dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elsted and Treyford, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A Middle Bronze Age probable hoard of three items, an armlet/ bracelet, an incomplete socketed hammer (these found 10cm apart) and a piece of metalworking debris found 4-5m away, all within an unploughed field. The first two finds were c.30cm below the surface and the soil around them dark in colour. Archaeological advice has been sought.



1) The copper alloy arm-ring has lost all of its original surface patina. It currently measures max.79.5mm in diameter (internal 54.6mm) and weighs 99.08g. It has an apparently circular cross-section.



2) The copper alloy socketed hammer is missing most of its socket but retains the blade. The socket has a circular cross-section (26.5mm diameter), the walls of which are 4.5mm wide, and the solid blade below has a rectangular cross-section, 23.5x23.3mm below the socket and thinning to 23.5x14.7mm at the hammering end. It is missing all of its original patina. The incomplete object measures 83.4mm in length and weighs 162g (to the nearest 2g). The finder reports this object was lying flat to one face when found.



3) The piece of metalworking debris is apparently copper alloy but is rather light (13.89g) with several popped air bubbles visible on the surface. The surface is otherwise quite lumpy. It measures 25.9x19.2x(max.)16.1mm.



Discussion

Given the close proximity of the first two finds, it is highly likely these are part of an undisturbed hoard and date to the 'Ornament Horizon' of the Taunton metalworking phase of the Middle Bronze Age (c.1400-1250 BC). A larger hoard from Hampshire (2017 T160 / SUR-590F5D) features three Liss type arm-rings (with herringbone decoration) alongside several other ornaments, a palstave axehead and a socketed hammer. Unfortunately it is impossible to tell whether the arm-ring in this hoard was originally decorated.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middop, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105.24 mm
Thickness: 29.02 mm
Weight: 262 g
Description: Incomplete copper-alloy unlooped palstave or flanged axehead of Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). The blade end of the object has been removed in a straight cut. The cut face is patinated and abraded. The body of the object is rectangular in section. There is a median stop ridge from which the butt end tapers to a point, with curved flanges either side. The surface displays patches of green copper corrosion. The object is 105.24mm in length, 35.27mm in width and 29.02mm in thickness. It weighs 262g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hayle, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 83 mm
Weight: 48.2 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy miniature flat axehead, ovate in plan, and slightly lozenge-shaped in profile, with an undeveloped, straight-sided blade that has worn to a curve and has a broken edge on one side. From the blade the axe tapers to a narrow rounded butt end, that is 14 mm wide. The sides of the blade do not expand but meet the curved blade edge with an abraded width of 29 mm. The curve of the blade suggests that it was not probably used as an axehead but instead perhaps buried as a representation of a larger functional axehead at a time when bronze was too valuable to bury. The length of the flat axe is only 83 mm so it less than half the size of a standard Early Bronze Age flat axe from South-west England. There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on any surface of the axe, but much of the original surface is missing, due to corrosion and abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil. The surface is now pitted and there is active light green powdering from bronze disease within some of the pits.



See CORN-7ACDD7 for a similar miniature flat axehead that is dated from 2200-2000 BC.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar example of a slender miniature Migdale type flat axehead on page 502, plate 69, no.587, from Banner Down in Somerset, which is associated with the Migdale metalworking tradition of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC.



Cowie & O'Connor, Some Early Bronze Age stone moulds from Scotland, in Kienlin & Roberts, Metals and Societies (2009) illustrate a similar miniature flat axehead with straight sides from Broomhill, Penicuik, Midlothian, on page 325, fig.10, which is dated from the Early Bronze Age.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar unclassified miniature flat axeheads with worn blades in pl.22, nos.266 & 283.



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, Metalworking Stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 (c.2350-2050 cal BC). This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Merton, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.2 mm
Diameter: 7.6 mm
Weight: 4.4 g
Description: A copper alloy Late Bronze Age (1000-800BC) socketed spearhead with bevelled edges and some filing on the socket. Although the size of this object suggests a votive use, this is not the case. Other examples of small spearheads are known including GLO-F69302, LANCUM-B72611, LANCUM-0433B7 and especially SWYOR-3D024E on this database.
Notes: Oxfordshire PAS record Sheet No 813
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy Wood
Found: Gisburn, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.5 mm
Diameter: 21.7 mm
Weight: 54.08 g
Description: Extremely worn copper-alloy socketed spearhead, dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1500 - 800 BC). The socket of the spearhead retains some wood, including a piece that runs through two circular piercings positioned towards the socket mouth. The socket mouth is worn and fragmentary. Two ridges linear ridges at the top of the object are all that remains of the blade: these have been worn down almost to nothing and the object terminates in a sharp point. The sheer level of wear suggests that this may have been intentional, possibly to rework the spearhead into another object such as a ferrule. Only a patch of the original dark brown surface remains. The object is 113.50mm in length, 21.70mm in diameter and weighs 54.08g.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.7 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 21.24 g
Description: An incomplete but relatively well preserved fragment of a Middle Bronze Age (1500-1000 cal BC) blade and its hilt from a rapier or dirk.



Part of the blade and hilt survive of the original weapon.The blade projects from the hilt with a width of 32.3mm after which its sides narrow to c18.7mm from in an even curve. After this point it continues to narrow but with straighter sides to a width of 13.9mm at the break. it terminates in a clean diagonal break across the blade which is patinated and covered in brown concreted material. The blade is a pointed oval shape in cross section with a wide (c.9.4mm at the break) oval cross section midrib to either side of which it narrows more sharply to an that now has many chips along it.



The hilt is sub-rectangular in cross section. It narrows with straight angled sides from its maximum with of 32.3mm, where the blade projects, to an irregular break measuresc 17.7mm wide. The form of the hilt below this break is not clear.



The object has a dark green patina which is chipped away revealing a lighter green patina. The dark green patina sections are very smooth and quite reflective.



The fragment of the object is 51.7mm long, 32.3mm wide, and is 4.3mm thick. It weighs 21.24 grams.



Without the entirety of the blade the type of weapon must be general. The object is similar in form to Gerloff's (1981) Group IV rapiers many examples of which exist on the database e.g. SOM-EECC89, HAMP-99875D and SOM-71AABB.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Olney, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.87 mm
Thickness: 6.86 mm
Weight: 6.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead, of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1200-800 BC).



The blade is narrow and triangular with a pronounced mid rib on both sides extending to the tip of the spear which tapers in to a point. In cross section the object is lozenge shaped. The edges narrow and flare out from the mid-rib. There are multiple abrasions and missing portions of the edges. The fragment terminates in an old abraded transverse break. The socketed lower portion of the object is missing and the retained portions has a shallow concave aspect expose by the break.



The metal is a dark-green in colour with a pitted and corroded patina.



As this represents only a small fragment of the spear it is not possibly to classify the form of the complete object. It is probably of a later Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age (c. 1200-c. 800 cal BC).



Similar objects can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: NLM-99D791, IOW-F3883D, SUR-BB2595



Length: 47.87mm, Width: 13.78mm, Thickness: 6.86mm, Thickness (tip): 3.67mm, Weight: 6.6g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rowlands Castle, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 25.49 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a blade from a Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC) dirk or rapier. The edges of the blade gradually taper to a point which has been rounded, possibly from use. The cross section is lozengiform with broad and rounded midrib suggesting that it may correspond to Burgess and Gerloff's (1981) Group IV. There are small patches of post depositional iron concretion on the blade.
Notes: These types of blades date to the Middle Bronze Age (1400-1100 BC); fragments also sometimes turn up in Late Bronze Age hoards, suggesting their continued use.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Crosby Ravensworth, Eden, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 134.29 mm
Thickness: 12.63 mm
Weight: 206.16 g
Description: Extremely worn copper-alloy Bronze Age flanged axehead (c. 2100 - 1500 BC). The object thickens towards the middle, where it is transected by a ridge on both sides. It widens at one end into a blade. The object is much more worn along one side than the other, giving it a crescent-shaped aspect and heavily obscuring its original form. It has a patchy light green patina. The object is 134.29mm in length, 40.71mm in width and 12.63mm in thickness. It weighs 206.16g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Downton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17 mm
Thickness: 6.6 mm
Weight: 9.06 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) gold or gold-plated copper alloy penannular ring, oval in cross-section with cut or burred-over edges at the terminals (measuring c.6.3x5.5mm). The edge opposite the terminal has a cross-section measuring 6.6x5.6mm. A paler gold strip or wire (possibly silvery-gold with traces of tarnishing) winds around the brighter gold surface of the object to give striped bands of equal size, c. 1mm wide.

The object measures 17.0mm in length, 15.7mm in width, 6.6mm in max.thickness (the side opposite the terminal) and weighs 9.06g.
Notes: 'The penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C; references therein).
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Halam, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72.5 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 48.6 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (bronze) flat axe of Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2350 BC to c. 2050 BC).



The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in shape with an incomplete rounded shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with tapering edges. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow rounded profile; the width at the butt is 12.0 mm (thickness: 2.4 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively straight. The axe is thickest at the mid point (6.0 mm), with no sign of a proto stop ridge. The sides of the blade expand to produce a rounded blade edge with an abraded width of 34.4 mm (thickness 3.6 mm). 



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



It measures 72.5 mm in length, maximum width at the blade is 34.4 mm, width at the butt is 12.0 mm and it has a maximum thickness of 6.0 mm. It weighs 48.6 grams.



The axehead is best described as coming from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age and is comparable to (although not containing all the attributes of Migdale axes (many of these tend to have narrower butts which flare at the cutting edge).



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 circa 2350- 2050 CAL. BC. This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.



Reference:



Needham, S. (1996) Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologia, vol 67, pp121-140



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. p.46-47.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Flagg, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 173 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 108.9 g
Description: An incomplete, flat copper alloy blade, possibly a rapier or dirk (c.1600 - 1500 BC). The tip is missing, with tapering of the edges suggesting that it would have ended in a point, suggesting approximately 5cms of the original missing. Each edge has damage and corrosion along their lengths. The butt end is corroded and rounded in shape with peripheral damage, it is also thinner in thickness, suggesting that this may have been done deliberately to accommodate the hilt. The blade is very slightly concave in cross section. Part of the original surface survives on one face, and it is possible to make out a regular pattern of stamped dot decoration. This would appear to have originally covered the whole side in a series of triangles, made up of lines of dot decoration coming in from one edge, the areas in between are undecorated and because of that form a series of blank triangular shapes coming in from the opposite edge to complement the decorated ones. The other side in much more heavily pitting with little of the original surface remaining, but it is still possible to discern some stamped dot decoration. There is no evidence of a central rib on either side. See WMID-D54E37.



Length 173.0mm, Width at butt 39.7mm, Width at tip 13.0mm, Thickness 4.5mm across the mid-section, Thickness across the butt 2.5mm, Weight 108.9g.
Notes: 
Found by Aaron B. Walley.

Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Mount (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 24.9 mm
Thickness: 1.7 mm
Weight: 2.5 g
Description: A probable Late Bronze Age or Iron Age copper alloy mount or applique, probably dating to 900 BC - AD 43. The mount consists of a cast plate of copper alloy, moulded into to concentric circular bands separated by a ridge and with a raised border around the circumference. There is a circular perforation at the centre, with a second smaller perforation near the rim; the latter is probably due to a casting flaw. The bands are concave in cross section, and the reverse is flat. 



Diameter 24.9mm, of central aperture 3.6mm; Thickness 1.7mm; Weight 2.5g. 



cf. WILT-0DE04E and WILT-BF5B3E, amongst others on this database, although this example lacks a lug or similar method of attachment on the reverse. It was presumably affixed with a central rivet.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rylstone, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 170 mm
Diameter: 22.7 mm
Weight: 127.6 g
Description: A complete copper alloy spearhead of late Bronze Age date, c.1100 - 800 BC. Davis Group 11, 'generic pegged'. The spearhead comprises a leaf shaped blade with a chamfered edge and two circular peg holes on both sides of the socket which are positioned in the upper portion in line with the blade. The socket is conical extending into a raised oval sectioned mid-rib that extends to the tip. The blade is leaf shaped having a maximum width in the lower 1/3 of the blade. The blade is not heavily eroded, though the edge is abraded throughout.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kniveton, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 16.8 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy bladed object, probably a rapier or dirk, but possibly a spearhead, of middle Bronze Age date, c 1500 - 1200 BC.



The blade  fragment tapers in width from 26 mm to 20 mm, both ends terminating in old breaks, the blade has a lenticular cross section, with a longitudinal central ridge, slightly flattened.



There is a slight curvature to fragment which may be suggestive of deliberate damage.



Overall length 50 mm, thickness 3.7 mm at centre, tapering to 0.9 mm at the edge. Weight 16.8g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beighton, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 7.94 g
Description: Abraded fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed knife comprising small parts of the double-edged blade and of the oval-sectioned socket, the latter with a rivet hole. Thorndon type, see NMGW-6F3FF3, SUR-5680D4 and SF-B29386. Extant length, width and thickness 27, 9.2 and 6.3mm. Weight 7.94g. c.950 - c.750 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wootton, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.4 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
Weight: 15 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed side-looped spearhead of Bronze age date, consisting of only the shaft of the spearhead. The side loops are semi circular in shape, the outer edges are worn and broken. The midrib section is lozenge shaped. The shaft is broken and worn at both ends, it narrows towards the blade end, the tip is missing. The socket is circular in shape. Similar spearheads on the database have been dated to the Middle to Late Bronze Age, 1550-1250 BC. It measures 67.4mm in length,13.9mm at maximum width, 1.2mm in thickness, and weighs 15.00g.



Similar records on the database are DOR-DC23F5, LIN-A90E8A, WILT-0276AC and BUC-1431A2.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sithney, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 76 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 43.5 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy miniature flat axehead, sub-triangular in plan, and slightly lozenge-shaped in profile, with an undeveloped, straight-sided blade that has worn to a curve on one side. From the blade the axe tapers to a narrow rounded butt end, that is 14 mm wide. The sides of the blade expand slightly and meet the curved blade edge with an abraded width of 27 mm. The curve of the blade suggests that it was not probably used as an axehead but instead perhaps buried as a representation of a larger functional axehead at a time when bronze was too valuable to bury. The length of the flat axe is only 76 mm so it less than half the size of a standard Early Bronze Age flat axe from South-west England. There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on any surface of the axe, but much of the original surface is missing, due to corrosion and abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil. The surface is now pitted and there is active light green powdering from bronze disease within some of the pits.



See CORN-7ACDD7 for a similar miniature flat axehead that is dated from 2200-2000 BC.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar example of a slender miniature Migdale type flat axehead on page 502, plate 69, no.587, from Banner Down in Somerset, which is associated with the Migdale metalworking tradition of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC.



Cowie & O'Connor, Some Early Bronze Age stone moulds from Scotland, in Kienlin & Roberts, Metals and Societies (2009) illustrate a similar miniature flat axehead with straight sides from Broomhill, Penicuik, Midlothian, on page 325, fig.10, which is dated from the Early Bronze Age.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar unclassified miniature flat axeheads with worn blades in pl.22, nos.266 & 283.



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, Metalworking Stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 (c.2350-2050 cal BC). This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.



Needham, S. (1996) Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologia, vol 67, pp.121-140.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.58 mm
Thickness: 13.05 mm
Weight: 35.3 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Middle Bronze Age dirk (small rapier) dating to the period c.1500 - 1150 BC found in 2 adjoining pieces. The break between the two pieces is probably recent and reveals a slightly purple crystalline matrix with many air bubbles. The edges of the breaks are not abraded but crisp. The butt is a slender trapezoidal with two rivet holes across the lower edge. There is a copper alloy rivet within each rivet hole. From these rivet holes the sides of the rapier expand into the shoulders of the blade. The maximum width of these shoulders is 31.03mm. From the shoulders the edge of the rapier narrows into the blade. From this point the blade itself tapers in width more gradually to almost have straight edges towards a broken edge. This break also feels fresh with crisp edges.  The blade is an elongated lozenge in cross-section with no clearly defined mid-rib or edge bevels.



The object has a matte mid-dark green-brown patina.



The length of the rapier measures 82.58mm, 31.03mm wide, 13.05mm thick at the rivets, 4.81mm thick at the blade break and together they weigh 35.3g. its maximum thickness is 6.8mm. 



The object is likely a Burgess and Gerloff's Group IV (1981) and dating to the period c. 1500-c. 1150 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.9 mm
Thickness: 7.4 mm
Weight: 3.94 g
Description: Tip from a Middle Bronze Age, c. 1500-1200BC, spearhead, Central longitudinal rib on both faces flanked by small flukes, representing a slender, rapier-like, blade. Only the tip is present, there is no sign of the central socket. Length 23.9mm, Width 8.9mm, Thickness 7.4mm, Mass 3.94g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.4 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 3.59 g
Description: Edge from a Middle to Late Bronze Age, c. 1200-700BC, palstave or socketed axe, Only the tip is present, probably broken off during use. Length 29.4mm, Width 8.2mm, Thickness 3.9mm, Mass 3.59g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.7 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 4.38 g
Description: An incomplete leaf-shaped copper alloy blade, 39.7mm in length, of mid to late Bronze Age date (1400 BC - 800 BC). The blade is broken at both ends and has a single centrally pierced hole mid-way across at one end. The blade is flat with a very thin lenticular cross section a slight mid-rib and cutting edges on either side. The patina is even and dark green.



The single hole and very thin section allow an interpretation as a razor or perhaps a small knife rather than part of a dirk or other type of larger bladed implement.
Notes: See DOR-EBFA4D, SUR-E3AEB2 or SF-25A20A for comparable objects on the database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilson, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.7 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 4.19 g
Description: A fragment of the blade of a cast copper alloy axehead of Bronze Age date. The fragment is triangular in plan and profile with a curved cutting edge and a straight inner edge. Given the curve of the blade and the even thickening towards the centre in cross section, the fragment is likely to be from a Late Bronze Age (c.1150 - 800 BC) socketed axehead, although an earlier date and form cannot be ruled out entirely.



Length: 25.7mm, Width: 10.2mm, Thickness: 4.6mm, Weight: 4.19gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boldre, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 29.7 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 16.61 g
Description: A copper-alloy spiral ring suspected to be of middle Bronze Age date, dating to c. 1500 to 1150 BC and attributable to the 'ornament horizon' of the Taunton and Penard metalwork phases. The spiral is circular in plan and formed of three coils of an oval cross-sectioned metal wire with rounded ends. The spiral has an internal diameter of 20.5mm. The exterior surface is heavily pitted; the interior has a smooth dark green patina.
Notes: See also SF-4497E7, HAMP-7556B3 and SF-761FF6. There are also examples of comparable spiraloid rings in the Near Lewes hoard (SUSS-C5D042) and the Ockham hoard (SUR-B41DB6), both Middle Bronze Age in date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ascott-under-Wychwood, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.54 mm
Thickness: 2.48 mm
Weight: 2.28 g
Description: A complete though worn copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 800 BC. The object is sub-rectangular in section at the middle and widest point tapering on both planes to worn rounded points at either end. The object is undecorated but the outer four edges all have a slightly raised ridge. The metal has a mid-brown patina with small patches of bronze disease.



Length: 37.54mm, Width: 5.60mm, Thickness: 2.48mm, Weight: 2.28gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilson, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.96 mm
Thickness: 4.01 mm
Weight: 4.17 g
Description: A copper alloy awl, or leather working tool probably from bronze age to Roman. The centre has two parallel incised lines running around the circumference. To one side it is circular in section and tapers to a point and to the other it is square in section and flattens to chisel shape. Much of the surface has a bronze patina, but there is some delamination leaving a blue green patina.



Length: 54.96mm, Thickness at mid point 4.01mm, Weight: 4.17gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stocksbridge, Sheffield, Sheffield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 132.6 mm
Thickness: 19.7 mm
Weight: 244 g
Description: A Primary / Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy early palstave dating from the Middle Bronze AGe, about 1500-1300 BC.



The blade of the palstave is sub-trapezoidal in plan with slightly concave sides, flared blade tips, a convex cutting edge and no side loop. There is a ridge along the centre of each face of the blade. The palstave, on both faces, has a prominent straight stop-ridge. In plan the septum is rectangular and the butt has an abraded edge. There is a casting cavity behind the stop ridge. The palstave has a well-developed brown patina which only survives in a few places, and the rest of the palstave is bright green. It is 132.6mm long, 39.8mm wide and 19.7mm thick. 244g.



The implement belongs to the Primary / Early un-looped Palstave Group I which fits into Acton Park II - Taunton industries and dates c. 1500-1300 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stocksbridge, Sheffield, Sheffield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.7 mm
Thickness: 25.9 mm
Weight: 166 g
Description: A Transitional to late Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave dating from 1150 - 950 BC. It is incomplete, with most of the hafting end missing, and half of the blade. 



The surviving part of the blade has slightly concave sides. The break is pointed and patinated. The palstave, on both faces, has a prominent straight stop-ridge. In plan the septum is rectangular and the butt break is patinated. There are the two stubs of a side loop on one side. The palstave has a well-developed smooth green  patina. It is 73.7mm long, 27.2mm wide and 25.9mm thick. 166g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Waterperry with Thomley, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.2 mm
Weight: 68 g
Description: A possible copper alloy bracelet, dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman period, 2150 BC to AD 410. The object consists of around half of the bracelet, and is semi circular in shape. There is a worn break at both ends. The bracelet narrows towards one end (7.2mm), and is circular in cross section. The wider end measures 9.9mm in width. The bracelet is slightly flatter on the inside. It has a mid green patina on the surface, where the surface has worn away there are patches of light and bright green. It measures 75.2mm in length, 44.9mm in width, and weighs 68g.



Similar records on the database include LVPL-D89372, BUC-62754C,BUC-FFD1F1 and LVPL-0A6181
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ribbon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -1500)
Material: Gold 
Found: Exhall, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 8.55 g
Description: Folded gold strip or diadem. Soil remains wedged between layers. The object has been folded up and consists of 5-6 layers. The tapering tip of one end of the strip is visible on the outside of the folded bundle. Lines of pointillé decoration run along both edges of the strip and meet at the terminal. There are three perforations visible on a terminal of the band that tapers inwards forming a triangle with the single perforation at the tip of the taper en



Dimensions (in folded condition):



Length: 28.23mm

Width: 19.93mm

Thickness (with soil): 5.33mm



Thickness (sheet): 0.18mm

Weight (with soil): 8.55g



Metal composition: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the strip (undertaken at the British Museum) indicated a surface composition of approximately 92-94% gold and 6-8% silver, the rest (less than 1%) being copper. (See appended report).



Curators note: this is a very similar composition to the very similar band from Berinsfield, South Oxfordshire (Treasure case 2016 T521).



Discussion: Of Early Bronze Age date (c.2500 - 1500 BC), and now in two pieces, this is only the fifth or sixth example of this type of object from Britain. These objects are rare and are not yet fully understood; it is likely to date from the earliest Bronze Age / Chacolithic period, c. 2500-2200 BC and as such is part of a select group of objects that represent the earliest gold objects in Britain.



The function or what object this mount decorated is not certain; suggestions include scabbard fittings, diadem or neck choker/band, or perhaps a decorative strip attached to leather. A similar object was reported as Treasure in 2005, case number 2005T21 (from 'near Winchester' - the provenance is vague - acquired by the British Museum: 2008, 8019.1) (Needham & Sheridan 2014, 908-9). The 'near Winchester' find also has three perforations set within the terminals in a similar fashion to a recently reported item from Stratford-Upon-Avon (Treasure case 2016 T209), and Berinsfield, South Oxfordshire (Treasure case 2016 T521).
Notes: Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Upton Grey, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14.9 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 0.76 g
Description: An unidentified sheet-gold bag-shaped object, with one closed, rounded end and a narrower open end with a piercing to one face only (apparently). The object is perhaps of Bronze Age date (2,500-800 BC) and related to gold ornaments/ strips known from the Bronze Age of Southern England.

Both faces of the object retain traces of decoration in the form of numerous longitudinally-arranged raised ridges of rectangular section, parallel to each other. It isn't possible to determine what the reverse of the sheet-gold looks like.

To one edge of the object the sheet is unbroken/ undamaged on the rounded part, while the other edge is damaged. The narrower part above has jagged edges that are not joined.

The rounded end has a max.width of 10.4mm and a max.thickness of 2.1mm. The narrower strip above is max.6.8mm wide, narrowing to 4.8mm at the open end (both faces of the object are folded over at the very end). The piercing visible in one face only is 0.8mm in diameter and pierced from front to the reverse. It is possible there may be a matching piercing on the other face of the object and that this is now concealed by the fold.

The object measures 14.9mm in length, 10.4mm in max.width, 2.9mm in max.thickness (at the jagged edges of the narrower section) and weighs 0.76g. The sheet gold is 0.2mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dymchurch, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.87 mm
Thickness: 7.48 mm
Weight: 6.18 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy, Middle to Late Bronze Age (1500-800 BC) Socketed Spearhead.



Description: The spearhead is narrow and triangular with a pronounced mid rib on both sides extending to the tip of the spear which tapers into a blunt point. In cross section the object is lozenge. The edges narrow and flare out from the mid-rib, with multiple abrasions and missing portions along the edges. The fragment terminates in an old abraded, irregular transverse break, across the socket. The metal is pitted and corroded.



Measurements: length:43.87mm, width: 10.66mm, thickness: 7.48mm, weight.18g.



As this represents only a small fragment of the spear it is not possibly to classify the form of the complete object. It is probably of a later Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age (c. 1500-c. 800 cal BC).



Similar objects can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: NLM-99D791, IOW-F3883D, SUR-BB2595
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Armitage with Handsacre, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 152 mm
Thickness: 28.8 mm
Weight: 468.7 g
Description: An almost complete copper alloy unlooped palstave of Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1500-1300 BC) with shield shaped hollow below the stop ridge. Early or primary palstave of Group I - shield patterned type.



The palstave has a triangular shaped blade in plan. The palstave has a rectangular septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The butt of the object is incomplete and measures 28.7 mm in width and 8.1 mm thick.



Beneath the stop-ridge descends a shield shaped hollow, this is visible but worn on both faces.



The blade of the palstave has expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical and shows wear. The cutting edge measures 64.7 mm in width and is 9.6 mm thick.



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



This form and style of palstave fits can be classified as an early palstave / primary group I - shield patterned and dates to the first phase of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA I) 1450-1250 BC specifically within the Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - both assemblages fit within Burgess Metal Working Stage VIII and IX. A close comparison to this palstave has been recorded from the Albrighton Area, Shropshire (HESH-D05FE3) and (WMID-755304) discovered in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Schmidt and Burgess (1981) have parallels for this type on plate 57.



Peter Reavill adds that the Palstave is heavier than normal, it was in this period that the makers were experimenting with adding more lead in to the composition. This was because by adding more lead it helped fill all corners of the mould.



Overall the palstave measures 152 mm in length, a maximum width of 64.7 mm at the cutting edge, and a maximum thickness near the stop ridge of 28.8 mm. It weighs 468.7 g.



Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981. The axes of Scotland and Northern England Munchen : C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horsford, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 151 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age unlooped palstave, the surface with patches of corrosion, much of which is concentrated between the flanges on both faces. Below the stop ridge a low rib defines a rounded shield-shaped motif. Chipped cutting edge. Both sides have a longitudinal casting seam. Weight 389g. Length 151mm. Width 60mm. Thickness 28mm. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Notes: 'Found at depth of 18"'
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horsford, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.5 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 150 g
Description: Early Bronze Age flat axe, very worn and corroded with corroded scraps of original surface surviving. Both faces of rectangular section slightly convex, tapering to thin rounded butt end and cutting edge. Length 86.5mm. Width 44mm. 9mm thick. Weighs 150g. c. 2000-1500 BC.
Notes: 'Found at depth of 17"'
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amport, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.2 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 5.84 g
Description: A copper alloy blade fragment, probably from a Bronze Age axehead or other tool of uncertain type. The fragment is triangular, 26.2mm in length with a curved blade edge and two other broken edges. The relatively flat profile of the fragment suggests that it may come from a flat or palstave axehead or perhaps from another form of tool such as a chisel.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Punch (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Portesham, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105.39 mm
Diameter: 7.47 mm
Weight: 20.1 g
Description: A copper alloy tanged punch or graver of  Middle to Late Bronze Age date c. 1500 - 750 BC.  At one end is a long, tapered tang with a sub-angular cross section. The tang extends to approximately one third of the overall length of the implement. From here the it expands into a faceted hexagonal profile. This then tapers to a rounded point forming a conical awl.

Length: 105.39 mm

Diameter: 7.47 mm

Weight: 20.1 g

Small tools of this type were used for an extensive period of time, not simply in the Bronze age, but also in later periods for jewellery making and fine work. Peter Reavill (pers comm) suggests a Middle to late Bronze Age date and comments that whilst such tools are also found in later periods, this is is less likely to be Roman or later as iron would be preferable at that date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stapleton, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 216 g
Description: Part of an undecorated flat axe of Early Bronze Age date (about 2200 - 1700 BC). Only the cutting blade end survives, probably less than half of the whole axehead. The axehead is 58mm long, 68.2mm wide tapering to 48.4mm, 11mm thick and weighs 216g.



The axe probably best fits within the Migdale metalworking tradition Type: Migdale - undecorated variant. These are dated to the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II - VI), of metalworking stage IV-VI, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2-3 circa 2200 - 1700 CAL. BC.



The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in plan with evenly expanding sides that extend to a splayed crescent shaped blade. The butt end is broken. In profile the axe is broadly lentoid with the blade end tapering. In cross section the axe is rectangular with all four faces only very slightly convex.



The sides of the axe gently expand evenly in width to a point just above the cutting edge where they become distinctly out-turned / splayed. The long edges of the axe have not been raised to form flanges; there is also no evidence of a median bevel (proto stop ridge) on either face of the axe. The tips of the blade are in good condition and there are indistinct blade facets on both faces of the cutting edge.



The axe has large patches of light green patina surviving, but is a red colour where the patina is missing. The surface is smooth and solid. Although there has been some surface loss there is no evidence of applied incised or hammered decoration. The break is patinated and irregular.



The axe can be compared to DENO-830FF8 and HESH-83416C.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nidd, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 117 mm
Thickness: 2.7 mm
Weight: 17.7 g
Description: A section of a copper alloy Middle Bronze Age rapier or dirk blade dating from about 1550-1150 BC.  The object is broken at both ends; the breaks are abraded and patinated and probably old. The blade tapers to a broken tip and has a tapered cutting edge on both sides. There is a faint central rib on both faces for much of the length of the rermaining blade, giving a shallow lozengiform cross section. It has a patchy green brown patina. The blade is 117mm long, 16.2mm wide and 2.7mm thick. It weighs 17.7g. See https://finds.org.uk/guides/bronzeage/objects/rapiers-and-dirks.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder