dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amersham, Chiltern, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.95 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy awl dating from the Middle Bronze Age to Roman periods, c. 1500 BC-410 AD. It is double ended, with one end being circular-sectioned and tapering to a rounded point, while the other end is square-sectioned and tapers to a chisel-like terminal. The awl measures 45mm in length, a maximum of 6mm in width and 5mm in thickness.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elsted and Treyford, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.59 mm
Weight: 125 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe blade with a 24mm depth of the socket remaining. Possibly of South Eastern type, dating from c. 900-700BC. The blade itself exhibits sharpening striations. the fragment is very worn with much of its surface missing. The axe has a dark green/brown surface, where the original surface survives, and powdery light green corrosion where the surface is missing.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1000 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pyrton, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.9 mm
Height: 6.5 mm
Thickness: 1.4 mm
Weight: 34 g
Description: A Bronze Age (-1000 to -800) copper alloy blade fragment: The cast blade fragment is rectangular in plan and elongated lozenge-shaped in cross-section with a raised rib in the centre of each face.  Both cutting edges are worn and incomplete and the perpendicular edges to these are broken so that the original length of the blade is unknown as well as the position of this fragment along it, though it is likely between the hilt and the middle of the sword as this is where the blade tapers before expanding at the mid-point.  There may be some dot impression decoration on both surfaces which has a mottled dark green and brown patina.





It is probably a fragment from a sword, dagger, knife or rapier of the Late Bronze Age date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Guestwick, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125.5 mm
Thickness: 9.9 mm
Weight: 61.1 g
Description: Copper alloy Middle Bronze Age socketed spearhead. The blade is leaf-shaped with a lozengiform-sectioned midrib. The edges have been substantially chipped and abraded. The tip is missing. The hollow socket expands to a circular-sectioned mouth 17.9mm in diameter (internal diameter 12.4mm).



Casting ribs are visible running along both sides of the body from the mouth to the point at which the blade commences. On one side, the casting rib has been filed, on the other it has been left. Similarly, a casting rib is visible running from the tip of the blade down the body to the socket on both faces. One has been filed, the other is untouched. On either side of the socket are the stubs of loops. These appear to have been filed down. Between the stubs on one side is an irregualrly shaped hole which appears to be casting flaw. On the opposite side a hole has been drilled.



Total length: 125.5mm, maximum width: 28.1mm, minimum width: 11.4mm, maximum thickness: 9.9mm, minimum thickness: 1.5mm, weight: 61.1g.



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



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



Cf. WILT-1F3709, HESH-CE6980 & SOM-DB1205.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barwick, South Somerset, Somerset ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.56 mm
Description: A cast copper-alloy Bronze Age chisel, the artefact may be a leatherworking tool because of the bevelled cutting edge.



The chisel measures 64.56mm long. It is divided into two parts by a transverse rib. One part, the longer, at 34.30mm, is a rectangular sectioned tool measuring 4.76mm x 3.87mm in section below the rib and tapering to a gouge at the end which is S shaped in cross section. The other part of the implement is also square in section, 28.04mm in length. It measures 4.44mm x 4.05mm in section and tapers more sharply than on the other side, terminating in a narrow point. 



The overall length is 64.56mm and the width (across the rib) is 10.28mm The object weighs 5.61g. 



It has smooth mid green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Description: A very small copper alloy double side-looped socketed spearhead of the Middle Bronze Age, c 1500-1150 BC. There is damage to the socket and spear edges. The blade is 16.0mm wide, the other measurements are shown below. Side-looped spearheads are Class IV and date from the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, about 1500-1150 BC.Edit



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 SWYOR-3D024E on this database.
Notes: Rally Record Orange 264
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Warningcamp, Arun, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.61 mm
Thickness: 8.48 mm
Weight: 32 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age sword or dagger blade, 1150-700BC. The object is a sub-rectangular fragment of copper alloy, with a straight, horizontal break or cut at both the top and bottom ends. There is a broad, convex-surfaced mid-rib on either face, flanked by a pair of vertical grooves. Either side of this mid-rib the thickness gradually tapers towards the cutting edge. The blade is broken at either end. The breaks are well patinated and indicate that it was broken in antiquity.

Date: Late Bronze Age - c. 1150 - 700 BC. In this database is similar to DOR-B4D511.



Length: 33.61 mm

Width: 34.03 mm

Thickness: 8.48 mm

Weight: 32 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 13 mm
Description: 
The tip of an incomplete cast copper alloy axe blade of probable Middle to Late Bronze Age date. The fragment is worn and it is not possible to ascertain what type of axe this came from.

Notes: Rally Record Orange 275A
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton Grey, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.09 mm
Thickness: 5.75 mm
Weight: 6.37 g
Description: 
A fragment of the rim of the socket, probably from a Bronze Age socketed axe. The rim has an out-turned collar but with no accompanying ridge.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bargate, City of Southampton, City of Southampton (South East)
Discovery method: Building work
Length: 335 mm
Thickness: 6.85 mm
Weight: 182 g
Description: An almost complete cast copper alloy Middle Bronze Age rapier. The butt is incomplete and damaged which makes the original shape difficult to determine. Two C-shaped incomplete rivet holes or notches lie in the upper part of the butt, which is where the handle would have been attached. The notches are spaced approximately 24.82 mm apart. Slight shadow (shallowing of the metal) of the handle is visible just under the rivet holes extending centrally to the top of the break.

This widest point (49.52 mm) is at the shoulders. The blade extends c. 290 mm from the base of the butt and is approximately 30.61 mm wide at the very top, and narrows to 25.20 mm for much of the length of the blade, gradually narrowing further towards the tip of the blade (7.02 mm). The edge of the blade is damaged in several areas where small notches are missing. On either edge of the blade approximately 54.31 mm from the tip of the blade is a V-shaped notch (one is slightly more pronounced than the other and they are not quite parallel). These look intentional but may of course be damage.

Below the shoulder and extending into the blade, the edge is curved. This is apparent to one edge only as the other is badly disfigured with irregular notches, possibly the result of corrosion as there are large spots or pits close to the edge, presumably corrosion.

A central, clearly defined mid rib extends the length of the blade to the uppermost part of the butt and is slightly more pronounced on one face. The blade lozengiform in cross section.

The surfaces have a dark patina, though one face is very smooth and shows a golden-brown original surface colour. Both faces show heavy pitting along the entire surface of the object.

The total length of the object is 335 mm. The thickness varies along the blade from 6.85 mm towards the top, to 1.43 mm at the tip. It weighs 182 g (to the nearest 2 g).

The rapier has some similarities in terms of dimensions, possible butt shape and rivet hole placement to Burgess and Gerloffs's (1981) Group IV - Type Cloontia (or Group IV: Miscellaneous weapons with archaic butts).
Subsequent action: Part of an extant museum collection
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Odiham, Hart, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Twelve fragments of probable Bronze Age ingots.All may be from plano-convex ingots. The weights are 69.0g, 57.14g, 35.35g, 39.63g, 34.28g, 33.71g, 29.55g, 14.21g, 22.86g, 11.05g, 6.35g and 13.79g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rudgwick, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.8 mm
Thickness: 9.4 mm
Weight: 63.79 g
Description: A small cast copper alloy Early Bronze Age developed flat axehead, probably dating to between 2200 -1500 BC. The axehead has a narrow round-ended damaged butt, which widens into a sub-triangular axehead in plan, with very worn dual-facetted flanges. The blade-end is wide and convex, but not crescentic with pointed ends, like other types from the same period. The blade-end has a pointed oval cross-section, whereas the body of the blade is facetted, creating an elongated hexagonal cross-section; the butt is sub-rectangular in cross-section. The axehead has an overall dark green patina. No regular decoration is visible. Parallels for the form can be found in Schmidt & Burgess's Developed Flat Axe series (1981, 59-68).



The axehead measures 67.8mm long, 15.7mm wide (at butt-end), 31.4mm wide (at blade-end), 2.8mm thick (at butt-end), 2mm thick (at blade-end),9.4mm thick (at centre); weight: 63.79 grams.



A similar axehead is recorded on the PAS data base: SUSS-4D7454.
Notes: Reference: Schmidt, P., and Burgess, C. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Munchen: C. H. Beck'sche, Verlagsbuchandlung
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tharston and Hapton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 27.31 g
Description: Very small Early Bronze Age flat axehead. Both faces are badly pockmarked with many pocks being quite recent. There has been some recent damage to the cutting edge. Perhaps used a chisel and far too small to have functioned as a axe (see discussion under LANCUM-B28EB0 and LANCUM-8ADC2F). Length 61mm. Width 22.2mm. Thickness 5.3mm. Weight 27.31mm. c.2000 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 133.26 mm
Diameter: 21.49 mm
Weight: 109.3 g
Description: A copper alloy leaf-shaped side-looped spearhead from the Taunton Phase of the Middle Bronze Age c. 1400-1250 BC. The blade is flat with channelled grooves on the face where the stem rib meets the blade. The mid-rib is rounded and joins a broad circular sectioned socket, which has an outer inset bevel at the socket mouth. The loops are small and squat and are lozenge shape. The loops are undrilled - they are solid rather than hollow. A smaller spearhead but with an almost identical 'loops' was found in AD 1871 in Fyfield, only a couple of kilometers from this example, and is now in the Ashmolean (accession number Ash.M 1927.2706). A small number of similar spearheads with undrilled loops have recently been recorded from across Oxfordshire; from from Cherwell (BERK-D20304), Bampton (BERK-44F126) and Wendlebury (OXON-838037).



With a smooth dark green patina, there is no evidence of this item having been used. The edges are still sharp and there is no indication of wear. The socket diameter is 21.48mm. with an internal diameter of 18.0mm.



Ref: The Organisation of Middle Bronze Age metalworking by M.J. Rowlands, BAR (British Archaeological Reports) 31(i) 1976. Part i: Discussion - p 51-52. Part ii: Catalogue and Plates - closest example is in Plate 37 no. 1330 - Davis R. Object Data sheet No.5  A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads, Group 6.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Hambledon, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.65 mm
Thickness: 5.56 mm
Weight: 2.97 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age gold, lock-ring, 1000-750 BC. The ring is a Late Bronze Age example that has a triangular cross section. It is hollow and was constructed around a now lost organic core (possibly wood or wax: see La Niece and Cartwright 2009). The ring has flat terminals and is decorated on both outer facing surfaces with incised striations. These decorative lines are set at angles to one another in a triangular pattern.



Dimensions:

Width: 4.55 mm

Thickness: 5.56 mm

Weight: 2.97 g

Diameter: 20.65 mm



Discussion:



Lock-rings are Late Bronze Age ornaments made from gold plates, secured together by a binding strips to create a hollow and incomplete ring. The three gold plates, technically termed face plates, are sometimes decorated with repoussé decoration or with fine concentric incised lines imitating fine wire work. More infrequently, lock-rings are made from face plates formed or constructed from individual gold wires fused together or from striped twisted gold wires soldered together (Murgia et al. 2014). The Hambledon lock-ring is an example of solid face plates decorated with incised decoration. These are relatively rare. Eogan (1969) recorded only three examples (Ibid., fig.4, nos. 39-40, 43) and only two of these (both found between Haverhill and Saffron Walden in Essex) carry decoration that closely resembles the Hambledon find: interlocking chevrons.



A similar example of a triangular cross sectioned lock-ring can be found in ESS-5ECCA2 as well as three examples from LANCUM-C98FBF and two from LVPL-5DFE32.



Lock-rings are known across Britain, Ireland and North-West France (see Eogan 1994, fig. 41). The find is therefore consistent with the known distribution pattern.
Notes: As this object is more than 10% precious metal and is probably over 300 years old, The ring will fall under the Treasure Act of 1996.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Hambledon, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 7.04 mm
Weight: 10.87 g
Description: Gold, Bronze age, penannular ring, 1150-750 BC. This is a copper alloy core that has been gold coated, such as NMS-183C7E. One of the terminals has been damaged and the copper alloy core exposed. The ring is circular in section with flat opposed terminals. The ring has a tiger striped colouration around the inside of the internal diameter. This is a patination found on other examples such as HAMP-C18814 and SUSS-EA6735.



These rings are often erroneously referred to as 'ring money' though there is no evidence to suggest that they were used as currency. They are predominantly believed to have been used for personal adornment, such as earrings or nose rings, they have even been suggested as hair ornaments. A complete example can be found in HAMP-0F9AF6 and there are numerous others recorded on the database, some found as part of hoards.



Work on these rings can be found in (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008), See NMGW-04216C for full references.



.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 10.6 mm
Height: 25.3 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 3.57 g
Description: Copper alloy possible axe head fragment. Fragment from the cutting edge of a copper alloy axe; what remains has a straight edge with broken corners and a marked V section. Polished by wear or use. This is most likely to come from towards one side of the blade, as the midpart of a socketed axe blade would usually exhibit marked curvature. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 10.6mm, Height: 25.3mm, Thickness: 4.1mm, Weight: 3.57gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.1 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 28.65 g
Description: Copper alloy sword fragment. A short fragment from a leaf-shaped sword blade of lentoid section with faint grooves on either side running parallel to the two cutting edges. The edges converge, suggesting this fragment to come from near the mid-part of the blade. The development of swords designed for a slashing action is attributed to the later Bronze Age. The broken edge at one end of the fragment is worn [bottom], but the opposite edge [top] is rough and may suggest a larger sword fragment has been further fragmented in recent times. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 26.1mm, Width: 38.1mm, Thickness: 5.9mm, Weight: 28.65gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offley, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.88 mm
Thickness: 11.61 mm
Weight: 51.35 g
Description: 
A Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe blade; the lower part of the socket is present. The object is worn and very little of the original surface survives.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offley, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.6 mm
Thickness: 16.07 mm
Weight: 30.57 g
Description: A large fragment of a small Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe with thin walls. The section through the axe is almost oval. The remaining depth of the socket is 37mm. The axe is worn and pitted with no original surfaces surviving.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offley, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.79 mm
Thickness: 15.41 mm
Weight: 64 g
Description: 
The butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave axe. The beginnings of the side wings survive, giving an H-section at the break.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offley, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.71 mm
Weight: 3.52 g
Description: A Bronze Age to Iron Age copper-alloy awl, 59mm long. The awl is square in section across the centre. One end is circular in section, the opposite end is flattened.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Tuddenham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 127 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight: 343 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy loopless palstave, no stop ridge, deep flanges, with surface patination surviving between them on one face, elsewhere corroded and pitted, one outer angle of blade missing. Length 127mm. Extant width of blade 56mm. Thickness of body, 14mm, at flanges 30mm. Weight 343g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hamstall Ridware, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.5 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 35.6 g
Description: An incomplete developed flat axe with hammer raised flanges, of later Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2000 BC to c. 1700 BC).



The axehead is broadly rectangular, with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt is narrow and rounded and measures 14.2 mm in width and is 2.7 mm thick. In profile the axe is a sub pointed oval with both terminals tapering. In section the axe is slightly H-shaped as the side edges of the axe have been worked to form a slight raised collar rather than cast flanges. The flanges extend 1.0 mm above the body of the axe head. The expanded blade measures 23.8 mm in width and is 2.5 mm thick.



The axehead measures 52.5 mm in length, maximum width of 23.7 mm (blade), minimum width 14.2 (butt), width 17.4 mm (centre). It is 2.7 mm thick at the blade, 2.7 mm thick at the butt, and 8.0 mm thick at the central point. It weighs 35.6 g.



The axehead is a dark brown colour, with an even but pitted surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.



This axehead is similar to those recorded on the PAS database as DOR-28154A and NMS-370DE4, consistent with that of the Arreton type axe, of Early Bronze Age III dating, metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL BC.



Peter Reavill (FLO Herefordshire & Shropshire) commented on DOR-28154A that the Arreton type of long-flanged developed flat axes (cf Burgess and Schmidt: Axes of Northern Britain pp 65 - 75 specifically 420, 423and 413). Burgess and Schmidt suggest from their study that the distribution of this Arreton type concentrates in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Their work though looks directly at the axes of Scotland and Northern England.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frolesworth, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 122 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 125 g
Description: Bronze Age copper alloy Palstave, 122mm in length, 57mm wide and 17mm thick with a weight of 125grams.



The object appears complete and consists of a rectangular butt end which is 20mm wide and 6mm thick and extends for 46mm. This has flanged sides, which emerge from the butt end and widen until the object is 17mm thick at the point that these turn to form a stop. From here the object narrows out in thickness and widens out into a triangular shaped blade with a slightly curved edge. At the tip it is 57mm wide and 4mm thick. Each edge of the blade has a slight rounded lip and there is a rounded 'rib' running from the centre, where it emerges from the 'stop' dispaearring into the blade surface near its tip.



The object is probably an unlooped mid rib palstave and is similar to e.g. 157 p. 105  in National Museum of Wales Bronze Age catalogue.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brandon and Bretford, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.6 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 40.78 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy Bronze Age axehead, dating to circa 1900-1100 BC. The remains consist of the blade and a small portion of the body of the axehead. There do not appear to be any traces of a socket, indicating that it is probably not a socketed axe from the later Bronze Age. The blade is slightly flared and crescent shaped, perhaps suggesting that the axehead is either a flanged or palstave type of middle Bronze Age date. The axehead has an abraded green/brown coloured patina. There are areas of active corrosion on the object.



The axehead measures 44.6 mm long, 29 mm wide at the blade, 7.3 mm thick and weighs 40.78 grams
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Watlington, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.92 mm
Weight: 3.41 g
Description: A Bronze Age to Iron Age copper-alloy awl measuring 46mm. The awl has one rectangular-sectioned end, one circular-sectioned end and a square-sectioned middle.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ketteringham, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.5 mm
Weight: 13.58 g
Description: Fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe. Extant length 25.5mm. Extant width 32.5mm. Weight 13.58g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentney, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 122 mm
Weight: 21.41 g
Description: Incomplete and distorted probably Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl. One half of the length is sub-square in cross-section and tapers to a blunt end. The other is sub-circular and tapers to a point, which has split longitudinally with the loss of one half. The surface is dull overall. Length 122mm. Maximum width 7.2mm. Weight 21.41g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.3 mm
Diameter: 16.3 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 3.8 g
Description: A complete copper alloy ring-or-quoit headed pin of probable Middle Bronze Age date. The pin has an open ring as its head, cast in one piece and slightly flatter in section than the shank at the juntion of both. There is no decoration on the pin head. The shank has a circular cross section and gently tapers to a sharp point; there is a slight bend towards the bottom of the shank.



Small undecorated pins, including quoit headed pins, are generally dated to the Taunton phase of the Middle Bronze Age, c.1500-1200 BC. However, the date for these smaller examples, which may be either decorated or undecorated, may be slightly earlier. About 50 examples are recorded and mostly restricted to southern England and East Anglia.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wimborne St. Giles, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.41 mm
Weight: 6.25 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy rapier of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, c BC1400-800. The fragment consists of 46.41mm length of blade. It is damaged on both edges and there are early breaks at each end. It is 11.85mm in width at one end and 12.70mm at the other. The rapier blade is nearly flat in cross section (2.13mm thick) but there is some tapering towards the edges so it has a slightly elliptical cross section.



It weighs 6.25g. It has a dark green patina and a heavily pitted surface.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.55 mm
Weight: 47.08 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy palstave of Middle Bronze Age dating to the period c.1500-1300 BC. The item consists of 33.55mm of the end of the socketed part designed to fit a wooden handle. This piece appears to have broken away at an early date and the extreme end, in particular, shows further damage with lumps missing from the surface on both sides which might be due to poor casting. The flanges are clearly present on both sides, ending just short of the palstave itself. At the break the central part is 8.64mm thick,the flanges extending the thickness to16.63mm.The width is 26.48mm at the break, tapering to 22.71mm at the far end.



It weighs 47.08g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stagsden, Bedford, Bedford (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.6 mm
Weight: 7.48 g
Description: A copper alloy object of unknown date. The object is conical in shape, the base is circular, and broken in an irregular shape, one side projects further down. Inside the object is concave. The point of the cone is rounded. The object has a light green patina, and is 18.6mm in length, 14.9mm in width and 7.48g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leasingham, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Weight: 7.96 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy spearhead of middle Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 1000 BC. Only the tip of the spear remains which is triangular in plan and lozenge in section with mid-ribs. No socket is present. An insufficient portion of the spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed. The metal has a mid-green patina and is pitted and worn.The length is 43mm, the width is 12mm and the weight 7.96g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pendleton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 134.63 g
Description: A complete Early Bronze Age cast copper-alloy undecorated developed flat axe (c. 2000-1700 BC): This implement is sub-rectangular in plan with an expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt, in plan, is complete with a rounded terminal. The side profile of the axe is lentoid with both terminals tapering. In cross section the body of the axe has lentoid profile. The axe appears to be undecorated. The butt end of the axe has been hammered flat creating a proto-stop ridge. The blade tip flares outwards from the body forming a concave hollow. The blade appears to be symmetrical. There is an obvious cutting edge bevel towards the blade edge where it has been hammered for sharpening. The surface of the axe has a dark greenish-brown patina. The length is 104mm, the width of blade is 60mm, width of butt is 27mm, thickness 18mm and the weight 134.63g.



The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Early Bronze Age (EBA III) of metalworking stage IV-V (more likely V) specifically within the developed flat axe tradition which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL.BC. This axe is very similar to a number of examples specifically from the type: Brandon. These are described by Burgess and Schmidt in Catalogue of the Axes in Northern Britain as: being "notably smaller than other advanced flat axes, usually under 130mm length. They have straight parallel or near parallel sides which curve out suddenly just above the blade to a widely expanded crescentic cutting edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 154.52 mm
Thickness: 58.51 mm
Weight: 450 g
Description: A cast complete but slightly worn and corroded Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave axe of Acton Park (phase 2) or Taunton phases (c. 1500 - c. 1150 BC). 



Description: It is unlooped with high, curved flanges, fused to the stop ridge. The flanges start to rise gradually from the butt, reaching a maximum height above the septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge). There is a molding seam (or ridge) running the middle length of the blade on each side edge although on edge it is obscured by corrosion).There are three longitudinal ridges decorating each face of the blade from the stop ridge unevenly along the blade. The object has suffered heavy pitted corrosion on one edge and a few other areas of the palstave. The blade edge and the butt end are bother highly uneven and abraded which may be evidence of plough damage but the level of wear makes this uncertain. Where it survives the patina is dark green to mid-brown color. The corrosion is a light green turquoise colour.



Measurements:  154.52mm long, 27.17mm wide (at the stop ridge), 58.51mm thick (at blade tip, 23.15mm thick at butt end)  450g (aproximately)



Discussion: http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/axe: The term palstave is very misleading as it comes from the Icelandic 'Paalstab' meaning a digging tool not a type of axe. However the term is used in British archeology to describe where there is a stop and the flanges disappear into the stop. Palstaves are also thicker below the stop. They are usually decorated on the blade and as time went on developed loops. This example fits the Acton Park (phase 2) or Taunton phases palstaves whcih date it to c. 1500 - c. 1150 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Farnsfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.5 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 16.14 g
Description: A fragment from the tip of a copper alloy spearhead, probably of the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1500 - c. 1100 BC. It has a pronounced midrib that extends to the tip, The blade edges are very worn and taper to a worn blunted point. The butt end terminates in what appears to be an ancient break. Overall, the shape is consistent with a side-looped socketed spear head, but not enough of the object remains for definite identification. The object may be the tip of a rapier - its cross-section is very similar to that of a rapier - but it is more likely to be the tip of a spearhead.



The object has an even dark green patina, with some pitting and corrosion.



Overall, the object measures 59.5 mm long, 14.8 mm wide (tapering to 3.7 mm at the tip) and 9.7 mm thick. It weighs 16.14 g.



A similar object is recorded as WMID-B2794D
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Easingwold, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100.37 mm
Thickness: 8.71 mm
Weight: 142.6 g
Description: A largely complete but corroded cast copper alloy flat axe of Early Bronze Age date (c. BC 2000 - 1700 ).



The flat axe is broadly sub-rectangular in plan, widening to a gently splayed blade. In profile, it is broadly lentoid, with slight tapering edges. The flat axe head has an overall length of 100.37mm and the axe weighs 142.6 grams. It should be noted that the axe is relatively small when compared to the corpus of known Early Bronze Age material. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow rounded profile; the width at the butt is 14.57mm with a thickness of 3.8mm. The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively curved.There is no evidence of a median bevel; however, the axe is thickest at the mid point at 8.71mm. The sides of the blade expand to produce a blade edge width of 30.37mm. The blade edge has been damaged through either corrosion or wear.



There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on any surface of the axe due to corrosion and patina. The axe is a mid green brown colour; where damage has occurred there is a light green active corrosion product present.



This example is comparable with some of the earliest known copper axe and early bronze axes discovered in Britain.The axehead is likely to date from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age, and is comparable to Migdale axes although not containing all the attributes of the type. Many Migdale axes tend to have narrower butts which flare more at the cutting edge to crescent blades. Examples of similar Migdale axes can be found in Schmidt and Burgess 'The Axes of Scotland and Northern England'.



There are similar examples at HESH-ACD6C1, NMGN-4FCA62 and NMGW-89E573.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1750 to -1550)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Peckham, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.62 mm
Weight: 16.6 g
Description: A fragment of early Bronze Age copper-alloy dagger or dirk, possibly of Camerton-Snowshill type (Period 4)  c.1750-1550 BC



Description: The dagger survives only as the point end and has linear decoration of six parallel lines creating a ribbing effect, on both sides, running either side of a mid-rib to meet below but on the same line as blade point. The dagger has a lozenge-shaped cross section and the break is ragged and appears to have happened in antiquity. Despite the break the blade is in relatively good condition save for a number of nicks along its edge. The blade is a dark brown and orange colour and is not showing particularly obvious signs of copper corrosion.



Measurements: 78.62mm long, 22.49mm wide, 3.25mm thick and 16.6g in weight



Discussion: This fragment likely relates to a dagger of early Bronze Age, specifically of Camerton-Snowshill type or a derivative thereof, these daggers relate to the end of the early Bronze Age (Period 4)  c.1750-1550 BC.
Notes: 
We are grateful to Peter Reevil and Stuart Needham for further information on this object.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Peckham, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.95 mm
Height: 18.15 mm
Thickness: 12.35 mm
Weight: 10.37 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper alloy socketed axe, dating to the Late Bronze Age - c. 1000 - 800 BC.



Description: The fragment represents part of the socketed end of the axe and is unevenly shaped. Part of the rimmed collar for the socket remains. Just after the rim there is a side loop to help secure the axe to its handle. There is substantial casting line running from the rim and along the mid-line of the loop onto the body of the axe. It appears this casting feature has had very limited finishing. The fragment is dark green on the surfaces and a light green on the breaks which may suggest the axe was broken while in the ground but a substantial time after its deposition.



Measurements: 27.95mm long, 18.15mm high, 12.35mm thick and 10.37g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Three fragments of Bronze Age metal working debris, the larger may be part of a plano-convex ingot.  



Fragment 1:  15.56g



Fragment 2:  17.98g



Fragment 3:  Thickness 13.70mm, weight 98g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1150 to -1)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.6 mm
Diameter: 5.5 mm
Weight: 7 g
Description: 
A late Bronze Age to Iron Age copper-alloy possible awl which is sub-circular in section and flatter at the wider end. The surface of the awl is rough and has a dark green patina.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight: 6.22 g
Description: Fragment of probable Middle Bronze Age copper alloy unidentified object, just under half extant, 'moustache-shaped' and in pitted and corroded condition, with the lower tip damaged. transverse break across a central hollow. There are the remains of multiple longitudinal grooves on the upper face of the moustache and a plain constriction before the point. Height / length 26mm. Width 13mm. Thickness 13mm. Weight 6.22g. The date of this enigmatic object is uncertain. Examples occurred in the Salisbury Hoard, which contained Bronze Age material but was buried in the Iron Age (Stead 1998). An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (see entry for HAMP-C04CC3). Other Norfolk examples have been found in Gayton (HER 16121), Barton Bendish (HER 17600), Methwold (HER 5235), Runcton Holme (HER 33872), Shernborne (HER 24431), Shouldham Thorpe (HER 39265), Snettisham (HER 24432), Swaffham (HER 29208), see Rogerson and Ashley (2009), 556-7, figs.1-3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 207 mm
Thickness: 23.5 mm
Description: A complete Middle Bronze Age basal-looped spearhead measuring 207mm in length. Although complete the blade edges are slightly 'nibbled' where they are very thin. The shaft bears extensive filing where the casting seams have been removed. The socket is 150mm long internally and the opening of the socket is 22.0mm by 23.5mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tidmarsh, West Berkshire, West Berkshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 176 mm
Thickness: 23.25 mm
Weight: 94 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age pegged spearhead, now much damaged and in two pieces. The central part of the spearhead is missing and the edges are ragged. The spearhead may have lain horizontally while in the ground and appears to have been shattered by the action of a plough.



The spear is slender with a long hollow socket. Only a fragment of the socket extremity survives but does not retian evidence for a peg hole. On the larger fragment the socket survives to an extent of 127mm. The diameter of the mouth of the socket can be estimated at c.30mm. The original length of the spearhead may be in the order of 230mm.



The spearhead belongs in the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age, c.900-700BC.
Notes: 
The dimensions given here relate to the larger fragment.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Osbournby, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.08 mm
Thickness: 2.13 mm
Description: An incomplete copper alloy knife dating to the late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC). The tang and shoulders of the knife remain and the blade tapers to an old break. A longitudinal ridge runs down the centre of the blade. The blade edges are incomplete on both sides.



The overall dimensions are as follows: 56.08mm in length, 17.33mm in width and 2.13mm in thickness.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.6 mm
Thickness: 2.38 mm
Weight: 3.42 g
Description: 
The extreme tip of a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier or sword.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grayingham, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.6 mm
Thickness: 9.2 mm
Weight: 8.9 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 BC. Only the tip of the spear remains which is triangular in plan and lozenge in section. The very tip has been lost to old worn breaks and a deep socket is present (18.9mm).



An insufficient portion of the spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed, though it is probably comparable with the range of spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is pitted and worn. The spear is 37.6mm long, 12.7mm wide, 9.2mm thick and weighs 8.9g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 149.48 mm
Thickness: 18.46 mm
Weight: 380 g
Description: A complete copper alloy, Bronze Age, palstave 1500-1000BC. The palstave has a broad cutting edge that has some worn chipped dammage to the blade. This tapers down towards the butt of the axe, levelling out at the mid point of the object. There is a rib running down towards the blade from the middle of the piece on both sides, this rib tapers out about halfway to the edge. The butt end of the palstave has an H shaped section with two deep recesses running towards the butt. The flanges are broad and oval in shape. Running the length of the object on the top and bottom sides is a casting seam from the mould. The object has a mottled dark and light green patination. The dark green is almost grey perhaps suggesting a high tin content.



Length: 149.48mm
Width: 54.38mm
Thickness: 18.46mm
Weight: 380g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woldingham, Tandridge, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.27 mm
Thickness: 7.2 mm
Weight: 25.46 g
Description: 
A section of a very worn blade from a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper-alloy spear with the blade edges missing. The spear has a rounded spine with four narrow grooves in a band on each side.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder