dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19 mm
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 4.28 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy object, part of the mouth of a circular socket, slightly distorted, thickness 1.5mm, external diameter c.20mm, reducing slightly before extending to the break. Extant length 19mm. Weight 4.28g. The breaks are old. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Timsbury, Bath and North East Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 30.74 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed knife fragment of Thorndon type. The remaining fragment consists of the socket and lower section of the blade. The bottom half of the socket is truncated, however the remaining section shows that it would originally have had a narrow waist and oval cross-section. The blade is also truncated near the socked, the remaining section has slightly tapering edges and three ridges running down the spine of both sides of blade giving it a flat decagon shape in cross-section.



The date range for this type of knife is c1100 to c800BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dodford with Grafton, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.08 mm
Thickness: 5.66 mm
Weight: 8.8 g
Description: Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 800 BC) socketed spear (spearhead): The copper alloy spearhead consists of the upper portion of the spear, being broken just as the socket starts. In plan the spearhead is an elongated sub-triangle with the blade facets and tip both being abraded. The spear blades cutting edges have been lost, however, the overall shape of the blade can be probably be ascribed to being leaf-shaped. The spearhead fragment is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a bi-convex shaped cross section. The lower portion of the spearhead has been lost and the break is too high to include the cast side loops. The break at the base of the spearhead includes the top of the socket which is oval. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead. The surface of the spearhead has a light grey/green coloured patina which is incomplete. It measures 50.08mm long, 13.47mm wide, 5.66mm thick and weighs 8.8g.



It is likely that the style of this type of spearhead can be attributed to the Middle Bronze Age; specifically the second phase of Acton Park (2), Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions. These phases correspond with Needham's Period 5 (c. 1500 - 1150 BC). However, many of the diagnostic characteristics (such as loops, peg holes and blade shape) have been lost and so a wider date range is suggested above.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Vincent Square, City of Westminster, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.9 mm
Diameter: 23.13 mm
Thickness: 23.13 mm
Weight: 66.82 g
Description: A Late-Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age (final Penard, Wilburton or Ewart Park phase c. 1200-750 BC) copper alloy plain pegged spearhead with leaf-shaped blade dating to Needham's period 6-7 and of Ehrenburg's Class V (1977). It measures 113.90mm in length, 27.82mm in max.width (across the base of the blade), 23.13mm in max.thickness and diameter (at the open end of the socket) and with a socket depth at least 87mm. The internal socket diameter is 18.24mm. Weighs 66.82g.

The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade, measuring 14.79mm in thickness at its widest point (27.82mm) and extending from just above the two peg-holes (one of which is 4.9mm in diameter, the other 3.9mm). The blade has a chamfered edge and pronounced central mid-rib (extending from a conical socket). It is unclear how far beyond the depth of at least 87mm the socket extends as traces of wood are apparent in the socket. The line of the blade is smoothly curving and angles a little more sharply at the tip. Peter Reavill (FLO, Herefordshire & Shropshire) comments that this example is on the cusp of being 'stumpy', which Ehrenburg defines as being less than 100mm in length and having a width 1/3 their length (pers.comm. May 2014).

Much of the original patina has been lost and one surface in particular is a shiny coppery colour, an indication of deposition in water or peat that is anaerobic.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gretton, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 15.12 g
Description: 
Copper alloy socketed spearhead fragment that dates to the middle to late Bronze Age. This is the tip of the spearhead and has a pronounced spine running down its centre that is circular in cross-section, this is flanked by thin blades that taper to a fine point. The rear of the spear is truncated resulting in the loss of the socket and rear section of the blades.  In the break the tip of the socket is visible as a small hollow at the base of the central spine. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1140)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kenninghall, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 179 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 89.24 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy dirk with a notched butt, complete apart from a small part in the centre of the proximal end of the butt (an old break) and numerous fragments of the cutting edges, lost both in antiquity and recently. The patination is a rich dark brown. Length 179mm. Width 37.8mm. Thickness 5.5mm. Weight 89.24g. Burgess and Gerloff 1981, Group IV, Type Cutts, Variant Kilrea. Penard Phase, c.1275 to c.1140 BC.



This is the first recorded example from Norfolk.



(field JB1)
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Tuddenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Description: Fragment of Middle Bronze Age rapier (Group IV in the scheme of Burgess & Gerloff 1981). Hafting-plate with convex upper edge, broken on either side across a large rivet hole or possible notches, tapering smoothly to the pointed oval-sectioned blade, slightly bevelled for the cutting edge, with an ancient, transverse break. The edges are damaged and corroded. Circa 1600 - 1000 BC.



Surviving length 73mm. Width 37mm. Width of blade at break 15.5mm. Thickness at break 5mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Description: Part of a parallel-sided copper alloy blade, both ends broken, both cutting edges abraded, a Late Bronze Age two-edged knife. Extant length 42.5mm. Width 9.5mm. Thickness 2.5mm. Weight 12.00g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



(field LF)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 7.7 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 3.58 g
Description: Part of the cutting edge of a Bronze Age copper alloy axehead in quite fresh condition, with an ancient break. Extant length, width and thickness 7.7, 30 and 5mm. Weight 3.58g. c.2000 - c.700 BC.



(field HFB)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pickering, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.1 mm
Thickness: 13.7 mm
Weight: 31.8 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end including part of the socketed area. The axehead has a tapering rectangle section and is sub-rectangular in plan with a widely flared cutting edge. The breaks are old and worn and faint casting flashes are present along one side.



The metal has a light greyish-green patina and is worn. The fragment is 51.1mm long, 33.1 to 20mm wide, 13.7mm thick and weighs 31.8g.



Due to the incomplete nature of the axehead it is not possible to ascribe it to a particular type series and it has therefore been dated broadly as late Bronze Age in date circa 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Well, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.67 mm
Thickness: 25.28 mm
Description: An early Bronze Age flanged axehead dating to the Arreton and Aylesford periods, c. 1700 to 1500 BC.



The handle of the axe is no longer present due to a break. The object has side flanges which are highest at the break and then become lower towards the blade. 15.5mm from the break, there are a series of ridges visible on both sides of the object. These extend towards the blade and stop just beyond the termination of the side flanges. The blade flattens and widens from the ridges to a maximum width of 64.84 mm. There is a little bit of damage to one side of the blade tip.



The blade is in quite good condition aside from the missing section. There is a fairly even brown patina with small sections of more active green corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 121 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 177 g
Description: A cast copper alloy palstave.  The butt has been broken away by an old break. It is unlooped with narrow flanges fused to the stop ridge. The width at the butt is 21mm. The flanges start to rise gradually from the butt and a parallel in height to the septum. The stop ridge is plain with no decoration on the blade. The blade widens gently in width forming rounded (worn?) tips from which a crescentic cutting edge projects, max 39mm wide. The blade tapers in thickness to the edge with no edge bevel. The surface is worn and pitted.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29 mm
Height: 23 mm
Weight: 38.1 g
Description: Copper alloy casting jet, probably Bronze Age, sub-oval (29 x 24mm), with the remains of five runners and part of a sixth broken runner partly obscured by its replacements. Height 23mm. Weighs 38.10g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98 mm
Height: 23 mm
Weight: 130.52 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, rectangular-sectioned, elongated and rather elegant with thickened mouth (27 x 25mm), in fairly fresh condition with casting seam on both sides and slightly squashes loops. Broken flaring sharp cutting edge, just over half remains, some recent scratching on one face. Length 98mm. Surviving width (blade) 38mm. Weight 130.52g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kenninghall, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Description: Fragment of a Bronze Age, probably Middle Bronze, spearhead, the tip with the point missing, breaks apparently not very old. Extant length 23mm. Width 9.5mm. Thickness 4.2mm. Weight 2.54g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



(field JB1)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Ellingham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.6 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Description: Abraded fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy two-edged knife, both ends broken (not recently), the cutting edges blunted. Extant length and width 23.6 and 17.7mm. Thickness 2.8mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



(field B7)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Betchworth, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.31 mm
Thickness: 12.83 mm
Weight: 38.85 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age copper alloy plano-convex bun ingot. The fragment weighs 38.85g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tacolneston, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.5 mm
Weight: 43.77 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, with the mouth of the socket missing (recent break). The side loops, with their lozengiform covers, are set on the socket. They are blcoked by ferrous deposits. The surfaces are lightly pockmarked and there is some scuffing on the cutting edges. Greenwell and Brewis 1909, Class IV. Extant length 85.5mm. Width 24.3mm. Weight 43.77g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



(field Q3)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winkfield, Bracknell Forest, Bracknell Forest ()
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 99.17 mm
Weight: 137 g
Description: A late Bronze Age socketed axe of Meldreth type, Ewart Park metalwork assemblage, c1000-800BC. The axe is facetted and octagonal in section. It measures 99mm in length and the socket is 63mm in depth. The width is 22.43mm and the distance from the side to the loop opposite is 31.3mm. The rim of the axe is c3.6mm thick and there is a prominent rib just below the rim. The blade is largely worn away and a section is missing from the rim. The casting seams are largely filed away but are still visible. There are large patches of surface corrosion where the original surface is missing. Elsewhere the original surface is well-preserved.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roudham and Larling, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.5 mm
Weight: 4.61 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl comprising a sub-square to round-sectioned blade, point missing and a square-sectioned tang (proximal end missing). The damage is recent. Extant length 51.5mm. Width at junction of tang and blade 4.4mm. Weight 4.61g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



(field L12)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thrussington, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 37.78 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy axe blade, 38mm long,  26mm wide and 12mm thick. The object is in fair condition and weighs 37.78grams. The object is sub rectangular in form and rectangular in section. The blade has a quite flat cutting edge which curves up at the ends and is quite abraded. The sides are also quite flat, very gently tapering inwards.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 143.3 mm
Thickness: 31.3 mm
Weight: 388 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy looped palstave, only the stumps of the loop surviving. All surfaces are badly pockmarked and some patches are iron stained. Small parts of the flanges are missing. There is a median rib on both faces of the blade. Length 143.3mm. Width 46.7mm. Thickness 31.3mm. Weight 388g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



(field JB9)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lyng, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 162.83 g
Description: Early Bronze Age Flanged axe, straight sides slightly convex in section, sub-rectangular heel, blade expanding towards damaged crescentic cutting edge, original edge missing, cast flanges, slight transverse bevel ridge on both faces at junction of hafting surface and blade below which is a broad band of multiple short vertical grooves. Heavily corroded with much of the surface missing at both ends and pitting and blistering occurring over all surfaces. Surviving length 93mm. Surviving width at blade 45mm. Thickness at mid-point of flange 11.5mm. Weight 162.83g. Cast flanged axes belong to the later part of the Early Bronze Age. c.1700 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 83 mm
Thickness: 39.5 mm
Weight: 205 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed axehead. Cast axe head with crescentic cutting edge, a slightly tapered lower blade and a broad body with a square mouth of internal dimensions 26mm by 29mm by 58mm deep. A single internal rib runs longitudinally within the socket on either side, presumably to assist hafting. Externally, three low ribs run from the socket towards the blade on either side, and a loop springs from a prominent collar moulding below the mouth. Heavily abraded though still complete. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 83mm, Width (at blade): 42.2mm, Thickness (overall at mouth): 39.5mm, Weight: 205gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 24.72 g
Description: Copper alloy sword or dagger fragment. Cast segment from a markedly tapering blade of lentoid section. The object is curved when viewed in profile, whether as a result of deliberate or adventitious damage is uncertain. Suggested date: Middle to late Bronze Age, 1600-800 BC.



Length: 38.0mm, Width: 27.5mm, Thickness: 5.7mm, Weight: 24.72gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.3 mm
Thickness: 6.4 mm
Weight: 14.01 g
Description: Copper alloy sword fragment. Cast shard from a narrow but robust lentoid section blade with slightly convergent sides. Heavily abraded overall. Suggested date: Middle to Late Bronze Age, 1600-800 BC.



Length: 28.3mm, Width: 22.7mm, Thickness: 6.4mm, Weight: 14.01gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.4 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
Weight: 3.31 g
Description: Copper alloy possible ring fragment. Cast segment from the inner circumference of a hollow ring of estimated external diameter 60mm. The external surface has a bright grey finish, perhaps from tin in the metal mix if not applied as a plating; the latter possibility arising from its apparent loss from the edges of the piece. This object was kindly allocated to the Bronze Age by Dr Kevin Leahy (in April 2011); it may be from a suite of horse gear. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length (as found): 31.4mm, Width: 11.5mm, Thickness: 1.2mm, Weight: 3.31gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittlesford, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 3.17 g
Description: A small copper-alloy very worn tool, chisel or possibly awl of uncertain date, possibly Bronze Age maybe even possibly Middle Bronze Age to possibly Late Bronze Age. The tool weighs 3.17g, has a length of 41.0mm, width of 5.1mm and thickness of 5.0mm being thickest and widest at the centre. One half of the tool tapers to a rectangular cross-section measuring 4.3mm width and 1.3mm thick at the flat rounded terminal. Some wear is present at the tip of this half of the artefact and it is uncertain whether the tip originally had squared corners rather than gently rounded as is the current shape. The other half of the tool starts as a sub-square cross-section at the centre point and then tapers with a sub-circular and then circular cross-section to a pointed tip.  This artefact is possibly a very worn tanged collared chisel.  There are lots of parallels from the Wilburton and Ewart Park complexes.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cox Green, Windsor and Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.87 mm
Weight: 215 g
Description: A fragment of a plano-convex bun ingot of Middle to Late Bronze Age date, c1200-700BC. The fragment weighs 215g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.3 mm
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 12.33 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed axehead fragment. Shard from the mouth of a socketed axehead with a prominent moulding at the socket and a mould line visible on its outer surface. Fiercely abraded. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 22.3mm, Width: 29.3mm, Thickness: 6.9mm, Weight: 12.33gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.4 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 15.56 g
Description: Copper alloy possible palstave axe fragment. Cast fragment from the angular edge of a hollow cast object with its sides meeting each other at right angles, of overall L section. The object appears to have tapered, and the extent of bubbled material on its inside surface increases as its sides converge. The outer surface bears patches of tarry material, possibly sooting, which carry across one fracture surface and appears as a small spot on the inner surface. Suggested date: possibly Middle Bronze Age, 1601-1000 BC.



Length: 40.4mm, Width: 17.6mm, Thickness: 4.4mm, Weight: 15.56gms.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Martin, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: An incomplete copper alloy flat axehead. The butt is missing with only a section of the body and the cutting edge remaining. The cutting edge is splayed and crescentic with clear facet to the blade edge on both faces. The cross section of the body is sub- rectangular with slightly convex ffaces and slightly angled sides. There is a ridge along the length of the axe along the middle of both sides. On the flat faces is a faint mid-rib and a low transverse ridge just before the break.

Date: Early Bronze Age - c. 2350 - 1500 BC

Dimensions :67.09 mmx 58.65 mm x 14.46 mm

Weight:156.82 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Baydon, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89.09 mm
Diameter: 11.77 mm
Weight: 16.21 g
Description: A (probably later) Bronze Age (c.1150-800 BC) copper alloy tanged awl, with a (now bent) tang circular in cross-section, narrowing from 5.50mm in diameter where it projects from the centre of the 'body' and flattening at the very end to become rectangular in cross-section at its other end (2.49x0.62mm). This end has some rough damage to it and is possibly incomplete. The body of the awl is conical in shape, being particularly flared at its base (11.77mm in diameter) and narrowing to a rounded point (1.31mm diameter) over a length of 38.72mm.

The patina is a smooth dark green/ blue in colour, shiny in places with patches of probable corrosion.

The awl measures 89.09mm in length (original, unbent length c.95mm) and weighs 16.21g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ingham, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Weight: 36.93 g
Description: Unidentified possible Bronze Age molten fragment of casting waste or metalworking debris, comprising, irregular L-shaped cast fragment. Length 40mm. Width 40mm. Weighs 36.93.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Canons Ashby, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85 mm
Diameter: 21 mm
Weight: 61.86 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead. There is some plough damage to the axehead. There are no obvious casting seams.



The outer surface is missing with only a small dark brown layer remaining. What remains is the light green corrosion layer beneath.



The socket is damaged but has an approximate diameter of 21mm. The axehead is 85mm long. The blade edge is slightly curved and 35mm wide. The suspension loop is missing, leaving only scars.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Durley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 147.75 mm
Height: 24.1 mm
Weight: 306 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper alloy Palstave axehead of Schmidt and Burgess 'unclassified low-flanged palstave' type with broad blade (group III) and without side loop, belonging to the Taunton phase of metalworking and corresponding to Needham's period 5, 1500-1150 BC. The axehead is incomplete and broken into two pieces, with loss due to the break.



The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan with slightly convex expanding sides and a very slightly curved cutting edge. In profile the blade is triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The break, which occurs just above the stop ridge, is H-shaped in cross-section and measures 26.18x18.15mm.


The butt-end of the axehead is sub-rectangular in plan, tapering towards the butt, and sub-triangular in profile. On both faces, high flanges rise to form the stop ridge (max.19.21mm high). Between these flanges is a vey thin septum, on one face of which is a small lump of metal, probably a product of corrosion.



The palstave retains some of its original smooth dark patina but the majority of the surface is corroded and now a bright green colour with some patches of red-brown. At the break, in both halves, air bubbles are visible in the metal, perhaps weakening it at this point.


With the two pieces fitted together the axehead measures 147.75mm in length. At the widest point, the cutting edge, it measures 47.48mm and at the thickest, the stop ridge, it measures 24.1mm. It weighs 306g.



References:



Schmidt P.K. and Burgess C.B., 1981, The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Munich, plate 61, no.839.



Needham, S., 1996 Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, 67.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Narborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.4 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl with rectangular-sectioned tapering tang and blade, the latter becoming round-sectioned towards the point. Length 64.4mm. Width and thickness at centre 5 and 4mm. Weight 6.39g. c.1000 - c.701 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gristhorpe, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A complete copper alloy spearhead of late Bronze Age date. This spearhead fits into the final phases of the Late Bronze Age specifically that associated with the Taunton/Wilburton - Ewart Park industrial phase, circa 1200 - 800 BC. Davis (2017) dates this type, 'generic' pegged, Davis Group 11, to the Late Bronze Age, 1100 – 800 BC.



The spearhead comprises a leaf shaped blade with a chamfered edge and two circular peg holes on both sides of the socket which are positioned in the upper portion in line with the blade. The socket is conical extending into a raised oval sectioned mid-rib that extends to the tip. The blade is leaf shaped having a maximum width in the lower 1/3 of the blade. The blade is not heavily eroded and the blade facet is present in the upper blade as a clearly visible chamfered edge. The tip of the blade is slightly bent and a small crack is present.



Dimensions



Length of socket: 200mm



Internal diameter of socket: 24.3mm



External diameter of socket: 27.9mm



Depth of socket: 121.7mm



Diameter of peg wholes: 4.6mm & 3mm



Length of blade: 152.8mm



Maximum width of blade: 41.3



Weight: 141.61g



Peter Reavill (FLO, Herefordshire & Shropshire) comments that it is interesting to note the rich dark patina on one face and abrasion corrosion on the upper which suggests that it was placed below the plough soil or at the junction between the natural and the plough zone. The tip is deliberately bent - most likely in antiquity as there doesn't seem to be loss of patina on the bend - which there would be if it were more recent. This is common on spearheads from ritual areas.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swainsthorpe, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.5 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 31.51 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier blade, both ends broken, one quite recently, the other in antiquity. The cutting edges are badly abraded and patination has been lost from most of both faces. There are several voids in the surface, one measuring 5 x 3 x 2mm. Length 65.5mm. Width 22.5mm. Thickness 3.8 - 4.5mm. Weight 31.51g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Highnam, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 3.96 g
Description: Copper alloy awl/point that is a long thin rod that has an expanded waist one quarter down its length, from here either side tapers to a point.  The shorter side (form the expansion) is 22mm long and has a rectangular cross section that narrows to a flat terminal, this side may have been used as a tang and could have been inserted into a socket. The longer side is 38mm long and has a circular cross-section and terminaltes in a fine point that is slightly bent. Date 2150 BC - 800 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Newchurch, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.1 mm
Thickness: 11.6 mm
Weight: 29.4 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper plano-convex ingot edge fragment. This fragment of ingot is sub rectangular in plan, with one distinctly curved edge, and is sub triangular in section. When complete the ingot would have been 'bun-shaped', having a domed upper surface and a flat lower surface. The surfaces of the ingot are abraded and pitted. Copper ingot fragments are common in hoards of the Ewart Park phase of the late Bronze Age c.1000-800 BC



The fragment is 21.1mm long, 25.9mm wide, 11.6mm thick and weighs 29.4 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper 
Found: Durley, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 98.14 mm
Thickness: 27.21 mm
Weight: 170 g
Description: A probable Middle Bronze Age copper alloy Palstave axehead of Schmidt and Burgess 'unclassified low-flanged palstave' type with broad blade (group III) and (probably) without side loop, belonging to the Taunton phase of metalworking and corresponding to Needham's period 5, 1500-1150 BC. The axehead is incomplete and badly corroded, found with two smaller pieces of copper which have possibly been broken off the axehead. The main body of the axehead has been broken diagonally across the butt end, just above the stop ridge, and across the blade, above the cutting edge.

The surviving blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan with slightly convex expanding sides. The casting flash apparent on one side has not been worn down.

The surface is very badly corroded and is now a bright green colour with some patches of orange-brown. The corrosion covers all of the axehead and seems to have formed in layers.

The axehead measures 98.14mm in length. At the widest point, across the blade, it measures 32.09mm and at the thickest it measures 27.21mm. It weighs 170g.

The first piece of copper alloy is 24.98mm in length, 15.36mm wide and 8.45mm thick. It weighs 6.17g. The second piece is 22.87mm long, 10.40g wide and 5.83mm thick. It weighs 2.76g.



The palstave was found in close proximity to HAMP-996311 and is therefore to be considered as potential Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.


References:



Schmidt P.K. and Burgess C.B., 1981, The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Munich, plate 61, no.839.



Needham, S., 1996 Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, 67.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Votive Model (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 21.8 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm
Weight: 2.5 g
Description: A complete Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age copper alloy Votive Model of a miniature wheel dated to c. 1000-500 BC. The wheel is circular in plan with a trapezoidal shaped 'axel' from which four spokes radiate before joining the outer rim. The rim of the wheel and the spokes are rectangular in cross section. There is a circular perforation in the centre of the axle which appears to have been drilled. The upper surface of the model is covered with striations in one direction which appear to have been creating by an abrasive surface. The reverse of the modle is not decorated.



The model is 21.8mm in diameter, 1.9mm thick and weighs 2.50 grams.



On the record for HESH-C53CF4, which is very similar to this example, Peter Reavill writes:



"This form of artefact is relatively rare and the PAS has only recorded one other example from Thimbleby, Lincolnshire (DENO-0BBA52). Images of this artefact were sent to Dr Adam Gwilt at NGMW, Cardiff. Dr Gwilt suggested that similar comparable artefacts had been recorded in the late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age assemblage from the votive site at Flag Fen, Peterborough, amongst the Iron Age Salisbury hoard, and also the Hounslow Hoard. "
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thormanby, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.01 mm
Thickness: 5.33 mm
Weight: 28.3 g
Description: Miniature axe or axe-chisel of Bronze age to Roman date (2150 BC- 410 AD). The object is similar to solid flat axes with a tapering blade, resembling a miniature version of the earliest and simplest solid cast copper alloy axe-heads. The sides are slightly curved and the blades cutting edge has suffered heavy corrosion. 



The object has a heavily pitted patina.



The broad date range has been given due to the form of the object most closely resembling early Bronze age axe heads, however there are numerous examples of Roman votive deposition of such minature axe heads.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Droxford, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.54 mm
Thickness: 11.42 mm
Weight: 60.51 g
Description: A fragment of Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, consisting of the cutting edge only and broken just above the start of the socket. It measures 33.54mm in length, 51.46mm in max.width, 11.42mm in max.thickness and weighs 60.51g.

The cutting edge is expanded and relatively undamaged, with just some patination-loss at the very edge. The casting flash is not visible, and the side are faceted, giving an eight-sided cross-section at the break.

The patina is a shiny dark green in colour with fine scratches across the surface, some apparently recent damage and showing a silvery surface beneath.

The depth of the socket at the break is 2.14mm and the break measures 35.29x11.42mm. In profile, the fragment is triangular in shape.

The socketed axehead probably belongs to the Late Bronze Age Ewart Park phase of metalworking, c.950-750 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whittington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 105.18 mm
Diameter: 18.25 mm
Thickness: 2.18 mm
Weight: 82.6 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy spearhead of Middle-Late Bronze Age date, c. 1500-800 BC.



The spearhead is largely complete, with a blade indicating a long uselife and a complete socket with only minor chipping around the edge. The entire head has been cast integral, with a conical socket retaining lozenge-shaped sideloops near the base of the socket. No flashmarks are visible.



The blade was originally 'leaf-shaped', with angular shoulders, but the blades on each side of the head have been repeatedly sharpened over the course of its life, reducing the size of the blade considerably. The socket extends into the base of the blade, with a well-defined rib emerging from the socket and running the length of the blade, with the rib also having been filed with the edges as the blade became reduced in size. The lower blade, near each shoulder probably also appears to have been resharpened.



The surface has an even brown patina with patches of orange corrosion, and occassional small pits of green corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1300 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brockham, Mole Valley, Surrey ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.41 mm
Weight: 18.28 g
Description: A fragment of a spear of late middle to early late Bronze Age date, c1300 - 1000BC. The fragment comes from near the tip; the tip itself is missing and this appears to be a recent break. Both blades remain sharp and the fragment is in very good condition. The section through the broken socket shows an off-centre casting which is very thin on one side..
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chobham, Surrey Heath, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70.05 mm
Thickness: 16.51 mm
Weight: 142 g
Description: The lower part of a Middle Bronze Age Primary / Early Palstave - probably Group II dated c. 1500-1300 BC.



The axe is very worn with no original surfaces surviving. Only the lower part survives, the break comes just below the stop ridge. There is shallow central rib but any side flanges are very slight or non-existent.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Nether Wallop, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.92 mm
Thickness: 4.18 mm
Weight: 7.67 g
Description: 
A small fragment comprising the tip of a probable spear, of Bronze Age date. The fragment is truncated at both ends and the extremites of the blade edge have been eroded away.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harold Wood, Havering, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A group of Late Bronze Age copper alloy ingots, containing one complete plano-convex or 'bun' shaped ingot, four fragments of plano-convex ingot and two fragments of probable ingot, rectangular in cross-section. All have surfaces pitted, rough and corroding. One fragment has had a recent section cut on one edge.



1) 1338g, plano-convex ingot, measuring c.111mm in diameter and 35.95mm in max.height.



2) 346g, incomplete plano-convex ingot, just less than half surviving. Measures 89.32mm in length, 53.08mm in width and 26.99mm in height. Original diameter c.90mm.



3) 294g, fragment of plano-convex ingot, original diameter uncertain. Measures 69.15x37.22x32.14mm. Recent slice removal gives smooth flat surface.



4) 274g, fragment of plano-convex ingot, original diameter uncertain. Measures 63.80x59.62x33.03mm.



5) 226g, fragment of plano-convex ingot, original diameter uncertain. Measures 75.49x51.32x30.15mm.



6) 542g, fragment oval in cross-section (82.23x32.01mm), measuring 82.23x66.53x32.01mm.



7) 280g, fragment with rectangular cross-section, measuring 56.33x42.24x37.64mm.
Notes: Ingots are found complete and in fragments in hoards of Late Bronze Age date (c.1150-800 BC), particularly in so-called 'Founder's' hoards which typically also contain items of scrap metalwork. This hoard was discovered c.30 years ago and as such does not constitute potential Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996 (Designation Order 2002).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Berwick St. James, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.6 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 14.9 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy chisel or awl of Bronze Age date. The tang is square in section and tapers in both width and thickness to a rounded point. At the widest part of the tang there is an integral stop ridge which is broken and heavily worn though appears to have been rectangular in plan. The tang protrudes from the centre of one face of the stop ridge, and the blade protrudes from the centre of the other face. The blade is rectangular in section at the junction of the stop ridge, but tapers in width and thickness a shot distance to an extremely worn break.



The metal is abraded with a mid to light green patina. The object is 82.6mm long, 16.1mm wide at the stop ridge, 9.5mm thick and weighs 14.9g.



A similar though complete example has been recorded on the PAS database as: WAW-EF4C84.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tivetshall St. Margaret, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 24 g
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead. Broken across the base of the socket, flaring slightly for the slightly curved blade, the cutting edge damaged and missing. The breaks are all corroded and mostly worn, with the break on one side of the body appearing crisper and more recent than the rest. Width 45mm. Maximum thickness 11mm. Width at break 39mm. Surviving length 22mm. Weight 24.0g. 1000 - 701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tivetshall St. Margaret, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 12.9 g
Description: Fragment of copper alloy blade, probably a Middle Bronze Age rapier. Shallow convex face on both sides with no original edge surviving. The edge of possible bevelling for the cutting edge is visible in places. Breaks old and corroded. Surviving length 42mm. Surviving width 17mm. Maximum thickness 4mm. Weight 12.9g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Welton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Description: Fragment of a late Bronze Age copper alloy sword of Ewart Park-type (circa 1000-800 BC). The fragment comprises most of the handle. It has marginal ribs running down its edges and two circular perforations. One is filled with iron corrosion. This suggests that this fragment might be dated to the cusp between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (c. 600BC). The handle has an expanded, flared terminal, which tapers to a convex-sided grip. The blade-end of the handle is incomplete, but the 'break' is very neat and linear, and possibly suggests that it was intentionally cut in antiquity. The section of the break bears the same mid-green patina with patches of brown staining.



In section, the handle is 'H'-shaped, and when viewed from the side the lips of the 'H' widen towards the middle. The body of the handle thickens at this point also, and a circular rivet hole is located in the centre.



The surface of the object is smooth and has a mid-green patina with patches of brown staining. The sides of the flared terminal both have what appears to be a shallow ridge of casting running along the centre. The butt-end is rounded.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder