dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Harness Fitting (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bolton-le-Sands, Lancaster, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Controlled archaeological investigation (stratified)
Length: 30 mm
Diameter: 5.5 mm
Weight: 11.32 g
Description: Copper alloy ring probably Late Bronze Age dating 1000 to 800BC. It is circular in shape with a defined circumferential ridge running around the centre and flattened faces above and below. The interior surface exhibits scratch or wear marks which appear to have occurred during use. The ring has a pitted dark brown patina with patches of green. The length is 30mm, and the width is 30mm, the thickness is 5.5mm and the weight is 11.32g. Associated with, LANCUM-0633E7, LANCUM-0788A0, LANCUM-060825.jpg, LANCUM-064172 and LANCUM-069462and LANCUM-069462. Similar to WILT-091140, LANCUM-672196 and NMS-6E1D71.



Similar rings have been discovered in a number of Bronze Age hoards and have been suggested as horse harness fittings, as being part of the handles of a sheet-metal cauldron of Class A1 (Type Tul-na-cross) and Class B1 (Types Llyn Fawr, Ballyshannon and Castlederg) (Gerloff 2010, Pl. 17, 7b; Pl.32, 14a; Pl. 33, 14f-h; Pl. 34, 15d, Pl. 54, 33c and Pl. 66, 37g)., or part of a chain from which a cauldron or other vessel was suspended over a fire.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Cremation (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy White metal
Found: Bolton-le-Sands, Lancaster, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Controlled archaeological investigation (stratified)
Description: A copper alloy tab with an iron attachment or stud which appears to be broken. 2. A lump of metal, possibly copper alloy which appears to have been molten. 3. A lump of metal possibly silver or lead which appears to have been molten. 1=29mm 2=20mm, 3= 16mm in length, 1=15mm, 2=9mm,3=9mm in width and 1=14mm, 2=8mm,3=6mm in thickness.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Cremation (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bolton-le-Sands, Lancaster, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Controlled archaeological investigation (stratified)
Description: 3 fragments of what appears to be copper alloy metal fragments each of which appears to have been molten, although 1 appears to have possibly been worked. 1=19mm 2=24mm, 3= 34mm in length, 1=15mm, 2=17mm,3=21mm in width and 1=6.5mm, 2=2mm,3=14mm in thickness
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Therfield, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.5 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 10.52 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy Dirk. The blade of the Dirk has a sub lozengiform cross section, raised central rib and bevelled edges, burnished with fine longitudinal striations. Weights 10.52g. Surviving length 60.5mm. Surviving width (at break) 21mm. Thickness at break 4mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Therfield, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier. The blade of the rapier has a pointed oval cross section, central ridge and bevelled edges, burnished with fine longitudinal striations. Weights 15.91g. Surviving length 67mm. Surviving width (at break) 17mm. Thickness at break 4.5mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elmdon, Solihull, Solihull (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.8 mm
Thickness: 16.7 mm
Weight: 144.8 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy (bronze) blade, probably from a palstave of Middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1500 BC to c. 1150 BC).



The blade fragment is triangular in both shape and cross section. Only the lower portion of the blade is present, it has broken below the stop ridge. The sides are concave. The cutting edge is lost, but it still retains a convex form.



The palstave fragment measures 61.8 mm in length, 41.8 wide (at the blade), 24.8 mm wide (at the break), 16.7 mm thick (at the break) and 6.0 mm thick (at the blade). It weighs 144.8 g.



The palstave was tested at Birmingham Museums Trust Conservation Laboratory using a Mistral XRF machine to determine the composition of the alloy.






Location

			
Cu (%)

			
Fe (%)

			
Pb (%)

			
Sn (%)

			
In (%)

			
Al (%)

		


Front

			
8.07

			
17.46

			
0.40

			
40.60

			
0.12

			
33.34

		


Back

			
43.71

			
2.68

			
0.26

			
23.74

			
-

			
29.61

		



The palstave fragment is a mid brown to dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of most of the original surface detail. All breaks are patinated.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Langtoft, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.35 mm
Thickness: 11.82 mm
Weight: 28 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy spearhead dating from the later Middle Bronze Age, about 1400 – 1125 BC. The remaining portion of the spearhead is triangular in plan with a pointed ovate section. Pronounced midribs are present on both faces of the spear expanding from the pointed tip to a lozenge terminal end. The blade extends to either side of the midrib terminating in abraded edges.



The metal has a light blackish-green patina and is worn. The spearhead is 60.35mm long, 26.93mm wide, 11.82mm thick and weighs 28g.



This fragment is likely to be the lower portion of YORYM-9976A6 which is from the same location. That portion of the spearhead has basal loops indicative of spearheads of the Taunton and Penard phases, 1400 – 1125 BC (Davis, 2017); the type corresponds with Davis Group 8.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Description: Fragment of the blade of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier, both ends broken, and badly pockmarked on one face. A broad central band on both faces is flat. Burgess and Gerloff 1981 Group IV. Extant length 20.5mm. Width 19.5mm. Thickness 3.7mm. Weight 5.33g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 19.5 mm
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy finger ring formed from a coiled pointed-oval sectioned bar. The intact end is narrowed and rounded. One and a half coils remain. External diameter 18 - 19.5mm. Width and thickness of bar 4.5 and 1.6mm. Cf. Smith 1959, GB 47 no.5 and SUSS-C5D042. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-800 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 118.5 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 34.16 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged knife with expanded butt and leaf-shaped blade with a low mid-rib, in very sharp condition with brown surfaces. A few small patches have spalled to reveal verdigris. Length 118.5mm. Width 29mm. Thickness 4.3mm. Weight 34.16g. Very similar to an example in the Reach Fen hoard (Hawkes 1956, GB17 3 no. 3). c.800 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 10.5 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 5.41 g
Description: Fragment of the cutting edge of a Bronze Age cast copper alloy axehead of uncertain type, with ancient breaks and recent scuffing. Extant length, width and thickness 10.5, 29.5 and 5.7mm. Weight 5.41g. c.2350 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Firle, Lewes, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.9 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 6.7 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy probable Bronze Age spearhead.  The fragment is pointed oval in cross-section, with both ends broken.  Further identification is difficult due to damage of the object. The fragment is of a dark green colour with pitted surface and measures 16.9 mm long, 18 mm wide (maximum), 6.3 mm thick and weighs 6.7 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 17.18 mm
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 3.23 g
Description: 
A cast copper alloy fragment, probably a loop from a Late Bronze Age socketed axe.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sedgeford, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, point only, finely cast with the socket extending into the blade and containing blackened remains of burnt clay. Fine ribs flank the tapering srib of the socket on both faces. Surviving length 61mm. Surviving width 28mm Thickness at break 10mm. c.900 - c.800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilcompton, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 24.35 g
Description: Copper alloy Bronze Age blade fragment from a knife. This has a low oval cross-section with tapered blades on either side. On both the top and bottom is a line that run parallel with the blade, demarking the cutting edge of the main body of the knife. The front and back ends are truncated making it possible that this is around the middle of the middle of the knife. This artefact date to the late Bronze Age The date range for this type of knife is c1100 to c800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilcompton, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 58.82 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed spearhead that dates to the middle Bronze Age. The blade of the spearhead is leaf-shaped with gently curving edges, the tip of the spearhead missing. The socket is triangular and tapers from the base to the tip of the spearhead. On both sides (8mm above the base) is an integral loop, both of which are truncated. On both sides above the loop (33 mm from the base) is a small rectangular hole, this is presumably a result of the manufacturing process and could be were a pin held sockets core during casting. The aperture at the base (16mm in diameter). The spearhead appears to be undecorated, but corrosion has removed the entire original surface leaving a pitted exterior. This artefact dates to 1500-1150BC, see WAW-DC8222 for further discussion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.5 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 35.09 g
Description: Incomplete and distorted Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, the badly scuffed cutting edge and part of the socket. The breaks are ancient but with much recent scuffing. Extant length 37.5mm. Width 35mm. Thickness 11.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



B field
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1140)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Teffont, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.5 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 5.46 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Bronze Age (1275-1140 BC) arrowhead, missing its tip and the ends of the barbs. There is a large crack where the tang joins the rest of the arrowhead, which has nearly split it into two parts.



Cast in a two piece mould, this arrowhead is barbed and tanged in form, with the two sides forming an angle of approximately 30 degrees. It is 41.50mm long (approximately 20mm of the original length is missing), 17.45mm wide from barb to barb, 3.20mm thick and weighs 5.46g. The tang is complete and measures c.22.90mm long, 8.20mm wide and 2.50mm thick. The arrowhead has a low mid rib, giving the object a lozengiform section. Much of the original surface survives with a dark green patina, but it is heavily scratched and pitted. The exposed surfaces are mid green in colour, but there are patches of red suggesting it was deposited in ground containing iron.



There is only one bronze arrowhead from a secure Bronze Age context in Britain and that was in the Penard hoard, first reported in Archaeologica 71, page 138. The Penard arrowhead also has a mid rib. At the time of its discovery it was a unique find in Britain and was presumed to be an import as there are numerous finds of bronze arrowheads recorded from Northern France.



However, thanks to an increase in the number of reported metal detected finds, Bronze Age bronze arrowheads are now growing in number, though they remain a rare group of artefact. Dr Colin Pendleton reports that Suffolk has 17 known examples, of which 5 can be termed barbed and tanged. Norfolk has at least 4 recorded and more examples are being added to the database from around the country. This suggests that bronze arrowheads were also a British tradition.



Though the barbed and tanged form was used in flint from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Bronze Age, the evidence from Penard, which dates from 1275-1140 BC, suggests that copper alloy arrowheads did not come into fashion until later in the Middle Bronze Age. Therefore this is the suggested date range for this arrowhead.



A similar arrowhead albeit with a mid ridge on one side rather than a mid rib is ESS-A41D75.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clifton Campville, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.7 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 94.9 g
Description: An incomplete developed flat axe with hammer raised flanges of later Early Bronze Age date (c. 2000 CAL BC to c. 1700 CAL BC).



Around 25% of the axehead is present, with the blade and part of the body present. The butt and rest of the body is missing, presumed lost in antiquity. The break is patinated, suggesting that it happened in antiquity.



The axehead is broadly sub rectangular in plan with a splayed crescent shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with slight tapering edges. At the break, the body of the axehead measures 26.4 mm wide and 12.9 mm thick. Neither the septum or the median bevel are present. The flanges are lozenge-shaped and are likely to have been raised rather than cast. In profile they are D shape and eroded projecting a maximum of 1.0 mm above the body of the axe. The sides of the blade expand to produce a crescentic blade edge with a width of 68.0 mm. There are a series of patinated striations (incised lines / file marks) running across the width of the axe. These may be a result of sharpening the cutting edge.



Overall the developed axe fragment measures 47.7 mm in length, 68.0 mm wide and 12.2 mm thick. It weighs 94.9 g.



The axe is a mid brown colour with an even surface patina. There are a couple of areas of pitting where the patina is no longer present, leaving a lighter green area.



Although incomplete the classification of the axe matches the descriptions and illustrations of the axe type Arreton ( (cf Burgess and Schmidt: Axes of Northern Britain pp65 - 75 specifically 409, 411 and 421) which is dated to Early Bronze Age III, of metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 CAL BC to 1700 CAL BC. 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: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Linstead Magna, Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.52 mm
Thickness: 12.57 mm
Weight: 62.3 g
Description: Bronze Age (-1,000 to -801) axe fragment: The remaining portion of the copper alloy axe is the blade which has a broken edge traversing the body of the axe. The blade cutting edge is almost symmetrical and is rounded and blunt. In plan the blade tips/sides flare outwards markedly. In section, from the break to the blade the section is an elongated triangle. The break, which is a short rectangle in plan, is not recent as the patina on the break matches that on the surface of the axe. The surface of the axe has patches of a well developed dark brown patina. It weighs 62.3g. From the cutting edge to the broken edge it measures 39.52mm; across the blade, from tip to tip, it measures 45.6mm wide; across the break it is 12.57mm thick.



The whether the axe was originally a socketed axe or flat axe is not known for certain but the size at the break may suggest it is more likely to be a socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age; 1,000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tacolneston, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 43.4 g
Description: Butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave, ancient break, length 34mm, width 28mm, thickness 17mm, weight 43.4g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



Field T3
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Forncett, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 10 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy chisel, part of the cutting edge in abraded condition with some patches of patination remaining. Width 32.5mm. Length 10mm. Thickness 5.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



Field MB7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ellerker, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.1 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 8.6 g
Description: A fragment of a sword or dagger of late Bronze Age date. The fragment is sub-rectangular in plan with a pointed ovate section. Both surfaces are undecorated and extremely worn.



The metal has a mid blackish-brown patina and is worn. The fragment is 33.1mm long, 16mm wide, 4.5mm thick and weighs 8.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wolvey, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 25.4 g
Description: A fragment from a copper alloy Bronze Age socketed spearhead. Only the tip survives. This is sub triangular in shape with a rib running along the centre of each side. The interior of this rib is hollow forming a socket that would have held a haft. The metal is green in colour with a shiny dark brown patina remaining in places.



Length: 46.0mm, width: 30.0mm, thickness: 11.0mm (socket), 5.0mm (tip), weight: 25.4g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-800 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brigstock, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98 mm
Diameter: 32 mm
Description: Dimensions: the axehead is 98mm long. The blade is 51mm wide. The socketed end is 32mm in diameter and flared. The suspension loop is 20mm long and 7mm wide.



The patina is a dark brown colour with areas of pitting showing green areas of active corrosion underneath.



Each face has three facets and each narrow side has a central casting rib.



discussion of the type, taken from HESH-07CD71: This axe can be classified as a Socked Axe of type Meldreth, possibly being sub-classified as a Variant Aylsham. This style / type of axe has a common distribution in the East of England. The majority of axes of this style have historically been found in the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire. The distribution pattern continues to a lesser degree in South-East England (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981: 211). However, a number of Meldreth Type axes have been found in hoards associated with South-Wales Types and Ewart Park Swords, for example the Stogursey Hoard, Somerset (ibid, 210). This is reflected in a local Marches distribution where they have been treated as exotics occurring in a Ewart Park phase hoard from Pencoyd, Herefordshire (HESH-802833) and a broken and damaged faceted axe from Westbury, Shropshire (HESH-F8A521).
Notes: Found very close to BH-A50566 (2013T655) and BH-0E91D6. Discussions as to whether these objects represent a single deposition event/hoard despite the distance apart are ongoing.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Lavington, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.46 mm
Weight: 25.35 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy late Bronze Age/early Iron Age socketed axehead missing all but a small fragment of the lip and side of the socket. There is a ridge running perpendicular to the lip, which is likely to decoration. The lip itself is thicker than the rest of the fragement (8.41mm as opposed to 5.47mm). It has a medium green patina. The both inner and outer surfacies are very smooth.Overall the fragment measures 26.46mm in length, 29.84mm wide and weighs 25.35 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Edington, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.3 mm
Weight: 14.8 g
Description: The corroded butt end of a cast copper alloy palstave axe of Middle Bronze Age date. The fragment is broadly rectangular in plan and H shaped in cross section, it measures 22.30mm in length and 22.10mm in width and weighs 14.80g. It displays prominent side ridges.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bunwell, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.7 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Description: Fragment, a mouth sherd only, of a Late Bronze Age socketed copper alloy object, probably a gouge. The breaks are ancient and smoothed. Extant length 20.7mm. Thickness 2.1 - 3.8mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1400 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy Copper alloy
Found: Stone with Bishopstone and Hartwell, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.13 mm
Thickness: 7.28 mm
Weight: 20.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy axe or palstave of the Bronze Age. The fragment consists of the curved tip of the blade, to a depth of only 15.52mm. The blade expands evenly either side from the cutting edge; the outer tips or edges of the balde are damaged, and internally the blade is solid at this point. The curve of the blade suggests this is a palstave rather than an axe, but it may be a later Bronze Age socket axe head. Because of the fragmentary nature of the artefact it is not possible to identify it further.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Malvern, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.03 mm
Thickness: 7.89 mm
Weight: 10.9 g
Description: Bronze Age spear (1500-800 BC): The upper portion of the spear remains, and this is an elongated triangle in plan, with an obliquely angled broken edge, the break is probably quite recent. There is no socket visible on this broken edge. In section the spear has an elongated sub-lozenge with slightly bevelled tips. The centre of the section has an oval cross-section thereby forming pronounced mid-ribs on the faces. The surface of the spear head has a well developed shiny mid green patina with some slight pitting. It measures is 37.03mm in length, 17.98mm wide, 7.89mm thick and weighs 10.9 grams.



The spear probably dates to the Middle or Late Bronze Age spearhead (1500-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Griston, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.5 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 8.63 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy penannular bracelet. At the broken end the cross-section is rectangular. From this the object curves, narrows and thickens to two encircling low ribs before a buffer terminal. The surfaces and the fracture are stained a dull brown. The form is quite close to that of gold examples such as PAS-B9D6E5 and NMGW-E48854. Length 30.5mm. 12 x 3.2mm at the break, 6 x 4.5mm before the terminal, diameter of terminal 10mm. The diameter of the complete object cannot be estimated with any confidence. Weight 8.63g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mountsorrel, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 6.91 g
Description: A fragment from a copper alloy spearhead of middle to late Bronze Age date. Only the tip survives. It is very damaged and corroded, but roughly sub-triangular in form and with a lozenge section and a wide hemispherical rib running along the centre of each face. The flattened sections to either side of this are very damaged and the tip is missing. At the other end is an irregular break with a slight dimple in the centre suggesting that the spear had a socket. There is a thick brown patina that is missing in a few places revealling a green inner core. It is likely to be of middle to late Bronze Age date (1500-800 BC) due to the socket and the lozenge section, although it lacks many key diagnostic features.



Length: 35.0mm, width: 12.5mm, thickness: 6.5mm, weight: 6.91g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 311 g
Description: Two fragments probably of one Late Bronze Age copper alloy sword, both with both ends broken. The breaks are not recent apart from one on the smaller piece. Parts of the cutting edges of both are missing, from both ancient and recent damage. Lengths 97 and 170mm. Width 34 and 40mm. Weight 103 and 208g. Probably Ewart Park type. c.950 - c.800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl, round-sectioned, tapering to pointed ends. Length 35mm. Diam. at mid-point 4.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 161 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight: 454 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age unlooped palstave in very fresh condition, the surface covered in a rich shiny brown patination except where interrupted by pock marks, a few more recent minor chips and some scuffing on the edges. Below the stop ridge a low rib defines a shield-shaped motif from below the base of which a median arris extends as far as the start of the cutting edge. Both sides bear very clear and overall hammer marks, along the edges and transverse across the centre. As a result there is no casting seam. There are smaller hammer impressions along the tops of the flanges and of the stop ridge. Weight 454g. Length 161mm. Width 70mm. Thickness 28mm. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Ilsley, West Berkshire, West Berkshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.29 mm
Thickness: 3.42 mm
Weight: 3.36 g
Description: 
A Bronze Age cast copper alloy awl. The awl has a tapering chisel-like tang and a square centre section. The point has a circular section.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1500 to 1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chipstead, Hooley and Woodmansterne, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14.61 mm
Diameter: 11.72 mm
Weight: 9.57 g
Description: 
A cast copper alloy short cylindrical fragment of uncertain original extent. The fragment is waisted at its central part. Dating is quite uncertain but a Bronze Age date is possible.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Armthorpe, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.6 mm
Thickness: 20.3 mm
Weight: 32.76 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy side-looped spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date, about 1550 BC - 1250 BC; Davis Groups 2-6, probably Group 6. Only the butt end and the two side loops survive intact; the remainder of the object is now missing due to old breaks. It is cylindrical in form, tapering towards the now missing blade end. On each side is an integrally cast loop that are pointed oval in form and flattened against the side of the spear perhaps as a result of post-depositional damage. The loops are 16.5mm long, 6.5mm wide and project 3.5mm from the wall of the socket. The entire object has a worn dark brown patina with patches of turquoise corrosion. The internal diameter of the socket at the the complete attachment end is 16mm. The walls are 2.2mm -2.6mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ferrule (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kimpton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.32 mm
Diameter: 10.87 mm
Thickness: 10.87 mm
Weight: 7.21 g
Description: An undatable (but possibly Late Bronze Age, c.1000-700 BC) copper alloy possible ferrule from a spear butt or spear terminal. It measures 26.32x(max)10.87mm and weighs 7.21g. Its internal depth is 13.72mm. The object is cone-shaped, its walls c.2.3mm in thickness. The walls are heavily pitted and have two apertures, one 5.3mm long and the other 1.1mm in diameter. They are likely to be the result of a casting fault caused by the metal not properly filling the mould leaving the ferrule possibly unfinished (Kevin Leahy pers.comm. February 2014). It is impossible to determine the original length of the object but the jagged open end is very worn. The closed end is c.4mm in diameter.



A similar ferrule can be found on the database; GLO-428CF4
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Narford, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14 mm
Weight: 25.96 g
Description: Distal end of socketed gouge, granular break (not ancient) across socket. Surviving length 40mm. Width 16.5mm. Weighs 25.96g. Cf. examples from the Heathery Burn hoard (Inventaria Archaeologica (1968) GB.55 10(7) 85-7). Final period of the Late Bronze Age, c.800 - c.700 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morley, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Weight: 48.49 g
Description: Incomplete and distorted Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, cutting edge and slight part of the socket. The breaks are ancient. Extant length 24mm. Width 59mm. Thickness 12mm. Weighs 48.49g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Baschurch, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.8 mm
Thickness: 20.2 mm
Weight: 176.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy (bronze) socketed axehead fragment, of Late Bronze Age date - most probably from the Ewart Park metal working phase / assemblage dated c. 950 BC to c. 750 BC.



Less than 50% of the axehead is present, consisting only of part of the lower body, blade and the remnants of the socket. It is missing the top part of the socket and the also the loop. The axe is sub rectangular in plan, with an expanded / flared convex, but abraded cutting edge. The socket is sub rectangular in section. The depth of the socket from the edge of the break to the base of socket is 9.8 mm. The break is old and patinated. The two long sides of the axe expand slightly along the length of the socket and terminate with an expanded blade. Raised casting seams are present, along both sides, these have been trimmed and hammered flat / finished. The expanded blade has a curved convex (crescent shaped) cutting edge which is incomplete. The sides do not appear to be faceted and no ribs are present on either the front or back of the axehead fragment. The axe is most likley to be of a North Wales ribbed type, or faceted axe with a large collar. The axehead is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of the majority of the original surface. Multiple stratch marks are present on both the front and back of the axehead - these are modern and cut into the patinated surface.



The axehead fragment measures 59.8 mm in length, 57.6 mm wide (at the blade edge), 38.3 mm wide (across the remnants of the socket), 20.2 mm thick (at the socket) and 2.2 mm thick (blade). The walls of the axehead range from 5.0 mm to 2.9 mm thick. It weighs 176.1 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Norton, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75 mm
Thickness: 13.17 mm
Weight: 45.39 g
Description: Two pieces of a late Bronze Age socketed knife dating from about 950 - 750 BC. The knife is of Thorndon type and is from the Ewart Park phase, Needham Period 7, and Burgess Metalworking Stage XII.



The upper part of the blade and the lower part of the socket survive. The break between the two pieces is more recent than the other breaks.



The double edged blade has a flattened mid rib section with wide (4-5mm) concave edge bevels. The blade is 21.8mm wide at the socket end and 17.6mm wide at the break. It tapers from 6mm thick to 5.1mm thick.



The junction between the socket and blade was straight. The socket is sub rectangular in section and has straight sides. It tapers in width from 23.7mm wide at the attachment end to 21.5mm at the narrowest point near the blade, and in thickness from 12.96mm at the attachment end to 7.8mm at the blade end, then flares widthways and thickens immedieately before the blade to 24.8mm by 7.85mm. There is a single circular peghole through both faces of the socket in the centre of the surviving piece. It has a diameter of 4.5 - 5mm. The walls of the socket are about 2mm thick.



The socket fragment is 42.68mm long, and the blade fragment is 36.6mm long. The knife has a well developed green patina.



The record for a similar knife, GLO-E7BF27, notes that "Evens suggests that such tools were used for woodworking, perhaps for hollowing out (1881, 209). Evans, J, 1881, The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland Longmans, [pages: 209-10 ]"



The knife can also be compared to DUR-850CB6 and SUSS-218F52.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worfield, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.5 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 13 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy blade, of Middle Bronze Age dating (1500 CAL BC to 1150 CAL BC - Needham's Period 5).



The blade fragment is sub trapezoidal in plan, and lentoid in cross section. The blade tapers towards either edge. The edges to the top and bottom are old, pre depostional breaks. The remains of a circular rivet hole are present on the top edge. No decoration is present on either the front or back of the blade.



It measures 63.5 mm in length, has a maximum width of 19.3 mm and a minimum of 13.4 mm. It is 3.1 mm thick in the centre of the blade and 1.2 mm thick along the blade edges. It weighs 13.0 g.



The blade fragment is a mid to dark brown colour, with an even surface patina. The patina has been removed in a couple of areas, leaving a lighter green colour. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion (bronze diseases) occurring. This would be a bright green powdery residue. To reduce the risk of this happening, the blade should be stored in a sealed air tight dry box, such as a tupperware box with a liquid seal, lined with acid free tissue and silica gel.
Notes: A similar blade fragment was recorded as WMID-277BF6. On that record, Peter Reavill (Herefordshire & Shropshire FLO) noted that: As for the blade fragment - from the size I think you are looking at either a large dagger or probably more likely a rapier fragment. The hilt would have been trapezoidal - and it has lost its rivets and upper part - it has also lost the shoulders but you can then see the blade thickening away from the hilt to for the mid rib. I expect the other end continued for maybe 1/3 again as the rib is parallel even if the sides aren't due to plough roll.



Similar rapiers have been dated to the later Middle Bronze Age (MBA III - specifically the Penard phase / industry) - Rowlands 1976 p68-70) which corresponds with Needham's Period 5 (1500-1150 CAL BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74.57 mm
Diameter: 11.93 mm
Weight: 14.12 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age dress pin, known as a Picardy Pin, dating from 1400 BC - 1250 BC. The head of the pin expands to a disc and has a hollow terminal that would have held a stone. Immediately behind the head, the shaft narrows to 4.3mm diameter before expanding into a swollen area with a maximum diameter of 6.34mm diameter. The shaft then tapers again to the well patinated break.



The whole of the surviving shaft is decorated, though the surface layer of the pin is missing in places. below the expanded head are five circumferential grooves, then a panel of longitudinal diagonal lines form chevrons. the thickest part of the swelling is decorated with diagonal cross hatching, flanked on each side by another five circumferential grooves. The lower shaft is more damaged, but appears to be another panel of diagonal cross hatching and another band of circumferential lines.



The metal is dark grey with areas of dark green where the surface is missing.



This is a large and highly decorative rare item that would be worn with the intention of display, most likely used on an external garment such as a cloak or something similar. There are only 13 others recorded on the PAS database (February 2014). Compare GLO-439E61, DOR-CF4B74, NMS-35C944, BERK-2E4E35 and FASW-5C5522.



FASW-5C5522 notes that these pins 'Represent a valuable addition to the small dataset found in Britain and elsewhere in the north European Plain. These pins are mostly, but not always decorated and may be perforated or looped or neither and share common features such as the shape of the head, the swelling of the neck and decoration in the form of incised linear motifs. They occur within the 'Ornament horizon' phase of the late Taunton or early Penard phase of the later mid Bronze Age, approximately 1400-1250 BC'."
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thorpe Audlin, Wakefield, Wakefield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.45 mm
Thickness: 12.05 mm
Weight: 15.64 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy 'Moustache-shaped' object of probable Middle Bronze Age date, 1600 BC - 1000 BC. It is missing the ends of both lower tips due to old, patinated breaks. The object is cast in the round with a swollen oval body that tapers downwards at both sides to the now incomplete pointed terminals giving it an inverted U-shaped form. At the centre of the body is a slight vertical band or constriction, either side of which the exterior surfaces of the object has decoration comprising multiple ridges and grooves. These run from the central constriction towards the pointed terminals, finishing just before the sides narrow to the terminals. Unlike some parallels, this object is not perforated.



All the surfaces of the object have a dark grey green patina, with some pitting and patches of corrosion in places.



Record SF-B58222 explains: "The precise date range of these unusual objects remains uncertain, although several examples have now been recorded through the PAS. Examples from the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998) were found alongside Bronze Age metalwork but with deposition in the Iron Age. Examples from Suffolk (SF-520513 and SF-9183) were found loosely associated with a scatter of Middle Bronze Age finds, as was an example from Methwold, Norfolk, and more recently an example from an excavated Middle Bronze Age context from Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (cf. NMS-F2BA41, NMS-1F5E55). These suggest a possible Middle Bronze Age date for the current object."



Compare also an example on page 8 of the PAS Bronze Age Training Notes (Worrell 2004, unpublished), and LIN-9296A3, NMS-F2BA41 and NMS-1F5E55. There are only other 23 examples on the PAS database (February 2014).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Witham Friary, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.05 mm
Thickness: 18.85 mm
Weight: 15.56 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy late Bronze Age/early Iron Age socketed axehead missing all but a small fragment of the lip and side of the socket. The fragment is L-shaped in section. The lip itself is thicker than the rest of the fragement (6.55mm as opposed to 3.60mm). It has a medium green patina. Overall the fragment measures 20.05mm long, 21.40mm wide, 18.85mm thick and weighs 15.56g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weston-in-Gordano, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 104 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 47.45 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed spearhead that dates to the middle Bronze Age. The blade of the spearhead is leaf-shaped with gently curving edges. A diamond cross section spine separates either blade, below which the socket is circular in cross-section and expand outwards to the aperture. The top of the spine at the tip of the spear is slightly flattened and has a series of striations where it has been filed down to form the point. On both sides (25mm above the base) is an expanded pierced lug that forms an integral loop.



The aperture at the base (16mm in diameter).



This artefact dates to 1500-1150BC, see WAW-DC8222 for further discussion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ribbon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74.47 mm
Thickness: 0.7 mm
Weight: 3.94 g
Description: A fragment of gold, possibly from a bracelet or torc surviving as an undecorated oval/ellipse shaped band that tapers to the shoulders of probable terminals that may have been broken (the breaks are not conclusive). The terminals appear to have been twisted prior to the purported breaks (possibly in the process of breaking them). The band has several bends and distortions and it is not clear what the original profile of the band would have been. There are a number of scuffs and striations to both surfaces. Possible small hammer markings can be seen, particularly on one side of the band. The remnants of a possible small perforation (c.0.2mm diameter) can be seen on one of the broken shoulders/terminals.



Dimensions 



Extant length: 74.47mm; Width (max.): 10.93mm; Width (terminals): 2.2mm; Thickness (max.): 0.7mm; Weight: 3.94g



Metal composition 



Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of a gold fragment found at 'the Wantage rally, Oxon', indicated a surface composition of approximately 86-88% gold, 10-12 % silver with approximately 1% copper.



Identification & discussion



The uncertainty regarding whether the terminals have been broken (and therefore the original form of the band) makes it difficult to be certain of its date. However, a number of parallels from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (Northfleet, Kent: Treasure Case 2004 T326, Brixton Deverill, Wiltshire: 2006 T250, Gussage-all-Saints, Dorset: 2013 T428 and Roche, Corwall: 2014 T39), and the metal composition of the band, suggest that a Bronze Age date is most likely. As Dr S. Needham pointed out in the report for Brixton Deverill (2006 T250): 'a range of ribbon, or strip ornaments in gold are known from the British Bronze Age, including for torcs, bracelets and small fittings'. The Wantage find could be positioned within this group and probably dates to the Middle to Later Bronze Age (c.1500/1400-800 cal. BC), rather than any earlier.
Notes: The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure