dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.9 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze to Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged chisel, with the proximal end of the rectangular-sectioned tang and the cutting edge missing. There is no stop between tang and blade. Cf. Inventaria Archaeologica (1954) G.B.6, no.5. The breaks are not ancient. Extant length and width 47.9 and 15mm. Thickness 3mm. c.1600 - c.700 BC.



Field JO9
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.7 mm
Thickness: 6.4 mm
Description: Possible fragment of a Bronze Age spearhead of indeterminate type and date





A small fragment of copper alloy 20.7mm long, 6.4mm thick and 10.3mm wide). The fragment has slightly concave facets narrowing to the blade and at the apex the suggestion of a mid-ridge. There is no evidence for a socket at the centre. The surface has a dark-green patina, consistent with Bronze Age bronzes.



The fragmentary condition of the copper alloy makes any identification tentative and speculative and it is possible that the fragment is from a more recent object but the form is generally consistent with Bronze Age spearheads.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lambourn, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.6 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 16.6 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead. The fragment comprises part of the mouth, the moulded lip around the socket opening. There is a casting seem visible on the other edge of the axehead. Late Bronze Age date, c. 1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Harrowden, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.94 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 2.09 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 before the socket starts. In plan the spearhead is an elongated sub-trapezoid as the tip is missing. Both these breaks are not recent. There are traces of the blade facets but these are heavily abraded, therefore the spear blades cutting edges have been lost. The overall shape of the blade can be possibly ascribed to being leaf-shaped. The spearhead fragment is broadly triangular in plan and in section a sub-lozenge. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead. The surface of the spearhead has a mottled dark green coloured patina which is incomplete and pitted. It measures 21.94mm long, 7.24mm wide, 4.9mm thick and weighs 2.09g.





The spearhead dates to the Middle or Late Bronze Age date (1500 - 800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 70.81 g
Description: Incomplete Early Bronze Age to Middle Bronze Age copper alloy flanged axe or chisel with an ancient break. The butt is missing. Much of the shiny dark brown patination has been lost recently. Extant length and width 51 and 41.3mm. Thickness 9.7mm. Weight 70.81g. c.2000 - c.1500 BC.



Field JO5
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pontesbury, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.3 mm
Weight: 163.2 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of Type Yorkshire and of Ewart Park metalworking, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 7, dated to c. 950 - 750BC.





The axe is near-complete with some peripheral loss and has a prominent split down one side (with a length of 75.3mm and a weight of 163.2g).The mouth is sub-rectangular (39.3mm wide x 35.9mm long). The socket (57.8mm deep) has straight sides, each with an internal central rib (beginning 12mm below the mouth) which continue to the base of the socket. The top of the mouth is heavily-corroded, which has removed any evidence for casting runners. The mouth has a prominent rounded moulding and there is a collar moulding beneath the mouth (11mm below). The loop is present (23mm long, 8.5mm wide and 8.4mm high), springing from the collar moulding. The sides are moderately flat across their widths and concave across their lengths, and expand to the blade edge. The blade tips and original blade edge have been lost but the blade appears to have been moderately expanded and with a slight curve (with a surviving blade width of 42.0mm). The casting seams are prominent on both sides and have been hammer-finished. The looped side has a prominent split (43mm long and up to 3mm wide), which may be the result of casting problems. The faces are convex across both their lengths and widths and are decorated with three parallel ribs, descending from the collar moulding. The side ribs are positioned close to the corners of the faces. There are no blade facets evident and no sharpening striations discernible at the blade. The surface has a dark-brown patina, with areas of pale-green corrosion.



Type Yorkshire axes are found throughout Britain but Schmidt & Burgess (1981, pp 238-9, pl. 130) have demonstrated that the distribution is concentrated on the East side of Northern Britain with the greatest density between the rivers Humber and the Tees. This example may be seen as being a somewhat south westerly outlier to the main areas of recovery.



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



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: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Colyton, East Devon, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 92.6 mm
Thickness: 19.3 mm
Weight: 133.89 g
Description: A small, highly abraded Bronze Age palstave, probably dating to the Middle Bronze Age c. 1500-1150 BC. The butt is damaged with an old break but survives to its original width, 21.3mm. The palstave has a sub-rectangular septum, with a vertical stop ridge on both faces (one notably more worn than the other). The septum is 6.2mm thick and 16.7mm wide, it survives to a length of 24.8mm and is flanged, with these sub-triangular in profile, although again notably more worn on one face than the other.



At the stop ridge the palstave is sub-rectangular in cross section, 20.8mm wide and 19.3mm thick, and was likely originally more regular in shape. Below the stop ridges the axe then costricts to 18.0mm wide, before widening gradually towards the cutting edge, one corner of which has been lost to an old break. The maximum width, just prior to this break is 22.0mm and although it will originally have continued to broaden, the cutting edge now survives to a width of 17.4mm. In profile the blade of the axe tapers gradually from the stop ridge to a point, now fairly rounded by abrasion. There is no indication of any side loop, but it is unclear whether or not there was any moulding beneath the stop ridge.



The palstave is 92.6mm long and weighs 133.89g.



Although difficult to be certain with such an abraded object, the lack of side loops would suggest that it belongs to the Acton Park or Taunton metal working groups, giving the object a likely Middle Bronze Age date.
Notes: 
We are indebted to the finder for providing the original photographs. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Agnes, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 61.12 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy flat axehead, sub-rectangular in plan and section and triangular in profile, with a rounded end and broken edge where it is missing its blade and more than half of the axe so that just the butt end remains. The fragment tapers towards the butt end which is rounded off and widens towards the broken edge which has been chiselled off, perhaps in order to re-use the fragment for something else. The axehead would have continued to expand into a triangular flat blade which is now missing. There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on the surface of the axe, but the original surface has corroded away and is now quite pitted, so that preservation is poor. There are some scratches caused by damage since deposition. There are many circular depressions on the surface that have been caused by blisters forming as the axehead has corroded and then breaking down and powdering away.



The length is 50 mm, the width of broken edge is 31 mm and the width of the butt end is 27 mm, the thickness of the broken end is 9 mm and the thickness of the butt end is 4 mm.



Similar slender flat axes with straight-sided butt ends can be seen in records DENO-93FB17, SUR-E3F467, LANCUM-6507C2, and SOMDOR-C71623 on the database.



Even though it is incomplete, the remains of this flat axe compares well to other examples from the Migdale tradition of the early Bronze Age, dating from c.2200-2000BC.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar examples of slender Migdale type flat axes from Tregonjeeves Quarry in Cornwall and Salcombe in Devon, on pages 400 & 453, plates 1 & 38, nos.6 & 289, and a similar fragment of a flat axe that has been chiselled at one end from Penzance, Cornwall on page 423, pl. 15, no.123, which are associated with the Migdale metalworking tradition of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate the latest slender Migdale type of flat axes to be recorded in the South West from Braddock Downs in Cornwall, Bishop's Tawrton in Devon and Burton in Dorset on page 87, pl.14, nos.36, 111 & 213.



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 (c.2350-2050 cal BC). This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.



Reference:



Needham, S. (1996) Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologia, vol 67, pp.121-140



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. (1981) The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. pp.46-47.
Subsequent action: Returned to Landowner
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dodcott cum Wilkesley, Cheshire East, Cheshire East (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.4 mm
Thickness: 16.2 mm
Weight: 65.8 g
Description: A fragment of a large cast copper alloy (bronze) socketed axe. The fragment consists of the cutting edge and lower blade of a late Bronze Age axe (1100 - 800 BC). The axe fragment is sub-rectangular in plan with a curved (convex) cutting edge. The sides, adjacent to the cutting edge, taper inwards towards the break. In profile the fragment is sub-triangular (wedge shaped). The convex cutting edge of the axe fragment, although corroded and abraded, is worn suggesting it was heavily used in antiquity. The break at the top of the fragment is old and abraded and has an uneven edge. The break has occurred almost at the base of the socket. The base of the socket is elliptical in plan and broadly 'u' shaped in cross section. The axe fragment is a light- green to brown colour with a polished but much abraded patina. The loss of patina is mostly around the external edges of the axe at both the cutting edge and broken edge caused by abrasion in the ploughsoil. It is most prominent along the cutting edge and one side has more prominent patina loss than the other. There are a number of small patches of light green powdery (active) corrosion present predominantly on the edges of the blade.



There are other examples on the database that have been discovered in Kingstone, Herefordshire (HESH-5AE5C8) and at Wixford, Warwickshire (WAW-2FC2AE).



From the cutting edge to the broken edge the axe measures 26.4mm, the axe is 54.5mm in width, and is 16.2mm thick. It weighs 65.8 grams.The width of the internal socket is 4.8mm and the length is 32.3 mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Monkton, Thanet, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 124.4 mm
Thickness: 35.6 mm
Weight: 980 g
Description: A large fragment of Bronze Age copper alloy plano-convex ingot edge fragment of Middle to Late Bronze Age date c.1200-700 BC. This fragment of ingot is almost semi-circular, with one distinctly curved edge and is sub-triangular in cross-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.



The fragment is124.4 mm in length, 73.3 mm wide,35.6 mm thick and weighs 980.0 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Porthcawl, Bridgend, Bridgend (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 167 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 459.5 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze Transitional palstave of Type Roundhay, Midribbed Variant (as defined by Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 149) and of Penard/Wallington metalworking, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Periods 5 -6 and probably dating to 1300 - 1100BC.



The palstave is near-complete with some peripheral damage (with a length of 167mm and a weight of 459.5g). The butt (with a width of 21mm and a thickness of 3.7mm) is moderately straight but bevelled and is possibly truncated on one side. The sides are near-straight and slightly divergent as far as the stop (with a maximum width behind the stop of 27.6mm). The casting seam is only evident on the unlooped side but is possibly masked by corrosion on the looped side. The seam appears to have been neatly fettled. The loop is of D-shaped section (25.0mm long, 12mm wide, 9.4mm high and 3.8mm thick). The sides are flat across their widths and onto the flanges. The flanges begin at the butt and have a linear divergence to the stop but have slight damage to the top edges. The septum is straight and flat and is perpendicular to both the flanges and stops (with a maximum height of 16.1mm). The stops are rounded with a slope to the blade (where the palstave has a maximum thickness of 37.4mm). The sides of the blade narrow below the stop, producing a slight 'nick'. The sides are straight across their widths and gently concave are divergent along their lengths to produce a narrow and moderately rounded blade edge. The original blade edge has been lost but there does not appear to have been any significant loss to the blade tips (with a surviving blade width of 44.6mm). The blade faces are decorated with a single central midrib, which appears as wide as the face below the stop, producing convex faces at the apex, becoming flat near the blade edge. There is a discernible blade facet where the midrib ends. The surface is heavily-corroded with a mid-green corrosion and dark brown exposed metal on edges. There are some areas of active bright green corrosion on both blade faces.



The palstave demonstrates a number of features characteristic of Type Roundhay such as the waisting and the near-parallel sides below the stop. The sides however are also straight and near-parallel above the stop, similar to Type Shelf (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 146). Transitional palstaves are recovered occasionally from South East Wales but are far less well represented than Ewart Park metalwork and may have a different pattern of deposition, with the coastal findspot of this example, perhaps being of significance.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7



2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bressingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.5 mm
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, a solid tip with rounded midribs. On the blunt cutting edges there is both ancient and recent scuffing. Ferrous staining covers the surfaces and the break. Extant length 36.5mm. Width 20mm. Thickness 6.2mm. Weight 11.33g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.



Field JO9
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Found: , Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.3 mm
Diameter: 6.8 mm
Weight: 10.9 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze socketed spearhead fragment of uncertain type, of Middle to late Bronze Age date





The spear is fragmentary, represented by the upper part only (with a surviving length of 43.4mm and a weight of 10.9g). The top of the circular socket is evident at the base of the fragment (with a diameter of 6.8mm and a depth of 19mm). The socket defines a prominent rounded midrib on the exterior (with a maximum surviving thickness of 9.0mm), which narrows gradually to the tip. The blade appears comparatively straight along the fragment, possibly suggesting a leaf-shaped blade (with a maximum surviving width of 18.3mm). A small fragment of the blade facet appears to survive above the break. The surface is heavily corroded and no sharpening striations are now evident on the corroded surface, which has a pale-green patina.



The socket present on the spearhead would suggest a form was side-looped, basal-looped or pegged but the fragmentary nature makes typological identification difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -750)
Material: Gold 
Found: Cranleigh, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.4 mm
Thickness: 6.86 mm
Weight: 9.46 g
Description: A small gold Penannular Ring (or so-called 'hair ring') of Late Bronze Age date. The ring has a sub-circular cross section and the ends of the terminals are flat. The ring has alternating decorative banding of yellow and a paler, silver rich gold. There is no visible evidence that the ring had a copper alloy core and the weight of the ring suggests that it may be solid gold.



Analysis by the British Museum's scientific research team has demonstrated that the penannular ring has been modified. A small section of metal has been removed from the edge of each end exposing fresh metal, and the original surfaces of each capped end have also been removed. This is evidenced by the presence of parallel striations and exposure of fresh metal. The appearance of the exposed metal indicates this modification is modern.



Dimensions: 18mm by 17mm diameter; 1.5mm gap between terminals; 6.5mm (max.) and 6mm (min) thickness; weight: 9.47g



Metal composition: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of the ring by Department of Scientific Research at The British Museum indicated that its composition was consistent with a Late Bronze Age date. See appended report full details of the composition.



Discussion: This ring belongs to a well dated group of ornaments of the Late Bronze Age, circa 1150-750 BC. They are a relatively common find from England.
Notes: The ring meets the criteria for Treasure under the Designation Order (2002): it is an item of prehistoric date with a precious metal element.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penllyn, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 159 mm
Diameter: 28.6 mm
Weight: 144.7 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed spearhead of Davis' (2015) Type 11A, which covers Generic pegged spearheads with flame-shaped blades, dating to the Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industry (c.1120-800 BC) (following Needham et al. 1997).



The spearhead is complete and retains the sediment in the socket (with a length of 159mm and with a weight of 144.7g, including sediment and 126.2g without). The socket is near-circular (with a diameter of 27.9mm - 28.6mm, 25.4mm internal and 110.1mm deep). There is no evidence for a lip at the mouth or decoration around the socket. The sides of the circular socket are conical, gradually converging to the tip and define a rounded midrib along the blade. Approximately midway between the mouth and the start of the blade are the sub-circular attachment holes (of 7.2mm and 7.8mm diameter), which are raised or burred on the interior of the socket. The casting seams are evident on both sides but have been neatly fettled and mostly removed but with a discernible ridge surviving. The blade is leaf-shaped and reaches its maximum width approximately one-third of the blade length (with a length of 114mm and a maximum width of 38.3mm). The blade facets are evident and mostly survive (with a length of 4mm and a thickness of 0.6mm). There is the suggestion of some striations running along the blade facets, possibly the result of sharpening. There are striations evident inside the socket (7mm from the mouth). The surface has a dark-brown patina with some areas of pale-brown and green surface loss.



The sediment was removed from the socket in the museum and contained root material but no discernible surviving wooden shaft. A void was observed immediately above the peg holes.



Spearheads of pegged type have been shown to date from Wilburton metalwork, dated from 1150BC, the majority of associated spearheads are found with Ewart Park metalwork (950 - 750BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanharan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 159 mm
Weight: 438.4 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group III, Low-Flanged (Broad blade) Type and of uncertain subtype, possibly a variant of Type Wantage (Schmidt & Burgess 1981, p 133-5) and probably of Acton Park II / Taunton metalworking industries, of Needham's (1996) Period 5; dated to c. 1500 - 1150 BC.



The palstave is unlooped and is near-complete but is heavily corroded (with a length of 159mm and a weight of 438.4g). The butt (with a width of 18.4mm) has broken across one side. The sides are straight and near-parallel, diverging slightly as far as the stop (with a width of 20mm to 25.1mm at the stop). The sides are then concave and divergent to produce a comparatively wide blade. The blade is asymmetric, seemingly differentially worn or damaged on one side (with a blade width of 64.2mm). The casting seams are clearly discernible on both sides but have been neatly finished, surviving as a ridge where the surface is preserved. The flanges begin (9mm) beneath the butt and appear to be damaged and truncated. The more complete flange appears to be moderately straight, reaching its highest point beneath the stop (with a maximum surviving height of 30.4mm). The septum (with a thickness of 8.0mm) is flat across its length and has a slight concavity across its width. The stops appear more rounded on one face than the other (with heights of 8.6mm and 11.7mm). There is a bevel from the stop to the blade faces (where the blade has a thickness of 20.0mm) and the top of the faces is decorated with a subtle depression or sunken shield decoration but is without mouldings. The blade faces are flat and gradually convergent, increasing in convergence near the edge but without a discernible blade facet. The blade edge is comparatively straight. The surface has surviving remnants of a very dark, near-black patina and elsewhere has a pale to mid-green corrosion.



The general form of the palstave would seem to suit Type Wantage, although the absence of decorative mouldings would make the axe a variant of the type. The features would seem 'developed' for an unlooped palstave and if the loop represents a typological progression , this axe may be seen as at the cusp.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lenham, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 9.2 mm
Weight: 44.1 g
Description: A cast copper alloy unidentified object, possibly a fragment of metalworking debris dating to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC). The object is rectangular in shape; one face is flat with three vertical grooves which run the entire length of the face, which create four raised ridges. The other side of the object is undecorated and rounded, creating a semi-circular cross-section. The object is broken at either end due to old breaks and there is a visible casting flaw at one end, which appears to be a bubble.



The object measures 32.2 mm in length, 27.6 mm wide, 9.2 mm thick and weighs 44.1 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shalford, Braintree, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.8 mm
Thickness: 11.92 mm
Weight: 17.15 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, dating 1000-800 BC. Only part of the rim and the loop remain. The casting seam is still visible running along the line of the loop. The object has a mid brownpatinawith light green corrosion exposed in places. Due to the state of preservation it is impossible to attribute a specific type of axe to this object.



Dimensions: length: 40.80 mm; width: 19.41 mm; thickness: 11.92 mm; weight: 17.15g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Weonards, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.4 mm
Thickness: 7.7 mm
Weight: 28.4 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze butt fragment from an axe of uncertain type but of Developed Axe or Palstave form



The axe is represented by a butt fragment only, broken at one end (with a surviving length of 32.4mm and a weight of 28.4g). The butt end is rounded but may be truncated and thins to an edge (with a width of 19.5mm and a thickness of 0.8mm). The sides are straight and slightly divergent to the break (with a maximum width of 21.9mm and a thickness of 7.7mm). The sides are convex across their thicknesses with the suggestion of a casting seam on the pitted surface. The flanges begin near the butt and are slightly convex along the short length to the break and are probably slightly eroded and truncated (giving the axe a maximum surviving depth of 9.9mm with a height above the septum of 1mm). The break occurred in antiquity. The surface has a dark-green patina where it survives and is heavily pitted.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult. The butt form would be consistent with slender-butted Developed flat axes, From Type Aylesford (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981) from the Early Bronze Age through to Late Palstaves, of Ewart Park Metalworking in the Late Bronze Age.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Camrose, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.2 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 202.8 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze flat axe, possibly a reworked axe or an axe blank probably dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC



The axe is comparatively short with a wide thick butt (with a length of 82.2mm and a weight of 202.8g). The butt is straight and flat (with a width of 39mm and a thickness of 8.5mm) possibly suggesting the axe may have been reworked from a larger axe. The sides are straight and divergent for a short distance from the butt (approximately 20mm) before becoming concave and diverging to a moderately expanded blade edge (with a surviving width of 61.2mm). The sides are rounded across their thickness. The original blade edge has been lost and the edge is now comparatively straight with only a gentle curve. One of the blade tips has been lost and the axe has a pronounced distortion before the break. One face is flat, while the other is very gently convex across its length and both have a gentle convexity across their widths. There are no discernible developed features on the axe, such as a median bevel or flange. There is the suggestion of a short blade facet (6mm long) although this is more likely to be the result of corrosion and wear. The surface is heavily-corroded with a dark-green patina and areas of pale-green corrosion.



The flat axe is an unusual form and appears comparatively short and wide and thick-butted but now shows no evidence of breakage, possibly suggesting the butt has been reworked. The lack of any of any surviving developed features and the simple, curved-sided form to the axe may be suggestive of Type Migdale (Schmidt & Burgess, 1981, p 35-44) , of Metalworking Assemblage III, corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 2 -3 and probably dating to c. 2,200 - 1,900BC. The axe also may be an axe-blank and the unworked flat face may demonstrates minimal working subsequent to its casting.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Description: 
Copper alloy axe head with a narrow butt end and flared cutting edge. It has a sub-triangular notch missing from one corner of the cutting edge where it has broken off, suggesting use and wear and tear. There is a small depression along one of the flared edges, it is uncertain whether this due to use or an accident in the casting. It is covered in a very rough green patina which has many small nodules and bumps possibly from the casting.

Notes: 
No spatial data available as none received.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Pembrokeshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Description: 
A socketed and collared hammerhead. It is hollow, rectangular in profile, sub-rectangular at the closed end and oval shaped in section at the socket. It has been broken off at the socketed end. It is smooth, with an even green and grey patina.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 13 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 7.87 g
Description: Fragment of cutting edge of Early or Middle Bronze axe, i.e. flat, flanged, or a palstave. The breaks are ancient and the blade is almost sharp. Extant thickness 5mm. Extant length 13mm. Extant width 52.5. Weighs 7.87g. c.2350 -c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Purton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 132.3 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 255.5 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age cast flanged axe of Early Short-Flanged form and probably of Type Kirtomy, possibly variant Arnhall, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 82-4) and of Acton Park II metalworking Industry, dating to Needham's (1996) Period 4; c. 1500 - 1300BC





The axe is near-complete but is very heavily corroded (with a length of 132.3mm and a weight of 255.5g). The butt (with a width of 21.4mm and a thickness of 2.5mm) is moderately straight and is likely to have suffered some erosion. The sides are straight and divergent as far as the blade (where the axe has a width of 28.1mm). The cast flanges appear to begin just before the butt and are convex across their heights (reaching a maximum surviving height of 20.8mm) and appear to have had a regular curve, producing an oval side profile. The septum appears moderately flat with no surviving evidence for a median bevel. The sides are 'nicked' (with a width of 32.0mm and a thickness of 10.5mm) immediately below the flanges, below which the sides are concave and divergent to the blade edge. The casting seams are no longer evident. One of the blade tips has been lost (producing a surviving blade width of 53.5mm). There is no decorative device now evident on either blade face. The blade faces are gently convex across their widths, with the possible suggestion of a mid-ridge and are flat and convergent across their lengths before converging more sharply to the blade edge but without discernible blade facets. The surface is very poorly preserved with a small remnants surviving on the septum and blade with a dark-brown patina; elsewhere the surface has corroded pale-to mid-green and brown.



The loss of subtle surface features makes typological identification difficult, the general form however is consistent with Type Kirtomy, Early Short Flanged axes and the noticeable nicked sides may suggest the variant Arnhall.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gnosall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Weight: 94.6 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze Developed Flat Axe of uncertain type, possibly Type Bandon or similar and of Willerby metalworking, c. 1900 - 1700BC





The axe is fragmentary, represented by an approximate blade half and has broken in antiquity (with a surviving length of 54.0mm and a weight of 94.6g). At the break, the axe has a rectangular section with a comparatively slender blade (25.6mm wide and 10.8mm thick) and displays evidence that the axe was bent prior to breaking. The sides are convex across their widths and near-straight or gently convex across the surviving length and divergent before sharply out-turning to produce an expanded and well-curved blade edge. The blade tips and original blade edge have been damaged (giving a surviving blade width of 44.7mm). Beneath the break, both faces were decorated with crude linear incised lines. There is no suggestion of flanges on the surviving part of the blade. Both faces have a discernible blade facet, corresponding with the recurving of the blade (15mm from the blade edge). The surface is corroded with some deep pitting and a mid-green patina and areas of pale-green corrosion.



The fragmentary state of the axe makes typological identification difficult but the slender blade form and out-turned blade may suggest an axe of Type Bandon or allied axe, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 65-48) . Schmidt & Burgess (ibid) note the lack of associations between Type Bandon and other axes and tentatively suggest that they may be of Stage V, Willerby metalworking, corresponding to the latter part of Needham's (1996) Period 3, (c. 2,050 - 1,700BC), perhaps suggesting a date of c. 1900 - 1700BC.



1. Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Scabbard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shropham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 16.77 g
Description: Probably Late Bronze Age copper alloy rectangular scabbard chape of oval external and internal cross-section. The sides are concave and there is an attachment hole in the centre of both faces near the upper, open end. No parallel has been noted. Length 23mm. Width 27.7mm. Thickness 10mm. Weight 16.77g.



Field SH2
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sketty, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 124.3 mm
Weight: 29.3 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze blade, possibly a dirk of Group IV blade with a damaged butt.





The dirk is incomplete with some peripheral damage to the butt (with a length of 124.3mm and a weight of 29.3g). The shoulders are eroded but appear to have been comparatively broad (with a surviving width of 48.2mm) and is better preserved on one side. The original form of the hilt is now uncertain although it may have been of trapezoidal form with differential corrosion to the apex of the butt, which now has convergent sides. There are no definite rivet holes evident but there is a notch at the central apex, which may have aided the hafting or attachment. The butt is thinned (with a thickness at the apex of 0.6mm) and may have been reworked. Below the shoulders, the sides are concave and convergent (for approximately 26mm). The blade is then near straight and convergent (for approximately 17mm with a width of 26-18mm) after which, the blade is straight and only slightly convergent before the tip. The blade is of lozenge section and gradually thickens to reach a maximum near the tip (of 4.1mm). The blade edge has been lost and is now rounded. The surface is heavily-pitted and corroded with a dark-brown to black patina and with an area of pale-green corrosion. There is no surviving evidence for a hilt mark on the surface



The corrosion makes it difficult to confidently identify the blade typologically with the scheme as outlined by Burgess and Gerloff (1981) but would seem to best fit the Group IV weapons with damaged or reworked butts. Group IV blades belong to Taunton to Penard Metalworking industry of the Middle Bronze Age, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Period 5, dated to 1500 - 1150BC.



1. Burgess C.B. & Gerloff S., 1981; The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Praähistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung IV. Band 7.

2. Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age, Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Duncton, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 106.06 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Weight: 222 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axehead, dating to between 1000 - 800 BC. The axehead is damaged at the socket-end with only a small section of the side loop remaining and only 13.95 mm left of the socket depth.The blade end is very worn and damaged. The axehead measures106.06mm long, 33.13mm wide at the broken side loop, approximately 47 mm wide at blade-end, 26.22 mm thick at socket-end, 4.9 mm thick atthe blade-end. It weighs 222 grams. The axehead has a dark green patina colour, but with a very pitted surface and areas of blue-coloured bronze disease.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tattersett, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 6.24 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl. At the bent junction of the tang and point the cross-section is rectangular. The end of the sub rectangular-sectioned tang is missing and there is a chamfer on two opposed angles giving a hexagonal section. Extant length (unbent ) 56mm. Width / thickness at the centre 5.5 x 5.5mm. Weight 6.24g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wymondham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.1 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 7.17 g
Description: Lower of end of the blade of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier in quite fresh condition. The surfaces are patinated brown, as is the break which is quite granular and may therefore be more recent. Extant length 40.1mm. Width 14.3mm. Thickness 3.7mm. Weight 7.17g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.



Field HF
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1150)
Material: Gold 
Found: Lockinge, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 5.3 mm
Diameter: 7.6 mm
Weight: 1.91 g
Description: A probable Middle Bronze Age (c.1500-1100 BC) solid gold bead of annular form and biconical profile with a central perforation measuring 2.9mm in diameter. It is max.7.6mm in diameter at the centre, narrowing to c.5mm diameter at either end, both of which show areas of damage. The bead stands 5.3mm in height and weighs 1.91g.




The bead is of similar form to several of sheet gold reported through the Treasure Act, namely HAMP-72E451 (2011 T526),GLO-46CA05 (2014 T358) and NMS-AEC678 (2013 T20), for the latter of which is written 'The gold bead is likely to date to the Middle Bronze Age (c.1500-1100 BC) based on several close comparanda. The three biconical gold beads from the Burton, Wrexham, hoard are similar in form, size and weight to the Salthouse bead (PAS-5B1745; Gwilt et al. in Barton 2011). The Burton hoard comprised of several typo-chronologically distinctive artefacts (including bronze palstaves) that allow it to be dated to c.1300-1150 BC (Ibid.). The bead is also similar to those from Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire and Harlow, Essex, the former from a stratified Middle Bronze Age context (Varndell 2000, 12, no.1; 2005/6, 17, 270, no.6), and Buriton, Hampshire (HAMP-72E451).
Middle Bronze Age gold beads are a relatively rare find (Murgia et al. forthcoming) and can be contextualised with reference to the so-called 'ornament horizon(s)', which see a proliferation of bronze and gold ornaments in Southern England and Britain (respectively) during the period c.1400-1100 BC (Smith 1959; Roberts 2007).
Notes: The age and precious metal content of the bead meet the criteria for Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Tuddenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 13.39 g
Description: Distal end of Late Bronze Age socketed chisel, ancient break across the end of the socket, slightly assymetrically flaring cutting edge. Extant length 26mm. Width 29.5mm. Thickness 7mm. Weighs 13.39g. c.1000 to c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sleaford, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Description: Fragment of the tip of a late Bronze Age copper-alloy spear. The tip is lentoid in section , with one side wing damaged more extensively close to the break. The surviving wing, in places, reaches 2.5mm in width, though this side has a number of irregular notches. The break exposes a tapering hollow centre. Parts of the break are smooth, but it is unclear whether this is owing to post-depositional wear or is an indication that the item was purposefully dismantled in antiquity, perhaps for votive or practical reasons. The fragment is likely to relate to the Ewart Park phase. The fragment measures 31mm in length, 13mm in width, and 6mm in thickness.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lockinge, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.05 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 10.37 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy blade probably from a sword of Late Bronze Age date. The fragment is pointed oval in cross-section with smooth curve on both surfaces and no discernible mid rib. There are old patinated breaks at each end and down each side, obscuring the original shape. However, in one corner the fragment does appear to flare out slightly, though this may be illusory; the width is generally consistent.



It is 28.05mm long, 20.7mm wide,3.7mm thick. It weighs 10.37grams. The surfaces are slightly corroded.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Grimley, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.6 mm
Thickness: 14.6 mm
Weight: 38.1 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave fragment, of Middle Bronze Age dating (1600 BC to 1000 BC).



Around 25% of the palstave is present, consisting of the butt of the axe. The fragment is rectangular with an H shaped cross section. Both front and reverse faces have raised flanges, which taper out towards the butt. No traces of decoration are visible. Diagonal file or sharpening markings are present on the butt.



It measures 33.6 mm in length, 26.0 mm wide and 14.6 mm thick (including flanges), 6.7 mm thick (not including flanges). It weighs 38.1 g.



The palstave is a mid to dark brown colour, with an even surface patina.



A couple of similar palstave butt fragments have been recorded on the PAS database, including NMS-86C152; LIN-A5DA60 and NMGW-FC4B96.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ulcombe, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.7 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 14.5 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy fragment from the tip of a possible Middle or Late Bronze Age spearhead (1500-800 BC). The fragment is broadly triangular with an uneven broken edge which has been broken in antiquity. The fragment is lozenge in section, with a central raised bevel present on both faces. Along the break, there is a small rectangular hollow, possibly indicating the upper portion of a former socket.



The fragment measures 44.7 mm length, 21.4 mm wide, is 5.1 mm thick and weighs 14.5 g.



A number of comparable objects are recorded on the database, including HESH-C092E5 and SOM-DCCED7.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder