dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grandborough, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged chisel, probably dating to c. 1150-600 BC. The chisel is incomplete as the tang is missing. The blade is a elongated sub-triangle with concave sides and a convex blade edge. The corners of the blade are flared outwards and are abraded and therefore rounded. The blade as it tapers becomes rectangular in section. At the tip there is an integral rectangular sectioned collar with a fragment of the integral tang protruding from the upper edge. The break of the tang is not recent. There are no signs of decoratio.



The surface of the chisel has a incomplete well-developed mid green patina with some pitting and abrasion. 



Dimensions: length 46mm; width across the blade 28mm; 5mm maximum thickness (at collar) and weight not recorded.



Tanged and collared chisels typically date from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (Llyn Fawr period). An example, dating to the Wilburton/Wallington phase, is known from Doncaster, Yorkshire (Burgess, Coombs and Davies, 1972, 217), though the main currency is during the Ewart Park phase (c.900-700 BC) probably continuing into the subsequent Llyn Fawr period (c.700-600 BC). A similar tanged chisel was found in association with a large amount of Late Bronze Age material as part of a probable Early Iron Age hoard at Gussage St. Michael, Dorset (Knight, Ormrod & Pearce 2015: 51, no. 250b). Another similar example, from Kingston, Dorset, is published by Pearce (1984: 476, no. 416a), from a site which has also produced Late Bronze Age pottery. Numerous similar chisels are also recorded onto this database, but cf. WILT-CDB685 and DEV-C3AD9B, are particularly similar.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abbots Langley, Three Rivers, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Weight: 42.26 g
Description: A fragment of copper-alloy Bronze Age axe, probably of the palstave type, dating to the period 1600-1100 BC. The fragment comprises part of the splayed blade and a rectangular portion of its body still in tact. The cutting edge is flared and curved, though one of the pointed tips is damaged. The fragment is rectangular in cross-section and triangular in profile. The blade thins gradually from the break to the cutting edge, within which is a sub-rectangular shaped hollow section exposed by the break. The object measures 46mm in length, 25mm in width and 12.5mm in maximum thickness. It weighs 42.26 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Welford, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.1 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 13.4 g
Description: An incomplete section of a cast copper-alloy palstave dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (1500-1150 BC). The fragment is the butt end of the palstave. On either side of the main body the sides form raised flanges, consistent with a bronze age, palstave axehead (c.1500-1100BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Foulsham, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 9.97 g
Description: Fragment of Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier or dirk, blade with flat median rib, corroded and pitted with damaged edges, both ends missing. Extant length 47mm. Extant width 12mm. 3.5mm thick. Weight 9.97g. 1400-1200 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sickle (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Seend, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.7 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 8 g
Description: An incomplete Middle to Late Bronze Age copper alloy sickle, probably dating to c. 1500-800 BC. The surviving fragment comprises a sub-triangular, curving section of the blade, tapering into an abraded point at the tip. Both edges are similarly abraded. The blade is lenticular in cross section, with a central ridge on both faces, tapering into the edges. The blade is truncated by an old break.



Dimensions: length 49.7mm; width 19.2mm; thickness 3.5mm; weight 8.00g.



cf. a similar, but more complete sickle found at Edington Burtle (Pearce 1983: 512-513, no. 648). The fragment is too incomplete to be further classified.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Claverley, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.64 mm
Thickness: 8.17 mm
Weight: 13.29 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed spear dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1500-800 BC). The object is lentoid in cross-section, with a central rib running vertically along both faces. One wing is fairly well preserved and the opposing wing shows some damage. The tip of the spear has broken away in antiquity. There is also a worn break at the opposite end exposing a hollowed centre. The spear has a dark to mid green patina.



Similar examples recorded on the PAS database include: SUR-A9688B; BH-D97683; and LIN-75113B.



The overall dimesnions are as follows: 30.64mm in length, 21.22mm in width, 8.17mm in thickness and 13.29g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1200 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Stephen, St. Albans, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.5 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 13.8 g
Description: An incomplete miniature copper-alloy object, possibly an axe dating from the Late Bronze Age to Roman period (c. 1200 BC - AD 400). The axe is wedge shaped and sub-rectangular in cross-section with one wedge shaped end and the other end rounded. One face is flat while the other is concaved. One of the long edges is damaged in the form of an irregular triangular notch. There are no signs of decoration but there are small patches of a black coating on one of the edges. The rest of the object has a mid-green patina. The object measures 34.5mm in length, has a maximum width of 19mm and a maximum thickness of 6mm. It weighs 13.8 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Mileham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.5 mm
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Weight: 3.8 g
Description: Description: Incomplete gold artefact of possible middle to late Bronze Age date. It comprises a strip of sheet gold with worn transverse breaks at either end. Now bent approximately mid-way along its length at an obtuse angle, probably after deposition; the bend shows stress marks and there is a small tear at the apex. Both surfaces have traces of hammer marks, indicating that it was hammered flat from a thicker wire or bar. 



Dimensions: Length (bent): 49.5mm, approximate unbent length: 66.7 maximum width: 11.8mm, minimum width: 8.5mm, thickness: 0.8mm, weight: 3.8g. 



Discussion: Gold artefacts of sheet gold bearing similar hammered manufacturing marks include NMGW-09A1A5 (2008W8), described as an armlet, PAS-446915 (2013 T674), described as a ribbon and CORN-8EC344 (2014 T39), described as a mount. All three are described as being of probable Bronze Age date. BH-1BE953 (2014 T901), also described as an unidentified object states: “There is a range of gold strip and ribbon ornaments datable to the British Bronze Age. The less numerous types include arm and possibly ear ornaments fastening by means of a hook at each end, or a hook and eye (piercing)… There are also an increasing number of (often) thin gold strips and fragments with terminal piercings which on grounds of composition could fit into a Bronze Age context. Again, there are continental analogues, beginning within the Early Bronze Age sheet gold tradition.”



Date: c. 1500 – 800 BC.
Notes: The object appears to consist of over 10% precious metal and be over 300 years old at the time of finding and as such qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1000 to 700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Hale, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight: 64.62 g
Description: Incomplete, worn and corroded Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, with one small joining fragment, most of surface missing, cutting edge and part of body and most of mouth missing, stumps of missing side loop. Length 74mm. Extant width 33mm. Extant thickness 20mm. Weighs 64.62g. Dates from c.1000 - c.7000 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Besthorpe, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight: 158 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave: No loops, butt damaged, much of the surface of the metal is missing. Both faces with stop ridge, blunt angular damaged edge. Length 38mm. Extant max. width 49mm. Thickness at ridge 29mm. Weight 158g. Middle Bronze Age, 1600 - 1000 BC.
Notes: ENF145337
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wallington, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 4.47 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy spear tip dating to the Bronze Age (c. 1500-800 BC). The tip is sub-triangular in plan and pointed-oval in cross-section, with a broad flat central longitudinal rib on both surfaces from which the body tapers either side to form the sharp edges. The tip tapers to a point and is solid. The object has a patchy green patina, measures 30mm in length, 12.5mm in width, a maximum of 6mm thick and weighs 4.47 grams.



For similar Bronze Age broken spear tips recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, see KENT-EE8649 and BERK-359D1B.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wallington, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 6.54 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy spear tip dating to the Bronze Age (c. 1500-800 BC). The tip is sub-triangular in plan and oval in cross-section. Both faces are bowed slightly and thin to form the slightly recessed edges. The tip tapers to a point. The surfaces have a mid-green patina. It measures 36mm in length, 16mm in width, a maximum of 3.5mm thick. It weighs 6.54 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 21 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 12.05 g
Description: Probable Middle Bronze Age cast copper alloy ring, convex outside edge, both faces concave, central perforation. External diameter 21mm. Internal diameter 5.5mm. Thickness 6.5mm. Weighs 12.05g. 1600 - 1000 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1020)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gweek, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 31.39 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy narrow rapier, rectangular in plan and lozenge-shaped in profile and section, with a raised broad mid-rib on both faces. The surface is heavily pitted and corroded on one side so that less of the dark brown patina survives. The cutting edges of the fragment are also jagged and damaged. The fragment dates from the Middle Bronze Age, but to be sure of its date, it will need more metallurgical analysis.



Rohl and Needham (1998) illustrate some similar rapiers with broad mid-ribs on p.132, fig.34, nos.189-190, which are Group IV rapiers, and date from the Penard phase of metalwork, c.1275-1150 BC. 



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate rapiers with narrow blades and broad mid-ribs from Sennen in Cornwall and Exmouth in Devon on p.98, pl.25, nos.71 & 134.



Dr Matt Knight's research has suggested that rapiers carried on in use over longer periods of time where early swords did not develop. This is true of Scotland, but also of the South West so it is possible to suggest that rapiers continued to be used in these areas into the Wilburton (c.1150-1020 BC) phase of the late Middle Bronze Age (Matt Knight pers comm).
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Erth, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 75.36 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy flat axehead, comprising part of the blade, trapezoidal in plan, triangular in profile and rectangular in section, at the narrow broken end, dating from the Early Bronze Age c.2200-1850 BC.. The opposite blade end tapers to a rounded and damaged edge in profile which may have expanded outwards to form the cutting edge. The blade is broad and straight sided but as it is worn and incomplete, may have expanded into a more crecentic cutting edge. The surface of the blade is covered with a brown patina and both faces are decorated with straight lines punched into the axe after casting, about 5mm in length, and about 1mm apart, in what is referred to as a 'rain pattern'. One face of the blade has a transverse gash where it has been damaged since deposition, which cuts through the outer layer, revealing the light green corroded surface beneath which is also exposed on parts of the edges. The blade may have been deliberately broken at the upper edge, before it thickens and potentially flanges outwards towards the butt end, as the break is straight and may have been struck with a chisel prior to deposition as it is now corroded and worn.



Comparable examples of decorated flat axeheads with more spaced out linear incisions from the Southwest can be found in Pearce (1983) on a Migdale flat axehead from Southleigh in Devon (pp.455 & 600, pl.39, no.297) and a low-flanged flat axehead from Mount Pleasant in Dorset (pp.468 & 609, pl.48, no.371). See also record CORN-C53643 where the decoration covers the whole axe and is more regular and evenly spaced like this example and the developed flat axehead from Preston Down, Weymouth (pp.487 & 621, pl.60, no.480).



Flat axes decorated with this 'rain pattern' without flanged sides can be found during the Mile Cross-Aylesford phase (c.2050-1850 BC) of the Early Bronze Age, such as the Class 3 axes illustrated in 'The Circulation of Metal in the British Bronze Age: The Application of Lead Isotope Analysis' (Rohl & Needham 1998, 124, fig.25, nos.47-48).



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar flat axeheads with rain patterns from Colleonard Farm, Banffshire, Scotland in pl.16, nos.199 & 202 which are classified as Type Migdale, Decorated Variant, and dated from the Migdale metalworking tradition (c.2200-1950 BC), and a similar concentrated pattern on a developed flat axehead from Middleton-on-the-Wolds, Yorkshire in pl.27, no.310, which is classified as Type Aylesford and dated from the Mile Cross-Aylesford metalwork phase (c.2050-1850 BC) of the Early Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Axehead Roughout (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Just, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 300 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy axehead roughout or blank, triangular in plan and lozenge-shaped in profile and section, dating from the Early Bronze Age. The sides of the axe were once straight but are now abraded and taper towards the narrow butt end which is worn to almost a point. The surface of the roughout has developed a dark brown patina and the sides have exposed the light green corrosion product beneath through wear and damage since deposition.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar rough flat axes with narrow butt ends and straight sides from Birnie, Morayshire and Angus in Scotland in plate 21, nos.258-259, which are unclassified but close to Type Migdale associated with the Migdale metalworking tradition c.2200-2000 BC of the Early Bronze Age.



Needham (2017) illustrates a similar axe-like blank or ingot on page 61, no.119 which are found within the Irish flat axe corpus but are more crudely shaped ingots in the flat axe form, presumably created in an open mould but perhaps incomplete.
Notes: Material has been drilled out of the side of the axehead for analysis by the finder which was analysed by Dr Jens Andersen of Camborne School of Mines using the Scanning Electron Microscope. The analysis was carried out by electron-probe microanalysis using wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometers with a 20 nA electron beam accelerated to 15 kV focused to a 5 micron beam size. The metal contained:



90-92 wt% copper, 4.5-7 wt% arsenic, 2.1-2.8 wt% tin and traces of nickel (0.1 wt%) but no lead, zinc, silver, gold, antimony, cobalt or iron.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Tisbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.9 mm
Weight: 16.46 g
Description: A fragment of a probable Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, probably dating to c. 1100-800 BC. The sub-rectangular fragment comprises of a sction of the mouth and socket wall; the mouth appears to have been flaring, with a moulded collar beneath, but with no other indication of decoration on the surviving fragment. The cross-section of the fragment suggests an original cross-section which was relatively pronouncedly sub-hexagonal. 



Dimensions: Length 38.9mm; width: 17.1mm; thickness at mouth 6.8mm; thickness at socket 4.9mm; weight: 16.46g. 



The cross section of the peice would suggest a late Bronze Age, rather than early Iron Age date; although it is too fragmentary for precise classification.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 7.1 g
Description: 
Fragment of a copper-alloy cast blade, possibly from a rapier. The blade point is Bronze Age in date, though not enough of the artefact remains to more precisely date it to within this period. The item is an elongated triangular shape, with a narrowed end. There is a central midrib.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.2 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 19.17 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a late middle to late Bronze Age socketed spear, 75.2mm in length. The blade is narrow and was originally probably leaf shaped. It has a pronounced rib with lozengiform cross sectional profile 7.9mm thick. Possibly of pegged or looped type. Circa 1400 BC - 800 BC.
Notes: For more complete comparable examples see WILT-96D3A6, WILT-DAEC0E and NMS-ABA4C6.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tutbury, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 118 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Description: A complete copper alloy spear dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1600-1400 BC). The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a sub-oval/leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces. The socket is hollow and has cast side loops roughly half way up the socketed end on opposing sides. The spear head has broken across the near centre of the blade. The two pieces were found about 60cm apart. 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.



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.



The overall dimensions are as follows: 118mm in length, 20mm in width and 17mm in depth.
Notes: 
Photographs and dimensions kindly supplied by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beetley, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.6 mm
Thickness: 6.1 mm
Weight: 5.2 g
Description: A complete though worn copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date, c. 1500 - 800 BC. The object is sub-square in section at the middle and widest point tapering to worn rounded points to either end. The object is undecorated.



The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The object is 51.6mm long, 6.2mm wide, 6.1mm thick and weighs 5.2g.



Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1500-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Endellion, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight: 83.17 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy side-looped palstave, with just the upper butt end that would have been hafted remaining. The fragment is broken just above the stop ridge which would have stopped the wooden haft on both sides, and is missing its blade so it is difficult to classify, but from the shape and the side loop it likely dates from the Penard phase (c.1275-1150 BC) of the Middle Bronze Age. The broken edge is rectangular in section with the bases of the worn flanges, 4 mm in height, on both sides of the palstave and the butt is narrow and parallel-sided blade between these flanges in plan. The flanges taper as they move towards the butt end where they are flush with the surface. The blade would have expanded slightly below the missing stop ridge and terminated in a crescentic blade edge. The remains of half of the side loop project outwards 9 mm from the surface of one side of the palstave and the loop is 15 mm long. The surface of the blade is damaged and pitted but some smooth layers of mid-green patina have developed and there are patches of light green bronze disease.



If the stop ridge was squared off, perpendicular to the parallel-sided low flanges, then this butt end was probably part of a side-looped Transitional Type palstave, but we do not know if the blade was plain or decorated.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar palstaves with low side flanges, parallel sides and squared-off stop ridges from Yorkshire and Denwick in Northumberland in plates 62 & 64, nos.859 & 880, which are classified as Transitional Palstaves and dated from the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a palstave with a side loop and a squared-off stop ridge from Christchurch, Dorset on p.93, pl.20, no.228, which is dated from the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Burton Fleming, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.9 mm
Thickness: 15.3 mm
Weight: 55.9 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date, c. 1000 - 800BC. The fragment is the blade end of the axehead which is trapezoidal in shape with a worn cutting edge and flared rounded corners. The cross-section is rectangular and the breaks are old and worn.



The metal has a dark green patina and is worn. The fragment is 49.9mm long, 35.8mm wide, 15.3mm thick and weighs 55.9g.



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 - 800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wendlebury, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 158 mm
Diameter: 16.8 mm
Weight: 72.1 g
Description: A complete and hardly worn cast copper alloy socketed and side looped spearhead dating to the Taunton phase of the Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1400-1250 BC). The spearhead has a short but slender kite-shaped blade with rounded shoulders. The edges are bevelled and the blade is still very sharp. Fine filing or polishing striations can be seen all over both sides of the blade. The socket is circular and tapers from the open mouth in to the shaft between the blade's wings. There are two lozenge-shaped, undrilled 'loops' located equidistantly between the socket mouth and the blade. The mouth of the socket has slight damage in three areas, and a small hole (a casting flaw?) can be seen below one of the 'loops'. There are fine linear filing or finishing striations all over the length and circumference of the socket. These lines have been created by filing from opposing angles which has created triangular and cross-hatched patterns. Around the 'loops' are striations that follow the shape of each lozenge and overlies the cross-hatching, showing the filing of the loops was one of the last processes to be undertaken. Overall the spearhead is in extremely good condition. It appears to have no wear on it and it is possible it was made to be a votive deposit rather than a functional item.

A small number of similar spearheads with undrilled loops have recently been recorded from across Oxfordshire; from Kingston Bagpuize (BERK-5BCE29), from Cherwell (BERK-D20304), Bampton (BERK-44F126) and another example found in AD 1871 in Fyfield now in the Ashmolean Museum (accession number Ash.M 1927.2706). It would be interesting to compare these examples.

The socket diameter is 19.3mm with an internal diameter of 16.8mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pitstone, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.9 mm
Thickness: 8.7 mm
Weight: 11.3 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a late middle to late Bronze Age socketed spear, 39.9mm in length. The blade is narrow and was originally probably leaf shaped. It has a pronounced rib with lozengiform cross sectional profile 8.7mm thick. Possibly of pegged or looped type. Circa 1400 BC - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Button (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Tisbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 19.2 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 4.37 g
Description: A probable Late Bronze Age to Iron Age copper alloy button, dating to c. 900 BC - AD 43. The button is discoidal, with two concentric circular recessed bands and a pellet at the centre. The vestigial remains of a probable loop project from the reverse.



Dimensions: diameter: 19.2mm; thickness; 4.7mm; weight: 4.37g.



cf. BH-E9F0E9 and WMID-498A82 on this database. Read (2005: 1) no. 2, described as a button-like object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Tisbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.4 mm
Weight: 3.42 g
Description: A complete possible Bronze Age Awl, potentially dating to c 1150 - 800 BC. It consists of a metal rod, rectangular in cross section, with a wedge shaped, round ended, terminal at one end, and a pointed end at the other. The rod tapers towards each end.



Dimensions: 44.4mm in length; c 5mm x c 4mm across the section. It weighs 3.42g.



It is difficult to date such a non-diagnostic item, and although it might possibly be Bronze Age in date (as may be suggested by the patina) it could equally be later. cf. DOR-3F8E48 for similar object recorded on this database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 6.38 g
Description: 
Copper alloy Bronze Age blade fragment. This is the tip of the blade and has a low oval cross-section with tapered blades on either side. The front profile narrows to the tip where there is a rounded point. The back end is truncated making it making it difficult to be certain whether this item is from a spear of knife, although the latter is the most likely. This artefact dates to the middle to late Bronze Age.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 24.56 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe that consists of the blade and the base of the socket. The break is ancient and irregular. The blade has a very low curved forward edge which is heavily corroded. Behind the blade the surface of the axe is in excellent condition with a dark green patina that has a series of shallow striation that run up from the blade on the top and bottom edge that are probably formed from use or sharpening. The casting seam is visible but has been filed down. The socket at the rear is oval 33mm long by 5mm wide and 5mm deep
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Carleton Rode, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97 mm
Thickness: 2.25 mm
Weight: 13 g
Description: Late Bronze Age razor, of Piggott (1946) class 1, Leaf-shaped blade of very thin sub-lenticular section with a very slight mid-rib and chamfer for the cutting edges, a sub-rectangular sectioned shank or handle terminates in a flattened spatula. All surfaces appear to be hammered after casting (work hardening?) and smoothly finished, also cf. Watson, P.J. Catalogue of British and European Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums 1993 BAR British Series: 233, p. 10, no.76, although this example has a hooked tang.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Puddletown, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.6 mm
Thickness: 0.18 mm
Weight: 13.63 g
Description: A copper alloy razor of Middle to Late Bronze Age date. The blade is sub rectangular and tapers slightly to a truncated end. It has a low central mid-rib on both faces with a thinned cutting edge along the outer edge on both sides. At the opposite end to the break, the blade narrows into a trapeziodal pierced tang. The tang has a circular attachment hole with an incised framing line around it on one face. The end of the blade has been bent backwards.

Date: Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age: 1400 BC - 800 BC

Dimensions: 68.6 mm x 24.15 mm x 0.18 mm

Weight: 13.63 g



A similar object is recorded on the PAS database: SUR-E3AEB2
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentney, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Chance find during metal detecting
Length: 103 mm
Weight: 151.24 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe, double mouth moulding, of which the upper is more prominent while the lower is little more than a low ridge from whic springs a loop on one side of the body. Descending from the lower moulding on both faces are four raised ribs in two groups of two separated by a central gap, and curved and tapering to follow the outer edge and die out just beyond the mid-point. The sides of the body flare gently to the axe's widest point at the cutting edge. Casting flashes are prominent along both sides and along the loop. Slight damage on the otherwise relatively sharp cutting edge. There is and irregular perforation near the mid-point on one face (secondary damage, 11 x 8mm). Length 103mm. Blade width 51mm. Weight 151.24g. 1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashwellthorpe and Fundenhall, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.2 mm
Thickness: 10.8 mm
Weight: 16.9 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged chisel dating to the period c. 1150 - 800 BC. The tapering rectangle-sectioned tang exhibits some damage at the tip, but appears to be intact. It expands from 2.5mm in width and 1.8mm in thickness at the tip to 7.5mm in width and 6.4mm in thickness just above the collar. The collar is sub-oval in cross-section and is 13mm in width and 10.8mm in thickness. Below, the blade tapers to a width of 9.4mm before flaring out to 26.1mm at the shallowly curved cutting edge which is now blunt, probably due to post-depositional damage. The chisel exhibits a smooth dark brown patina with patches of dark green.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 152.24 mm
Thickness: 6.7 mm
Weight: 47.34 g
Description: Incomplete copper-alloy rapier dating to the middle Bronze Age (1500 - 1100 BC). The object has a lozenge-shaped sectioned narrow blade which widens at the haft end, narrowing at two semi-circular indents which are the remains of rivet holes, and terminating in a sub-rectangular extension. The object is extremely worn and the tip of the blade is missing, leaving an abraded broken edge. The object has a green patina. It is 152.24mm in length, 30.62mm at maximum width and 6.70mm in thickness. It weighs 47.34g.



Similar examples have been recorded on the database, including: SUR-B671B3, DENO-6E1928, DENO-1D2B92 and CPAT-633D63.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston, Cote, Shifford and Chimney, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 2.2 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy fragment of the tip of a Bronze Age axe dating to c. 1,500 - 800 BC . No further details recorded.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Guestwick, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Chance find during metal detecting
Length: 156 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave. Straight-sided, damaged wedge-shaped butt end, with side flanges rising to form a stop-ridge with a small loop on one side. Very slightly waisted before expanding with almost straight sides to the slightly curved, damaged and corroded cutting edge. Below the stop-ridge on both faces is a slight longitudinal arris which dies out towards the blade. The casting seams are visible on both sides and most of the edges are damaged and corroded. Length 156mm. Width of cutting edge 57mm. Maximum thickness 35mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Carthorpe, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116.8 mm
Thickness: 16.9 mm
Weight: 46.3 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper alloy side-looped spear dating from about 1550 BC - 1250 BC. It fits into the Acton Park or Taunton phases. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC).



The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces, triangular in cross-section, giving a lozenge shaped cross-section at the point. There is some damage to the edges of the blade and no edge bevels are discernable. The socket is oval in cross-section and is hollow, but is filled with possible mineralised wood. It has cast side loops roughly half way along the socket. The loops are a flat oval in cross-section, and one is blocked with a casting flange that has not been trimmed. The casting seams along the sides of the socket have been trimmed but are still proud. The spear has a smooth dark brown patina.



Compare WMID-56E2E4 and see also Davis, R (2017) A Short Guide to early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads. Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5.



The spear is 116.8mm long, 19.9mm wide and 16.9mm thick. 46.3g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thorpe, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 62.28 g
Description: An incomplete, cast copper alloy, riveted dagger dating from the Early Bronze Age c.2150 - 1600 BC. In plan it is broadly triangular with straight sides tapering to a rounded, but now abraded point. It is very flat in cross section. The hilt end is badly damaged with the outer corners and the central tang all broken. The break has occurred across the three circular rivet holes, approximately 8.5mm in diameter, one on each corner, and the other in the centre of the tang. This one is positioned slightly further down into the hilt than those on the outer corners. These positions suggest that the tang was slightly convex in shape. One of the side rivets remains in situ, with the other two found loose nearby.



The rivets are circular in cross section with expanded convex heads at either end, and vary in length from 14.4mm - 14.9mm, and in width from 9.8mm - 10.5mm. The weight of the two detached rivets, 5.60g and 5.15g.



Dagger, Length 125.0mm, Width 57.6mm, Thickness 1.8mm, Weight 62.28g.



The overall condition of the piece is fairly stable, with little sign of active corrosion. General patination of both surfaces normal for this type of metal, some areas of delamination.



Ref. Rohl.B, and Needham. S, British Museum Occasional Paper no.102. page 122 , figs. 222, 23, 26, 27.



See SOM-AC79FD.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Horsley, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.6 mm
Thickness: 10.1 mm
Weight: 52.82 g
Description: A heavily corroded copper alloy fragment of a Bronze Age axe measuring 51.6mm by 30.9mm. The fragment is pelta-shaped and comprises the blade tip. The area behind the blade is fluted with three pronounced ribs perpendicular to the blade edge and has a rectangular cross section. The remaining surface has a dark green patina. Probably from a palstave of Middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1500 BC to c. 1150 BC). For a more complete example see WMID-7D44CA.
Notes: Found in the same area as SUR-E72368, but no clear association is demonstrable due to a lack of accurate findspot being provided by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Horsley, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.3 mm
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Weight: 23.57 g
Description: A fragment of copper-alloy Bronze Age axe or adze, 26.3mm in length and 38.7mm wide, comprising the blade tip. The edge of the blade is curved without flared tips and has a profile suggesting that this is possibly of the Middle Bronze Age palstave type. The patina is light green to brownish grey. The break reveals a casting void which approaches the surface on one side and may demonstrate a weakness which led to original break.
Notes: Found in the same area as SUR-E6EBD6, but no clear association is demonstrable due to a lack of accurate findspot being provided by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72.5 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 27 g
Description: Fragment of the proximal end (partial butt and constriction for the blade) of a Group III rapier (Burgess,C. B and Gerloff, S,1981), with well defined triple arris to the blade, the central ridge flattens out as it reaches the handle, there is a faint wear impression of the omega shaped handle on the surface, the position of the rivet holes for the handle are not visible and the elongated, thin blade (possibly sub-type Lissane? although the blade is rather thin) is largely missing, The main surface of the rapier is patinated dark glossy brown (water patina?) and all the recently damaged areas are patinated mid-green. It is unusual to record a Group III from Norfolk, predominantly they are Group IV. Circa 1600-1001 BC.



Finder's Field Name: BR.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1050 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Waltham St. Lawrence, Windsor and Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.7 mm
Thickness: 20.4 mm
Weight: 67.51 g
Description: An incomplete worn cast copper alloy socketed axehead dating to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1050 - 800 BC). The blade end of the axe head survives and is trapezoidal in shape with a crescentic cutting edge. The corners are slightly flared and rounded. The socket of the axe is sub-rectangular measuring 24.3mm x 18.4mm. It has jagged breaks around all the sides which have removed the original end of the socket and no evidence of the original probable collar remaining. At one edge of the socket end of the axe head there is a small circular projection which was probably the remains of a loop that would have been attached to the socket. Casting seams are visible on the sides of the axe head. The blade edge has sporadic thick incised lines and indentations possibly from ware. The axe head has a mid-green patina.



The axe head is 52.7mm in length, 32.7mm in width, 20.4mm in maximum thickness, and weighs 67.51g.



Similar axe heads can be seen on the database such as: YORYM-82C3F7, NLM-7CDDD3, NLM-B70C26
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Litcham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.4 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 4.97 g
Description: Complete copper-alloy miniature developed flat axe dating to the late Early/early Middle Bronze Age. The axe has a narrow butt with moderately concave sides. Initially the sides are only slightly flaring but in the last 20% of its length the width increases by another 50% to form the curved cutting edge. In profile, the axe is lenticular with the maximum thickness at the centre of its length.



Dimensions: 34.4mm in length, 12.0mm in max.width, 4.2mm in max.thickness and weighs 4.97g.



The axe appears to be modelled on the Class 3 non-flanged axe types of Period 2 circa 2100-1900 BC. It is too small to have functioned as an axe and current archaeological thinking believes they played a role in votive/ritual practices or functioned as amulets. Despite the obvious lack of contemporaneity, those modelled on later Bronze Age axe types, viz socketed and looped, have been found in secure Iron Age and Roman contexts.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lyminge, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.54 mm
Thickness: 11.32 mm
Weight: 12.29 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper alloy socketed axe, dating to the Late Bronze Age c. 1000 - 800 BC.



Description: The fragment represents part of the socketed end of the axe and is unevenly shaped. Part of the rimmed collar for the socket remains. Just after the rim there is a side loop to help secure the axe to its handle, which remains intact. The fragment is dark to light green on the surfaces, its surface is also heavily worn suggesting while the breaks are moderately worn suggesting they occurred  after deposition although not recently.



Measurements: 30.54mm long, 25.08mm wide., 11.32mm thick and 12.29g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.6 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 25.2 g
Description: A fragment from a Bronze age copper-alloy artefact, probably a dirk (dagger/knife) of middle Bronze Age date. This fragment weighs 25.20g and is from the distal butt-end of the blade. The fragment has a pointed-oval to shallow lozenge shaped cross-section and all of the edges are worn. The fragment has an incomplete length of 38.6mm, maximum width of 35.1mm at approximately 20.6mm in from the butt-end and maximum thickness of 4.6mm. The butt-end is a relatively straight line with rounded corners and width of 29.5mm. The fragment's sides angle inwards, tapering towards, the now missing, blade tip. The blade has a, slightly diagonal, very worn transverse break and a width of 23.2mm. The break of slope on the change of angle along the edges, on both sides, of the blade is c.8.5mm in from the edges. Two circular rivet holes are present at the butt-end. One is positioned 4.5mm in from the butt-end and 1.9mm in from the side edge. This aperture has a diameter of 6.9mm. The other rivet hole is positioned 6.9mm in from the butt-end and 0.8mm in from the side edge. Being so close to the edge the metal between the aperture and edge has broken and the metal has pulled apart, one break above the other, creating a gap of 0.6mm. A rivet remains in place through this hole. The rivet has a sub-circular cross-section with a diameter of 6.5mm, which fits securely into the aperture, and length of 11.1mm. The rivet has a shallow domed head which expands slightly from the diameter of the shaft, probably due to being hammered on both sides to secure the rivet in place thus to hold the blade to the hilt. The head has a more oval diameter of 7.1mm x 6.4mm the head at the other end of the rivet measuring 7.1mm x 6.9mm. Peter Reavill suggests that the condition of the mushroom headed rivets is likely to indicate that the hilt was still attached to the blade when it went into the ground.



These types of artefact were made by casting in moulds. This artefact is too incomplete to be able to suggest a specific type of dirk. Compare with PAS record BERK-2C1328 see <https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/888525> .
Subsequent action: Returned to finder