dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-500 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Liddington, Swindon, Swindon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.06 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 8.5 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Awl of Bronze Age to Roman date (AD 500 BC - AD 410). The main shaft of the object is a tapering sub0rectacular in section. The lower end tapers in towards a curved point, the upper end tapers in maintaining the same section and terminates in an old abraded break. 



The metal is a dark green in colour with a predominantly smooth patina.



Length: 66.06mm, Width: 6.97mm, Thickness: 4.90mm, Weight: 8.5g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chetwynd, Telford and Wrekin, Telford and Wrekin (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.4 mm
Diameter: 16.7 mm
Weight: 28.91 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age, c. 1,500-1,150 BC, side looped spearhead, the weapon has suffered some damage, its loops are broken but it appears that its tiny head is substantially intact. It consisted of a central, ogival section flanked by two flukes. With the spearhead are fragments of wood which probably represent part of its shaft preserved by contact with copper. The small head seen on this weapon can be compared to an example from Lakenheath, Suffolk (Evans,1881, 322-323, fig. 395). Evans refers to an example from Cumberland with a still smaller blade but, at 124mm, it was still larger than this find. It is, however, of comparable proportions to the spearhead from Tidmarsh, Berkshire, BERK-9C5258. Length 91.4mm, Width (blade) 12.2mm, (socket) 16.7mm, Mass 28.91g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy Gold
Found: Stoughton, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.7 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 4.68 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) gold-plated copper alloy penannular ring, D-shaped in cross-section and missing an area of gold-plating revealing the (corroding) copper alloy interior. Both 'faces' of the object are slightly flattened, as is the interior edge; the outside edge is convex. The terminals are cut in parallel alignment with each other and measure 4.1x5.0mm and 4.3x5.0mm. The object is slightly thicker at the edge opposite the terminals, where it measure 5.1mm in max.thickness. It measures 15.3mm between this edge and the terminals, and 15.7mm perpendicular to this. The internal area is oval in shape and measures 6.8x7.1mm. The object weighs 4.68g.
Notes: 'The penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C; references therein).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Torc (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Gold 
Found: Swanmore, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.6 mm
Diameter: 8.9 mm
Thickness: 8.9 mm
Weight: 18.24 g
Description: A fragment of Middle Bronze Age (probably Penard phase, c. 1300 - 1100 BC) flange- or bar-twisted gold torc bent almost in half on itself longitudinally, with breaks at either end. The torc has a cruciform (x-shaped) cross-section with four flanges, although they twist in such a way as to give a circular cross-section around the flanges. The breaks are quite sharp, suggesting they could be quite recent. The bend is not quite at the centre of the object.

The ends, both slightly squashed, measure 8.2x6.2mm and 8.4x7.3mm. At these breaks the flanges are c.0.6-0.8mm thick, with a thickened rim (slightly flattened to the outside surface) 0.9-1.0mm thick. At the deepest, the depth between the flanges is c.2.5mm deep. The width/ diameter of the object is relatively parallel and c.9mm.

The fragment measures 41.6mm in bent length (unbent it would be c.75mm), 26.8mm in max width and 8.9mm in max.thickness. It weighs 18.24g.
Notes: Its cross-section is very similar to another (terminal) fragment, 2015 T983, found in a neighbouring parish.
Subsequent action: Declared Treasure but returned to Finder as Museum unable to acquire
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Forton, Wyre, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 156 mm
Thickness: 36.5 mm
Weight: 474 g
Description: Copper-alloy flanged axehead dating to the middle Bronze Age (c. 1300 - 1200 BC). The axehead is a Later Short Flanged axehead of Type Lissett. The axehead has a narrow rectangular-sectioned body that widens and flattens at one end into a curved cutting edge. The other end flattens into a blunt edge. A pair of lozenge-shaped flanges are present on either side of the butt end. The object is light brown in colour with a patchy green patina. It is 156.0mm in length, 66.5mm in width and 36.5mm in thickness. It weighs 474g.



This type of axehead is common in East Yorkshire but have been found in the Fylde, so the findspot is in keeping with the general distribution. This is quite a large, common group and part of the Taunton Metalwork Assemblage, dating from c. 1300 - 1200 BC.



Schmidt, P.K. and Burgess, C. 1981, nos. 605-666, especially nos. 616-620.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2050 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bucklebury, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.01 mm
Thickness: 13.42 mm
Weight: 170 g
Description: An incomplete early Bronze Age bronze Developed flat axe, c.2050BC - 1700BC.



Description: The axe is missing about half its cheek/butt end. The sides of the axe are slightly concaving narrowing rapidly form the back fo the wide expanded curved blade straight and gradually divergent to the blade. One side expands more sharply below the blade and suggests that the blade originally had at least a moderately expanded blade edge. In in cross-section the butt end is sub-rectangular. The axe is heavily corroded and pitted with none of the original surface remaining.



Measurements: 62.01mm long, 62.41mm wide, 13.42mm thick and 170g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cranleigh, Waverley, Surrey ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.9 mm
Thickness: 9.1 mm
Weight: 44.77 g
Description: A fragment of a thin cast copper alloy Bronze Age axehead, of flat type and dating from the Early Bronze Age (c. 2200-1700 BC). The axehead has curved, diverging sides with a curved and splayed cutting edge. The axe has a rectangular profile and is 16.4mm wide at the break. There is a slight curve to the side profile of the body of the axe which suggests it had become slightly bent, perhaps in use and perhaps leading to the breakage.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pointon and Sempringham, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.11 mm
Thickness: 5.69 mm
Weight: 34.78 g
Description: A fragment of a cast, copper-alloy socketed axe head dating to the later Bronze Age (c. 950-750 BC). The surviving axe consists of part of the broken blade and body. The body of the axe is sub-rectangular in plan with a flared convex cutting edge. The sides of the axe are triangular, and the body of the axe narrows towards the expanded blade. The blade edge is rounded and damaged in several areas through abrasion and corrosion. The inside of the axe is hollow and sub-rectangular in cross-section. The blade has been roughly evenly broken off at one end, the axe also has several areas of lamination and scratches on its outside surfaces, all of which are patinated, like all of the exterior surfaces, in a mid-green colour. The interior surfaces of the axe have a similar coloured patina.



Found within the same findspot as metalworking debris (PAS no. LIN-5A04A4). 



The axe measures 45.11 mm in length, 22.04 mm in width and 5.69 mm thick at the blade, 15.50 mm thick at the broken socketed end, 3.08 mm in maximum wall thickness, and weighs 34.78g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-950 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pointon and Sempringham, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Two pieces of copper metalworking debris. Both are small irregularly shaped fragments of solidified copper slag with uneven surfaces with bubbles and air holes. Both fragments are corroded with patches of green verdigris, and red corrosion is generally present.



Height: 26.19 mm; Width: 30.90 mm; Thickness: 21.93 mm; Weight: 62.44g



Length 36.58: mm; Width: 26.23 mm; Thickness: 15.38 mm; Weight: 35.53g



The smelting of copper in rural locations is likely to be indicative of Bronze Age activity, a late Bronze age socketed axehead and metalworking debris were found within the same findspot (PAS no. LIN-59D8B1 and LIN-5A202F), although casting might be an occasional rural activity up to the centralisation of manufacturing in post-medieval times, so the suggested date range for these is anywhere from the Bronze age to post medieval, 2500 BC - AD1800.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-950 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pointon and Sempringham, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.91 mm
Thickness: 6.18 mm
Weight: 30.24 g
Description: A single piece of copper-alloy metalworking debris, probably dating to the late Bronze Age. The piece is sub-rectangular in form and cross-section. It is curved with a rectilinear band running longitudinally across the outer surface of the object. The fragment is corroded with patches of green verdigris, and red corrosion is generally present.



Length: 40.91 mm; Width: 33.86 mm; Thickness: 6.18 mm, Weight: 30.24g



The smelting of copper in rural locations is likely to be indicative of Bronze Age activity, other metalworking debris and a late Bronze age socketed axehead was found within the same findspot (PAS no. LIN-59D8B1 and LIN-5A04A4), although casting might be an occasional rural activity up to the centralisation of manufacturing in post-medieval times, so the suggested date range for these is anywhere from the Bronze age to post-medieval, 2500 BC - AD 1800.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ireby and Uldale, Allerdale, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.15 mm
Thickness: 14.6 mm
Weight: 19.99 g
Description: Copper-alloy Late Bronze Age miniature socketed axehead (c. 1000 - 800 BC). The objects imitates a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead of the Ewart Park phase (c. 1000 - 800 BC), in miniature (see for instance, SOM-7B35AD). It has a collared, square socket with a D-shaped loop to one side, and a wide, curved blade. The blade edge is worn and fragmentary and there are some worn patches to the surface of the object. Otherwise, the object has a smooth, brown patina. It is 55.15mm in length, 26.18mm in width and 14.60mm in thickness. It weighs 19.99g.



Miniature socketed axeheads that imitate functional Bronze Age type axeheads are known from contexts ranging in date from the Bronze Age to the early Roman period. Examples include: WILT-33B468 and YORYM-9A3076. These objects are believed to have had a votive function. Many of the Roman examples are highly derivative and simplified in form, however, and the detailed form of this example indicates a date within the Late Bronze Age or early Iron Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Abbey, Allerdale, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.85 mm
Thickness: 18.1 mm
Weight: 61.37 g
Description: Copper-alloy fragment from a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead (c. 1100 - 800 BC). The fragment consists of the cutting edge and part of the body of the axehead. The blade edge is slightly flared. The object has a patchy dark brown and green patina and the broken edges are worn. It is 41.85mm in length, 40.44mm in width and 18.10mm at maximum thickness. It weighs 61.37g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cliddesden, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.6 mm
Thickness: 29.5 mm
Weight: 127.68 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy possible unusually looped socketed axehead dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800BC ), , probably of Ewart Park Metalwork assemblage (pers.comm Dot Boughton 2019).



The socket end is square in shape, measuring 25mm by 29mm. On the upper and lower surface there is a raised casting flash, following a seam along the length of the object. The object narrows from 30.7mm to 18.6mm in width where it terminates in a rectangular break measuring 18.6mm x 11.5mm. To one of the sides, just below the mouth, is a 22.1mm long loop. The object has a dark green patina with a lighter green pitted surface, and a small patch of original patina survives around the loop.



The axehead is 86.6mm in length, 30.7mm in width, 29.5 thickness, and weighs 127.68g.



It could possibly be a MBA axe of Taunton Hademarschen type:



On record WILT-C4C954 Brendan O'Connor comments there is a small group of similar slender socketed axeheads from East Dorset (A Group of Middle Bronze Age Socketed Axes from East Dorset, Brendan O'Connor and Peter J. Woodward, PDNHAS 125, 2003, 144-6), and another in the Salisbury hoard. More recently one has turned up on the Isle of Wight in a hoard of Taunton phase palstaves (Treasure Annual Reoprt 2003, p. 197), confirming the Middle Bronze Age date and distribution. The Marlborough example is a little further north.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Seckington, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.4 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 61.77 g
Description: Fragment of a Bronze Age, c. 1,100-750 BC socketed axe. Only the end of the blade survives making specific identification difficult. Cutting edge expanded and crescentic. The body of the axe has a rectangular section, 25.9 x 18.0mm with rounded corners and a 4.7mm thick wall section It was broken in antiquity and shows a hackly fracture. Length 41.4mm, Width (cutting edge) 35.9mm, Thickness 18.0mm, Mass 61.77g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1150 to 1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fleet Marston, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.3 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 5.39 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy possible awl of uncertain date, possibly dating to the Late Bronze Age - Medieval period, 1150 BC - AD 1100. The object has two parts, with the first part a single cast chisel with a flat bladed terminal that tapers down to a point which is now worn and square. The other side is circular in cross section. There is no decoration on the object and it has an dark green patina. Small chisels and tools of this type were used for an extensive period of time, not simply in the Bronze age, but also in later periods for jewellery making and fine work. As such dating the object is difficult. The awl measures 59.3mm in length, 4.5mm in thickness, and weighs 5.39g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1150 to 1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fleet Marston, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.2 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 2.82 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy possible awl of uncertain date, possibly dating to the Late Bronze Age - Medieval period, 1150 BC - AD 1100. The object has two parts, with the first part a possible chisel shape with a flat bladed terminal that tapers down to a point which is now worn and rounded. The other side is circular in cross section. There is no decoration on the object which is very worn, and it has an dark brown patina. Small chisels and tools of this type were used for an extensive period of time, not simply in the Bronze age, but also in later periods for jewellery making and fine work. As such dating the object is difficult. The awl measures 42.2mm in length, 4.3mm in thickness, and weighs 2.82g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barham, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 7.76 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Description: A complete copper alloy awl / leather working tool of uncertain date, possibly Bronze Age but conceivably Roman or medieval.



Description: The awl is in very good condition with a dark grey-brown mildly patinated surface. The awl has a square cross-section. Both ends taper to a sharp point. One point is slightly longer than the others and each of the four faces is slightly indented. There are some scratches on the rounded end. Some awls may have been hafted in to a wooden or bone handle however this example was probably used in the hand without hafting as both ends of the awl are useful, practical tools.



Measurements: 37.76mm long, 3.7mm thick and 2g in weight.



Description: From the PAS website: (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/awl) Awls are difficult to date but most copper-alloy examples are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections and are generally undecorated. They would have been used to make holes in leather or wood and many were probably were inserted into a handle made from organic materials. Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). 'Awl' is often used to refer to any number of small, pointed instruments. Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117). They were presumably used for perforating leather, but it was once suggested that they were used for tattooing human skin.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hindon, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.51 mm
Thickness: 15.11 mm
Weight: 55.98 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy probable palstave axe dating to the Middle Bronze age. . The axe is sub-rectangular in profile and is 14.92 mm wide at the break. The body of the axehead has a sub-rectangular cross section. The body flares to an expanded, asymmetrical, crescentic cutting edge. The axe has a dark green patina with patches of a lighter green along the edge of the blade. At the break there is an area of reddish, copper-rich corrosion.

Date: Middle Bronze Age - c. 1600 - 1000 BC

Dimensions: 40.51 mm x 17.56 mm x 15.11 mm

Weight: 55.98 g



Similar to a fragment described in record SUSS-CC1CE5 on the database
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pulham, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 141.58 mm
Thickness: 28.74 mm
Weight: 3.36 g
Description: A cast copper alloy palstave axehead of "Early midribbed Palstaves of Type Chepstow" type dating to c.1500 -1300 BC. The butt is rounded and the septum is thinner then the blade. The side flanges are low and increase in height from the butt to the stop ridges. On both faces the stop ridges are higher than the flanges. From the stop extends the rectangular cross sectioned blade. The blade tapers in the horizontal plane and is flaring in transverse plane. It termiates in a flared and curving cutting edge. It has a pronounced midrib running from the stop ridge to just before the edge on one face. Details of any edge bevel and casting lines are lost to corrosion. The palstave is heavily corroded, with some losses at its extremities.

Reference: Schmidt and Burgess 1981, Plate 58,

Date: Middle Bronze Age

Dimensions: 141.58 mm x 47.94 mm x 28.74 mm

Weight: 3.36 g



Dot Boughton comments that this is an "Early midribbed Palstaves of Type Chepstow" but that it is too worn to be any more precise. Such axes are are part of the very late Arreton and then, Acton MW assemblage, that is the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1500-1300BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swaffham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.4 mm
Thickness: 16.8 mm
Description: Fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed spearhead. The handle socket is entirely missing from an old brittle-break at the point where it would have originally joined the blade. The pronounced midrib continues for the full length of the blade with an internally round socket extending just over halfway towards the tip. Externally the midrib contours smoothly to form the wings of the spearhead blade, the profile of which has a sub-lozengiform shape, reaching a maximum width at the approximate halfway point. The profile of the blade wings from the socket to the widest point has a slight curve suggesting more of a leaf-shape profile, but the forward profile to the tip is much more of a linear taper with one flange stepping-in slightly suggesting material loss at this point, either through post deposition damage or perhaps more likely in-use modification such as sharpening. There is no extant evidence of edge bevelling around any of the blade periphery. Unfortunately due to the missing socket it is not possible to determine the means of attachment to the shaft, either with Middle Bronze Age loops, or pegs associated with the later Bronze Age. Assessment of all of the features suggests a date from the later part of the Middle Bronze Age through into the later period, albeit an accurate Davis group typology cannot be assigned; circa 1200-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Martons Both, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.83 mm
Thickness: 12.69 mm
Weight: 43.35 g
Description: Broken copper-alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date (c. 1100 - 800 BC). Only the blade end of the axehead remains. The object widens from a diagonal broken edge to a curved cutting edge. The broken edges are worn. The break reveals that the body of the object is hollow. The axehead has a patchy green and brown patina. It is 40.83mm in length, 30.76mm in width and 12.69mm in thickness. It weighs 43.35g.



This object was donated to Craven Museum and Art Gallery by the finder.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 125 g
Description: Description: A group of four Bronze Age copper-alloy tool fragments all found within a small area over a period of several months. Two additional amorphous copper-alloy fragments were also found in the immediate vicinity. Total weight 125g.



1. Small butt-end fragment of a flanged palstave. Oblique brittle fracture, pitted dark brown patination with green around eroded edges. Extant length 35mm, width 18mm, weight 35g.



2. Triangular tip fragment of a spearhead. Sharp midrib giving a star-like cross section. Transverse brittle fracture. Dark brown patination. Length 41mm, width 17.7mm, thickness 7.6mm, weight 9g.



3. Crescent-shaped cutting edge fragment probably from a palstave. Blade width almost complete, with one side truncated just short of the full width. Curved brittle and broadly transverse fracture across the crescentic edge (maximum width in centre of fragment 15mm) Dark brown pitted patination very similar to 1, and could be opposite ends of the same object. Length 59mm, thickness 6.5mm, weight 18g.



4. Blade fragment of a socketed chisel, flaring from 15mm to 27mm over its 41mm extant length. Broken towards the butt end with the thin-walled socket (0.9mm) pushed in from one side causing a crease down towards the blade end. The socket neck at the point of fracture was originally oval, extending to a maximum depth of 33mm into the 41mm extant length of the chisel. Weight 14.72g. 



5. Amorphous sub-ovoid globule with matching patination and colouration to other objects. Maximum length 18mm, maximum thickness 9.2mm, weight 10g.



6. Unidentified fragment with exposed uncorroded scraped bare metal on both faces, probably as a result of recent cultivation damage. The object has some form, with what appear to be original edges, but the parent object cannot be determined. Length 58mm, maximum width 18mm, weight 38g.



Discussion and Date: Objects 1 to 3 are possibly Middle Bronze Age in date, but as fragments the diagnostic features that position them more precisely in the period are missing. Socketed chisels (object 4) are known in the late Middle Bronze Age and are transitional into the late Bronze Age. Items 5 and 6 cannot be identified, but although these are largely amorphous and cannot be identified in isolation as part of the hoard, the proximity within the group and the nature of the material strongly suggests they are an integral part of the deposition made in the late Middle Bronze Age. It is possible, however, that they were gathered together at a later date.
Notes: The finds are all of Bronze Age date and as they represent a single find of two or more copper-alloy finds of prehistoric date, they qualify as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) (Designation Order 2002).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Description: 
A copper alloy palstave axe fragment consisting of the forward half of the axe, that has a wide curved blade that has a bevelled forward edge on both faces. The sides of the blade are concave and taper to the middle of the axe where the stop ridge would be, however, the item is truncated at the forward base of this ridge. On both faces is a single low rib that runs down half the length of the blade from the middle of the stop ridge.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bainton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.2 mm
Thickness: 9.1 mm
Weight: 17.9 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 800 BC. The object is sub-square in section at the widest point tapering with a circular section to one end which terminates in a worn point, the opposite end has a tapering square section again terminating in a worn point. The object is undecorated.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The object is 86.2mm long, 10.7mm wide, 9.1mm thick and weighs 17.9g.



Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1500-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91 mm
Thickness: 31.5 mm
Weight: 164 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy, plain socketed axe of the late Bronze Age (Wilburton/Ewart Park phase) dating c.1100-800BC.



Description: The axehead has a narrow sub-rectangular body, slightly narrower in the middle, with two concave faces flaring towards the blade end and slightly towards the haft end. In plan the blade is wide and flaring creating a crescentic cutting edge. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. It is proceed by a double raised collar. The casting seams on the sides of the axehead have been worked down either through hammering or filing/polishing, but remain fairly prominant particularly towards the collar end. The blade edge has some wear but remains in good conditions. The side loop remains on one side. The axehead has a dark greenish well formed patina with some slightly lighter mottling in places, but is fairly restricted although may be areas where corrosion has begun to effect the axehead.



Measurements: Length of 91mm, with a width (at widest) 39.8mm wide, thickness 31.5mm and a weight: 164g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Description: Very slender and bent probably Late Bronze Age copper alloy probable tanged chisel. The tang tapers and thins out to its terminal, while the blade runs parallel-sided and thins out to its incomplete cutting edge. Length 63mm. Width 5.3mm. Thickness 4.1mm. Weight 8g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Steventon, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.6 mm
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Weight: 10.72 g
Description: A fragment of copper-alloy middle Bronze Age bladed artefact, probably a dirk or rapier, or possibly a spearhead..



This fragment weighs 10.72g, has an incomplete length of 24.6mm and width of 17.4mm. This fragment has a pointed sub-oval shaped cross-section that is slightly faceted, with a central longitudinal ridge flanked to either side by another longitudinal ridge, on both sides of the blade. The fragment has a maximum thickness of 6.2mm. The fragment is slightly curved suggestive of having been deliberately broken.



Thanks to P. Reavill & D. Boughton for their comments on this fragment.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weston, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.2 mm
Thickness: 8.8 mm
Weight: 15.56 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper-alloy axehead, probably a palstave axehead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1400-1150 BC). The surviving fragment, comprising the butt and part of the haft end, is sub-trapezoidal in shape and slightly concave at the point the flanges begin to expand and the haft increases in thickness towards the break. The surfaces have a mottled mid and dark green patina, as well as several small patches of old lamination that have a light-green patina. The fragment measures 21.2mm in length, 21mm in width and 2.2mm thick at the butt, 28.2mm wide and a maximum of 8.8mm thick at the flanges, and weighs 15.56 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Foulsham, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight: 14.19 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age hollow cast copper alloy spearhead, broken at both ends, the point and most of the blade and much of the socket are missing and the surviving edges of the blade damaged, both faces of socket with transverse hammer marks. Extant length 33mm, extant width 22mm, extant thickness 16mm. Weight 14.19g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to 801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pewsey, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.8 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 17.59 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy axehead, probably dating to c. AD 2400-800. The fragment consists of part of the cutting edge only, with the rest of the artefact lost to old breaks. The fragment is sub-lenticular in cross section, and sub-triangular in plan. It has a curved cutting edge without flaring wing tips. 



The blade measures 39.8 mm in length,16.6 mm in width, maximum thickness is 8 mm and it weighs 17.59 grams.



Due to the fragmentary nature of the object, a more precise identification is difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sedbergh, South Lakeland, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.97 mm
Thickness: 7.09 mm
Weight: 28.83 g
Description: Copper-alloy miniature flat axehead of early Bronze Age date (c. BC 2000 - 1700). The axehead is broadly rectangular, with a flared and curved cutting edge at one end. It is lozenge-shaped when viewed from the side, with a rectangular section. Both ends of the object are chipped and worn. The object has a green patina. It is 53.97mm in length, 20.30mm in width and 7.09mm in thickness. It weighs 28.83g.



This object parallels in miniature axeheads from the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II-III) of metalworking tradition phase IV-V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2050 - 1700 CAL. BC. A number of similar miniature axeheads are recorded on the database, including: SUR-267CEF and DEV-B0516A. The small size of the object suggests that it may have had a votive function.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Gold 
Found: Royston, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Two complete gold-plated cast penannular rings dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.1150-750 BC), and a probable Bronze Age (c. 1000 BC-750 BC) awl. 



The penannular rings are in the shape of an oval-sectioned loop that tapers slightly towards the terminals. One of the rings is plain. The other is heavily corroded on the surfaces but appears to have ribbed decoration.



The uncorroded ring is 16.9mm in diameter, with a thickness of 5.7mm and a weight of 8.14 grans. The corroded ring is 19mm in diameter, 7mm thick and weighs 11.41 grams.



The probable Bronze Age awl is circular in section and tapers to a blunt point at one end and a rounder point at the other. The surface has a dark green patina with some small areas of fine pitting. 



The awl measures 85.2mm in length, a maximum of 4.2mm in diameter and weighs 6.88 grams.



Awls are difficult to date but most are probably the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections and are generally undecorated. They would have been used to make holes in leather or wood and probably were inserted into a handle made from organic materials. Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). 'Awl' is often used to refer to any number of small, pointed instruments. Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117), they were presumably used for perforating leather.



As a functional object the form of the awl barely changes from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and a selection of broadly comparable awls are recorded in Ottaway and Rogers (2002). They note that although most awls are associated with leather working, some would have been used in woodworking, bone working and other crafts.
Notes: Conclusion:  As the penannular rings are Bronze Age in date and made of gold, they qualify as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Being found close to them and of similar date, it is possible that the awl is associated with them and qualifies as treasure as part of this case.



Bibliography



Coles, J.M. (1964). 'Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 97 (1963-4).



Ottaway, P. and Rogers, N. (2002). Craft, Industry and Everyday Life: Finds From Medieval York York: York Archaeological Trust and CBA.



Rowlands, M.J. (1976). The Production and Distribution of Metalwork in the Middle Bronze Age in Southern Britain: Part ii'. Oxford: British Archaeological Reports.



The rings and awl were discovered within a few feet of each other.
Subsequent action: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buriton, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 153.8 mm
Thickness: 5.8 mm
Weight: 113.77 g
Description: A nearly complete copper alloy dirk, dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1300 BC) and 153.8mm in length The butt is trapezoidal with two rivet holes partially preserved. The original mushroom rivets are lost. The dirk is 43.5mm wide across the butt and narrows to 14.5mm at the blade tip, which has been lost. The blade has bevelled edges and a flattened lozengiform / lentoid cross section with a distinctive central rib which extends all the way from butt to the tip. This thickened rib adds strength to the blade and is a diagnostic feature of this type of short sword or dirk which is thought to be used for thrusting and piercing rather than cutting and slashing. The blade is slightly bent midway along although it is unclear as to whether this demonstrates an intentional pre-depositional act. The edges of the blade and the surface demonstrate post depositional damage and loss from corrosion.
Notes: This dirk is perhaps best attributed to a Taplow or Keelogue Type of the Acton Park industry. Cf. Burgess, C. and Gerloff, S. 1981, Plates 14 and 15.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Roosecote, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 28.69 mm
Thickness: 8.86 mm
Weight: 7.25 g
Description: Late Bronze Age (c1150 to c800 BC) gold penannular ring (or 'lock ring') formed from gold sheets; the weight of the object suggests that these are probably wrapped around a copper-alloy core. The ring is bi-conical in form, with flat triangular terminals. There is a prominent ridge running around the outer edge. Both faces are decorated by transverse, parallel striations. There is some damage to the inner edge of one of the faces, where the two sheets have come apart slightly.



Diameter: 28.69mm, thickness: 8.86mm, weight: 7.25g



There are a number of similar examples recorded on the database, including: NCL-066786 (2019 T94), SUSS-5EA230 (2017 T349), ESS-5ECCA2 (2016 T592) and SUR-EFB639 (2019 T87). This type of object is well-represented from late Bronze Age contexts, although the precise function of these rings remains unclear.



As the object is an item of prehistoric precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Montford, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.68 mm
Thickness: 12.52 mm
Weight: 14.09 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed leather working knife made from copper alloy. At it's widest point it is 28.24mm and 55.68mm long.



The item has a socketed shaft, with two aligned perforations near the top of the shaft on either side. The socketed shaft tapers to a band and then flares into a sub triangular head that gradually thins to a cutting edge. The object is in good condition and is largely brown with a Verdigris patina. A small piece of wood was found inside the socket; it is very small and fits into the base of the shaft. It is roughly triangular in shape with a rounded tip and mainly green in colour. A tiny copper alloy pin was also discovered in the perforation hole. 



A similar example has been recorded on this database under record SF-F59C95. Also, similar to one shown in Nicholson's Catalogue of the Prehistoric Metalwork in Merseyside County Museum (1980: 47) no. 78.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Mary Bourne, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.4 mm
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Weight: 17.08 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged chisel dating to the late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - 800 BC). The chisel has a tang with a rectangular cross section which has broken 5.3mm from a transverse collar. This collar is sub-oval in cross-section and is 10.8mm wide. The blade itself expands from 8.1mm wide at the collar to 21.3mm wide at the cutting edge, which is noticeably asymmetrical, possibly from wear during use or post depositional corrosion.
Notes: Tanged chisels of this type are uncommon finds; examples recorded on the database include BH-49EAD8, NMS-5059F9 and BERK-52E8C3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Atcham, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 120.2 mm
Thickness: 18.2 mm
Weight: 63.13 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy side-looped spear of Middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1550 BC to c. 1250 BC). It fits into the Acton Park or Taunton phases. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC).



The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces, triangular in cross-section, giving a lozenge shaped cross-section at the point. There is some damage to the edges of the blade and no edge bevels are discernable. The socket is oval in cross-section and is hollow. The socket is 50.8 mm deep. It has cast side loops roughly half way along the socket. The loops are a flat oval in cross-section, and one is blocked with a casting flange that has not been trimmed. The casting seams along the sides of the socket have been trimmed.



It measures 120.2 mm in length. a maximum blade width of 23.5 mm, a minimum blade width of 8.0 mm. The edges of the blades are 1.7 mm thick. At the base of the wings, the socket has an external diameter of 12.8 mm and at the base of the socket, it measures 18.2 mm. The socket is 2.3 mm thick. The side loops measure 14.4 mm long and 5.4 mm wide. They are 3.3 mm above the surface of the socket. It weighs 63.13 g.



The spear has a smooth dark brown patina.



Several similar spears have been recorded on the PAS database, including WMID-56E2E4 and SWYOR-A8FC69. See also Davis, R (2017) A Short Guide to early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads. Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mavesyn Ridware, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 91.78 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy flanged axehead, of middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1600 BC to c. 1400 BC).



The axehead is sub-rectangular in plan with a narrow and thin butt end which extends to a curved cutting edge with splayed blade. Raised flanges are present along the edges of both sides of the axehead each showing signs of heavy wear. No casting flashes are visible. No sign of a proto stop.



It measures 103.0 mm long, 28.2 mm wide at the blade, 16.5 mm wide at the butt end. 7.2 mm thick in the centre, 11.0 mm thick including the flanges. It weighs 91.78 g. The flanges are 52.7 mm long, extending from the butt end to midway along the body. They extend a maximum of 2.4 mm above the body.



The axehead is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. The surface is heavily pitted, either as a result of poor casting or due to soil conditions whilst buried.



Similar flanged axeheads have been recorded on the PAS database, including: YORYM-D5C7D6. The lack of a proto stop ridge is suggestive that this flanged axehead may fall within the Acton Park I phase, possibly dating to between c. 1600 BC to c. 1400 BC. However due to the surface condition, it is hard to confirm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 208 mm
Weight: 22.09 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy Quoit-Headed pin. The shank tapers and changes from oval to circular sectioned with a marked bend near the point. The slightly bent lozenge-sectioned looped head has two granular and possibly recent breaks where around a third of the loop is missing. The surface has some wear and corrosion but appears to be undecorated. Weight 22.09g. Extant length 208mm. Width of head loop: 77mm. c.1400-1250 BC.



Quoit-headed pins are characteristic of the Middle Bronze Age 'ornament horizon' which has been dated to the Taunton and Penard metalwork phases (Roberts 2007, 139-41). Quoit-headed pins are relatively rare, with c. 80 known examples. The bent tip is a common feature on the larger pins suggesting it was deliberate and probably functional. The form and size of pins varies considerably, with examples of all types found mainly in East Anglia, the south coast and south-west.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentney, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.5 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 6.05 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age razor, probably Piggott's (1946) Class II, although too damaged to find a close parallel. Flat-sectioned, broken across a perforation at the end of the handle, slight concavities at the springing of the blade, the remainder of which has an irregular broken edge. Extant length 62.5mm. Extant width 33mm. Thickness 1.5mm. Weighs 6.05g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder