dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -2200)
Material: Copper 
Found: Cwm Gwaun, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98.55 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 325.1 g
Description: Early Bronze Age (or Metal-Using Neolithic) copper flat axe, falling within Needham et al.'s (forthcoming) Class 2D, Type Halberton, or probably of Type Growtown / Milton Moss (following Schmidt and Burgess 1981).



The axe is near-complete with only a little damage to the edges and has a length of 98.55mm and weighs 325.1g. The butt has suffered a little damage making the type identification difficult and slightly speculative, but appears to have been straight with a surviving width of 32.9mm and a thickness of 4.5mm. The sides of the axe are comparatively straight and are very slightly concave. The sides are also straight across their thickness, giving the axe a rectangular profile. The axe has a maximum width at the blade of 66.21mm. The blade edge has a shallow curve and is unexpanded. Both faces of the axe are convex, producing a lenticular long profile, with a maximum thickness 38mm from the blade of 12.89mm. The surface of the axe has differential preservation, with a pale green to pale brown patina.
Notes: Non-destructive analysis to ascertain the elemental composition of the axe was carried out by Mary Davis using a CamScan MaXim 2040 analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM), plus an Oxford Instruments Link Isis energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). Readings were normalised to 100% to obtain consistency and to make the analyses comparable with other results. Results obtained suggest the axe has a composition made up nearly entirely of copper and is broadly consistent with Northover's (1980, pp 230) metal type 'A'. Metallurgical sampling of the axe may provide greater accuracy on the metallurgical composition. Axes of this type can be attributed to Metalwork Assemblage II, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 1 of the British Bronze Age. The axe is likely to date to between c. 2,400 - 2,200BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weaverham, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire West and Chester (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 225 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 185 g
Description: Fragment of blade of Late Bronze Age sword of the Ewart Park phase (c.900-c.600 B.C.) broken at the hilt end.
The fragment is 225mm in length and is bent into a slight S-shape. A section of the blade edges towards the hilt end has been lost to corrosion but the overall appearence is that the blade widens slightly before narrowing to the tip. A low mid-rib is visible on both sides.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Benson, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.47 mm
Thickness: 24.76 mm
Weight: 108.74 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axehead of type Ulleskelf dating from 1150-1000BC. The axe has a square sectioned socket with a depth of 59.57mm. The mouth has three moulded transverse ribs; below these ribs there is a single side loop. The side loop is located 12.40mm from the mouth of the socket, the external width of the loop is: 17.17mm, internal width: 5.51mm. Just below the side loop, on the socket, there are two oval depressions, one on each side of the socket. These oval depressions extend partially around the front and reverse surfaces. After the depressions the blade starts and it is clearly defined by a step down from the socket. The blade has a crisp rectangular cross-section and it gently expands towards the curved cutting edge (width from: 28.35mm expanding to 37.17mm). There are visible hammer marks on the surface of the blade and the hammering has created a clear bevel at the cutting edge. There are some edge losses to the cutting edge and one corner is missing, however this may be post depositional damage. There are some casting flashes remaining around the mouth of the socket and along the sides. There are no internal ribs on the socket. The copper alloy has a dark brown patina. Dimensions: length: 97.47mm; width: 37.00mm; thickness: 24.76mm; weight: 108.74g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.36 mm
Thickness: 3.52 mm
Weight: 3.39 g
Description: Copper alloy awl, square in section at the centre, tapering to a pointed end with a circular section on one side and flattened at the other with a rectangular section. 
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.37 mm
Thickness: 3.82 mm
Weight: 3.18 g
Description: Copper alloy awl, square in section at the centre, tapering to a pointed end with a circular section on one side and flattened at the other with a rectangular section.  Dark brown patina with patches of bright green.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hartshill, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.7 mm
Diameter: 5 mm
Thickness: 7.4 mm
Weight: 6.5 g
Description: Mid to Late Bronze age copper alloy spear tip, 40.7mm long, 11.6mm wide and 7.4mm thick. The object is in poor condition with a greenish/brown patina and weighs 6.50grams. The object has a circular sectioned midrib, c.5mm in diameter which tapers to a point. It is flanked on each side by the remains of a bevelled blade, which is quite worn and uneven. The tip is conical with no protruding blade present and is 2mm in diameter.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 183.33 mm
Thickness: 8.98 mm
Weight: 194 g
Description: A late Bronze Age copper alloy fragment of a Ewart Park-type, Class A sword (circa 1000-800 BC). The fragment comprises part of the grip, the shoulder and part of the blade. The final half of the blade and the end of the handle are broken and missing. The blade has a lozenge-shaped cross-section. There are two rivet holes, aligned parallel to the edge on the shoulder on each side (internal diameter: 5.34mm). On one side the rivet holes are complete, on the other side both are worn through. There are a further two rivet holes on the handle; they are aligned horizontally and both are worn through. These perforations have a waisted profile. The broken edges have the same mid green patina as the rest of the surface suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity. Similar hilt fragments were recorded in the Petters late Bronze Age metalwork assemblage (Needham 1990:52-53). Plate 4 (Needham 1990:52) shows two examples of Ewart Park swords with omega-shaped indentations similar to the 'worn through rivet holes' on this example. Dimensions: length:183.33mm; width: 44.45mm; thickness; 8.98mm; weight: 194.00g. Reference: Needham, S. 1990. The Petters Late Bronze Age Metalwork. An Analytical Study of Thames Valley Metalworking in its settlement context. British Museum Press: London.
Notes: Found during the Weekend Wanderers King Alfred the Great Rally 26-28 Aug 2006
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.66 mm
Weight: 5.63 g
Description: A middle - late Bronze Age copper alloy blade fragment  from a sword (circa 1275-800 BC).  The blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section and parallel-edges.  The midrib is separated from the edge bevels by a slight hollowing.  Both short edges of the fragment are breaks and the breaks have the same mid green patina as the rest of the surface suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity.  Similar blade fragments were recorded in the Petters late Bronze Age metalwork assemblage (Needham 1990:50-51).  Dimensions: length: 27.66mm; width: 14.41mm; weight: 5.63g.  Reference: Needham, S. 1990.  The Petters Late Bronze Age Metalwork.  An Analytical Study of Thames Valley Metalworking in its settlement context.  British Museum Press: London.
Notes: Found during the Weekend Wanderers King Alfred the Great Rally 26-28 Aug 2006
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.5 mm
Thickness: 3.48 mm
Weight: 2.44 g
Description: A late Bronze Age copper alloy awl (circa 1150-800BC).  The central cross-section is square and it tapers to a point at one end that has a circular cross-section, whilst at the the tracer end it is shorter and flattened like a chisel.  Mid green patina.  Dimensions: length: 39.50mm; thickness: 3.48mm; weight: 2.44g.
Notes: Found during the Weekend Wanderers King Alfred the Great Rally 26-28 Aug 2006
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sickle (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.51 mm
Thickness: 2.11 mm
Weight: 9.53 g
Description: A middle Bronze Age copper alloy fragment probably from a sickle blade (circa 1500-1150 BC).  The blade has a rounded lozenge-shaped cross-section; it tapers towards the point and gently curves longitudinally in an arc.  The broken edge has the same patchy mid green patina as the rest of the surface suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity.  Sickles have been found in Somerset hoards such as the Monkswood hoard and the Sparkford Hill hoard that are dated to the middle Bronze Age (Smith 1959:42,46).   Smith (1959:46) notes that sickles are attributable to influences from the Nordic Bronze Age (and further west in Europe).  Dimensions: length: 79.51mm; width: 14.13mm; thickness: 2.11mm; weight: 9.53g.  Reference: Smith, M.A. 1959. Middle Bronze Age Hoards from Southern England.  Garraway, London.
Notes: Found during the Weekend Wanderers King Alfred the Great Rally 26-28 Aug 2006
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Letcombe Regis, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125.38 mm
Weight: 41.39 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper alloy socketed spearhead with side loops (circa 1500-1150BC). The blade is a pointed oval in plan with clearly defined angled edge bevels. The midrib is angled and extends from the socket to the tip creating a lozengiform cross-section to the blade. Approximately halfway down the socket are the side loops. The side loops are lozengiform in plan and almost flat in cross-section. Small sections of the edge of the socket are broken and missing. Dark green patina. The spearhead is similar to one found in County Limerick, Ireland however on this example the blade is less angular and the side loops are orientated further down the length of the socket (Allen, Britton & Coghlan 1970: 168). Dimensions: length: 125.38mm; weight: 41.39g (including soil in socket). Reference: Allen, I., Britton, D. Coghlan, H. 1970. Metallurgical Reports on British and Irish Bronze Age Implements and Weapons in the Pitt Rivers Museum. University Press; Oxford
Notes: Found during the Weekend Wanderers King Alfred the Great Rally 26-28 Aug 2006
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.52 mm
Thickness: 7.05 mm
Weight: 31.4 g
Description: Butt fragment from a flat axe, flanged axe or palstave of indeterminate type and of Early Bronze Age to Middle Bronze Age date, probably dated to c. 2,200 - 1,150BC. The axe is represented by the butt only, with a surviving length of 29.52mm and a weight of 31.4g. The butt is thin and tapers to an edge with a width of 30.04mm. The sides of the axe diverge slightly to the break where the axe has a width of 33.77mm. The sides are rounded across their thickness and there is no discernible evidence for flanges on the fragment. The axe has a maximum thickness at the break of 7.05mm. The faces of the axe are slightly convex. The axe fragment has poor surface preservation and is mid to dark brown
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66 mm
Diameter: 5 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight: 15.7 g
Description: Tip of a copper alloy rapier, with an oval-sectioned central rib and flattened flanges each side. The tapered tip is rounded and slightly bent and the edges are worn. 
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1800 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Freckenham, Forest Heath, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Section of blade of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age rapier.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-2100 to 1650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Berinsfield, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.5 mm
Thickness: 32.12 mm
Weight: 535 g
Description: Fragment of copper alloy slag of unknown date.  The fragment is triangular with a curved edge.  It thickens gradually to the centre point (thickness from 5mm to 32.12mm).  the edges have vertical striations with hollow ‘pockets’.  One surface is smooth, the other pitted.  The copper alloy has an orange/brown surface with patches of pale green and bright blue.

Dimensions: length: 73.50mm; width: 74.37mm; thickness: 32.12mm; weight: 535g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clifton Hampden, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 6.58 mm
Weight: 33.92 g
Description: A late Bronze Age copper alloy blade fragment (1150-800BC).  It is probably a fragment from a Class A Ewart Park sword.  The blade has a rounded mid-rib with a slight hollowing before the edge bevels.  The fragment is very abraded with edge losses and the copper alloy has a patchy patina with some corrosion.  The breaks have the same patina as the surface suggesting the damage occurred in antiquity.

Dimensions: length: 57.00mm; width: 26.28mm; thickness: 6.58mm; weight: 33.92g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1450 to -1050)
Found: Pitton and Farley, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 110.2 mm
Diameter: 17 mm
Description: Two halves of a Middle Bronze Age side-looped spearhead of Greenwell and Brewis Type IV, now repaired as one. It is 110.2mm in length with a socket diameter of 17x15.7mm (one side is slightly squashed). The internal diameter is 13.8mm.

The blade is 'flame shaped' and c.68mm in length. Almost all the original edge is damaged, apart from at the very base of the blade. The widest point is just above this, at 19.9mm. It would originally have been c.23mm wide here.

The mid-rib, as an extension of the socket, extends to the tip. This has been bashed on both sides by a hammer-like object and dented the socket/ mid-rib. This is ancient, and probably contemporary. It is not possible to tell how far the socket extended as the finder has repaired the spearhead with a bronze pin in the socket to hold the two halves in place.

The loops are slightly lower than the mid-way point between base of blade and socket end. They are c.18mm in length and flattish on the outside, being max.3.5mm wide. The internal measurement is 5-6mm long and 1mm wide.

The socket end is a little damaged as well as being slightly squashed. The body of the socket displays several purposeful light incisions. The patina is shiny and dark green in colour. The object weighs 48.69g BUT this is inclusive of the bronze pin used to hold both halves together.

Dates probably to the Taunton and possibly Penard phases, c.1450 to 1150 BC, although they are known to turn up in hoards of the earliest phase of the Late Bronze Age, to c.1050 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -300)
Found: Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 28.7 mm
Thickness: 8.8 mm
Weight: 24.38 g
Description: Late Bronze Age or Early-Mid Iron Age fragment of segmented bracelet. It is complete in itself and consists of four joined hollow arcs, individually C-shaped in profile. The end two have a C shape cut into it with bevelled edges, supporting the abutting of a similar segment on either side. One of the middle arcs has a hole in it where the metal is rather thin (recent-ish damage). The metal is thicker on the underside (3mm).

On both outer arcs are two c.2.5mm diameter piercings, one of either end of the arc. Presumably these are to secure the attachment of the other segments.

The segment is 50.4mm long, 15.8mm wide and 12.4mm tall. It weighs 30.38g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Found: Little Totham, Maldon, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Description: An Early Bronze Age flanged bronze axe.  It has a semi-circular blade, which is chipped and blunted, and only traces of the flanges survive.  Its condition is very worn and corroded with a pitted surface.  The axe is of relatively small size, only 72mm long by 34mm across the blade by 10mm thick.  It dates to the period c.1850-1400 BC.
Notes: This arrow head was recorded before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time (Colchester Museums record number E/2919).  This record was published in Wise, P. 2002. ‘Recent finds from Essex reported to Colchester Museums 2001-2’, in Essex Archaeology and History 35 (2004), page 220, ref. 4.  No image of the object was taken.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1400 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Margaret Roding, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47 mm
Diameter: 9 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy nail-headed pin, c.1400-1000 BC.  The pin is 47mm in length with a head diameter of 9mm and a pin width of 3mm.  The pin has a flat head, similar to a nail, and a shaft with a swollen neck.  The only decoration occurs at the junction of the head and the shaft where there are three incised grooves.  This find may be compared with a nail-headed pin from Lulworth (Dorset) (Pearce, S. M. 1983. The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain BAR British Series 120, page 491, plate 62).  This is of similar size, having a head diameter of 11mm and a pin width of 3mm, and the upper part of the shaft is decorated with an incised chevron and linear pattern. The Lulworth pin appears to be substantially complete and its length of 91mm suggests that the Margaret Roding find is about half its original size.
Notes: This pin was recorded before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time (Colchester Museums record number E/2421).  This record was published in Wise, P. 2002. ‘Recent finds from Essex reported to Colchester Museums 2001-2’, in Essex Archaeology and History 35 (2004), page 220, ref. 5, figure 27.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swinfen and Packington, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69 mm
Diameter: 17.5 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 36.5 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy socketed gouge, dating to the Late Bronze, between c. 1150 – c. 800 BC (length: 69mm; diameter at mouth 17.5mm; width at gouge end: 14.5mm; thickness at gouge end: 8mm; weight: 36.5g).

The gouge (used as a wood-working tool) is sub-rectangular in plan, with a circular and slightly flared socketed terminal at one end. At the opposing end, the curved blade edge is ‘C’ shaped in section with an elongated triangular or ‘V’ shaped groove on the upper surface of the gouge. This groove (length: 37mm) commences 33mm from the open socket and gradually increases in depth and width towards the blade terminal.  At 8.5mm below the open socketed mouth of the gouge, there is a single moulded ridge running across the artefact’s circumference.  There is a casting line still visible to the left and right down the length of the artefact and at either side of the triangular or V’ shaped groove, therefore clearly indicating that this artefact was cast in a mould. These casting lines interrupt the single moulded ridge below the socketed mouth.  Overall, the artefact is in a slightly worn but good condition with a dark brown patina. There does not appear to be any wood surviving in the socket of the gouge.

Two similar examples are illustrated in Watson, P, 1993, ‘Catalogue of British and European Prehistoric Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums’, BAR British Series 233. One of these examples is decorated with ribbing (No. 72), and the second (No. 73) is undecorated.

Another similar example is illustrated in Smith, R, A, 1920, ‘British Museum: A Guide to the Antiquities of the bronze Age in the Department of British and Medieval Antiquities’, page 47, fig 33 amongst other finds that were also discovered at Heathery Burn Cave, co. Durham.  Although the gouge V-shaped recess is longer, there is a similar single moulded ridge below the open socketed mouth of the artefact.

According to Pearce, S, M in the 1983 publication ‘The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain Part I’, page 43, socketed gouges ‘appear to have begun in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age’, although most socketed gouges can be dated to the Ewart phase between c. 1000 – c. 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Found: Harwich, Tendring, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 34.11 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed bronze axe, dating to 1000-700BC.  The fragment, part of the blade, is 25mm in length, 42mm in width across the blade, 11mm at its thickest part and weighs 34.11g.  It is much abraded, which has lead to the loss of most of the original surface, including the cutting edge.
Notes: This axe fragment was recorded before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time (Colchester Museums record number E/2691).  This record was published in Wise, P. 2002. ‘Recent finds from Essex reported to Colchester Museums 2001-2’, in Essex Archaeology and History 35 (2004), page 220, ref. 7.  No image of the object was taken.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Found: Little Horkesley, Colchester, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed bronze axe.  The fragment, part of the blade, is 35mm in length, 42mm in width across the blade and 4mm at its thickest part.  It is much abraded, which has lead to the loss of the entire original surface, including the cutting edge.
Notes: This axe fragment was recorded before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time.  This record was published in Wise, P. 2002. ‘Recent finds from Essex reported to Colchester Museums 2001-2’, in Essex Archaeology and History 35 (2004), page 220, ref. 8.  No image of the object was taken.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swinfen and Packington, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.5 mm
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Weight: 47.5 g
Description: A slightly incomplete cast copper alloy socketed and side-looped spearhead (Davis Group 2), dating to the Late Bronze Age, between c. 1150 - c. 800 BC (length: 79.5mm; width at blade: 22mm; diameter at socket mouth: 15.5mm; weight: 47.5g).



This artefact is a leaf-shaped spearhead with the remains of a pointed tip. The blade wings to either side of the tapering midrib are incomplete and badly corroded, but their overall shape remains, with the blade wings to either side of the midrib measuring at 7mm in width and 2.5mm thick. The width of the midrib at the tip measures 4.5mm, which then expands to approximately 10.5mm where the blades to either side terminate. Additionally, the midrib is diamond-shaped in section where the blade wings appear to either side, but then expands outwards and continues in length to form a circular sectioned socket 35mm from where the blade wings terminate. At approximately 10mm below the blade wings, there are the remains of side-loops to either side of the socket, with a casting ridge also present either side and in line with these loops, indicating the casting manufacturing process. The circular socketed terminal is complete and still completely filled with earth. Overall, the artefact is in a worn and corroded condition with some areas of bronze disease, particularly on the blade wings and midrib. One side of the spearhead survives better than the other and there are still large areas where the original dark green patina remains.



Similar examples are illustrated in H N Savory's 'Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections', 1980, pages 112 & 175, fig 27, ref nos 227-229, which are all examples of socket-looped spearheads, found at Cadoxton-juxta-Neath, Glamorgan; Llanfair Clydogau, Cardiganshire and Llanerfyl, Montgomeryshire respectively.



Other examples are also illustrated in M R Ehrenberg's 'Bronze Age Spearheads from Berks, Bucks and Oxon', 1977, pages 34, 41, 44 & 52, ref nos 36, 74, 94 & 142, which are described as 'pegged leaf-shaped spearheads' and were found at Cookham, Berks; Maidenhead, Berks; Pusey, Berks (Oxon) and Old Windsor, Berks respectively.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy Wood
Found: Horton, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 114 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight: 197.33 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy socketed axehead (of probable 'Trehou' type), dating to the Late Bronze Age, between c. 1150 – c. 800 BC (length: 114mm; width at side loop: 35.5mm; thickness at socket mouth: 28mm; weight: 197.33g).

The long and narrow axehead is sub-rectangular in plan, with a triangular side section and a square socketed mouth.  Most of the original blade edge has corroded away, but the blade still has a distinctive curved blade that has tapered to a thin edge.  The axehead tapers outwards from the blade to form the triangular section.  At approximately 79.5mm from the blade edge and 11.5mm from the scoketed mouth, there is a rounded/ arched cast copper alloy side loop (length: 21.5mm; width: 5.5mm; inner length of the loop: 10.5mm) integral to the main body of the axehead.  Additionally, the axehead is decorated by two parallel recessed ridges (approximate length: 3mm) immediately below the socketed mouth.  The first ridge commences 5mm below the mouth of the socket and there is a gap of 5mm again between the first and second ridge.  The second ridge is interrupted by the top terminal of the side loop.  The square socketed mouth is complete although worn along the edges.  Importantly, there is a substantial amount of wood surviving inside the socket (length of remaining wood: 48.5mm; diameter: 15mm; weight: 1.81g), which is now in a completely dry state and is strained green, presumably from being inside the copper alloy axehead for a long period of time.  Overall, the axehead, although worn, corroded, pitted and with very little of the original light brown patina remaining, is in a fair condition, particularly due to a large amount of wood surviving inside the socket.

A number of similar examples (with identical decoration around the socket) are illustrated in Watson, P, J, 1993, 'Catalogue of British and European Prehistoric Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums', pages 16-17, ref nos 166-173, most of which were found in France.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Mersea, Colchester, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 141.02 g
Description: Bronze Age copper-alloy short sword, 1200-800 BC. Weight 141.02 g.
Notes: This sword was recorded before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time (Record Number E/2734).  No image of the object was taken.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Found: Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed bronze axe fragment.  The fragment, part of the blade, is 35mm in length, 34mm in width across the blade, and is 11mm at its thickest part.  The blade has a semi-circular cutting edge.
Notes: This axe was recorded during a metal detecting rally in 2001.  This was before a Finds Liaison Officer was appointed to Essex and the object description is a transcription of the record made at the time.  This record was published in Wise, P. 2002. ‘Recent finds from Essex reported to Colchester Museums 2001-2’, in Essex Archaeology and History 35 (2004), page 220, ref. 9.  Finder unknown and no image was taken of the object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Peasemore, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Description: Cast copper alloy leaf-shaped blade (length 63mm, width 19mm, thickness 2mm, weight 7.9g).  The edges are slightly bevelled and the blade has a very slight but relatively wide midrib.  One end of the blade apparently tapers into a tang which is now largely missing.  The blade is in poor condition, its tip is bent and its edges are badly damaged and notched.  This damage makes it difficult to evaluate whether the apparent tang is a genuine feature or simply a fortuitous break.  The blade may possibly be an example of a rare type of Early to Middle Bronze Age knife known as a Class I or 'plantain razor'(Piggot 1946, 122-126, fig.5).  The term 'razor' is a slight misnomer as these artefacts were almost certainly not used specifically for shaving but were rather some form of cutting tool.  Unfortunately, the tang is the most diagnostic part of this  artefact type and without it a positive identification is difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barry, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Weight: 66.2 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy (probably bronze) socketed axe with a splayed and curved blade.  The fragment was apparently broken and distorted in antiquity.  Microscopic examination suggests the fragment is encrusted wuth ferrous and manganese oxide corrosion products presumably derived from the burial environment.  Original blade width c.51mm, surviving height of fragment 40.5mm, maximum surviving thickness 13.5mm, weight 66.2g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanbradach and Pwllypant, Caerphilly, Caerphilly (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 149 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Weight: 370.8 g
Description: Copper alloy low-flanged axe.



This bronze Early Bronze Age flanged axe has a long slender body with near parallel sides, which suddenly expand widely, to produce a crescentic shaped blade and asymmetric cutting edge. The butt end of the axe has been slightly damaged in antiquity and therefore the original shape is not apparent. Part way down the body of the axe is a median bevel, whilst the sides of the axe are rounded. Surface pitting on these sides precludes the possibility of knowing whether or not they were once decorated. Both faces of the axe were once decorated, although most decoration has been removed from one face by surface corrosion. On the well preserved surface there is ripple ornament executed by hammering, over which a complex design has been incised. Immediately beneath the median bevel is a narrow zone of herringbone, followed by four lines of infilled chevrons, parallel to the rippling and the cutting edge of the blade. This is succeeded by four lines of herringbone and then four lines of infilled chevron. Bordering this is a further chevron line, this time infilled in reverse to the other chevrons. This is finally bounded by a line of herringbone, which stops 24mm above the blade edge. This decoration is largely complete, although a small part has been removed by surface pitting at the blade end. Straitions on the original surface near the cutting edge indicates some sharpening of the blade occurred. The axe has a dark green patina, with lighter green surfaces within the areas of pitting. The axe has evidently been coated with a varnish or lacquer, as indicated by its lustre. Blade width 73.2mm, butt width 25.3mm, maximum length 149.0mm, maximum thickness (including flanges) 15.6mm, maximum depth of flanges 2.0mm, distance of median bevel from butt end 61.5mm and weighs 370.8g.
Notes: This artefact may be identified as a bronze flanged axe of Needham's (1983) Class 5, equivalent to Schmidt and Burgess' (1981) Type Arreton, belonging to period 4 of the British Early Bronze Age and dating to between 1700-1500calBC (Needham et al 1985; Needham 1996). These are the first true flanged axes, used at the same time that tanged spearheads, Camerton-Snowshill daggers and Collared Urns were in circulation. Parallels for this axe within the National Collections are examples from the Ebnal and Menai Bridge Hoards, which both possess bands of short incision decoration below the bevel to the blade (Savory 1980, Cat. Nos.259 and 260). Comparable decoration of hatching and chevrons can be observed on examples from White Horse Hill (Osmington), Dorset, and Stuntney, Cambridgeshire (Needham 1983, Fig.58, Ds 5, Ca 13). These latter two examples, and the Menai Bridge axe, all possess hammered decoration along the sides of the flanges. This axe type has an overall broad distribution across southern England.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: GUILDFORD, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Weight: 117 g
Description: The lower part of a palstave axe. The fragment comprises the blade together with the lower parts of the side flanges and the central ridge. the fragment is pitted and very little of its original surface survives.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishopston, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150.5 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 503.6 g
Description: Cast copper alloy flat axe which thickens towards the middle, with a thin, narrow and originally probably slightly rounded butt and a splayed blade.  The edges of both the butt and the blade are damaged, and one face in particular is heavily corroded.  Two distinct casting flaws are visible on the relatively uncorroded face of the axe.  The sides of the blade more or less evenly curve outwards towards the cutting edge from a point situated slightly over one third of the length of the axe from the butt.  The axe is undecorated.  Longitudinal stritations visible on the relatively uncorroded face of the axe adjacent to the blade edge are probably use related polish.  Length 150.5mm, width of blade 89mm, width of butt c.25mm, maximum thickness 11.5mm, weight 503.6g.  An example of Migdale type of Earlyu Bronze Age flat axe.
Notes: The Migdale type has been defined by Schmidt and Burgess as simple, thin-butt, bronze flat axes with more or less evenly curved sides and relatively wide cutting edges, which do not turn out abruptly from the sides (1981, 35).  Migdale axes lack features such as median bevels, raised edges and the narrow straight-sided form frequently associated with decoration (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 35)/  Attempts to subdivide the type on the basis of variation in form have been unsuccessful; graphs plotting indices of shape such as length, width and the ratios of the body width at various points along the length of the axe do not show  discrete concentrations (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, 35).  The Caswell bay example is closely paralleled by the example from Glangwenlais Quarry, llandybie, Carmarthenshire (Savory 1962-64; Savory 1980, 101 no.112 fig. 17).  As a type Migdale axes are difficult to date with precision.  The typology metalworking stage or assemblage which includes Migdale Axes has recently been dated from c.23000BC to c.1900BC (needham 1996, 130,fig.2)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.66 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 14.94 g
Description: Fragment of Bronze Age copper alloy metal work. Dark olive green patina. The object comprises a narrow rectangular length with elliptical cross-section and a wider rectangular length with three grooves on the upper surface. The piece is slightly curved and has worn transverse breaks at each end. 
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.96 mm
Thickness: 7.69 mm
Weight: 57.22 g
Description: Fragment of Bronze Age sword blade. Cast copper alloy. The fragment is sub-lozenge shaped in section and is slightly curved. Dull green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Found: Penllyn, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 45.3 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Weight: 52.1 g
Description: This bronze casting jet represents the by-product of the manufacture of a socketed axe.  The jet is of a roughly circular form and displays all four runners.  The four runners together with its geographic location strongly hint at the jet being removed from an axe of type Storgursey or 'South Wales Type'.  The patina on the casting jet varies from a brown to light green and the jet now displays a sheen due to polish or lacquer applied by the finder.  The external diameter of the jet is 39.2mm - 45.3mm, with an internal diameter of 16.4mm - 19.3mm.  The jet has a maximum thickness of 15.6mm.  The distance between the runners is 31.6mm and 29.5mm, implying an axe of usual proportions around its mouth, possibly with a square socket.  The jet has a weight of 52.1g.
Notes: The casting jet can be securely ascribed to the Ewart Park tradition of metalworking, belonging to Needham's (1996) metalworking stage 7.  For some time it has been realised Stogursey axes can be placed at the end of the Bronze Age and this has recently been varified by Needham et.al (1997), making it possible to place production between 950-750 cal. BC.
This find represents the only complete example of a casting jet with four runners in Wales the author is aware of.  The nearest welsh parallels are the jet associated with the St. Mellons hoard, Cardiff and a possible example from Penwyllt, Ystradgynlais.  In Needham's (1981) catalogue of Stogursey axes he lists seven examples, six of which are associated with the Stogursey Hoard, the other is from Lelant, Cornwall.  Evans (1881) records another from Kenidjack Cliff, Cornwall, associated with socketed axes.
It has been noted elsewhere (needham 1981, Brigs and Williams 1995, Northover) the discrepency between the majority of finds of Stogursey axes in South East Wales and stone molds from Southern England.  This find might be adding weight to the argument of local manufacture.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Paull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.6 mm
Thickness: 10.7 mm
Weight: 29.9 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age socketed axe head. The piece consists of the flaring blade edge. The body and socket are broken off, but the piece is still hollow.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Watton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.1 mm
Thickness: 16.3 mm
Weight: 85.5 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age axe head, consisting of the flaring blade edge. The body and socket are missing.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1900 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rainow, Cheshire East, Cheshire East (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Weight: 239.2 g
Description: 
Early Bronze Age flanged axe; some damage but in generally good condition, substantial original patina remaining. The butt-end is partly missing as is part of the blade and cutting edge. The flanges are quite low; incipient stop-ridge halfway along the septum and a further incipient curving ridge between the septum and the blade.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Paul, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56 mm
Thickness: 13.6 mm
Weight: 35.75 g
Description: Cast incomplete copper alloy socketed chisel, wedge-shaped in profile and sub-rectangular in plan, with sub-parallel sides. The sides, when looking at the face of the chisel, are slightly concave along the length, curving outwards towards the blade. The chisel is a light to dark green colour and heavily corroded and pitted. The blade has a curved edge which is worn, and fragments of the edge have been broken off in the past, but it appears to mainly follow the original edge with no flaring of the tips. There are scars on both faces that are probably the result of plough damage. The hollow interior is cone-shaped, with the socket ending 20 mm up from the blade. The cross-section of the chisel is sub-rectangular with the walls ranging from 2.5 mm to 2.8 mm in thickness. The chisel is missing its butt end and was probably about 70-80 mm in length originally. The shape and curve of the blade suggest that this might have been a tool for carving wood, with the rounded edge enabling the carver to work with a concave area. The angle of the bevel, at about 20°, would have made it ideal for fine work where thin slivers of wood were being removed. Needham & Rohl (1998) illustrate a similar example on page 132, No.175, which is dated to the Penard period, c.1300-1150 BC. Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar but complete example from Cottonwood, Bodmin, on page 401, Plate 2, No.12, which is dated to the Taunton-Penard phase c.1400-1200 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boxted, Babergh, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Description: Incomplete Bronze Age socketed axe head. The blade, face and single side-loop are complete but the socket mouth with moulding is missing and the break edges are worn. The blade and face are rectangular in plan and flare outwards towards the blade tips, and the mouth appears to be circular in section. No decoration was visible. It measures 100mm long, 36-40mm wide and is 15-26mm thick. A catalogue of socketed axes can be found in Schmidt, P. and Burgess, C. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, p172-250.
Notes: Found during a metal detecting rally on 24th September 2006. Finder unknown.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llandysilio, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 147 mm
Weight: 331 g
Description: Late Bronze Age looped palstave with plain, narrow blade and slight splay to the cutting edge. It has a straight stop-ridge and is characteristic of the products of the north Wales industry. Similar examples have come from Llanbeblig and Great Orme's Head (Caernarfonshire) and Maentwrog (Merionethshire). It is also represented in the Guilsfield Hoard (Savory, H N, 1980). The loop is missing, probably lost in antiquity and it is suffering from bronze disease. It has also been damaged since its discovery.
Notes: Blade width 37mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Over Alderley, Cheshire East, Cheshire East (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.5 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 16.02 g
Description: Fragment of hilt of a late Bronze Age sword with one dome-headed rivet in-situ. Midrib visible. 
Subsequent action: Returned to finder