dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.7 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 6 g
Description: Copper-alloy awl, probably of late Bronze Age date. It is rectangular, very nearly square in cross-section throughout, and it is not obvious which end is the blade and which is the tang. It is fairly sharp at one end and blunter at the other; the blunt end may be a worn break. The thickest and widest point is just over a third of the distance from the blunt to the sharp end. From here it tapers in both dimensions and directions but not symmetrically: two adjacent faces remain fairly flat from tip to tip while the other two taper to meet their opposites at the tips.



Copper-alloy awls are generally thought of as Late Bronze Age in date, 1000 to 800 BC. They are often circular or round in cross-section at the blade. WILT-BC913A and SUR-BBF938 are other examples that have a square or sub-rectangular cross-section for most of their length.



Length: 66.7mm. Width 4.3. Thickness: 4.3mm. Weight: 6.0g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Laverton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 127.08 mm
Height: 18.29 mm
Description: A complete, copper alloy, Later Short Flanged axehead of the Lisset Type, dating to the middle Bronze Age, BC 1300-1200. A probable type Lissett metalworking phase (Schmidt and Burgess, 1981,100; plate 48, numbers 616-620).The axe is subrectangular, with a square butt which has been damaged. There is differential wear on the axe blade indicating that the axe has been used. The septem, the area between the flanges, terminates in a faint shield like depression. The casting flashes or seams have been removed and hammered flat. There is an notable casting line on the profile of one side , which could be a flaw or something reproduced from in the mould. These are more common in northern areas of the UK, while palstave axes are more frequent in the South. This axe has a long blade with a slightly divergent sides.



The patina of the axe - its bronzy colour - could be from cleaning, however the attached photograph shows the axe directly after discovery and suggest that the object has been buried in anerobic conditions for at least part of the time it has been buried. This is further evidences by its findspot which indicates a marshy area covered by hillwash. 



DUR-05101C



Dimentions:

Weight - 218.51g

Length - 127.08mm

Width of Blade - 41.66mm



Width of butt - mm

Height if flanges - 18.29

Width at Flanges - 17.97
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Meon, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.6 mm
Thickness: 6.1 mm
Weight: 9.09 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 65.6mm in length with an octagonal cross section (square with bevelled corners). One end tapers to a point, the other to a flat chisel-like terminal. The surface has a deep-green patina, but is damaged with extensive loss in places. There is no evident decoration.
Notes: 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 (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to EARLY MEDIEVAL (-2150 to 1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentney, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 4.28 g
Description: Short copper alloy awl of uncertain date. Square in cross-section throughout its length it tapers from its greatest thickness at the mid-point, to a moderately sharp point at one end, and to a chisel edge at the other. The object may have had a handle with one end functioning as the tang, but the consistent dark brown patina and hand-worn appearance probably suggest otherwise. Additionally, there is no evidence of hammering at either end; and no stop, and therefore the object was probably intended for light hand-work. Such objects are found in Bronze Age hoards- see WAW-C63EB7, but since they are commonly plain, lack diagnostic features and have simple purposeful forms that are relatively unchanged across many centuries, outside of context their dating is problematic. The landscape in which this object was found is ancient, and within a kilometre radius six Bronze Age artefacts have already been discovered, however, in recorded finds it majors in the Roman, Early Medieval, and Medieval periods. Accordingly, although a Bronze Age date is probable, for reasons given a wider date range is proffered. Circa 2150BC -AD1000. 



Dimensions;- length 40mm, width 4.3mm, weight 4.28g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Catton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.3 mm
Thickness: 12.4 mm
Weight: 41.3 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Bronze Age socketed axehead or socketed chisel dating from about 1000 BC - 700 BC. It has a fairly straight cutting edge with rounded corners one of which is broken off. There are straight but tapering sides and an ancient break at the top across the end of the socket where it is rectangular in cross-section. The rest of the tool is missing. The fragment has a green and brown mottled patina. the fragment is too small to classify. It could be a small socketed axe, a palstave or a chisel. It is similar to SWYOR-AC278F, SF-9E9143 and NCL-F12C3E. The fragment is 27.3mm long, 33.2mm wide and 12.4mm thick. 41.3g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.5 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 14.82 g
Description: 
An incomplete copper-alloy penannular bracelet of probable Bronze Age date. The bracelet is ovate in cross section. In plan it is curved and tapers gradually. Both ends are heavily patinated suggesting ancient breaks.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Farnham, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.5 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 14.82 g
Description: 
An fragment of a probable Bronze Age object. The object is broken and worn on all sides and has a possible worn rib on both of the flat sides.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2350 to 1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.2 mm
Thickness: 9.8 mm
Weight: 187.65 g
Description: An incomplete and very worn copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date (2350-1600BC).

Description: The axehead is trapezoidal in shape with a lenticular cross-section. It has&nbsp;an irregular break at the butt end and from here its&nbsp;straight sides gradually widen to a slightly curved blade.&nbsp;It is very worn and pitted with a light green patina.&nbsp;

Measurements: length: 80.2mm; width: 56.3; thickness: 9.8mm; weight: 187.65g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Holme Hale, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 8.1 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 3.7 g
Description: Fragment of the blade-edge of a copper-alloy cutting tool, probably an axehead and probably of later Bronze Age date. The cutting edge is V-shaped in profile and moderately convex when viewed from either face. It becomes increasingly more convex towards one end, as it curves around to form the very beginning of one of the side edges, before meeting the break.

The break is ancient and runs broadly parallel to the cutting edge, and then finally obliquely.  No vestige of the side edge survives at the other end but symmetry suggests that it was no more than a few millimetres away. The metal is patinated dark brown on the two faces and reddish-orange on the break. c. 1500 to 800 B.C.



Length (cutting edge to break): 8.1mm. Width: 35.3mm. Thickness: 3.9mm. Weight: 3.7g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hannington, Swindon, Swindon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 110.3 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 34.64 g
Description: An incomplete Late&nbsp;Bronze Age copper alloy dagger blade, dating to c.&nbsp;1150-800 cal.&nbsp;BC.&nbsp; Most of the blade remains, with the sharp tip missing. There is also a section missing at the upper end&nbsp;where only a part of a single rivet hole remains, in line with the longitudinal centre line of the blade. The blade has a wide central rib and bevelled edges and cutting edge which is&nbsp;roughened but still sharp in places. The pierced upper section narrows a little above&nbsp;the blade itself and is flattened. There are transverse hammer marks, likely formed when the handle was originally fitted to the blade. It has a mid brown patina with small patches of green.

Dimensions: 110.3mm in length; 27.8mm in width; 2.6mm thick; 34.64g in weight

c.f. British Museum Collections accession number&nbsp;WG.1313 and&nbsp;1863,0122.111
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horley, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.6 mm
Thickness: 11.4 mm
Weight: 21.43 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment of a late Bronze Age (c. 1100 BC to 800 BC) socketed axehead measuring 22.6mm by 35.2mm. The fragment comprises the blade tip which flares out into a curved cutting edge. The axehead has a triangular side profile and a hollow centre. Most of the original surface has been lost.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wilsford, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.3 mm
Thickness: 3.4 mm
Weight: 3.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper-alloy awl. It is flat-tipped and flat in cross-section at the tang end, gradually becoming oval in cross-section and finally pointed at the functional end. Viewed with either of the flat faces of the tang facing, the sides are nearly, but not perfectly straight and only very slightly tapering until the pointed tip.



Copper-alloy awls are generally thought of as Late Bronze Age in date, 1000 to 800 BC.



Length: 48.3mm. Width: 5.7mm. Thickness: 3.4mm. Weight: 3.4g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sydling St. Nicholas, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.91 mm
Thickness: 3.81 mm
Weight: 3.05 g
Description: A very small fragment of the blade of a bronze&nbsp;axehead. A corner of the cutting edge. The fragment is wedge-shaped and curved along the cutting&nbsp;edge. The curvature suggests a fairly narrow blade. Possibly part of a palstave axehead.
Date: Middle Bronze Age - c. 1600 - 1000 BC
Length: 21.61&nbsp;mm
Width: 9.87&nbsp;mm
Thickness: 3.81&nbsp;mm
Weight: 3.05 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leckhampstead, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.78 mm
Thickness: 7.41 mm
Weight: 29.1 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy socketed Axehead of Bronze Age date (1500-800 BC). The object is composed of a fastening loop and part of the socket rim. The socket rim has a double collar around the socket hole to the base of the loop. The profile of the socket is sub-square, however little is retained so its exact profile is difficult to determine from the fragment.



Length: 37.78mm, Width: 27.73mm, Thickness: 7.41mm, Weight: 29.1g



The metal is dark brown to light green in colour with a pitted and corroded patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Peterston-super-Ely, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.4 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 70.56 g
Description: A fragmentary cast copper alloy sword blade fragment, probably of Late Bronze Age date (c.1150-750 BC), possibly of Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industry of Needham’s (1991) Periods 4-5, dated 1150-750 BC. The fragment is rectangular in plan and lenticular in section with an overall surviving length of 59.4mm. The fragment has straight transverse breaks on each end and there is a slight bend in the length , suggesting deliberate breakage prior to deposition (‘ritually killed’). The blade has a shallow raised central midrib c.13.5mm wide on both faces (overall object depth of 7.9mm) flanked on each side by a shallow concave section to the blade edge. The blade edge is slightly faceted on both sides (max object width 34.4mm). The fragment weighs 70.56g and has a medium to light green patina with traces of light green and azurite corrosion product.



The fragmentary nature of the blade, lacking diagnostic features makes typological identification difficult. Although swords have origins in the later part of the Middle Bronze Age of Taunton and Penard Metalworking Industries, occurrences of the types are comparatively unusual and leaf-shaped swords of Late Bronze Age date tend to be more commonly recovered.



Similar finds are recorded on the PAS database including a very similar sized fragment with the same transverse breaks (SUR-42B7D9). Other similar finds recorded on the PAS include NMGW-FE5523, WMID-871F5F, NMGW-49B5F1, NMGW-35639F



References: 



Needham, S. 1996. Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologica 67, 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Draycott in the Moors, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150 mm
Thickness: 27.3 mm
Weight: 450.4 g
Description: A complete flanged axehead of Early to Middle Bronze Age dating (c. 1800 BC to c. 1500 BC).



The flanged axehead has a rectangular butt with semi circular flanges that rise up vertically from either side. A stop ridge is present in the middle before extending into the blade. The blade is crescentic in shape. It has an H shaped cross section. The blade edge has not been polished. The casting seams are not visible.



It has a length of 150.0 mm and a maximum width of 68.9 mm. A maximum thickness of 27.3 mm. It weighs 450.4 g. The socket is 69.2 mm in length from the stop ridge to the butt. The butt is 25.5 mm wide and 4.2 mm thick. The flanges are a maximum of 8.7 mm tall and 4.3 mm thick. The stop ridge is 0.8 mm tall. The blade section is 81.4 mm long from the blade edge to the stop ridge. The blade is 68.9 mm wide and 3.1 mm thick. 



The axehead is a mid brown colour, with an even surface patina.



Several similar axeheads have been recorded on the PAS database including: LANCUM-18F90B; DENO-E0E99E; GLO-F40587 and NMGW-C72646.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fransham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 164 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 492 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy unlooped palstave&nbsp;in fairly&nbsp;fresh condition with recent minor damage to the butt, blade and cutting edge and less recent scratches on on one face of the blade. There are no casting seams and hammer marks are&nbsp;faintly visible on one side. Below the stop ridge a low rib defines a shield-shaped motif and this is flanked on both sides by a broader transverse rib. Weight 492g. Length 164mm. Length of septum 67mm. Width of cutting edge 77.4mm. Width of butt 25mm. Thickness 24mm

Finder&#39;s number CMV/1
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shouldham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.7 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 6.4 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle&nbsp;Bronze Age copper-alloy rapier blade. The lateral&nbsp;edges&nbsp;are broadly straight and parallel for the most part, towards one end these begin to taper convexly before terminating at an old break, apparently a few millimetres before the original pointed tip. There is some loss of one of the&nbsp;edges here, due to an old&nbsp;break.
The other end appears to be an old break too and there is minimal tapering in width as rapier blades often are. Cross-section&nbsp;is a wide, narrow lozenge, each face bearing two equally-sized facets divided by a rounded longitudinal arris. It is broadly uniform in thickness,&nbsp;tapering towards the point. c. 1,600&nbsp;to 1,000&nbsp;B.C.

Length: 38.7mm. Width: 13.7mm. Thickness: 2.9mm. Weight: 6.4g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradwall, Cheshire East, Cheshire East (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.62 mm
Thickness: 23.7 mm
Weight: 157.97 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead dating to the late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BC).



The object is sub-rectangular in plan and wedge-shaped. The cutting edge is curved and expands slightly outwards. The edge is worn and abraded and measures 39.28mm in width. At the base of the object is a broadly sub-rectangular shaped mouth with an expanded moulded collar, measuring 39.43mm in length, 33.45mm width and 5.94mm thick. Below the mouth is a moulded collar from which a single raised line of decoration travels down the centre of the surviving side until almost the halfway point. The other side is incomplete and is missing part of the body and mouth. A single loop is positioned to the side and presents a prominent casting seam along the length of the object.



The object has a dark green patina and brown patina with patches of brighter green corrosion. Worn striations are present on the incomplete side.



Dimensions: Length 82.62mm; width 39.28mm; thickness (body) 23.7mm; weight 157.97g



The object can be dating to the Ewart Park phase of metal work which corresponds with metalworking phases X - XII, or Needham Periods 6-7, dating from about 1150-750 CAL BC. This axe is likely to date from about 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: Aldbourne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.5 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 8.04 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 55.5mm in length. Both ends taper to points; one half of the awl has a rounded cross section and tapers to a point and the other half has a square cross section and tapers to a break. There are grooves along the centre of two of the sides. The surface has a deep-green patina and there is no evident decoration.
Notes: 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 (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Newton Valence, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.9 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 7.6 g
Description: A small cast copper alloy narrow-tanged and flanged chisel (or possibly a miniature axehead) of Bronze Age date. The object is 47.9mm in length and bent at the mid point. It expands from 5.6mm wide at the butt end to a curved and flared blade 13.8mm wide. It has a flat rectangular cross section with low flanges running along the rear half of its length.
Notes: Examples of this type of tool from early Bronze Age burial contexts (c. 2000-1800 BC) are featured in Needham (2017: 38).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Liss, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.2 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 23.35 g
Description: An incomplete&nbsp;cast copper alloy socketed spearhead, probably of side-looped type and dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.1500&nbsp;BC&nbsp;to 800&nbsp;BC). The blade is leaf shaped and there is a prominant midrib running to the tip of the blade, which gives the blade a lenticular cross section with slightly concave flanks to the ribs. The blade is slightly bent towards the&nbsp;tip which&nbsp;has broken off but is retained.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bentworth, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 126.4 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 26.51 g
Description: A complete Bronze Age dirk blade (cf. Burgess and Gerloff&#39;s (1981) Group IV) dating to the period c. 1500 - c.1150&nbsp;BC. The blade is 126.4mm in length, with roughly parallel sides, a flared base and a rounded tip.&nbsp;The butt is a slender trapezoidal form with two flanking rivet holes. The blade is slightly bent at either end but it is not clear whether this represents any deliberate treatment or simply post depositional damage.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ivinghoe, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.5 mm
Diameter: 29.5 mm
Weight: 14.76 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy quoit-headed pin of Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1500- 1200 BC).&nbsp;

The flat loop of the head has slightly rounded edges and is circular, 29.5 mm&nbsp;in diameter, with a central circular, perforation, 17 mm in diameter. This has been slightly bent probably after burial;&nbsp;the shaft has been bent right round on itself and to one side. The shaft itself is a flattened oval in section.

Measurements:&nbsp;Length:&nbsp;68.5&nbsp;mm; Diameter:&nbsp;29.5&nbsp;mm; Weight:&nbsp;14.76&nbsp;g

Quoit-headed pins are generally dated to the Taunton phase of the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500-1200&nbsp;BC). However, the date for these smaller examples, which may be either decorated or undecorated, may be slightly earlier. About 50 examples are recorded and mostly restricted to southern England and this example respects that pattern. There are a number recorded on the PAS database so far: BUC-7C4708, NMS-DD75D4, NMS-097A83, NMS-6960B5, NMS-A369A6, NMS549, NLM-15CFB4, BERK-00C588, SOMDOR-839ED2, SOM-1EC49B, SF-81BA51, SF9909, SF4979, SF-54D866 &amp; SF-9EE5A3.&nbsp;A similar pin was found in Chilton Polden, Somerset (Pearce 1983, 509, no. 633).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.13 mm
Thickness: 3.55 mm
Weight: 6.4 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy blade tip, possibly from a rapier, of Bronze Age date (probably middle to late Bronze age c.1600-800 BC).



The fragment consists of the narrow part of the blade, likely towards the point. It is lenticular in section and narrows towards the blade edge. The edges are worn and irregular, and ends in a break at the lower part of the blade.



Dimensions: Length 35.13mm; width 17.12mm; thickness 3.55mm; weight 6.4g



Due to the fragmentary nature of this object, it cannot be confidently assigned to an object type or metalworking phase, although the narrow width of the blade suggests that it likely formed the tip of a rapier or dirk.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Denbighshire, Denbighshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 22.66 mm
Thickness: 5.14 mm
Weight: 7.03 g
Description: A copper alloy ring of probable later prehistoric date - Bronze Age to Iron Age (c.1500 BC - AD100)



The ring is solidly cast with an external diameter of 22.66mm and internal 11.55mm. It is circular in section with a roughly equal thickness throughout. The surface has a smooth light green patina with some pitting around the edge.



Dimensions: Diameter 22.66mm; thickness 5.14mm; weight 7.03g



Single copper alloy rings such as this are difficult to attribute a firm date and function to. The patina for the present example may be suggestive of a prehistoric date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chawton, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.9 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 19.9 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy middle Bronze Age (1500-1150 BC) palstave axehead, comprising the butt end, which is flat, 25.9mm in length and tapers slightly to the rear. There are flanges rising to both sides with a flat septum between.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sickle (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tenterden, Ashford, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.92 mm
Thickness: 3.09 mm
Weight: 7.3 g
Description: A middle to late Bronze Age copper alloy sickle fragment dating c. 1600-800 BC

The fragment has one straight cutting edge and one opposing oblique cutting edge which curves to the horizontal at one end. The transverse breaks are worn and abraded&nbsp;and the blade has an almost plano-convex section with a raised rib on one surface&nbsp;which is slightly off centre. A&nbsp;glossy dark green patina remains in small patches pitted with corrosion all surfaces.&nbsp;

Measurements: length: 27.92mm; width: 21.27mm; thickness: 3.09mm and weight: 7.3g.&nbsp;

The fragment is too incomplete to be further classified, but other similar examples recorded on the database include:&nbsp;SOM-4AE60B&nbsp;and&nbsp;WILT-7F60F4.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Prees, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 162 mm
Thickness: 25.9 mm
Weight: 449 g
Description: An almost complete copper alloy unlooped palstave of Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1500-1300BC) with shield shaped hollow below the stop ridge. Early or primary palstave of Group I - shield patterned type.

The palstave has a triangular shaped blade in plan. The palstave has a rectangular septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The butt of the object is incomplete and measures 22.1&nbsp;mm&nbsp;in width and 5.1&nbsp;mm&nbsp;thick.

Beneath the stop-ridge descends a shield shaped hollow, this is more visible on one side than the other. 

The blade of the palstave has expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical and shows wear. The cutting edge measures 61.2&nbsp;mm&nbsp;in width and is 3.8&nbsp;mm&nbsp;thick.

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

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

Overall, the palstave measures 162&nbsp;mm&nbsp;in length, a maximum width of 61&nbsp;mm&nbsp;at the cutting edge, and a maximum thickness near the stop ridge of 25.9&nbsp;mm. It weighs 449&nbsp;grams. 

Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981.&nbsp;The axes of Scotland and Northern England&nbsp;Munchen : C.H. Beck&#39;sche Verlagsbuchhandlung
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Minster Lovell, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 1.31 g
Description: A fragment from a cast copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle Bronze Age 1550 – 1150 cal BC suggested by the high midrib. Only the tip of the spear remains.





The fragment is triangular in plan, tapering to the spear's point. It has a lozenge shaped midrib that is solid and runs to the point of the spear from which the flat blade edges of the spear extend these narrow in width to meeting the point.



Not enough of the spearhead has remained to be able to date this fragment to a more precise range.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clapton-in-Gordano, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Description: Cast copper alloy flat axe of Early Bronze Age date. The axe is sub-triangular in plan with a wide rounded butt that is 24mm wide, the sides expand out evenly in a gradual concave arch to the cutting edge which is 48mm wide, the blade is slightly convex in shape. The blade bevel is slight and when viewed to the side the axe has a low lentoid profile. 



The axe has suffered from corrosion that has recovered the original patina and left a pitted surface. 



The axs fits with some of the earliest metal artefacts found in Britain, possibly associated with the Migdale Metalworking tradition. This would date it as coming from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age and is comparable to. These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 circa 2350- 2050 CAL. BC. This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harlaston, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89 mm
Thickness: 9.2 mm
Weight: 23.3 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy, tip from a spearhead, probably of Middle Bronze Age period, dating from c.&nbsp;BC&nbsp;1500 to c.&nbsp;BC&nbsp;1100.

The object is broadly triangular in plan and broadly lozenge shaped in cross section. The object has a rounded point at the top, which seems to have sustained some damage. From the point the sides of the object taper out, ensuring the object is wider at the base. There is a central raised ridge running vertically down the middle of the spear head, this appears on both sides. There is an old horizontal break at the base of the object, probably indicating the spear was broken in antiquity. The tops of side loops are present on either side. There is damage to both edges of the blade. The socket survives to a depth of 19.1 mm.&nbsp;

It measures 89.0 mm&nbsp;in length, 16.1 mm&nbsp;wide (base), 3.4&nbsp;mm&nbsp;wide (tip) and 9.2&nbsp;mm&nbsp;thick. It weighs 23.3 g.

The 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.

This object has lost most of it&#39;s diagnostic features and as a result further classification is difficult. However similar spearhead fragments have been recorded on the database, including SWYOR-1F74C1, SF-C557DC and WMID-270D2F. All have been dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
Notes: The 3D model has been generated using the mobile phone scanning application Qlone.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Codford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.3 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 5.68 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 47.3mm in length. One half of the awl has a rounded cross section and tapers to a point and the other&nbsp;half has a rectangular cross section and tapers to a flat square chisel tip. The surface has been heavily damaged but there is no decoration evident.
Notes: 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&nbsp;BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.2 mm
Thickness: 8.9 mm
Weight: 10.6 g
Description: Dimensions: surviving length 67.2mm; max. surviving width of blade 12.4mm; max. thickness 8.9mm; surviving internal diameter of socket 6.2mm; depth of socket (partially blocked by soil) 18.9mm; surviving weight 10.6g

Middle Bronze Age spearhead, probably of Davis&rsquo; (2012) Group 6; Developed side-looped and dating to the later Arreton-Wilburton phases (c. 1600-1100 BC). 

This is the blade fragment of a socketed spearhead, broken across the socket/blade junction. The spearhead is relatively short in length, with a narrow and flame-shaped blade. The blade has a lozenge-shaped cross-section, with a narrow and prominent mid-rib. The sides of the mid-rib are straight and converging, extending up to the tip of the blade. Original blade edges no longer survive. Fine striations are visible along the original surfaces, parallel to the blade edge. The breaks along the blade edges and socket appear eroded and largely within the patinated surface, indicating damage cause prior to recent discovery, possibly during antiquity. Two glancing scrapes have exposed fresh bronze across the mid-rib, likely caused during recent discovery and retrieval by the finder.

The spearhead has a dull grey-green patina. Original surfaces have a dark grey-green patina, surviving in three small patches on one face. The inner surface of the lower socket has a blue patina, located around the lower break edge. The socket is partially blocked by orange-brown clay soil.
Notes: Although incomplete, enough survives of this artefact to suggest that it once belonged to a Group 6: Developed side-looped spearhead. Group 6, side-looped spearheads have a long-lived production, spanning the end of Arreton in the Early Bronze Age to Wilburton at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age (Davis 2012, 109). A side-looped spearhead of Davis&rsquo; Group 6, Type A was found in the Thames at Mortlake which had remnants of the wooden shaft surviving. The shaft was radiocarbon dated by Needham et al (1997, 62) to 1680 &ndash; 1400BC (with 95% confidence). A Group 6, Type D spearhead from Tormarton, Gloucestershire has two radiocarbon dates (1390 &ndash; 1010BC and 1310-1057BC) (ibid., 7). Most Group 6 spearheads however are likely to date from Acton Park and Taunton industries.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: New Alresford, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 10.55 g
Description: A fragment of a modified copper alloy blade from a Late Bronze Age (c.1200-1000 BC) dirk or rapier, along with part of its hilt. The blade has a lenticular cross section with a low midribe which is distinctly flattened on the top. This flares out into a triangular area at the hilt. There&nbsp;are flanking contractions or rivet holes&nbsp;at the junction between blade and the hilt, which has&nbsp;a thinner section and is trapezoidal in shape.

This object is likely to be a reworked rapier or dirk blade fragment which was repurposed at a later time. Without the entirety of the blade the original type is unclear, but this compares favourably to&nbsp;one of Burgess and Gerloff&#39;s (1981) Group IV: Notched butt weapons with reworked butts, e.g. Nos. 898-950&nbsp;(Burgess and Gerloff 1981: Plate 110) and is probably part of the later Penard or Wilburton metalwork assemblage.&nbsp;Similar re-used blade fragments are recorded&nbsp;on the database:&nbsp;SF-E9C52D&nbsp;OXON-8AD684&nbsp;and&nbsp;SUR-B7F695.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hawkley, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.7 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 3.13 g
Description: A small and heavily abraded fragment of a copper alloy blade from a mid to late Bronze Age (c.1500-1000 BC) dirk or rapier, 16.7mm in length. The blade has a lenticular cross section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lyford, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 11.25 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age arrowhead or spearhead dated to c.1400-800BC, possibly narrowed to c.AD1400-1150

The blade is leaf shaped with a gently curving blade edge, tapering towards shallow shoulders. The tip of the blade is broken. Down both sides there is a prominent midrib running the length of the blade creating a lozenged shaped section. The socket is circular and broken. The spear might have had side loops but are missing
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1000 to 700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gunthorpe, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.1 mm
Thickness: 9.2 mm
Weight: 17 g
Description: Fragment of the blade end of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe. The convex cutting edge is complete, but only very short lengths of the concave lateral edges are extant. The fragment terminates in a transverse worn break at about seventeen millimetres from the cutting edge. The fragment expands in thickness from the cutting edge to the break, perhaps marginally convexly. A shallow remnant of the socket survives on the broken edge. The metal is patinated mid green and pale brownish green. Similar to, although smaller than NMS-DA18AB. 10th to 8th century B.C.

Length: 18.1mm. Width: 36.8mm. Thickness: 9.2mm. Weight: 17.0g&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper 
Found: Pershore, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.01 mm
Thickness: 6.81 mm
Weight: 10.83 g
Description: An incomplete, copper alloy (bronze) spearhead, likely from the Middle Bronze Age&nbsp;(1450-1150 BC). There is a central rib running along the blade with a high profile and a lozenge shaped cross section that tapers towards the tip of the spear, which would mean that the fragment is likely from a Middle Bronze Age looped and socketed spearhead, similar to&nbsp;HESH-8E7894. The original blade would likely have been leaf-shaped.

The blade has lost much of its cutting edge due to abrasion in the soil.

&quot;Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV; which she dates to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham&#39;s Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150&nbsp;BC). Two similar examples of the overall style of spearhead are illustrated in Savory: Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections ref: 230, Llanbeblig, Caern. and 337:2 Nantcwnlle, Cards. The later example was discovered in an excavation of a burial mound in association with a Pygmy Cup. The metal of the Nantcwnlle spear was analysed and found to be of Cemmaes metal dated to the period 1400-1200&nbsp;BC. Davis (2012) classified this form of spearhead as his Group 6 Developed side looped - Type 6 B (flame - flat blade - lozenge plates)&quot;
-&nbsp;Reavill, P (2017)&nbsp;HESH-8E7894: A BRONZE AGE SPEARHEAD&nbsp;Web page available at:&nbsp;https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/866581&nbsp;[Accessed: 26 Jul 2022 15:06:47].
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shottle and Postern, Amber Valley, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.5 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 48.58 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age cast socketed Spearhead, dating to c.&nbsp;1600&nbsp;BC&nbsp;- 1000&nbsp;BC. The spearhead is almost complete, it is missing fragments of the socketed base.&nbsp;The spear has a lozenge shaped cross- section with a high mid-rib which tapers towards from the tip toward the break. The socket is conical. The socket is filled with soil and a depth cannot be determined.&nbsp;The blade extends at the head of the socket and is largely complete, little of the edge is worn away. There is no evidence of any side loops, though these may be worn away and corroded. No peg holes appear to be present but the object is broken where these are likely to have been.&nbsp;The spearhead is a mid green to brown colour. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil has&nbsp;resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.
Length: 95.5 mm
Width: 20.8 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 48.58 g

Similar looped spearheads have been classified by Margaret Ehrenberg as Class IV; which she dates to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham&#39;s Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150&nbsp;BC). Two similar examples of the overall style of spearhead are illustrated in Savory: Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections ref: 230, Llanbeblig, Caern. and 337:2 Nantcwnlle, Cards. The later example was discovered in an excavation of a burial mound in association with a Pygmy Cup. The metal of the Nantcwnlle spear was analysed and found to be of Cemmaes metal dated to the period 1400-1200&nbsp;BC. Davis (2012) classified this form of spearhead as his Group 6 Developed side looped - Type 6 B (flame - flat blade - lozenge plates)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 76 mm
Thickness: 10.4 mm
Weight: 104.8 g
Description: Small flat axehead. Most of the rectangular butt survives, from where it curves out very slightly to a thicker centre which has very slight flanges to both sides, on both&nbsp;faces. The axe then curves out sharply to a wide cutting edge, most of which is now missing. The smooth olive-green polished surface is largely corroded away on one face, with deep pits.

Length 76.0mm, maximum surviving width 44.7mm, maximum thickness 10.4mm, weight 104.8g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Argoed, Flintshire, Flintshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.08 mm
Thickness: 9.61 mm
Weight: 21.58 g
Description: The cutting edge of a late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead dating to c.950-750&nbsp;BC.

The object is comprised of the cutting edge only, the rest of the object is missing. The fragment is sub-rectangular in shape with a wedged section that tapers to the cutting edge. The edge is crescentic in shape and is worn and abraded. The incomplete side of the object has a worn but straight cut revealing a grooved interior suggestive of a socketed axehead. The is irregular with patches of smooth light green patina..

The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate.

Dimensions: Length 21.08mm; width 34.81mm; thickness (cutting edge) 2.92mm; thickness 9.61mm; weight 21.58g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitsbury, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.2 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 4.12 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, 61.2mm in length. One half has a sub rounded cross section and the other has a sub rectangular section. Both ends taper to sharp points.&nbsp;The surface has a deep-green patina and there is no evident decoration.
Notes: 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&nbsp;BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800&nbsp;BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Corsley, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 149.6 mm
Thickness: 30.9 mm
Weight: 392.72 g
Description: A Middle to Late Bronze Age south Western type palstave axehead c.1400-1100 BC

The butt end has rounded. The flanges begin about a third of the way along the butt&#39;s length. The cleft between the flanges is relatively smother perhaps from use and there is an irregular hole through the middle near the stop. The casting seem is visible along the sides of the axehead, though some effort to reduce it appears to have taken place. The stop is shallow and worn. The stop has rounded corners with the flanges. The loop is on one side which arcs over the position on the stop. The blade is long, thin and narrow and extends extensively before flaring out at the blade end. there is a slight ridge down the centre of each wide face of the blade. The cutting edge is very worn on the upper edge and is worn down relatively straight.

Total Measurements: 149.6mm long, 30.9mm thick at the loop, 61.8mm wide at blade edge and 392.72g in weight

The form of this palstave is broadly similar to Rowlands&#39; type 1 Mid rib palstaves and Schmidt and Burgess&#39; low flanged group. However its flanges rise above the septum which is defining of South Western type&nbsp;palstaves (Rowlands class 5 group 2) first defined by Smith (1959) which are suggested to date from c.1400-1150 cal BC. This is a particularly western location for this form of axehead.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder