). The faces are slightly hollowed each side of the rib to suggest raised blade edges. There is a subtle rounded blade facet evident on both faces (19mm - 20mm from the blade edge). No obvious sharpening striations are discernible on the blade. The surface has begun to laminate at the blade edge and is damaged on one flange, otherwise the surface has a mid to dark-red brown patina.  



The palstave is of Early Midribbed Type and its broad form with subtle ‘flange extensions’ and prominent nicked sides, all indicate Type Chepstow, which corresponds to Acton Park metalworking and can be dated to c. 1600 – 1400BC.





[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: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.5 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 42.3 g
Description: Bronze Age spearhead, probably of Late Bronze Age date



The spearhead is fragmentary, represented by the top end but with the tip missing and has broken in antiquity (with a surviving length of 55.5mm and a weight of 42.3g). The spearhead has broken through the central circular socket (with an internal diameter of 11.1mm and a surviving depth of 19.6mm). The position of the socket is marked by a prominent, rounded midrib (with a width of 11mm, a height of 3mm and giving a maximum surrounding overall depth of 12.0mm). The midrib gradually narrows as it approaches the tip (with a width of 7mm at the break) but retains its height. The blade edges are lost but the surviving edges suggest they may have been straight and gradually convergent to the tip, producing a triangular form to the upper part of the spearhead. If the straight blade edge continued to the tip, some 49mm of the tip have been lost. The spear is solid at the upper break (with socket terminating 33mm below the break and with a width of 18mm and a thickness of 8.6mm). The blade edges had prominent facets, preserved over much of the blade. There is the suggestion of sharpening striations running along the blade, partially preserved on both faces.  The surface is has a dark-green patina, possibly with tin surface enrichment in areas. 



The fragmentary condition of the spearhead makes typological identification difficult but the form is consistent with spearheads of Middle and Late Bronze Age date, c. 1500 – 700BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bicester, Cherwell, Oxfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.9 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 4.81 g
Description: A copper alloy tool, possibly an awl, scriber or a stylus. The tool is 52.9mm in length, with a flat wedge-shaped terminal and square to sub rounded cross section with lenticular side profile. The body tapers along its length into a pointed terminal with circular cross section, which has been bent.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls and scribing tools are hard to date precisely but are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most examples being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC). The combination of a pointed tip and a spatulate terminal on this object suggests that it could alternatively be a stylus of Roman date.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thurlaston, Blaby, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65 mm
Weight: 13.69 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper alloy spearhead of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1400- 800 BC). The spearhead is broadly triangular in shape with both long edges and the tip well preserved. A strong narrow mid-rib is present terminating near the tip. The mid-rib does not divide the fragment evenly suggesting that the blades had been sharpened on a regular basis with one edge being worn away more than the other. Blade bevels on both long edges are present. The break is patinated suggesting that it is due to old damage rather than something more recent in the burial environment. It is possible that the break was a deliberate one prior to deposition when the weapon was ‘decommissioned’. This is more likely as the depositional landscape is dominated with streams and drained / improved wetland fields with poor drainage (further indicated by the iron staining from soil mineralisation / panning present on the lower blade). The blade is a mid-green colour with a well formed surface patina. A direct parallel and date cannot be attributed due to the undiagnostic nature of the fragment. It is most likely to be later Middle Bronze Age (1400-1150 BC) in form due to its strong lozenge sectioned.

Length: 65 mm

Width: 25 mm

Weight: 13.69 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Talgarth, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.2 mm
Thickness: 0.9 mm
Weight: 51 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze butt fragment from an axe of uncertain type but of Flat or Developed Axe form 



The axe is represented by a butt fragment only, broken at one end in antiquity (with a surviving length of 50.2mm and a weight of 51.0g). The butt end is evenly rounded (with a width of 20mm and a thickness of 0.9mm). The sides are straight and divergent for their lengths to the break (where the axe has a width of 28.0mm and a thickness of 8.6mm).  The axe butt has a near-rectangular body section, with one face flatter across its width than the other. There is no suggestion of flanges present on the fragment. The corroded surface is heavily-pitted with a dark-green patina and areas of pale-green corrosion and surface loss. . The surface condition and patina suggest a bronze rather than copper composition, although it has not been possible to analyse the composition. 



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult and uncertain. The slender, rounded butt form, absence of flanges and the presumed bronze composition would be consistent with axes of Needham’s type 3 and in relation to Schmidt and Burgess (1981)[1] typology may have been of Migdale, Aylesford or allied types. Axes of these types are likely to be date to the Early Bronze Age, perhaps between c. 2200 – 1800BC.





[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.3 mm
Thickness: 43.6 mm
Weight: 76.9 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe, probably of South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park metalworking, dated to Needham’s (1997) Period 7, c. 950 – 750BC



The socketed axe is fragmentary, missing the upper part of the axe and the loop (with a surviving length of 58.3mm and a weight of 76.9g). The break occurred in antiquity and does not appear to have been the result of an evident weakness (at the break the axe has dimensions of 33mm x 23mm and with a maximum surviving socket depth of 43.6mm). One of the faces has impacted damage, forcing the face into the socket and possibly suggests deliberate damage. The other face has a crack extending from the break down the face (for 14mm).  The more complete side has the stub from the lower attachment of the loop. Beneath the loop the side is moderately straight, before flaring slightly to the gently expanded blade edge (giving a blade width of 39.00mm), slightly truncated. The blade edge has a shallow curve (with a depth of 9mm). The sides of the axe are bevelled towards the centre, where the casting seam is evident but has been neatly finished. The faces appear to have been moderately flat across both their lengths and widths and gradually convergent to the blade edge. The faces were probably decorated with three convergent ribs and additionally sides of the faces appear to have been enhanced with ribbed mouldings. Deep striations are evident on the better preserved face, running diagonally from the blade edge and extending to the break. The striations appear to be beneath the patina and are too extensive to be sharpening striations. The surface is corroded and pitted with a dark-green patina and patches of bright-green corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanover, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 138.3 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 361.8 g
Description: Early to Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group I, Primary Shield Pattern type as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981)[1] and of Acton Park metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 – 1400BC



The palstave is near-complete, with some damage to the flanges (with an overall length of 138.3mm and a weight of 361.8g). The butt (with a width of 23.2mm and a thickness of 4.8mm) is near-straight lower at the centre. The sides are straight and near-parallel to a point below the stop (with a width at the stop of 15.8mm, where the stops have a height of 24.0mm and the flanges have a height of 27.9mm). The sides have a linear divergence along the blade, before flaring out to the blade tips, producing a moderately expanded and rounded blade edge (with a blade width of 55.0mm and a blade depth of 18mm). The casting seams are evident on both sides but have been neatly finished but there is no ridged or ‘nicked’ sides evident. The flanges rise from the butt and would have had a straight top edge but are now damaged, giving the suggestion of a rounded lozenge form to the sides of the axe.  The flanges reached their maximum heights just above the stop (16mm above the stop and with a maximum surviving height of 32.8mm). The septum is gently rounded across its width but near-perpendicular to the flanges and stops (with a maximum flange heights of 13.1mm and a stop height of 7.8mm - 8.6mm). The stops have a slight curve across their widths and both stops extend above the faces (with a height of 4.2mm and a thickness of 5mm - 6mm).Because of a hollowing at the top of the blade the flanges have the impression of extending onto the faces. Both faces have hollowing beneath the stop, although appearing rounded, related to a ‘shield’ form on one face and more squared on the other. There is the suggestion of a weak midrib on one face, through the shield-shaped hollowing and extending onto the blade (with a length of 36mm). No rib is discernible on the other face. There is a clear rounded blade facet on both faces (20mm from the blade edge). The surface is heavily-pitted with much of the original surface lost and with a dark-brown patina. The surface is magnetic, suggesting deposition within iron rich deposits, possibly boggy. 



The palstave is of an early form and has a depression below the stop rather than a shield moulding. The suggestion of a subtle midrib may indicate similarities to ‘Early Midribbed palstaves’. Primary Shield Pattern and Early Midribbed palstaves are likely to both be of Acton Park metalworking, dated to c. 1600 – 1400BC.





[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