dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Hale, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Height: 6.84 mm
Description: Tip of Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead in abraded condition, broken across and along socket which contains fired clay from the casting process. Corroded stumps of blade, much of the surface corroded and missing. Extant length 40mm. Extant width 9mm. Weighs 6.84g. 1000-701 BC. 



(Finder's no. AC 366)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gateforth, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Late Bronze Age Hoard, 1 palstave fragment, 1 blade from a socketed axe, 1 lump of Anvil? , 1 circular terminal/mount, spearhead fragment (2 pieces) and 1 incomplete sword in 5 pieces, probably a Wilburton type.







			



L

						
W

						
T

						
D

						
Wgt

						
object type

						
further measurements

					


41

						
30

						
26

						
 

						
105.15

						
Palstave fragment

						
 

					


38

						
26

						
12

						
 

						
36.33

						
Socketed axe blade

						
narrows to 4mm thick at blade tip

					


58

						
51

						
20

						
 

						
214.00

						
Anvil fragment

						
narrows to 12mm thick, polished surface is slightly concave

					


 

						
 

						
11

						
38

						
40.97

						
round terminal

						
inner circle 12mm diam inner rectangular hole 6 x 6mm main circular plate 5mm thick

					


35

						
32

						
7

						
 

						
24.44

						
spear head fragment (2 pcs)

						
width narrows to

					


174

						
43

						
7

						
 

						
 

						
sword fragment

						
blade (4pcs)width narrows to 8mm thickness narrows to 3mm

					


57

						
45

						
8

						
 

						
42.16

						
sword handle fragment

						
orginal surface left, one rivet? Present
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leckhampstead, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.9 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 2.83 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy spearhead, dating to the middle or late Bronze Age (1200-800BC). Only the tip of the spearhead remains, which is triangular in shape, and lozenge in cross section with a worn midrib. The break is worn and irregular, on one side it has been broken higher up the tip revealing the circular hollow socket. An insufficient amount of the spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed. The tip has a light green patina, inside the hollow socket is orange corrosion. The fragment measures 24.9mm in length, 11.3mm in width, and 5.6mm in thickness. It weighs 2.83g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hixon, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 134.8 mm
Thickness: 22.7 mm
Weight: 168.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave with raised flange facets dating from the Middle Bronze Age (1500 BC - 1150 BC).



The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan with convex expanding sides and an incomplete convex cutting edge. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The sides of the blade are convex in shape. The blade (measured from the cutting edge to the stop ridge) is 75.4 mm long and the width of cutting edge is 55.3 mm. The thickness of the blade tip is 7.0 mm. The maximum thickness of the blade is 17.4 mm (measured at thickest part below the stop ridge, the width at this point is 28.8 mm).



The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile) with the widest part at the stop ridge. The septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge) is 64.1 mm long, 24.2 mm wide, and 12.9 mm thick. The butt of the axe has been slightly damaged leaving two rounded corners with a gap between. The butt is 27.1 mm wide and 58.7 mm thick.



The flange facets are fused to the stop ridge forming two sub-rectangular raised elements to haft the axe by.



In total the palstave measures 134.8 mm in length, 55.3 mm wide (maximum) and 22.7 mm thick. It weighs 168.3 g.



The palstave is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface. 



XRF analysis on this palstave was carried out at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery conservation laboratory, using a Mistral Tabletop XRF machine. The results are below:







Element

			
Front (conc.%)

			
Back (Conc.%)

			
Original surface (conc.%)

		


Copper (Cu)

			
68.93

			
62.42

			
56.71

		


Zinc (Zn)

			
1.93

			
1.69

			
1.50

		


Tin (Sn)

			
14.54

			
20.95

			
27.32

		


Antimony (Sb)

			
0.36

			
0.35

			
0.34

		


Arsenic (As)

			
0.10

			
0.09

			
0.08

		


Lead (Pb)

			
8.83

			
7.73

			
6.87

		


Silver (Ag)

			
0.16

			
0.14

			
0.12

		


Gold (Au)

			
0.00

			
0.00

			
0.00

		


Iron (Fe)

			
5.14

			
6.63

			
7.05

		


Mercury (Hg)

			
0.00

			
0.00

			
0.00

		



Similar examples to this palstave can be seen in Savory, 1980; catalogue entries 171, 172, 175, and 263 (the Mynydd Ta-y-glannau, Cemmaes Hoard). All of these examples fit into the middle phase of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA II).



Reference:

Savory, H. N., 1980. Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections Cardiff : National Museum of Wales, pp46-47, 106-107, 170-171 and 179
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Saham Toney, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 126 mm
Diameter: 17.1 mm
Weight: 42.3 g
Description: Copper alloy Middle Bronze Age side looped and socketed spearhead, recently broken into two pieces. The blade is leaf-shaped with a lozengiform sectioned midrib. It exhibits a hollow socket and cast side loops. The spearhead measures 126mm total length, 20.8mm maximum width, 1.6mm minimum width. The mouth has a diameter of 17.1mm. It weighs 42.3g.



The tip of the blade exhibits some chipping and the edges of the blade are incomplete due to old breakages. The blade measures 73.8mm in length. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering lozenge shaped midrib which expands into the socket of the spear. The socket mouth is circular in shape and exhibits old breakages around the circumference. The socket is filled with soil. Just below the bottom of the blade, the spear has suffered a recent break across the socket, probably as a result of agricultural activity. The mouth of the socket is filled with soil. At the break point there are traces of wood visible.



The loops are positioned on either side of the socket, just below the break, approximately opposite one another. The loops measure c.16.5mm in length, 6.1mm in width and project 2.5mm from the socket. Casting ribs are visible running along both sides of the body from the mouth to the point at which the blade commences and appear to have been filed.



The spearhead has a mottled dark brown patina with patches of green.



Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV dated to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC).



Cf. WILT-1F3709, HESH-CE6980 & SOM-DB1205 for a similar example on the database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Copston Magna, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 24.2 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead, of Late Bronze Age dating (1150 BC to 800 BC).



Less than 25% of the socketed axehead is present, consisting of the base of the socket and the blade edge. The fragment is sub rectangular in plan, and triangular in section. The socket is triangular in shape. Casting ridges are present along one side. The other side is missing. Filemarks are present on the front and back of the axehead.



The socketed axehead fragment measures 20.5 mm in length, 46.3 mmwide (at the blade), 41.3 mm wide (at the body), 10.5 mm thick (at the body), 1.7 mm thick (at the blade edge). The remnants of the socket is 4.3 mm deep. It weighs 24.2 g.



The socketed axehead is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Awre, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 4.96 g
Description: 
~~Copper alloy socketed spearhead fragment that dates to the middle to late Bronze Age. This is the tip of the spearhead and has a pronounced spine running down its centre that is circular in cross-section, this is flanked by thin blades that taper to a fine point. The rear of the spear is truncated resulting in the loss of the socket and rear section of the blades.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roudham and Larling, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 15.54 g
Description: Fragment of the blade of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier, both ends broken in antiquity. The surfaces are pockmarked but a flat mid-rib is visible on both. The cutting edges are not sharp. Extant length 41mm. Width 17.3mm. Thickness 5.7mm. Weight 15.54g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



Field L6
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brayton, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.1 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 12.8 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy chisel of middle to late Bronze Age date, c.1500 - 800 BC. The object is sub-triangular in plan with a tapering rectangular section from the tang to the blade.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The object is 40.1mm long, 21.2mm to 3.4mm wide, 5.7mm thick and weighs 12.8g.



A similar object has been recorded on the PAS database as BH-C14B11.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Britwell Salome, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.6 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 2.69 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy late Bronze Age spear dating to c. 1000 - 801 BC. Only part of the blade located near to the terminal (tip-end) survives. The fragment is sub rectangular in shape, narrowing towards the tip of the spear, which is worn and broken. The fragment is lozenge shaped in cross section. Running down the centre of the fragment on both sides is a raised midrib. The blade edges have been worn and there are notches along both the edges. The blade has a dark green patina, and has patches of brown corrosion. The blade is 23.6mm in length, 14.1mm in width, and 4.9mm in maximum thickness. It weighs 2.69g.



The fragment is similar to spear blades shown in Needham 1990, page 55, dating to the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.87 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 16.63 g
Description: Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) blade fragment: The cast copper alloy blade fragment is an elongated lozenge in cross-section with a sharp corner in the centre of each face. The breaks across the blade are not old, but not too recent. The edges of the blade are slightly faceted and there are notches along the blade, which are not recent as the patina covers them.



The surface of the blade has a mottled dark green and brown patina.



It measures 29.87mm long, 23.49mm wide, 5.5mm thick. It weighs 16.63 grams.



It is probably a fragment from a sword or rapier of the Late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Southery, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 86.52 g
Description: Late Bronze age (1000-800BC) copper alloy socketed axe fragment, 51mm in length, 35mm wide and 18mm thick with a weight of 86.52grams. The object has an overall rectangular form and cross section. Its rounded, tapering blade tip is prominently expanded, forming triangular side projections.  The object has broken just after it becomes hollow and has rectangular void with a rounded base.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 183 mm
Thickness: 40 mm
Description: Copper alloy single looped palstave axe with high, protruding stopridge and well preserved side loop dating to the Mid Bronze Age 1300 to 1150BC possibly relating to the Silsden types generally dated to the Penard. The axe is complete, except for the broken side loop, and in good condition. The body of the palstave is narrow but splays down the blade eventually flaring at the blade edge which is wide. The blade has a heavily curved faceted/bevelled cutting edge which may well have been hammered. The butt is squared, tapering with narrow flanges on both sides. The broken side loop is adjacent to the stop ridge. The length is 183mm, the width of blade is 90mm, width of butt is 22mm thickness 40mm and the weight too heavy for scales. There is a median thin rib from the stop ridge to the blade facet that flares into a fan shape. Similar to NLM-EE77E7, LEIC-6799A2. Similar to Read (1995: p.3 fig 3) dated 1450 - 1250BC.



Type Silsden side-looped palstaves are commonly found in the northern Britain and are especially widespread in Yorkshire. The closest comparable hoard is the Silsden hoard, Yorkshire which also contained two palstaves. (see Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 616, no. 923-4). The two Type Silsden side-looped palstaves can be dated to the Penard (c. 1300-1150 BC) metalwork phase of the Middle Bronze Age (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 161). They are classified within the broader 'Late Palstave' type but are typologically close to 'Transitional Palstaves' such as Type Shelf (see Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 158-160).



Schmidt P. and Burgess C. 1981, The axes of Scotland and Northern England Prahistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX. Band 7.



Read, B. 1995. History Beneath Our Feet. Anglia Publishing, Ipswich.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy Wood
Found: Runcton Holme, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96.3 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight: 162.22 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead with the socket occupied by the distal end of the wooden haft. Parts of the socket have been lost, perhaps quite recently, on both broad faces. The surfaces are pockmarked and iron-stained. The loop is blocked with ferrous material. The wood of the haft is quite hard. It may perhaps be yew, Taxus baccata (Jason Gibbons pers. comm.). Length, width and thickness 96.3, 50.4 and 32mm. Weight 162.22g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon, Swindon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.7 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 63.2 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) socketed axehead consisting of the cutting edge only, the remainder is missing. The axehead is broken just above the start of the socket on one face and a little higher up on the other face, and both faces are slightly pitted and scratched. The cutting edge is expanded and narrows to the tip. The socket is rectangular in cross section and the fragment itself is traingular in cross section.



The axe measures 41.7mm in length, 40.9mm in width (max), and the maximum thickness is 14.1mm. It weighs 63.2 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.1 mm
Thickness: 9.1 mm
Weight: 17.6 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead of the stepped type, dating from Late Bronze Age, (1150 - 800 BC). The edges of the spear are worn and pitted, and there is some corrosion to the surfaces. The two faces of the spear head have differing patina; one side has a brown patina, while the other has a blue-green colouring. This is most likely due to conditions within the soil and probably because the spearhead has only recently been dislodged from its original context.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Pembrokeshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Bronze Age socketed axehead covered in the characteristic green patina of bronze artefacts. The axehead has a rectangular cross-section with straight edges flaring at 1 centimetre from the edge. The edge is damaged indicating use, and three ridges are very worn, but just still visible on one side. A small bump near the neck is likely to have been the remains of the loop.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Walpole, Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 167.2 mm
Thickness: 34.58 mm
Weight: 500 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave axe, complete save for most of the side loop. The axe measures 167mm and the width of the blade is 60mm. The weight is 500g. The axe has a central ridge on the blade and short raised triangular decoration below the stop ridge. The length of the septum is 67.75mm. Original surfaces survive best on the septum; elsewhere the surfaces are much pitted. There is a slight ridge above the blade on both sides indicating a change of angle due to sharpening.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chipstead, Hooley and Woodmansterne, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.91 mm
Thickness: 4.73 mm
Weight: 16.86 g
Description: A very worn tongue-shaped fragment of copper alloy comprising the butt of an early Bronze Age flat axe dating to c.2000-1750BC. The butt has slightly raised edges.



Peter Reavill comments:



This may be a fragment of an Aylesford / Brandon type developed flat axe with hand raised sides - EBA III ish would be my guess. It could potentially also be a Migdale flat axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Scabbard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hanham Abbots, South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 55.51 g
Description: Copper alloy tongue shaped sword scabbard chape that dates to the late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC). This has a subtriangular top half with convex sides that extends into an elongated base that has tapering concave edges. The mouth of the chape is lozenge in form; the long side of the aperture has a deep U-shaped notch in the centre and extended sides that that from two tapering upward projecting arms that would have ran parallel with the scabbard, one arm is truncated. A pronounced central rib runs down the length of both faces and ends at the base where there is an oval disc with chamfered sides. In the centre of the rib is a hole that passes from one side to the next and may have been a rivet hole to secure the chape onto the scabbard.



There are small holes over the whole surface which is a defect in the casting process.



Similar types of artefacts are recorded on the database at SOMDOR-9ADF54
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winford, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 197 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 89.71 g
Description: A late Middle to early Late Bronze Age (1500 - 1100 BC) copper alloy dirk. The butt is trapezoid in form with shoulders that curve inwards to the narrow blade. Two rivet holes to the bottom of either side would secure the hilt in place, both of which still retains its rivet; the rivet is 16mm long with a 9mm diameter and has a slightly expanded domed head at either terminal. The sides of the blade are straight and gradually taper to the point, running down the length of the blade on both sides is a very low central spine. Post depositional corrosion has resulted in shallow notches being removed from the side of the blade and much of the edge of the butt, plus small patches of active bronze disease are present, but otherwise this item is in very good condition with a light green patina over most of the artefact.



Dirks and rapiers of this style are classified as belonging to Group 2 in Burgess, C., and Gerloff, S. 1981, 'The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland'.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Lopham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.2 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 6.51 g
Description: Abraded and slightly bent fragment from near the tip of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier blade, both ends broken and both cutting edges lost in antiquity. Extant length, width and thickness 50.2, 11.6 and 2.8mm. Weight 6.51g. 



Field JO11
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barkway, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Diameter: 6 mm
Weight: 4.35 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of uncertain date due to its undiagnostic form. The awl comprises a sub-rectangular section body which tapers and becomes cicular in section before terminating at each end in a rounded point. The awl measures 63mm in length and a maximum of 6mm in diameter. It weighs 4.35g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 12.23 g
Description: Fragment, broken on three sides, from the near the butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave, with the start of one flange. Extant length and width 22 and 21mm. Thickness 3.1 - 9mm (the latter at the flange). Weight 12.23g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gweek, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72 mm
Height: 35 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight: 509.3 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this fragment is trapezoidal in plan, and rhomboidal in profile and section, as it comes from the centre of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted and corroded and the sides of the fragment have cavities and bulbous layers from the air bubbles formed during the casting process and typically seen in these bun ingots. There are dark green and coppery brown areas and lighter green patches but no active bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar ingots with rectangular profiles from Mountbatten, Plymouth on page 451, plate 36, no.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork, and an ingot fragment from Churston Ferrers, Torbay on page 457, plate 40, no.306a, which are parts of larger plano-convex ingots.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar ingot fragment from Churston Ferrers in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.123b (see DEV-D9F1E2), which is dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Notes: Results of XRF analysis by Dr. Chris Bryan at Camborne School of Mines:



77% copper (but probably quite pure as almost 20% of the reading were recorded as anomalies which include gasses and not inclusions)



1.4% tin



0.7% lead



0.5% silver



0.17% iron



0.15% arsenic



0.14% antimony



This is typical of readings taken from other individual Late Bronze Age ingots and also those in the hoards mentioned above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Levan, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103 mm
Height: 35 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight: 1700 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this ingot is square in plan, triangular in profile, and rectangular in section, as it comes from one edge of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted where air bubbles formed during the casting process and the sides of the fragment have cavities typically seen in these bun ingots. There is a large rectangular rim and recess on one face which could potentially represent a socket that has been melted into the ingot, perhaps from a socketed knife. There are also two rivets that have not melted into the ingot and have cavities around them, and two cavities in the form of blades on the other side of the ingot, perhaps from the ends of chisels. The XRF data below in the notes field indicates this ingot is largely copper, which would add some doubt to the possibility of this ingot having been melted from other objects (Matt Knight pers comm). But perhaps these objects have separated away from the ingot and retained their shape because the copper alloy weapons and tools would melt at a higher temperature than the pure copper ingot and must have been added to the metal for the original ingot (Martin Page pers comm).There are dark green and coppery brown areas and light green patches of bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar ingots with rectangular profiles from Mountbatten, Plymouth on page 451, plate 36, no.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar plano-convex ingot from Marldon in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.146a (see DEV-677584). Also see the ingots recorded in DEV-D9F1E2 (2011T441) which are dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Notes: Results of XRF analysis by Dr. Chris Bryan at Camborne School of Mines:



74% copper (but probably quite pure as 25% of the reading were recorded as anomalies which include gasses and not inclusions)



0.3% iron



0.2% tin



0.08% arsenic



This is typical of readings taken from other individual Late Bronze Age ingots and also those in the hoards mentioned above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-850 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.91 mm
Thickness: 3.34 mm
Weight: 5.7 g
Description: A fragment from the hilt of a Late Bronze Age sword of Ewart Park type, c.850-700BC. The ribbed border runs along both edges but on one side only. The fragment has broken across a rivet hole and tapers inwards before fanning out to the terminal.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brightwalton, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 12.6 mm
Weight: 4.66 g
Description: 
A very worn fragment of casting debris comprising a probable well and diagonal runner. The date is uncertain.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kimpton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.7 mm
Thickness: 5.57 mm
Weight: 12.92 g
Description: 
A fragment of the collar of a Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe. The collar is thick and rounded rim and has a narrower encircling ridge running beneath.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Haveringland, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.8 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 3.7 g
Description: Tip of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier in abraded condition with pockmeaked surfaces and an ancient break. Extant length, width and thickness 23.8, 13.5 and 3.8mm. Weight 3.70g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



Field CAW17
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harting, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.41 mm
Thickness: 8.26 mm
Weight: 60.58 g
Description: Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) blade fragment: The cast copper alloy blade fragment is an elongated pointed oval in cross-section with extended faceted edges towards the cutting edges. The breaks across the blade are not recent. At the apex of each face there is a shiny dark green-grey patina, otherwise the surface is a dark green well developed patina.



It measures 60.41mm long, 31.62mm wide, 8.26mm thick. It weighs 60.58g.



This is a fragment from a sword or rapier of the Late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18 mm
Diameter: 11 mm
Weight: 7.79 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy unidentified object of a type usually referred to as 'moustache-like' or 'moustache shaped'.The object possesses a body which is hollow, asymmetrical and sub-cylindrical in section, tapering at one end, to a square-section terminal and at the other to a circular opening. The outer surface of the object is decorated with vertical ribs and grooves and there are two small perforations in the body of, close to the opening. The object measures 18mm in length and a maximum of 11mm in diameter. It weighs 7.79g.



These objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead 1998; ref. 117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are associated with Middle Bronze Age material. It has been suggested that they are part of sword scabbard chapes however their true function remains uncertain. For a similar object see HAMP-C04CC3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.8 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 17.41 g
Description: 
A small fragment of a circular Bronze Age copper-alloy plano-convex ingot.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.22 mm
Weight: 4.78 g
Description: A fragment of a possibly Bronze Age copper-alloy object comprising a thickened out-turned rim This may possiblybe  part of a circular socket, which has a diameter of c46mm, and which has been broken across a possible rivet hole.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aldeby, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 102.5 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 53.3 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age rapier or dirk dating to the period c.1500 - 900 BC.The butt exhibits a series of old breaks along the upper edge and measures 19.8mm in width. It then tapers inwards to form a C-shaped notch on either side which would have formed the attachment point for the missing handle at which point it measures 18.9mm in width. The sides then expand into the shoulders and a maximum width of 40.6mm before tapering into the blade. The blade is lenticular in cross-section with a flattened mid-rib. It terminates in an old break.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 71.5 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 114.1 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age, cast copper-alloy socketed hammer (c. 1000 - 800 BC), that dating based on Rowland's statement that they are a more defined feature of Late Bronze Age hoards. (Rowlands 1976: 45). It has a sub-rectangular mouth with a narrow collar moulding, the sides of the hammer taper gently from the mouth towards a rectangular working face. There is no evidence of it having any loop. That working face has been well used with the typical side/edge protuberances from that use. There is a thick casting seem running along the length of both narrow sides and the narrow collar is fritted around the edge.



The inner dimensions of the socket at the collar are - 17.3 mm x 15.4 mm with the wall thickness at that point varying from 2.38 mm to approximately 3.6 mm and the base measures 19.97 x 15.9mm The surface has a dark green bronze patina with some corrosion scars to the edges.



A similar type can be found at - IOW-8B13A7 & IOW-A05DE6
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eccleshall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.1 mm
Thickness: 13.1 mm
Weight: 47.5 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead, of Late Bronze Age dating (1150 BC to 800 BC).



Less than 25% of the socketed axehead is present, consisting of the base of the socket and the blade edge. The fragment is sub rectangular in shape, and triangular in cross section. The socket is rectangular in shape. Casting ridges are present along one of the sides. The blade edge is rounded and expands out at the sides. The blade edge is damaged.



The socketed axehead fragment measures 26.1 mm in length, 47.2 mm wide (at the blade), 39.6 mm wide (at the body), 13.1 mm thick (at the body), 1.7 mm thick (at the blade edge). The remnants of the socket is 3.8 mm deep. It weighs 47.5 g.



The socketed axehead is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.



Peter Reavill (Herefordshire & Shropshire FLO) commented on a similar socketed axehead fragment (WMID-EB5248) that it is late BA rather than Middle - as in post Wilburton - Llyn Fawr phase (1150-750 BC). Almost all socketed axes are from the Ewart Park phase (1000-800 BC). This example is likely to be similar in dating.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eccleshall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84 mm
Thickness: 14.3 mm
Weight: 42.4 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed spearhead, of Middle Bronze Age dating (1400 BC to 1200 BC).



Around 50% of the spearhead is present, in two joining fragments. Most of the spearhead and some of the blades are present, the rest is missing, presumed lost in antiquity.



The spearhead is broadly lentoid (diamond) in shape. The socket is incomplete.. The remains of the socket is circular, and extends through both fragments. The blades were probably originally triangular in shape, they taper inwards to the socket.



The larger fragment measures 71.4 mm in length, a maximum width of 33.5 mm, across the blades in the centre. It is 14.3 mm thick. The metal is 1.6 mm thick. The socket is 16.1 mm wide at the base, and 8.9 mm wide at the tip. The blades have a surviving width of 9.7 mm and are 2.9 mm thick. It weighs 34.6 g.



The smaller fragment measures 24.6 mm in length, 21.8 mm wide and 10.7 mm thick. The metal is 2.0 mm thick. The socket is 7.5 mm wide at the base, and 4.6 mm wide at the top. It weighs 7.6 g.



Together both fragments weigh 42.4 g.



The spearhead is a mid green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.



From the shape of the blades, it is possible that this spearhead fragment was a side looped and socketed type, such as HESH-CFC925 and HESH-C348E5. Peter Reavill comments on those records that: Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV dated to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). Two similar examples of the overall style of spearhead are illustrated in Savory: Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections ref: 230, Llanbeblig, Caern. and 337:2 Nantcwnlle, Cards. The later example was discovered in an excavation of a burial mound in association with a Pygmy Cup. The metal of this example has been analysed and found to be of Cemmaes metal dated to the period 1400-1200 BC. It is reasonable to assume that this spearhead is of a similar date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1020 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fleet Marston, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.5 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 10.48 g
Description: A complete but worn mid to late Bronze Age tanged and lugged chisel or hammer/punch, dating from the Blackmoor/Ewart Park phase, c 1020- 800BC. The chisel is triangular in shape narrowing towards the point, with a square lug projecting either side 17.3mm from the wider end. The lugs are chipped and worn. The chisel is rectangular in cross section. The chisel is a dark brown orange colour, with patches of green patina showing from underneath where the chisel has been chipped and damaged. The chisel measures 59.5mm in length, 12.6mm in width, and 5.2mm in thickness. It weighs 10.48g.



Similar records on the database are YORYM-71EBF0 and HESH-51B7E2
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.7 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 9.57 g
Description: Butt end of a Early Bronze Age flanged axehead. The end is rounded and the break has truncated the beginnings of the flanges (a straighter end and a greater distance between it and the flanges would be expected from a palstave). Extant length 16.7mm. Width 24mm. Thickness 6.5mm. Weight 9.57g. c.2000 - c.1500 BC.



Field WYRD
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Garvestone, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Weight: 14.05 g
Description: Fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe. Extant length 35mm. Extant width 23.5mm. Weight 14.05g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bere Regis, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104.02 mm
Weight: 42.89 g
Description: Cast bronze (copper alloy) side looped and socketed spear (spearhead) of Middle Bronze Age date (1500 - 1150 BC). The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with an incomplete and abraded sub-oval or leaf-shaped blades. The hollow socket is near complete and is slightly chamfered at the base.. Two single cast 'string' side loops are present, one on either edge. The tip of the spearhead is complete however the side blades have been broken. The overall shape of the blade can be best described as being leaf-shaped. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering (tip to base) pointed midrib. This midrib expands to the socket of the spear. The central raised line of the mid-rib does not extend into the socket. The socket is roughly half the whole length of the spear. The cross section of the spear is lentoid and the socket is circular. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead. The casting seams have been filed or polished away. 



The spearhead measures 104.02mm length, has a maximum width (across base of socket) of 14 mm. The depth of the socket is 55 mm. The spearhead weighs 42.89 grams. The mouth of the socket has a diameter of 12.5mm and a thickness of 2 mm.



Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV dated to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Coombe Bissett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 13.64 mm
Thickness: 2.38 mm
Weight: 2.83 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment of a blade, dating to the broad period 1500 BC to 1100 BC. 



The fragment is very small, with a very flat sub rectangular cross section. Its physical shape is lozenge, and all the edges are smooth, even the edge with the break point.



The height of the fragment is 13.64mm, the thickness is 2.38mm the width is 16.90mm and it weighs 2.83g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Longsdon, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.8 mm
Thickness: 13.3 mm
Weight: 82.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead, of Late Bronze Age dating (1150 BC to 800 BC).



Less than 25% of the socketed axehead is present, consisting of the base of the socket and the blade edge. The fragment is sub rectangular, with a triangular cross section. The socket is rectangular in shape. 



The socketed axehead fragment measures 30.8 mm in length, 46.3 mm wide (at the blade), 34.3 mm wide (at the body), 13.3 mm thick (at the body), 5.0 mm thick (at the blade edge). The remnants of the socket is 3.7 mm deep. It weighs 82.3 g.



The socketed axehead is a mid green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of the original surface.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Forncett, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65 mm
Thickness: 20.2 mm
Weight: 123.72 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead with the mouth missing. There is considerable distortion around the non-recent break. The cutting ege is scuffed and the surfaces are pockmarked. A row of four short engraved grooves near the break are deliberate. Extant length 65mm. Width 49.2mm. Thickness 20.2mm. Weight 123.72g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



Field MB6
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elmbridge, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.14 mm
Thickness: 9.09 mm
Weight: 29.9 g
Description: Butt of a Bronze Age (c. -1500 to c. -950) palstave: The copper alloy fragment is a sub rectangle with one terminal being broken, but not recently. The opposite edge tapers slightly in width and also tapers to a blunt point in thickness. The long edges on both faces have a slight lip.



The upper and lower surface of the fragment has an incomplete shiny dark green patina which has small and large pitting.



The fragment measures 31.14mm in length, 23.38mm in width and 9.09mm thickness and weighs 29.9g.



The fragment is the butt of a palstave and dates to the middle Bronze Age (c. -1500 to c. -950).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thamesfield, Wandsworth, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 45.1 mm
Thickness: 20.8 mm
Weight: 135.85 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze age copper-alloy bun ingot dating from 1150-800 BC. Possibly associated with a late Bronze Age 'founders hoard'. The remaining ingot represents about a quarter of the total ingot. The ingot is an amorphous piece of set molten copper-alloy with irregular thickness. The ingot retains its bronze colour due to its depositional environment.



Dimensions: length: 45.15mm; width: 40.03mm; thickness: 20.8mm; weight: 135.85g



Similar bun ingots on the database are SF-C98115 and ESS-939345.



Pearce (1983) illustrates four incomplete plano-convex ingots from Mountbatten, Plymouth, on page 597, Plate 36, No.281t, which were found associated with Late Bronze Age socketed axes, gouges, chisels and knives, and two from Churston Ferrers in Devon on page 601, Plate 40, Nos.306a-b.



References: Pearce S.M., 1983. The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain. Archaeological Reports, British Series 31. Oxford
Subsequent action: Returned to finder