dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1300 to 1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nelson, Caerphilly, Caerphilly ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 108.6 mm
Weight: 194.6 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze Transitional palstave, probably of Type Roundhay, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p. 149)[1], Ribbed Variant and of Penard or Wallington metalworking industry, of Needham's Periods 5 -6, dated to c. 1300 - 1150BC



The palstave is near-complete, missing the loop but is heavily-corroded and is comparatively small (with a length of 108.6mm and a weight of 194.6g). The butt is straight, now worn to a slight angle (with a width of 18mm and a thickness of 5mm). The sides are near parallel, very gently convex (reaching a width of 23.5mm above the loop and a width of 20.8mm at the stop). The loop has been lost but the stubs indicate that it was positioned either side of the stop (with a length of 25mm and internal length of 9mm). The sides of the blade are gently curved and divergent, producing a moderately expanded blade edge with prominent curve (with a blade width of 37.4mm). The casting seams are raised and discernible on both sides but were neatly finished. The sides are appear to have been flat across the depths above the stop but convex on the blade. The flanges have been truncated but the better preserved flange appears to have been straight, gradually rising from the butt to the stop (with a maximum surviving thickness at the stop of 24.0mm. The stop has a gentle curve and near-vertical sides, perpendicular to the septum. The septum is moderately concave across its width and flat across its length. Both faces are ribbed, with a prominent midrib, flanked on each side with weaker ribs, positioned near but not at the sides. The ribs appear to have extended all the way along the blade to a blade facet. A single blade facet is evident on the blade. The surface is corroded but has mid to dark-green patina where it survives.



The palstave has a number of unusual features; Type Roundhay palstaves are generally smaller but this example is unusually small and also the three-rib decoration arrangement is difficult to parallel. The form is broadly consistent with Transitional Palstaves and specifically of Type Roundhay.



[1] Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 23.02 g
Description: 
Copper alloy Bronze Age knife fragment that is truncated at both ends but most likely the lower to middle portion of the blade.  The blade has a low flat central spine that runs down the length of both faces; this is flanked by double bevelled sides that create a narrow cutting edge. The cutting edge on both sides is heavily damaged by corrosion resulting the in loss of almost all of their surface area so it is impossible to be certain of the original width. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holly, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 157 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 80.34 g
Description: An almost complete, copper alloy spearhead dating to the middle Bronze Age (c. 1600&nbsp;- 1400 BC). The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile, with a sub-oval/leaf-shaped blade that has a pronounced mid-rib on both faces. The socket is hollow and has the remains of cast side loops, roughly half way up the socketed end on opposing sides.The blade edges are chipped and the mid-rib also shows signs of wear. The object has a smooth dark brown to olive green patina which is pitted in places.

Length 157.0 mm, width across blade 25.3 mm, thickness 2.6 mm and weight 80.34 g.

This form of leaf-shaped spear with side-loops can be classified as Greenwell and Brewis Class IV. Similar objects recorded on the PAS database include: SWYOR-A609BB; LIN-0DDC06; and LANCUM-D63A53.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Yapham, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.2 mm
Thickness: 15.7 mm
Weight: 72 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date, c. 1000 - 800 BC. The fragment is the blade end of the axehead which is trapezoidal with a worn cutting edge and rounded corners. The cross-section is rectangular and the breaks are old and worn. The tip of an off-center socket can be seen to the broken end.



The metal has a dark brown patina and is worn. The fragment is 35.2mm long, 46.5mm wide, 15.7mm thick and weighs 72g.



Due to the incomplete nature of the axehead it is not possible to ascribe it to a particular type series and it has therefore been dated broadly as late Bronze Age in date circa 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cransley, Kettering, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.23 mm
Thickness: 6.04 mm
Weight: 6 g
Description: A complete copper alloy Awl, or tracer/awl of Late Bronze Age date (1150-800 BC). The object has a sub-rectangular shaft tapering at either and with an expanded central shaft. One end tapers to a narrowed and flattened rectangular sectioned terminal. The other end retains a sub-rectangular section and tapers in towards a rounded terminal.



Awls are usually simple, pointed ended tools in use from the beginning to the end of the Bronze Age (and possibly beyond).



The metal is brown and green in colour with a pitted patina.



Length: 54.23mm, Width: 6.49mm, Thickness: 6.04mm, Weight: 6.0g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cransley, Kettering, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.64 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 8.2 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Blade, Dagger or Rapier, of Mid to Late Bronze Age date (1600-800 BC). The object is rectangular in plan and a pointed oval in cross section. It is incomplete on all sides but has a visible bevel along the left and right hand edges away from the mid-rib. The cutting edges have been extensively broken and abraded.



The metal is a mid-green in colour with a slightly pitted patina.



Length: 40.64mm, Width: 12.39mm, Thickness: 4.60mm, Weight: 8.2g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cranwich, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.1 mm
Weight: 1.59 g
Description: Butt end of a copper alloy possible Late Bronze Age awl in quite fresh condition. At the ancient break the cross-section is irregularly hexagonal, i.e. four-sided but with chamfers at two opposite corners. Two of the broad sides taper to a wedge-shaped terminal. Weight 1.59g. Extant length 18.1mm. Width 4.3mm. perhaps c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bidford-on-Avon, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.7 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 2.2 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy, possible tip from a spear head, of probable Middle Bronze Age dating (1500 BC to 1150 BC).



Around 5% of the spear head is present, consisting only of the possible tip. It is sub triangular in shape, with a lentoid cross section. Traces of side blades are present to either side.



It measures 19.7 mm in length, 7.9 mm wide (base), 3.3 mm wide (tip) and 4.6 mm thick. It weighs 2.2 g.



The possible spear head is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morton Bagot, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.82 mm
Thickness: 7.6 mm
Weight: 9.04 g
Description: Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 800 BC) socketed spearhead. The copper alloy spearhead consists of the upper portion of the spear, being broken above the socket. The tip is also damaged and abraded. In plan the spearhead is an elongated sub-triangle with the blade facets and tip all being abraded. The spear blades cutting edges have therefore been lost, however, the overall shape of the blade can be probably be ascribed to being leaf-shaped. The spearhead has a bi-convex shaped cross section. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead.



The surface of the spearhead has a dark grey/green coloured patina which is incomplete. It measures 36.82mm long, 13mm wide, 7.6mm thick and weighs 9.04g.



It is likely that the style of this type of spearhead can be attributed 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). However, many of the diagnostic characteristics (such as loops, peg holes and blade shape) have been lost and so a wider date range is suggested above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grade-Ruan, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight: 162.4 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy side-looped Transitional Type Shelf, Midribbed Variant palstave, missing its stop ridge and butt end, dating from the Penard (c.1275-1150 BC) phase or perhaps a Late Palstave, Type Silsden, dating from the Wilburton phase (c.1150-1020 BC) of the Middle Bronze Age. The palstave has a straight sided blade with the sides almost parallel and very little expansion towards the cutting edge which is 29 mm in width, with one corner of edge missing. There is a wide central rib on each face of the blade that is about 47 mm in length on both sides and 11 mm in width, just below the stop ridge, and tapers to 9 mm towards the end of blade. The base of the stop ridge remains on both sides, creating a T-shape in profile, so that the depth of the broken edge is 30 mm. On one side of the palstave the base of the side-loop survives below stop ridge, but the loop and its upper attachment are missing with the rest of the hafting end of the palstave, which would have held the handle. The surface of the blade is damaged, corroded and pitted and the original edge is missing down one side of the blade.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar palstaves with wide midribs and narrow inset blades from Aldwick-le-Street and Saddleworth, West Yorkshire in plates 62-63, nos.851 & 864, which are classified as Transitional Palstaves, Type Shelf, Midribbed Variant and dated from the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age; and Late Palstaves illlustrated in plates 66-67, nos.907 & 924, from Wallington, Northumberland and Silsden West Yorkshire, Type Penrith and Type Silsden (like Type Shelf) which date from the Wilburton / Wallington phase of the Middle Bronze Age.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a slender palstave with a wide mid-rib and narrow blade from Cornwall (but unlocated and in the Royal Ontario Museum) on p.93, pl.20, no.88.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishop Burton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.7 mm
Thickness: 11.8 mm
Weight: 38.3 g
Description: An incomplete Bronze Age socketed axehead dating to the period c. 1000-800BC. The fragment is the blade end of a socketed axehead, which is trapezoidal in it's surviving shape with a worn cutting edge and rounded corners. The cross-section is rectangular, bulging slightly at the waist, and the breaks are old and worn. There is no trace of the socket at the broken end.



The metal has a pale green patina for the internal metal; at the surface it is a darker green-brown in colour and is delaminating. The fragment is 39.7mm long, 24.4mm wide, 11.8mm thick and weighs 38.3g.



Due to the incomplete nature of the axehead it is not possible to ascribe it to a particular type series and it has therefore been dated broadly as late Bronze Age in date circa 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Hayling East, Havant, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.5 mm
Thickness: 0.4 mm
Weight: 0.51 g
Description: A probably incomplete and bent pointed-oval shaped piece of sheet gold 0.4mm thick, of possible Bronze Age date (2,500-800 BC). The long edges are both jagged and circa one third is folded transversely back on/ under itself. The terminal at the shorter end appears complete. It narrows to a point which is again folded back on itself, perhaps incidentally or perhaps intentionally - it could be interpreted as a hook. The terminal at the opposite end also narrows to a point and is intentionally cut in a straight diagonal on one edge. This terminal is also folded back on itself. As the object presents now both terminals bend in the same direction, but without the transverse bend of the object they would bend in opposite directions.

At the centre of the object it measures max.7.4mm wide. This narrows to 2.6mm and 2.7mm at the terminal folds. The object has a length of 18.5mm and weighs 0.51g. Its estimated length without the transverse fold is c.28mm.
Notes: 
The object is perhaps related to gold ornaments/ strips known from the Bronze Age of Southern England.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to 700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eythorne, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.52 mm
Height: 36.01 mm
Weight: 246 g
Description: Fragment of a possible cast copper alloy ingot, probably originally circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this fragment is rectangular in plan, square in profile and triangular in section, as it likely comes from the centre of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The upper face and base of the ingot are smooth with some dark green patches of patina, and the sides of the fragment have ridges and cavities typically seen in the sections of these bun ingots.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar ingots with rectangular profiles from Mountbatten, Plymouth on page 451, PLate 36, Nos.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork, and an ingot fragment from Churston Ferrers, Torbay on page 457, Plate 40, No.306b, which was found with a larger plano-convex ingot.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Over Wallop, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.2 mm
Weight: 9.53 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged awl, punch or engraving tool, probably Bronze Age to Roman in date. It has a sharp pointed tip and a worn break at the opposite end at a stepped base of a missing tang. The surviving pointed element is pentagonal in profile, with five distinct flat faces and tapers from 10.4mm to 1.7mm at the point.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Post Medieval to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Carleton Rode, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.4 mm
Thickness: 18.5 mm
Weight: 58.5 g
Description: Butt-end fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave axe. The break is oblique and ancient.  The flanges are especially worn and there has been some damage and loss of surface at the very tip of the butt. It has a dark brown patina with green revealed along the eroded edges. c. 1600-1000 BC



Length: 54.4mm. Width: 25.8mm. Thickness: 18.5mm. Weight: 58.5g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Adbaston, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.7 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 35.6 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead, of Late Bronze Age dating (1150 BC to 800 BC).



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



The socketed axehead fragment measures 22.7 mm in length, 53.0 mm wide (at the blade), 43.2 mm wide (at the body), 10.0 mm thick (at the body), 2.9 mm thick (at the blade edge). The remnants of the socket is 4.5 mm deep. It weighs 35.6 g.



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



Peter Reavill (Herefordshire & Shropshire FLO) commented on a similar socketed axehead fragment (WMID-EB5248) that it is late BA rather than Middle - as in post Wilburton - Llyn Fawr phase (1150-750 BC). Almost all socketed axes are from the Ewart Park phase (1000-800 BC). This example is likely to be similar in dating.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (1500 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: High Wych, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.1 mm
Thickness: 10.9 mm
Weight: 11.85 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy rounded moustache-shaped object of late Bronze Age or Iron Age date. The object is cast in one piece comprising a narrowed body with two sweeping swollen drop shaped arms which taper towards pointed terminals. The upper centre of the body has a recess. The object is decorated with grooves, running top to botom of each arm creating a ribbed effect. It has a mottled light grey brown and light green patination.



Measurements: length: 22.1mm, width: 22mm, thickness:10.9mm, weight: 11.85g



Similar examples recorded on the database inlcude KENT-A12C41; NARC-39B60B and LVPL-B000C6
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilton, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 8.93 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy arrowhead or spearhead of unknown date, possibly middle Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 1000 BC or possibly later into the Roman period. 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 arrowhead is 39mm in length, 16.4mm maximum width, 7mm maximum thickness, and weighs 8.93g.



The object was first classified as an arrowhead however the prominent lozenge midrib is diagnostic for spearheads, arrowheads being very rare and more oval shaped in cross section. Not enough of the spearhead has remained to be able to date this fragment to a more precise range, although the circular section, the angle of the blade, and the midrib extending to the to the tip suggest comparisons with spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11. See also BERK-FABE5E also found in Oxfordshire, and YORYM-DDBFB8, YORYM-1AAAE5 as possibly parallels.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Erth, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66 mm
Height: 34 mm
Diameter: 120 mm
Thickness: 34 mm
Weight: 514.05 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this ingot is triangular in plan, trapezoidal in profile, and rectangular in section, as it comes from one edge of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1000-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted where air bubbles formed during the casting process and the exposed sides of the fragment have worn cavities typically seen in these bun ingots. There are dark green and coppery brown areas and a few lighter green patches of bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



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



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar plano-convex ingot from Churston Ferrers in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.123b recorded in DEV-D9F1E2 (2011T441) which are dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Erth, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Height: 29 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight: 23.15 g
Description: Cast copper alloy casting jet with two sprues which is left over waste from casting a Late Bronze Age socketed tool. Casting jets are the excess reservoirs of metal created in the cavity at the top of the mould during the casting process. The survival of such casting waste is relatively rare in hoards dating to earlier phases of the Bronze Age, but the inclusion of casting jet and other metal casting waste in hoards becomes more common during the Late Bronze Age (cf. Bradley 2013, 128-9). These finds are most common as associations within hoards dating from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC), such as the hoard from St Levan recorded in CORN-E8DF11, which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age. (cf. Treasure Case 2011 W10, PAS ID: NMGW-BA6184 for more examples). Examples of Bronze Age casting jets with multiple sprues are recorded in: LANCUM-8A5846, ESS-E04151, BH-4D6780 and LIN-A52465.



Pearce (1983, p.571, pl.10, no.82e) illustrates a similar casting jet with several conical sprues from a hoard from Lelant in Cornwall, which was found associated with swords fragments that resemble those from the Ewart Park phase. Knight et al. (2015, p.82, pl.9, no.247f) illustrate a casting jet from Gussage All Saints in Dorset which was found with a socketed axe mouth fragment.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Dunmow, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.2 mm
Thickness: 6.1 mm
Weight: 17.6 g
Description: Fragment of a Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axe, probably dating to the late Bronze Age, c. 1100-800 BC.



The fragment is partially rounded on one edge and features a collar at the socketed edge. There are ribs visible on the surface. The inside of the fragment is plain. The patina is mostly red/brown with areas that have worn away to reveal green colouring. The red/brown colouring attests to the likely inclusion of a significant amount of iron in the alloy.



The fragment has a weight of 17.6g, a length of 33.2mm, a width of 30.3mm and a  maximum thickness of 6.1mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chitterne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 5 g
Description: A triangular copper alloy fragment of the tip of blade, probably from a rapier or dirk, but possibly a spearhead, of middle Bronze Age date, c 1500 - 1200 BC. The fragment is 40mm in length with a lenticular cross section and has been bent into an S-shape, possibly intentionally.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wacton, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.5 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight: 128.12 g
Description: Early-Middle Bronze Age copper alloy flanged axehead of Needham's (1983) Type 5a. Narrow butt (width 15mm, 3mm thick). The body is slender and expands to form a blade with a crescentic cutting edge (width 52mm). The sides are flanged and have a lenticular profile (maximum thickness 13mm). The surface has some pitting and corrosion. Length 91.5mm. 128.12g. See Needham 1983. c. 1700 - 1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fressingfield, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 6.21 g
Description: Copper-alloy ring with dark green polished surface. It is 20mm in diameter externally and with a central hole 11mm in diameter. The ring is 5mm thick where best preserved; in other places, corrosion has removed some of the surface. In cross-section it is kite-shaped, with an acutely pointed arris around the exterior and a more gentle angle in the central hole. It weighs 6.21g.



Rings of these proportions have been dated to the late Bronze Age (e.g. WILT-7BCF7B, with references), or Iron Age to Roman periods (e.g. SOM-7EDF21, WILT-CDE753, HAMP-E3F5BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rivet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1950 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Meon, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14.6 mm
Diameter: 7.8 mm
Weight: 3.76 g
Description: A small (14.6mm in length) cylindrical cast copper alloy rivet of Bronze Age date, with angled and burred or domed ends of 7.8mm diameter. The patina is dark green and even.
Notes: Probaby from a dagger, dirk or other bladed weapon of EBA II - MBA III date range (1950-1150 BC). Similar examples found in isolation include SF-1CBC42, SF-868ED2, SF7554 and CAM-8EEE54. See SOM-AC79FD or HESH-4CD185 for examples found with blades.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilcomb, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.5 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.3 g
Description: A copper alloy tanged chisel probably dating to the late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - 800 BC). The chisel has a tang with a rectangular to square cross section, 4mm thick, which meets the blade at a rectangular transverse collar. The blade expands slightly from 7.0mm wide below the collar to 8.5mm wide at the cutting edge and is bent, although it is not possible to tell if this is from an intentional act.
Notes: Recorded from details emailed by the finder.



Tanged chisels of this type are uncommon finds; examples recorded on the database include BH-49EAD8, NMS-5059F9, SUR-E710D7 and BERK-52E8C3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.5 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.7 g
Description: Fragment of late Bronze Age copper-alloy tapering blade, perhaps a rapier, spearhead or arrowhead. The lower break is across a rounded oval midrib measuring perhaps 5 x 5.5mm in cross-section. The midrib then runs up the fragment and is flanked by incomplete cutting edges. All breaks are worn. Surviving length 27.5mm, surviving width 13mm, weight 4.7g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stirton with Thorlby, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.8 mm
Thickness: 12.6 mm
Weight: 40.49 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy axehead, dating from the Bronze Age, about 2500 BC - 700 BC. The surviving part consists of the blade tip, however the body is missing. The axe fragment is sub-trapezoidal in plan and rectangular with convex faces in cross-section. The body extends while gradually thinning to a flared convex cutting edge with broken and worn corners that expand slightly wider than the body. The blade edge is worn and damaged, while the breaks on the body are also old, patinated and worn. The exterior surfaces of the axehead have a mid-green patina with patches of brown deposition residue.



The axe head measures a maximum of 25.8mm in length, 39.0mm in maximum width, 12.6mm in body thickness at the break and 3.4mm thick at the blade edge and weighs 40.49g.



The fragment is largely undiagnostic and so a date is hard to achieve. The fragment may have belonged to a flat axe, a palstave or a socketed axe and so its date of manufacture could range from anywhere between about 2500 BC (with the introduction of bronze flat axes) and 700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.5 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 13.14 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) gold or gold-plated copper alloy penannular ring, oval in cross-section with cut or burred-over edges at the terminals. The edge opposite the terminal has a cross-section measuring 7.5 x 7.9mm. A paler gold strip or wire (possibly silvery-gold with some evidence of tarnishing, mostly on the inside of the ring) winds around the brighter gold surface of the object to give striped bands of equal size, c. 1mm wide.

The object measures 18.5mm in length, 19.8mm in width, 7.9mm in max.thickness (the side opposite to the terminal) and weighs 13.14g.
Notes: 'The penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C; references therein).
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Evenley, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.04 mm
Thickness: 7.03 mm
Weight: 2.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Socketed Spearhead, of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1200-800 BC).



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



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



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



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



Length: 20.04mm, Width: 11.33mm, Thickness: 7.03mm, Weight: 2.6g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1275)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gunwalloe, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight: 267.27 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy palstave or axehead, dating from the Acton Park (1500-1400 BC) to the Taunton (1400-1275 BC) phases of the Middle Bronze Age. The palstave is missing its butt end which was hafted to the handle and likely broke at this point during use with the rest of the palstave still attached to the handle. The palstave has the remains of a rounded protruding stop ridge on both sides, 27 mm in total thickness, with recessed apertures within, 7 mm deep, which would have originally held the end of the haft or handle for the axehead. Below the stop ridge, which is 26 mm wide, the front and the back of the blade are recessed, 20 mm in thickness, and the sides are slightly inset and parallel to begin with, at 25 mm in width, but expand towards the cutting edge, 44 mm in width, to form a triangular-shaped blade in plan. The blade end is damaged and 9 mm in thickness, but there are no signs of it expanding to a crescentic edge. The surface of the blade is damaged and pitted but does not appear to have been decorated. The sides are also pitted and corroded but there is no evidence of the remains of the bottom of a side loop.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a slender palstave with no mouldings on the blade from the hoard of mainly shield-patterned palstaves found at St Tudy, Cornwall, on p.78, pl.5, no.78d.



Palstaves with shield-shaped decoration and expanded blades can be found during the Acton Park II metalwork phase (c.1500-1400 BC) of the Middle Bronze, such as the palstave illustrated in 'The Circulation of Metal in the British Bronze Age: The Application of Lead Isotope Analysis' (Rohl & Needham 1998, p.128, fig.29, no.96).



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar palstaves with low flanges, rounded stops and plain, triangular blades from the south of Scotland and Churwell, West Yorkshire in plate 61, nos.839 & 844, which are un-classified, but grouped with the South-western palstaves, and related to continental examples, respectively, but the latter is due to its decoration and not the form which is similar to this example. These South-western type palstaves are compared to items produced during the Ornament Horizon of the later Middle Bronze Age such as a palstave in the Taunton hoard (c.1400-1275 BC) on pp.141-143.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nettleton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.7 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 7.29 g
Description: Copper-alloy ring with dark green polished surface. It is 20.7mm in diameter externally and with a central hole 10.7mm in diameter. The ring is 5.7mm thick where best preserved; in other places, corrosion has removed some of the surface. In cross-section it is kite-shaped, with an acutely pointed arris around the exterior and a more gentle angle in the central hole. It weighs 7.29g.



Rings of these proportions have been dated to the late Bronze Age (e.g. WILT-7BCF7B, with references), or Iron Age to Roman periods (e.g. SOM-7EDF21, WILT-CDE753, HAMP-E3F5BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Arborfield and Newland, Wokingham, Wokingham ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.4 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Weight: 65.04 g
Description: A highly corroded cast copper alloy fragment, possibly part of a late Bronze Age bun ingot. The fragment is plano-convex and broken evenly across the middle. The shape suggests an origin in a bowl furnace rather than a mould. Circa 1150 - 600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1140)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Kilvington, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 229.8 mm
Thickness: 4.86 mm
Weight: 80.7 g
Description: Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy rapier, in two intentionally broken sections, dating to the middle Bronze Age (c.1275-1140BC).



Both parts of the blade are broken at both ends; the breaks are abraded and old. One section blade tapers to a broken tip with broadly parallel edges. The other section is wider and bent at one end. Each has a tapered cutting edge on both sides. There is a flattened central rib on both faces the length of the blade, measuring approximately 9.81mm, giving a shallow lentoid cross section. Examination of the break sections, particularly the break at which the two sections join, show casting flaws in the form of hollows (or bubbles). 



The blade has a patchy green brown patina.



Dimensions: One section measures 128.35mm in length, is 17.70mm wide, 4.81mm thick and weighs 52.2g. The other is 101.45mm long, tapers from 17.37mm to 10.29mm in width, is 4.86mm thick and weighs 28.5g.



Discussion: The blade is comparable in some respects to Bronze Age blades, such as those described BERK-227481 and KENT-FE8716, but the central ridge on this find seems less prominent and the blade is thicker throughout. The bend and break shows similarities to rapier DOR-2A928E, which was also broken in antiquity prior to deposition. Following the blade cross-section scheme of classification set out by Burgess & Gerloff 1981 (in O'Connor et al. 1995, 347)  the blade under discussion here (2020-T354 / DUR-7A57CC) is a Group IV rapier, with slightly rounded cross-section characteristic of the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age "with a floruit around the 13th/12th centuries cal BC (c.1275-1140BC)



Author: Benjamin Westwood, Finds Liaison Officer for Durham, Darlington & Teesside



Date: 24/06/2020



References:        



O’Connor, B., Cowie, T., O’Neil, M., 1995. Middle Bronze Age dirks and rapiers from Scotland: some finds old and new. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 125, 345–367.
Notes: Conclusion: As the rapier has been broken prior to deposition, and was discovered in two parts, this object meets the definition of Treasure as set out in the  Treasure (Designation) Order (2002) and preceding Treasure Act (1996) as it comprises a group of two or more metallic objects of any composition of prehistoric date that come from the same find.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.5 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy dagger, the tip of the blade, pointed oval in cross-section, with an ancient break. Extant length, width and thickness 35.5, 13 and 4.2mm.Weight 6.14g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shouldham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 17.12 g
Description: Fragment of late Bronze Age sword blade. It is 28mm wide, with worn edges. The cross-section is pointed-oval, a maximum of 5mm thick, in the centre. The fragment is 26mm long and all breaks are worn. it weighs 17.12g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shouldham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.5 mm
Weight: 43.72 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age or Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, less than half of the width extant, split longitudinally along the socket and broken at both ends. Some reduced fired clay remains within the socket. All breaks are recent except that nearest to the base of the blade. Extant length and width 39.5 and 17mm. Weight 43.72g. c.1600 - c.800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cornbury and Wychwood, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.83 mm
Weight: 87.6 g
Description: 
A lump of Bronze Age copper alloy casting waste or jet which is oval at the base and pointed at the end. It has an even green patina.

Notes: Oxfordshire PAS Rally Record Sheet No: Y240
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barkway, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.1 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 52.01 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy socketed axehead of the southern ribbed axe type, dating to 800-1000 BC.



The object comprises of the broken cutting edge and part of the axehead body. It is trapezoidal in plan, triangular in profile and rectangular in cross-section with a slightly crescentic cutting edge. The front and reverse faces are marginally convex with some indentations and pitting. The top and bottom faces are flat with a small horizontal casting ridge. Extensive surface pitting is present on the interior of the axehead. A green patina covers both internal and external faces of the object. Rohl and Needham (1998), p.136, no.335.



Length: 42.1mm, width: 38 x 29.2mm, thickness: 2.9mm, weight: 52.01g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 14.3 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 4.67 g
Description: Probably Middle Bronze Age copper alloy 'moustache-shaped' unidentified object There are multiple longitudinal grooves on the upper part on both sides of the moustache, and the tapering lower parts are plain. Height 14.3mm. Width 15mm. Thickness 8mm. Weight 4.67g. 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 in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (see entry for HAMP-C04CC3). The present piece is the fifteenth example recorded from Norfolk and the smallest.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wendling, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 38.84 g
Description: Pitted and corroded fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, cutting edge and the end of the socket containing some corrosion. The breaks are ancient. Extant length 33mm. Width 37mm. Extant thickness 12mm. Weighs 38.84g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scarning, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 177 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy looped palstave with trapezoidal blade. Single side loop and haft with deep flanges. Traces of casting seam running the full length of both sides. Below the stop ridge on both faces there is a trident moulding at the top of a median rib which extends as far as the start of the cutting edge. Length 177mm. Width of blade 40mm. Thickness at stop ridge 32mm. Weight 538g. c.1400 - c.1200 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Little Houghton, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.42 mm
Diameter: 5.02 mm
Weight: 17 g
Description: A fragment of a gold penannular bracelet of Late Bronze Age date (1150-800 BC). The object is circular sectioned and slightly curved in plan with transverse cuts at both ends. One of the cuts in not clean and the object appears to have ben initially cut, with the remaining 50% of the bar being broken off. There are some minor shallow gouges in the surface of the object. 



Length: 58.42mm, Diameter: 5.02mm, Weight: 17.0g 



The original form would likely have been similar to LEIC-A3A9AE.



Several similar fragments of goldwork have been recovered from hoards containing diagnostically Bronze Age objects (e.g. Poulton, Gloucestershire: Treasure case 2004 T17 and the Fitzleroi Farm, West Sussex, hoard: BM accession nos. 1996, 0902.1-42). Those hoards, and several others recorded in recent years, contain fragments of gold that has been snipped with a pincer like instrument, similar to the Calbourne fragment. The shape of the terminal is relatively universal but can be compared to other round section bar bracelets of Bronze Age date (e.g, with 2011 T926 (CAM-08B4E0) cf. Taylor 1980. Furthermore, the composition of the gold does not disagree with a Later Bronze Age date.



Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis shows a composition of 78.07% gold, 15.47% silver and 5.67% copper.
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: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2350 to 1539)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Reed, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.5 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 132 g
Description: Fragment of Bronze Age to medieval copper alloy casting waste, or possibly a poor-quality bun ingot. It has two convex faces which meet each other at a curved edge. The rest of surfaces appear to be irregularly-shaped breaks, which are not recent.



The object is heavy for its size, and this may suggest some lead content. It has three holes on one of the broken sides, and several smaller ones on one of the convex sides, probably caused by escaping gas. There are other shallower holes on one of the convex sides, which may be the imprints of grit or small stone pebbles that the molten metal dropped onto. There is one small pebble remaining in one of these holes.



Length: 49.5mm. Width: 40.5mm. Height: 24.0mm. Weight: 132g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.97 mm
Thickness: 2.41 mm
Weight: 2.15 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper- alloy blade fragment, dating to c 1500 - 1200 BC. It is triangular in shape and lozengiform in cross section. There are traces of a central midrib extending to the tip on both faces. It is possibly from a rapier or sword.

Length: 24.97 mm

Width: 13.88 mm

Thickness: 2.41 mm

Weight: 2.15 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder