dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wadworth, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.52 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 12.77 g
Description: A copper alloy blade fragment, probably a double-edged razor dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, about 2,150 BC - 1,500 BC. The fragment is roughly leaf-shaped with a pointed oval (or flat diamond-shaped) cross-section. The outside edges are very wavy and ragged and there does not appear to be a socket, instead being tanged, though this has broken off. The sides appear to curve inwards towards the tang. There is no decoration on the surface. A smooth mid green patina survives in places but mud adhereing to the faces obscures much of the surface. The break is not as patiated as the rest of the object. The probable razor is 53.52mm long, 19.26mm wide and 4.4mm thick. It is 2.4mm thick at tip. 12.77g. Compare SF5067 and SWYOR-A48EE1 which is from the neighbouring parish.



Peter Reavill comments that Double edged razors have a distribution which was "Widespread across Britain and Ireland, particularly in the Midlands, Yorkshire, Wessex and the Thames area." He goes on to cite The PAS Bronze Age Guide by Ben Roberts, that: "The term double-edged razor covers three broad types of the same implement; those that were handled, [those] with a pierced tang, and [those] with a non-pierced tang. Representing the earliest form of copper-alloy razor, these varied in shape, starting initially with the handled examples which resembled spearheads (i.e. elongated triangular-edges, with one or two rivet holes at the base for affixing a handle. The tanged varieties were more leaf shaped, echoing the styles that came afterwards. The overall shape and size of these razors varied slightly across different regions of continental Europe, resulting in many different typologies and sub-categories."
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llancarfan, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.7 mm
Weight: 9.4 g
Description: Bronze Age socketed spearhead, possibly of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1600 - 1200BC



The spearhead is fragmentary, represented by a median fragment (with a surviving length of 47.7mm and a weight of 9.4g). The mouth of the socket is missing (with a surviving depth of 31.4mm) and is open on one face but appears to have been of sub-circular to oval (with a maximum surviving internal diameter of 8mm). The socket defines a prominent midrib on the more complete face (giving a maximum surviving thickness of 7.5mm). On either side of the midrib, the beginnings of the blade are evident but are heavily truncated (with a maximum surviving width of 13.3mm). There is the suggestion that the blade edges begin just above the break and if correct, implies a spearhead of comparatively small size. The tip is missing and the spearhead is of pointed oval section at the break (8.8mm wide and 4.3mm thick). The surface is heavily-corroded but remnant traces of a dark brown patina survive on the side of the midrib and displays filing or sharpening striations running along the blade.



The fragmentary aspect and poor preservation of the artefact makes any identification difficult, the general form however is consistent with Middle Bronze Age spearheads and the suggested scale may tentatively suggest a spearhead of side-looped type and of Acton Park metalworking, dating to c. 1600 - 1400BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llancarfan, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.7 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 5.1 g
Description: Possible blade fragment of Bronze Age date



The blade is fragmentary (with a surviving length of 24.7mm and a weight of 5.1 g) and appears to represent a fragment from the apex of the blade and beginning of the hilt. The suggested hilt part is wider and marginally thinner (with a maximum surviving width of 22.8mm and a thickness of 2.0mm). The blade edge does not survive on either side (with a minimum surviving width of 15.5mm, where it has a thickness of 2.8mm). A sub-circular notch may possibly be the remains of a rivet attachment hole.  However, only one face only has a midrib (12mm wide), the other face is flat and featureless. The surface is poorly preserved with remnants of a dark-brown patina, consistent with Bronze Age metalwork from the area; elsewhere the surface has a grey-green corrosion.





The fragmented and corroded state make any identification tentative; the form is consistent with Bronze Age blades, possibly reworked although one flat side is difficult to understand but may relate to its reworking.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1400 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Norton, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Agricultural or drainage work
Length: 153 mm
Thickness: 43 mm
Weight: 467 g
Description: A cast copper alloy flanged axe probably dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1400-1300BC. Probably Metalwork Stage IX, Needham Period 5; Taunton metalwork assemblage. The axe is complete. It has high triangular flanges which form a diamond when viewed from the side. It has just a slight thickening in place of a stop ridge and only a hint of a shield pattern on the haft end of the blade, on both faces. The blade is splayed but the tips of the cutting edge are damaged. There is a slight facet along the cutting edge on both faces. There is no visible decoration. The axe has a smooth brown patina with some pitting, and patches of green lumpy corrosion, particularly at the butt end which is damaged. The sides are parallel. The axe is 153mm long, 62mm wide and 43mm thick. 467g. Winged axes are more common in Northern England in the Taunton Metalwork assemblage. Compare LANCUM-2CCF05, DOR-5D7F46 and LANCUM-DA764C.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pont-y-Clun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 110.7 mm
Diameter: 19.8 mm
Weight: 53.5 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze spearhead of side-looped type, falling within Davis' (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped). 



The spearhead is near-complete, with some peripheral damage, missing some of the mouth and one of the side loops (with a length of 110.7mm) and the socket retains the deposit (giving a weight of 53.5g). The mouth is sub-circular (with a diameter of 18.5mm - 19.8mm) and the rim has a subtle bevel. The loops were flat-topped and oval (18-19mm long, 6mm wide and 2mm high), positioned approximately halfway between the mouth and start of the blade (14-16mm from the mouth and 12-13mm from the start of the blade). One of the loops is damaged and has lost its apex. Above the loops, the socket becomes more oval (12.7mm x 14.5mm) and is marked with prominent incised grooves, with four on one side and five on the other, possibly to imitate or accommodate the binding. The blade is flame-shaped (with a length of 60.5mm and a maximum width of 22.5mm) and has some recent edge damage. The socket continues along the blade to the tip as a prominent but gradually weakening midrib. The blade rib is slightly faceted, possibly because of filing or sharpening the blade. Sharpening striations are clearly discernible on both faces, running along the blade. Blade facets (3mm wide) are evident where the blade edge survives. The break at the tip may have occurred in antiquity through use. The surface has a deep-brown patina with pale green corrosion around the areas of damage.



The lateral grooves between the loops and blade are not common features and are difficult to closely parallel.



1. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140

2. Accession number: A11811

3. Needham, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Coombs, D., Cartwright, C., Pettitt, P.; 1997; An Independent Chronology for British Bronze Age Metalwork: The Results of the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Programme; Archaeological Journal 154, p. 55-107
Notes: The spearhead can be paralleled with a number of examples recovered from Wales and elsewhere. A similar side-looped spearhead from the Thames at Mortlake (DoB 31) has recently been dated by Needham et al (1997) producing an early radiocarbon date of 3225+/- 65BP (OxA-5948) 1680-1400BC with a 95% confidence rating. However, overall Davis (2012, 108-110) places this group within the Taunton-Penard metalworking phases.



Davis (2012) notes almost 500 Group 6 spearheads from across Britain dating to the Middle Bronze Age, which have a broad distribution. Davis' spearhead sub-types 6A, 6B and 6C are particularly prevalent across Wales, all of which have 'flame-shaped' blades. The spearhead can be paralleled with a number of similar examples in National Museum & Galleries of Wales' collections (Savory 1980, Nos. 227-230).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penllyn, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.8 mm
Diameter: 20 mm
Weight: 36.6 g
Description: Probable fragmentary Middle to Late Bronze Age spearhead

The spearhead is represented the incomplete pointed socket only (with a surviving length of 67.8mm and a weight of 36.6g). The socket (with a surviving depth of 34.5mm and a maximum surviving internal diameter of 14mm and 20mm external) is open on one face and appears to have been sub-circular to oval. The interior of the socket is particularly roughly cast at its base but has undergone more finishing near the break. There are remnant stubs on one side, possibly suggesting loops for binding a spearhead. The spearhead width expands slightly where the blade would have begun (to 21.5mm) before the straight sides converge to the point. Both face are convex and rounded and the more complete face has a slight concavity along its length. The converging sides appear damaged with the stubs of the blade evident. There is a concave stepped moulding at the top of the socket on both faces where remnants of the patina survive. The remnant surface has a green-brown patina and elsewhere has a pale-green corrosion.



The fragmentary aspect and poor preservation of the artefact makes any identification difficult, the form however is consistent with Bronze Age spearheads and the remnant stubs on the side of the socket may suggest a spearhead of side-looped type and of Acton Park metalworking, dating to c. 1600 - 1400BC. The step moulding on the faces is more difficult to parallel but it is likely that the curve echoed the curve of the missing blade edge, emanating from the sides of the moulding.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mavesyn Ridware, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.8 mm
Thickness: 16.3 mm
Weight: 61.4 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy socketed axehead, of possible Late Bronze Age dating (1000 BC to 800 BC).



Probably less than 40% of the socketed axehead is present, consisting of part of the main body, the base of the socket and the blade edge. The fragment is sub rectangular in plan, and triangular in section. The socket is sub-rectangular in shape. Casting ridges are present along one of the sides. The blade edge is rounded and expands out at one side, forming a sharp curve (or hook), the other side shows signs of damage. The blade shows signs of breakage and damage. The cutting edge is still visible on the front of the axehead. There are possible file marks, evidence of sharpening, present on the front of the axehead.



The socketed axehead fragment measures 39.8 mm in length, 40.9 mm wide (at the blade), 34.5 mm wide (at the body), 16.3 mm thick (at the body), 5.02 mm thick (at the blade edge). The remnants of the socket is 26.6 mm deep. It weighs 61.4 g.



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



Another example of a Late Bronze Age Socketed Axehead fragment can be found on the database: WMID-EB5248.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Vaynor, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 88.1 mm
Weight: 9.5 g
Description: Copper alloy chisel or awl, possibly of Late Bronze Age date

The tool is complete (with a length of 88.1mm and a weight of 9.5g). The tang has a short edge at its apex (1.3mm wide and 0.4mm thick) and is square-sectioned for nearly one-third of its length (for 27mm), gradually widening (to a maximum square-section of 3.7mm). The mid-part of the tool is circular-sectioned (with a diameter of 4.3mm) for a little over one-third of its length (for 31mm). The blade is sub-square sectioned (for 32mm) and each of the four faces on the top of the blade has a clear forged facet, which is possibly decorative. The lower part of the blade is sub-rounded and worn to the angled short chisel-like edge (2.5mm wide). The surface has a rich dark-green patina with the suggestion of more abrasion from one point, possibly suggesting the position of the end of the handle (approximately 37mm from the tip).



Tanged chisels and awls have few diagnostic features and change little through time, making their dating and identification more difficult. The deep patina and attention to detail with the decorative facets, may be suggestive of a Bronze Age date. Bronze Age awls and narrow chisels are not common finds and their dating is further hampered by a lack of associated datable artefacts within hoards but tend to date to the Late Bronze Age, c. 1250-800BC. In Wales a socketed awl (Savory 1980, p 127, no. 307) was recovered from The Great Orme, Conwy associated with a palstave of Late Type and of Ewart Park metalworking.



1. Savory, H.; 1980; A Guide Collection of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sully, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.1 mm
Weight: 7.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze tanged and collared chisel, probably of Ewart Park metalworking industry, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Period 7, dated to 950 - 750BC.



The chisel is incomplete, missing the tang and with a little peripheral damage (with a surviving length of 34.1mm and a weight of 7.4g). The tang was truncated in antiquity and survives as a square-sectioned stub (with a surviving length of 4.0mm and a width and thickness of 5.2mm and 4.3mm respectively). The chisel is thickest at the shoulder (at 4.9mm). The shoulder mouldings are triangular, with the top edge perpendicular to the tang (with a length of 4mm and a depth of 3.8mm). The sides of the blade are slightly concave and divergent to the eroded blade edge, producing a near-triangular blade from. The blade tips and original blade edge have been lost (with a surviving blade width of 22.8mm). The blade is flat and thins gradually towards the edge (with a thickness of 3.2mm below the shoulder and 2.1mm above the edge). There is the suggestion of hammering forming rippled arcs on both blade faces and striations running parallel to the sides. The surface has a brown to dark-green patina with areas of pale-green surface loss and some pitting.



The chisel can be broadly paralleled with an example found in the Brogyntyn Hoard (Savory, 1980, p 123, no 288) in Shropshire, associated with a Hallstatt C sword and a socketed gouge. The Brogyntyn chisel has smaller lugs than this example. In Wales, a similar tanged chisel was found associated with a Ewart Park Hoard from near Ystradgynlais, Powys (Savory, 1980, p 122, no 284).



1. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140.



2. Savory, H.N.; 1980, Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections; National Museum of Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Compton Dando, Bath and North East Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 110 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 48.2 g
Description: Copper alloy Bronze Age blade fragment from a knife. This has a low oval cross-section with tapered blades on either side. At one end the edges are tapered inwards the tip, which is now truncated.  The rear of the blade is also truncated make it impossible to determine if it had a socket or tang.  When viewed in side profile blade has a slight curve, which straightens out towards the tip, this curve does not look to be post-depositional damage and is therefore part of the design on the knife. 



The date range for this type of knife is c1100 to c800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nuffield, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.19 mm
Thickness: 16.78 mm
Weight: 30.45 g
Description: Possibly a casting jet or well dating from the Late Bronze Age period, that is 1000-800BC. The broken lower end of the well suggests the object being cast was a knife, possibly a knife with a handle plate rather than socket like the Late Bronze Age Thorndon type knives. Recorded examples of knives without cast socket handles are known from East Anglia, Somerset and Wiltshire (NMS-27C352, GLO-71F6AF, SOM-EE6135).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Exmouth, East Devon, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 23.77 g
Description: 
A possible Middle Bronze Age palstave axe butt-end fragment. The item is roughtly rectangular in plan, tapering to a rounded point at one end. The profile is broadly triangular in shape and the section is H-shaped. Both faces are plain and undecorated and are slightly concave, with raised sides. Overall the object is very abraided and therefore it is not possible to see, for example, signs of wear or deliberate breaks.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heytesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.14 mm
Weight: 8.68 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of possible Bronze Age date. The point of the awl is circular in cross section and is tapered from 7.25mm to 0.7mm at the tip. The other end is rectangular in cross section and also tapers and narrows to the end where it forms a flat 'spade' (3.05mm wide and 0.7mm thick). The surface has a green patina.



Dimensions: 68.14mm long, 6.84mm wide, and weighs 8.68g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scole, South Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.5 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 25.65 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, worn cutting edge and cracked and broken across the socket. Ancient breaks. Extant length 38.5mm. Width 32mm. Thickness 9mm. Weighs 25.65g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Saltford, Bath and North East Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Description: Copper alloy socketed axe blade fragment consisting of only the forward edge of the axe. The sides of the axe expand in to a large curved blade. The tip of the socket is visible in the break. Date late Bronze Age 1100BC-800BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grimston, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 10.57 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy razor of Piggott 1946 Class I. The tang and the distal end are missing. The sides are so badly pitted that no part of either cutting edge survives. There is a broad, flat midrib on both faces. Extant length 42mm. Extant width 31.5mm. Thickness (at the midrib) 2mm. Weighs 10.57g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1800 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Kirkby and Moorthorpe, Wakefield, Wakefield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.6 mm
Thickness: 14.1 mm
Weight: 100.32 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age Developed Flat Axe dating from about 1800 BC - 1500 BC. Only a fragment of the blade-end survives. The fragment is rectangular in plan with a flared blade with concave shoulders. The tips of the blade are missing as is much of the original surface. The sides of the axe are thickened; starting to develop into flanges, so the break in cross-section is H shaped. The break is irregular and well patinated, suggesting that it occured by accident in antiquity. The surface is mottled green and severely pitted with areas of corrosion.



The length of the axe is 54.6mm, the width is 51.2mm from tip to tip, and the main body at the break is 24.1mm wide and 14.1mm thick. 100.32g.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult. It is probably a Developed flat axe, similar to Aylesford Type (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981) from the later Early Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Blewbury, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 13.2 mm
Thickness: 5.52 mm
Weight: 10.7 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy axe of Bronze Age date. Only part of the blade edge survives intact, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The blade edge is flat, having narrowed from further up the axe head, and in convex in form. In cross section the fragment is solid and an elongated lozenge-shape in plan. The fragment has a dark green patina. This is a fragment from the blade of a Bronze Age axe, however due to the preservation of the object it is uncertain whether it belongs to a flat axe, a palstave or socketed axe however it is likely to be of Middle or Late Bronze Age date, and therefore date to c. 1500-800 BC.



It is unclear whether this and a second fragment from the same field (BERK-18CBA6) are related more than chronologically- scrap metal hoards of Bronze Age date are not uncommon discoveries, having been collected so that the metal could be melted down and reused. The two pieces have very different patina however and were found quite a distance apart, so it may be more likely that these finds represent general dispersed activity in the landscape.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Blewbury, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 28.8 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date. Only the blade edge and part of the head survives intact, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The blade edge narrows to a flat tip, still relatively sharp, and is curved in form with expanded sides that narrow into the main head of the axe. In cross section the axe head is rectangular in plan and is hollow, showing the beginnings (or end) of a socket. The fragment has a light grey-blue patina and appears to have been made in a tin rich alloy, giving it a slightly shiny silvery appearance. This is a fragment from the blade of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe, possibly from the Ewart Park phase of metalwork c. 1000 - 800 BC.



It is unclear whether this and a second fragment from the same field (BERK-181F72) are more than broadly chronologically related - scrap metal 'metalworkers' hoards of Bronze Age date are not uncommon discoveries, having been collected so that the metal could be melted down and reused. The two pieces have very different patina and were found quite a distance apart, so it may be more likely that these finds represent general dispersed activity in the landscape.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Shefford, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14.8 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 7.3 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy axe of Bronze Age date. Only part of the blade edge survives intact, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The blade edge is flat, having narrowed from further up the axe head, and is convex in form. In cross section the fragment is solid and would have had an elongated lozenge-shape in plan. The fragment has a dark grey-green patina. This is a fragment from the blade of a Bronze Age axe, however due to the preservation of the object it is uncertain whether it belongs to a flat axe, a palstave or socketed axe however it is likely to be of Middle or Late Bronze Age date, and therefore dates to c. 1500-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wixford, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.69 mm
Thickness: 11.3 mm
Weight: 31.15 g
Description: Bronze Age (c.1150 to 700 BC) socketed axe: The blade portion of the copper alloy axe remains with the broken edge traversing the axe and revealing the tip of the socket. The blade cutting edge is slightly convex with rounded tips/corners which are slightly flared. The side faces have traces of a casting seam, but it has been rounded. The break edge of the axe is not too recent as there are traces of a patina on the break, but it does not match the patches of a heavy dark brown patina on the faces of the axe. On this break there are also areas of active corrosion. The surface of the axe has an incomplete well developed mid green patina. 





From the cutting edge to the broken edge the axe measures 22.69mm, and from the blade tip of the blade to the broken edge it measures 42.73mm, across the broken edge it measures 11.3mm thick. It weighs 31.15g.





The axe is a socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age, c.1150 to 700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingsdon, South Somerset, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.02 mm
Thickness: 10.71 mm
Weight: 8.47 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axe fragment from an unidentified object of possible Bronze Age date (c. 1100 - 800 BC). The fragment has a pronounced lip which is slightly bevelled and is slightly convex on the outer surface with a corrspondingly concave inner surface.



The fragment measures 24.02mm in length, 16.81mm in width, is 10.71mm thick, tapering to 2.74mm thick and weighs 8.47g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Meon, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.45 mm
Thickness: 12.7 mm
Weight: 34.2 g
Description: 
The blade of a cast copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date. The base of the socket survives and the broken walls show that the casting was off centre. There are faint scratch marks on one side of the blade which is otherwise in good condition..

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.72 mm
Thickness: 12.67 mm
Weight: 25.18 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age plano-convex bun ingot weighing 25.18g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Scabbard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rockbourne, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 18.3 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 10.8 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy bag shaped chape dating to the late Bronze Age. The chape has an oval opening, concave sides, a rounded bottom, and a perforation in each face. There are also two irregular perforations in the bottom, most likely resulting from ancient damage. The surface is smooth, with no decoration.



Chape is 18.4mm in height and 26.3mm at its widest point. The mouth of the chape is 21.2mm wide x 9.2mm thick, the internal measurements are 18mm x 6.3mm.



A couple of these chapes are listed in O'Connor (1980, 190-191; ref. 161). They are associated with the 'carp's tongue complex' of south-east England and date to the Ewart Park metalworking phase.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chieveley, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.04 mm
Thickness: 5.03 mm
Weight: 4.29 g
Description: A cast copper alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date. The awl is 61mm in length. One end is pointed and the other end has a flat and rounded terminal. The wide central part has a square section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.01 mm
Thickness: 6.72 mm
Weight: 8.15 g
Description: Possible butt of a Bronze Age (c. -1500 to c. -950) palstave: The copper alloy fragment is a sub rectangle with one lone edge being broken, and this edge has a dark green matte patina, the other edges are heavily abraded and have a mottled turquoise and green matte surface. In profile the fragment is triangular with the dark green matte broken edge forming the thick part of the fragment. The upper and lower surface of the fragment has a shiny dark green patina which has feint marks of probable hammering. The fragment measures 25.01mm wide, 16.69mm wide, 6.72mm thick and weighs 8.15g.



The hammering and surface condition suggests a possible Bronze Age date. The wedge shaped profile to the fragment suggests it may be the butt of a palstave or an axe. The fragment is probably dated to the middle Bronze Age (c. -1500 to c. -950).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wisley, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.16 mm
Thickness: 10.72 mm
Weight: 43.72 g
Description: 
A fragment of the butt of a possible Bronze Age cast copper alloy palstave axe. The fragment is broken across its thickest point. One face remains with part of one side. There is evidence for possible rounded side wings. The axe is very worn and pitted.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.82 mm
Thickness: 10.18 mm
Weight: 136.08 g
Description: A possible Bronze Age copper alloy developed flat axe, possibly from the Bandon type (Schmidt and Burgess, 1981, 65-7) and dating 1900 - 1700BC. The axe has a broad head, tapering to a narrown butt. The axe is very worn so some features may no longer be visible. There are possibly traces of a flange along the wings of the axe. The axe has a mid-light green pattination.



Dimensions: length: 91.82 mm; width: 43.42 mm; thickness: 10.18 mm; weight: 136.08g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitestaunton, South Somerset, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.78 mm
Thickness: 20.36 mm
Description: A Middle to Late Bronze Age looped palstave axe, c1200-900BC. The axe is very corroded and pitted and only the lower half below the stop ridge survives together with the stubs of the side loop. There is a shallow hollow beneath the stop ridge. The axe has broken across a large void, the apparent result of a casting flaw.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tivetshall St. Mary, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.4 mm
Diameter: 11 mm
Weight: 16.01 g
Description: Fragment of a round-sectioned copper alloy object broken at both ends and in a rather worn state. The surface and the breaks are a deep brown. Probably Bronze Age and possibly the central part of a Middle Bronze Age Picardy pin. There is no surviving decoration. Diameter at the breaks 5.3 and 10.6mm. Maximum diameter 11mm. Length 35.4mm. Weight 16.01g. c.1400 - c.1250 BC.



Field KG1
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chieveley, West Berkshire, West Berkshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.05 mm
Thickness: 3.27 mm
Weight: 9.08 g
Description: A fragment of a blade of Bronze Age date. How much of this object survives is unclear as there survive no certain original edges. The object is 3.27mm thick and has a flattened lozengiform section. The object does not appear to have been an arrowhead, despite its apparent shape. It may be part of a knife.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Revesby, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113 mm
Weight: 75.2 g
Description: A copper alloy socketed side-looped spearhead dating from the middle to late Bronze Age, (1500-800BC).



The spearhead is almost complete. The head is leaf-shaped and the socket has a pronounced midrib. The mid rib is lozenge shape and extends to the base of the socket where it is slightly facetted rather than raised. The edges of the blade have been damaged in some places. One of the string loops are is complete and the other is broken. The mouth of the socket is broken, probably in antiquity.



The spearhead is a string loop type, which suggests later middle Bronze Age to early late Bronze Age date. Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. Acton Park II industry
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Easington, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.9 mm
Thickness: 8.4 mm
Weight: 45.7 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end including the base of the socketed area. It is a tapering rectangle in section and trapezoidal in plan with a heavily worn cutting edge with rounded corners. The break on one face is considerably shallower than the other thought both old and worn. No signs of decoration remain.



An insufficient amount of this object remains to allow it to be attributed to a specific tradition within the socketed axehead type.



The metal has a light green patina and is worn. The fragment is 48.9mm long, 40.3mm wide, 8.4mm thick and weighs 45.7g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kinnerley, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 161 mm
Weight: 575.5 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave; a Group I palstave of Primary Shield Pattern type and of Acton Park Metalworking 1 metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 - 1450BC



The palstave is near-complete (with a length of 161mm and a weight of 575.5g). The butt (29.2mm wide and 3.2mm thick) is damaged, possibly from the casting but appears to have ben straight. The sides are straight and broadly parallel as far as the stop (31.6mm wide at the stop). Below the stop (10mm), the sides are prominently nicked (32.8mm wide), below which the sides are concave and divergent to a slightly recurved blade edge (71.5mm wide). The flanges begin at the butt and are straight and divergent, reaching an apex above the stop (with a maximum depth of 39.4mm, 16mm above the stop. The flanges return to the blade below the stop, at the position of the side nicks. The flanges are convex across their depths and appear to have been comparatively elaborate, with an outer border parallel to the flanges (8mm wide) and defining a central lozenge (70mm x 15mm). The septum is comparatively flat and straight (9mm thick, 20mm wide and 33mm long). The stops have a slight curve and are raised above the blade faces (with a height above the septum of 5mm and 9mm and above the blade of 5mm and 3mm). Below the stop is a weak shield device (34mm long) defined by a slightly raised platform, rather than mouldings. Below the shield the blade is flat across its length and very gently convex across its width. There are clear hammered blade facets (beginning 20mm from the blade edge with a lower facet 11mm from the edge). The blade edge has some damage and it is now difficult to identify any contemporary nicks or wear. A small number of sharpening striations are now discernible running along the blade edge. The surface has a dark-brown patina and has suffered from some flaking but has been treated by the finder, possibly altering the patina colour.



The axe is an early example of the palstave form and it has been argued (Schmidt & Burgess 1981, pp. 125) that North-East Wales and the Marches was the source of this form of axe type.



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-950 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Illogan, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Diameter: 10 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 17.35 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy socketed gouge, semi-circular in plan, at the cutting edge, lozenge-shaped in profile and circular in section. The circular socketed end is broken and partly missing and the cutting edge is worn and nicked in two places and on one side. The gouge tapers in profile from the open end to a point at the cutting edge which is curved into a semi-circle so that it can gouge out sections of wood etc. The surface is pitted and corroded but some of the original patina remains on the inside of the cutting edge, but the damaged edges have become worn and corroded and there are patches of light green bronze disease. Socketed gouges are first seen in the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar socketed gouges from St Keverne, Cornwall on page 570, Plate 9, No.75, from Blandford, Dorset on page 607, Plate 46, No.348f, from Lulworth, Dorset on page 623, Plate 62, No.502m, and from Stogursey, Somerset on page 649, Plate 88, No.746e, which are dated from the Ewart Park phase c.950-850 BC.



Rohl & Needham (1998) illustrate a similar socketed gouge on page 136, fig.38, no.323, which is dated from the Ewart Park metalwork phase of the Late Bronze Age, c.950-850 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thorpe Audlin, Wakefield, Wakefield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.7 mm
Thickness: 7.5 mm
Weight: 5.99 g
Description: A fragment of a very small cast copper alloy, socketed, side looped probable spearhead probably dating from Early to Middle Bronze Age, about 1700 - 1250 BC; Davis Groups 2-6. Alternatively, the object could possibly be part of a large arrowhead. The remaining portion consists of a short section of the socket together with the two small, integral side loops. The interior of the socket is circular; the outside tapers towards the blade of the spear and is triangular in section. The fragment is broken at both ends and longitudinally, so only half of the original thickness survives. Both the spear blade and the remainder of the socket are missing, and the breaks are very abraded and rounded. The fragment has a dark green patina. It is 30.7mm long, 14.4mm wide and 7.5mm thick. It weighs 5.99gm.



More complete examples of this type of spearhead can be found on the database. See for example references SF-26B707, WAW-F1A002 and LANCUM-ABC582. The object is unusually small for a spear, but arrowheads are not usually recorded with side loops.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bridge Hewick, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.9 mm
Thickness: 13.9 mm
Weight: 22.8 g
Description: Part of a cast copper alloy, socketed gouge, probably dating from late Bronze Age date, about 1000 - 650 BC. The remaining portion consists of a short length of the socket and the U shaped blade. The interior of the socket is circular and 9.9mm deep; the exterior is sub-rectangular. The blade tapers from the socket to a rounded cutting edge. The gouge is concave on one face and convex on the other. It has a dark green patina and the breaks are very abraded. It is 39.9mm long, 14.1mm wide and 13.9mm thick. It weighs 22.8gm. The socket is 7.8mm in diameter, the groove is 35.4mm long and the cutting edge is 11.1mm wide.



Compare SUR-7898C5 which notes that: "Socketed gouges have been found associated with metalwork assemblages of Wilberton (eg. Guilsfield, Savory, 1980, No. 268. 64-65) through Ewart Park (eg Penwyllt, Savory 1980, No 284. 7-8) and Llyn Fawr (Savory 1980, No 291 9-11). Savory (ibid., p 55) suggests that the earliest examples have multiple mouth mouldings, while later examples have a plain or broad, flat collar. It is difficult to suggest a date for this example with a prominent single, slender moulding. According to Pearce in the 1983 publication 'The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain Part I', page 43, socketed gouges 'appear to have begun in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age', although she suggests that most socketed gouges can be dated to the Ewart phase between c. 1000 - c. 800 BC. Needham et al's (1997) recent study of Bronze Age chronology dated a collared socketed gouge from the Bodwrog Hoard, Anglesey to 2720 +- 45 BP (DoB No 3, OxA-4652, p68)."
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1950 to -1750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Agden, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire West and Chester (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 112.8 mm
Weight: 173.1 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze Developed Flat Axe of Aylesford type (following Schmidt and Burgess 1981) or Class 4 (following Needham 1983; forthcoming), dating to Needham's (1996) Period 3 (c.1950-1750 BC).



The axe is near-complete but is heavily corroded (with a length of 112.8mm and a weight of 173.1g). The butt is narrow (with a width of 18mm and a thickness of 3mm) and was moderately straight. The sides are straight as far as the midpoint, below which they are concave and expand to the eroded blade tips (with a surviving blade width of 56.0mm). The original blade edge has been lost and is moderately curved. The sides are comparatively flat across their thickness with no surviving evidence for any flanges on either face. One face has a clear median bevel (with a thickness of 9.8mm, positioned 58mm from the blade edge, where the axe has a width of 29mm). There is the suggestion of a blade facet discernible (8mm from the edge). The other face has suffered more surface corrosion and does not convincingly display a median bevel or blade facet. The better preserved face has remnant traces of a pale-grey to dark-brown patina, elsewhere the surface is heavily-pitted pale-green to dark-green corrosion.



The axehead has a discernible median bevel on one face, suggesting some developed features on the axe. It is possible that hammered flanges were present but do not now survive.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gnosall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 138.3 mm
Weight: 323.2 g
Description: Middle to Late Bronze Age bronze palstave of Transitional Type and uncertain sub-type, possibly Type Shelf or Roundhay dated to the Penard-Wilburton Metalworking phases (c.1275-950 BC) (following Needham et al. 1997).





The palstave is incomplete missing peripheral areas and has a distorted butt (with a distorted length of 138.3mm and a weight of 323.2g). The butt is narrow and now rounded (with a width of 11mm and a thickness of 3.1mm). There is an oval aperture (5.7mm long and 3.2mm wide) probably the result of a casting flaw, since the flaw continues as a scar along the septum on one face. The butt has been distorted and is bent towards one face. The sides are straight and gradually divergent as far as the stops, where there is a gentle nick. The loop is incomplete, missing its central part (with a length of 29.2mm, internal length of 13.3mm, width of 10.1mm and a surviving height of 8.2mm giving the palstave a maximum surviving width of 35.1mm) and spans the position of the stops. The casting seams are discernible where the surface survives and appear to have been fettled. The sides of the blade are near-straight and divergent to the blade edge. The blade edge has been truncated and the blade tips lost (with a surviving width of 33.6mm). The blade now has a deep curve, although the original blade form is unclear. The septum is straight and flat, gradually thickening to the stops (with a thickness at the stops of 15.4mm). The flanges now rise from well before the butt but again, are likely to be truncated and eroded. The stops are curved with a perpendicular rise from the septum (of 6.7mm). The blade faces are prominently convex across their widths (with a maximum thickness of 20.8mm). There is a sharp bevel from the tops of the stops to the blade faces. The blade faces have no surviving evidence for a midrib or any other motif, accepting that the surface has been lost along the mid-section. The blade faces gradually narrow to the edge with no surviving evidence for a blade facet. The surface has a dark-brown patina, where it survives and elsewhere is pale to dark-green with patches of active corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder