dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 88.9 mm
Thickness: 27.6 mm
Weight: 232.8 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of uncertain type but probably South Wales (Stogursey) Type of Ewart Park metalworking Industry, dated to c. 950 – 750BC but possibly of Wilburton-Wallington through to Llyn Fawr Industries, dating to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The axehead has been damaged and is incomplete missing its mouth and loop (with a maximum surviving length of 88.9mm and a weight of 232.8g). The break across the axe occurred in antiquity (where the axe had a maximum surviving width and thickness of 43.0mm and 27.6mm respectively, a surviving socket depth of 60.9mm; a face thickness of 2mm – 3mm and a side thickness of 3mm – 5mm) and has a sub-rectangular section at the break, with a stub on one side, presumably from the loop. One face and part of the side have been hammered inwards, over the socket and suggests deliberate contemporary damage. The sides are near-straight parallel before diverging more sharply to an expanded blade edge (with a blade width of 55.0mm). The sides of the axe are bevelled towards their centre, where the raised casting seam is evident running along the centre. The casting seam has been neatly hammer-finished. The blade edge has a moderate and even curve. Both faces are decorated with three parallel ribs, with the central rib slightly more pronounced. The faces are convex across both their lengths and widths and gradually convergent to the edge, with no blade facets evident. One face has recent damage scars. The blade edge is preserved and has a contemporary impact indent near the centre and sharpening striations are discernible running along the blade edge. The surface has a mid to dark-brown patina with green corrosion in the recent damage scar. 





The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The form indicates a socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date, c. 1,150 – 600BC of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. However, the form, scale and ribbed decoration suggest the axe to be of South Wales or allied type and of Ewart Park metalworking industry (c. 950-750BC). The inward hammered at the break would suggest deliberate damage prior to deposition.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2050 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89.7 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 121.98 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze Developed Flat axe probably of Needham’s Class 4 axes and of uncertain sub-type, possibly an axe-chisel and probably of metalworking Stage IV; dated to c. 2050 – 1700BC



The flat axe is incomplete with considerable peripheral damage surface loss and likely truncation at the butt (with a surviving length of 89.7mm and weight of 121.98g).  Although damaged the axe appears to have a lozengic long-profile. The original butt does not survive (but with a surviving width of 15mm). The better preserved side is unusually straight for its preserved length (of 43mm) and is bevelled towards its mid-axis.  There is the suggestion that the side may be beginning to curve outwards before the surface has been lost. The side of blade faces have a slight lip for the flange and corresponding hammer facets are discernible on the sides.  The original blade edge has been lost (with a surviving blade width of 35.8mm) and the original form is no longer evident. Both blade faces have a clear median bevel, which has a gentle curve and is positioned close to the damaged butt end (32mm from the butt where the axe has a maximum thickness of 12.0mm and a surviving width of 25.3mm), producing a lozengic long-profile. The blade faces have a gentle convexity across their both their widths and lengths, with no discernible blade facet. There are striations running along the blade near its end, suggesting only a slight loss to edge. The surface has a dark-brown patina with areas of powdery grey-green corrosion. 



The unknown scale of truncation to the axe, particularly the butt makes typological identification difficult. The comparatively high position of the median bevel would suggest that the butt end may be significantly eroded. If the current very narrow and straight-sided form of the axe, is representative or near-representative of its original shape, then the axe would perhaps suggest a Class 4 axe-chisel. The axe may possibly be of similar form to Developed Axes of Type Bandon, as defined by Schmidt and Burgess (1981, p. 65-7)[1] and if correct may correlate to Needham’s Class 4E. The axe is likely to date to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 3, dated to c. 2050 – 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: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penhow, Newport, Newport (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.1 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 23.1 g
Description: Early Bronze Age bronze butt fragment from an axe of uncertain type but of Flat or Developed Axe form 



The axe is represented by a butt fragment only, broken at one end in antiquity (with a surviving length of 28.1mm and a weight of 23.1g). The butt end is rounded at the corners and is moderately straight (with a width of 25mm and a thickness of 2.7mm). The sides are straight and divergent for their short lengths to the break (where the axe has a width of 30.5mm and a thickness of 6.0mm).  The axe butt has a sub-rectangular body section, thickest at the centre and with no suggestion of flanges present on the fragment. The corroded surface has been stripped to brown metal with remnants of the mid-green. The surface condition and patina may suggest a copper rather than bronze composition, although it has not been possible to analyse the composition. 



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult and uncertain. The butt form, absence of flanges and possible copper composition would be consistent with axes of Needham’s type 1 and in relation to Schmidt and Burgess (1981)[1] typology may have been of Ballybeg /Roseisle or allied types. Axes of these types are likely to be date to the Early Bronze Age, perhaps between c. 2200 – 1800BC.





[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: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pennard, Swansea, Swansea ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.3 mm
Weight: 56.9 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park metalworking, dated to Needham’s (1997) Period 7, c. 950 – 750BC



The socketed axe is incomplete, missing the upper part of one face and side and the loop and is comparatively small (with a length of 52.6mm and a weight of 56.9g). The mouth is incomplete, with a little less than half surviving and appears to have been sub-rectangular (with surviving external dimensions of 33.0mm x 24.5mm and internal 22.6mm x 14mm, with socket depth of 40.0mm). The surviving part of the top of the mouth is irregular and two of the probable four casting runners are evident. There is a slight lip discernible at the mouth, above the rounded mouth moulding (with a length of 6mm and a depth of 4mm - 6mm). The loop springs from the moulding, just above the break and the stub of the lower return is evident (giving a loop length of 18.6mm). The sides of the axe are moderately straight, before diverging to the slightly expanded blade edge (with a blade width of 33.2mm). The blade edge is largely straight (with a depth of 4.4mm) with minimal expansion. The sides of the axe are bevelled towards the centre, where the casting seam is evident but has been neatly finished. The faces appear to have been flat across both their lengths and widths and gradually convergent to the blade edge. Both faces display evidence of damage from battering, possibly deliberately and the battering on the fragmentary face is likely to have removed its upper part. Both faces are decorated with three ribs, convergent on the complete face and near-parallel on the incomplete face but with irregularly placed. The blade edge has a distorted lip on the incomplete face, possibly from impact and is also suggestive of abuse.  The surface is corroded with a dark-green brown patina where it survives and elsewhere has corroded pale to mid-green.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Briavels, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 107.5 mm
Weight: 436 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park metalworking, dated to c. 1000 – 750BC



The axehead is near-complete, missing the loop (with an overall length of 107.5mm and a weight of 436.0g, including some sediment in the socket). The flat-topped mouth is sub-oval (56.8mm x 50.3mm) with a sub oval socket (36.9mm x 32.4mm and with a maximum depth, containing sediment of 41mm). Three of the four casting runner stubs are evident on the face but have been carefully removed. The mouth moulding has a prominent lip on most of one face but the other face has the usual bevelled-steeped moulding. The sub-circular loop (with a length of 37mm) springs from the moulding on one side and has broken just above the moulding. Both breaks on the loop appear to be recent. The sides have a gentle concavity long their lengths and are bevelled to the centre across their thicknesses. The casting seams are clearly discernible but have been neatly finished. The sides diverge to the gently expanded blade edge (with a width of 58.0mm), which has a very gently curvature. The original blade edge has been lost. Both faces are decorated with three parallel ribs, which descend from the moulding and continue for most of the faces (with a length of 66mm). Additionally the edges of the faces are raised, suggesting further ribs. The faces are otherwise gently convex across their widths and near straight across their length, before converging more sharply at the blade, below the ribs but with no blade facet. Hammer facets are discernible on both blades. The surface has a dark-green patina and traces of probable tenorite survive on the upper part of the faces and along the length of both sides. 



There are crude incised marks on both blades, lying beneath the patina and seemingly deliberate, the marks generally extend from the ribs, including the sides and end before the blade edge. There are addition incised marks running across the blades crossing the verticals. Some of the marks are doubled in areas, suggesting a secondary attempt on the same alignment and implying a deliberate design was attempted. A number of sharpening striations are also evident running both along and perpendicular to the blade edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fyfield and Tubney, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.6 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 8.4 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 15.6mm and a weight of 8.4g). The butt end is comparatively straight with some damage and thins to a blunt edge (with a width of 19.0mm and a thickness of 1.5mm). The sides are straight and slightly divergent for their short lengths to the break (with a maximum width of 24.4mm and a thickness of 4.7mm). The sides are rounded and convex across their thicknesses with the suggestion of a finished casting seam on the corroded and pitted surface. The flanges begin just below the butt and are just emerging before the break (giving the axe a maximum surviving depth of 7.2mm with a height above the septum of 1.3mm). The break occurred in antiquity. The surface has a dark-green patina with patches of pitting and corrosion. 





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.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 106.5 mm
Weight: 173.1 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group III, Low Flanged, Broad Blade form and possibly of Sleaford variant type, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p136) [1].



The palstave is near-complete, missing much of the loop the butt-end and a blade tip and is a small example (with a surviving length of 106.5mm and a weight of 173.1g). The butt is damaged (18.5mm wide and 3.7mm thick), now pointed at the centre but is unlikely to have been much longer. The sides are straight and near parallel to below the stop (where the axe has a width of 19.9mm below the loop). The sides of the blade are divergent with a moderate curve before diverging more sharply to the blade tips, one of which is lost (giving a surviving blade width of 42.1mm). The blade edge has a moderately deep curve (with a blade depth of 15mm). The sides are flat across their thickness with the casting seam clearly evident but neatly finished. The loop is damaged (with a length of 18.8mm, a maximum thickness of 6mm and a surviving height of 5.6mm) and positioned near the position of the stop. The flanges are truncated but appear to have begun at or below the butt and have a linear top edge, reaching their maximum height at the stop (where the axe has a thickness of 25.6mm). The septum (with a surviving length of 39.5mm, a width of 14mm and a thickness of 5.5mm) is flat across its length and gently concave across its width. The stop is also gently concave with near vertical sides (with a height of 10.4mm). The faces are bevelled from the top of the stop to the face and are decorated with three ribs, a prominent linear central rib, flanked by weaker side ribs, curving from the edge of the sides towards the central rib before petering out by the mid blade face. The curved converging ribs perhaps suggest a trident variant design. The central rib extends all the way along the blade, reaching the prominent blade facet (12.6mm long). The original surface with a dark-brown patina has been lost over much of the surface and is fragile with a tendency to flake. 



The palstave is of unusual form, particularly in relation to its small size but also with the curving ribs. The form may be best paralleled in Low-Flanged palstaves, perhaps a variant of Type Sleaford, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p136). Broad Blade palstaves are traditionally dated to the Taunton phase of the Middle Bronze Age in Britain, corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 5, dated to 1500 – 1150BC.





[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: Wedge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN ( to )
Material: Lead 
Found: Llancarfan, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.7 mm
Weight: 8.1 g
Description: Lead axe-shaped wedge, possibly a miniature votive axe of uncertain date, possibly Bronze Age to Roman



The axe-shaped object has been hammer-shaped and is complete (with a length of 28.7mm and weight of 8.1g). The butt is thickened and of rectangular section (8.4mm wide and 5.2mm thick). The sides are straight and divergent before flaring to the expanded blade edge (with a blade width of 16.6mm and a thickness of 0.8mm). The faces are somewhat irregular but generally flat and gradually convergent from the butt to the blade. There is no applied decoration to the object.



The wedge-shaped piece of lead has few diagnostic features, making any identification speculative and uncertain. The expanded blade edge is similar to axes of Bronze Age and later date, however a rectangular-sectioned block, hammered at one end would produce a similar ‘blade’ profile. The thickened squared butt is best paralleled in shaft-hole axes of Iron Age and later date but there is no suggestion of attempts to represent a shaft-hole. While miniature votive axes are recorded, these generally are of copper alloy and often represent socketed axe forms. Copper alloy shaft-hole axes are known, generally of Roman date but often include the handle in the representation.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Maer, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.7 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 18.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (bronze) flat axe of Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2350 BC to c. 2050 BC).



The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in shape with an incomplete rounded shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with tapering edges. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow rounded profile; the width at the butt is 8.8 mm (thickness: 2.5 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively straight. The axe is thickest at the mid point (5.6 mm), with no sign of a proto stop ridge. The sides of the blade expand to produce a rounded blade edge with an abraded width of 19.7 mm (thickness 2.0 mm).



It measures 48.7 mm in length, maximum width at the blade is 19.7 mm, width at the butt is 8.8 mm and it has a maximum thickness of 5.6 mm. It weighs 18.5 grams.



The axe is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.



The axehead is best described as coming from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age and is comparable to (although not containing all the attributes of Migdale axes (many of these tend to have narrower butts which flare at the cutting edge).



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



Reference:



Needham, S. (1996) Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age. Acta Archaeologia, vol 67, pp121-140



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. p.46-47.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Slag (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-800 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Market Harborough-Little Bowden, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.56 mm
Thickness: 14.99 mm
Weight: 43.6 g
Description: Two pieces of Slag, Clinker or other similar industrial by-product of uncertain date (800 BC - AD 1800). The object is rough and irregular, with bubbles and cavities, and it has low density. The object is a grey green colour with obvious metallic particles.



1 Length: 17.38mm, Width: 19.53mm, Thickness: 9.94mm, Weight: 9.0g



2 Length: 43.56mm, Width: 32.00mm, Thickness: 14.99mm, Weight: 43.6g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Slag (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-800 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Market Harborough-Little Bowden, Harborough, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.76 mm
Thickness: 4.88 mm
Weight: 3.6 g
Description: A piece of Slag, Clinker or other similar industrial by-product of uncertain date (800 BC - AD 1800). The object is rough and irregular, with a distorted T shape and may be suggested to be a miscast object. The object is a grey green colour.



Length: 21.76mm, Width: 12.91mm, Thickness: 4.88mm, Weight: 3.6g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dingley, Kettering, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.73 mm
Thickness: 3.98 mm
Weight: 16.7 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Blade, Dagger or Rapier, of Mid to Late Bronze Age date (1600-800 BC). The object is rectangular in plan and a pointed oval in cross section. It is incomplete on all sides but has some visible bevel along the left and right hand edges away from the mid-rib. 



The metal is a dark green in colour with a predominantly patina.



Length: 29.73mm, Width: 28.17mm, Thickness: 3.98mm, Weight: 16.7g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend, Bridgend (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 124.2 mm
Thickness: 18.1 mm
Weight: 245.4 g
Description: Bronze Age bronze palstave of Group I, Primary Shield Pattern type as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981)[1] and of Acton Park 1 metalworking Industry corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 4 and probably spanning the end of The Early Bronze Age and the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1600 – 1400BC).



The palstave is near-complete but heavily corroded and eroded at the edges (with a length of 124.2mm and a weight of 245.4g).  The butt (with a width of 24.6mm and a thickness of 4.8mm) is damaged and its original form uncertain. The sides are straight and near-parallel as far as the position of the stop (where the axe has a width of 27.2mm and a thickness of 18.1mm). The sides of the blade have an even and gradual curve to the now damaged and eroded blade tips (with a maximum surviving blade width of 49.4mm). The sides are corroded and no transverse ribs, or ‘nicked-sides’ are evident.  The original blade edge has been lost but suggests a moderately deep curve (with a depth of 17mm). The flanges are truncated but appear to have low, beginning from beneath the butt and reaching their maximum heights (with a surviving height of 17.4mm and a maximum height above the septum of 5.5mm) above the stop. The septum is straight and flat across both its length and width and has a few small casting flaws. The stops are vertically sided and slightly concave (with a height of 5.5mm). Corrosion has removed much of the surface detail on the blade faces but there were depressions below the stops, suggestive of the shield-pattern. It is also possible to suggest a midrib, indicating a trident design. The blade faces have a gentle convexity across their widths and are straight but gradually convergent across their lengths, with no obvious blade facet surviving. The original surface has largely been lost with remnants of a dark-brown patina and elsewhere is pale brown with patches of pale green corrosion. 



The corroded surface has removed much of the diagnostic detail but the palstave appears to be of an early form, with a depression below the stop rather than a shield moulding. The suggestion of a subtle midrib may indicate similarities to ‘Early Midribbed palstaves’. Primary Shield Pattern and Early Midribbed palstaves are likely to both be of Acton Park metalworking, dated to c. 1600 – 1400BC.





[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: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1000 to 700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lympne, Shepway, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.51 mm
Thickness: 4.73 mm
Weight: 6.4 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date (c.1000 - c.700 BC).



Description: The tang makes up three fifths of the whole length and the blade makes up the remainder. The tang the is square in cross-section at its base and tapers to a flat point a the proximal end. The blade is circular in cross-section and tapers to a round, only slightly blunted point at the distal end. 



Measurements:  length: 62.51mm; thickness: 4.73mm; weight: 6.4g



Discussion: Parallels on this database include NMS-D7A737 and NMS-FC7BC5 and NLM-12EC04.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1600 to 40)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Walkern, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Weight: 10 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy unidentified 'moustache-shaped' object of probable middle Bronze Age to Iron Age date. The centre of the object is narrowed with a convexly curved upper edge and is rounded and hollow underneath. A vertically aligned circular perforation extends through it. To either side is a tapering tear-dropped shaped element that is D-shape in cross-section and has rounded edges and pointed ends, one of which is broken with an old uneven break. These elements are flat on the underside and are attached to the central section via a step-down. The pronouncedly curved upper surface of the elements are decorated with a series of grooved striations along their length.



The object is 24mm long, 22mm wide and weighs 10 grams.



There is little dating evidence available for these enigmatic objects. An example was found with the Salisbury Hoard, indicating a Bronze or Iron Age date; the style might suggest an Iron Age date.



Such objects are of uncertain date but comparable objects recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database include NMS-A0C513, NARC-6A4546, LVPL-B000C6, HAMP-6F4C45, PUBLIC-E9E1C5, NARC-925E14, WILT-616785, KENT-77A0BF and SF-722CF5.
Notes: Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic with information and images provided by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brafield on the Green, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Weight: 14.05 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy Middle Bronze Age socketed spearhead dating to the period 1500-1150 BC.



The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade that tapers towards the rounded tip, with a raised cross-sectional rib from tip to base. The wings are bevelled and gradually expand before tapering inwards at the narrowest point of the shaft. The wing edges are very worn and damaged in several places. 



The shaft is broadly sub-conical and circular in cross-section. It increases in diameter from the narrowest point to the open-ended socket. Small loops project part way along the shaft either side.



The surfaces of the spearhead have mid green patination with several areas of lamination revealing mid brown underneath. Pits and abrasions are evident across all surfaces.



The spearhead measures 70mm in length and 13mm wide. It weighs 14.05 grams.



This spearhead is part of the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions and is dated to the Middle Bronze Age, between c. 1500 - 1150 BC. Several similar spearheads of this type are recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. These include BH-33B8C2 from Chenies, Buckinghamshire, IOW-E56A3F from Calbourne on the Isle of Wight, and BH-FB08EE from Cople, Bedford.
Notes: Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic with information and images provided by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mawr, Swansea, Swansea (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.7 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 63.6 g
Description: Early Bronze Age fragmentary bronze flat axe of uncertain type perhaps contemporary with Type Migdale axes  as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 35-44)[1], of Metalworking Assemblage III, corresponding to Needham’s (1996)[2] Period 2 -3 and probably dating to c. 2,200 – 1,900BC.



The axe comprises a worn blade fragment (with a surviving length of 39.7mm and a weight of 63.6g). The break has occurs in antiquity across the thickest surviving part of the axe (where the axe has a width of 27mm and a thickness of 7.3mm). The sides are worn and corroded but appear to have been straight and divergent but widening more sharply at the blade. The blade tips have been lost (giving the blade a surviving width of 40.8mm). Both blade faces are gently convex across their width and flat across their lengths, before narrowing more sharply at a poorly defined blade facet. The original blade edge has been lost but now has a comparatively deep curve. The surface is heavily-pitted and corroded with a dark-green patina with areas of bright-green active corrosion. 





The fragmentary state of the object makes any definite identification difficult and typological identification more problematic. The general form, with a lack of developed features and straight, divergent sides are broadly consistent with Type Migdale axes, dating to the Early Bronze Age (c. 2200 – 1900BC). Metallurgical Analysis was undertaken by Mary Davis[3], with three readings taken from a micro-sample and analysed by Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy; minor and trace element analysis is included; although possibly inaccurate, particularly when below 0.1%, but give an indication of presence and absence, which researchers are finding significant for analyses of Early Bronze Age material. The results indicate a tin-bronze with significant trace elements of zinc and lead. The measured percentage results are:






	

		

			

			
Fe

			

			

			
Co

			

			

			
Ni

			

			

			
Cu

			

			

			
Zn

			

			

			
As

			

			

			
Ag

			

			

			
Sn

			

			

			
Pb

			

			

			
Total

			

		

		

			

			
0.02

			

			

			
0.01

			

			

			
0.05

			

			

			
89.86

			

			

			
0.58

			

			

			
0.12

			

			

			
0.06

			

			

			
9.08

			

			

			
0.22

			

			

			
100.00

			

		

	











[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



[3] Principal Analytical Services Officer, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1250 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kimpton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Description: A cast copper-alloy tool possibly an awl or scriber and of potential Middle Bronze Age to Medieval date (1250 BC to AD 1500). The object is 54mm in length; one end is square-sectioned and the other has a rounded section and tapers to a pointed tip
Notes: 
Simple awls or tools like this were used to make holes in leather and wood. Their form changes little from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and they are consequently very difficult to date.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-750 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Penllyn, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.5 mm
Description: Copper alloy fragment, probably a blade edge fragment from a Bronze Age axe of undetermined type and date but possibly a fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe



The axe is fragmentary, represented by a side fragment of a blade edge only (with a surviving width of 17.1mm, a surviving length of 25.5mm, a maximum surviving may possibly have broken across the base of a socket, possibly suggested by a depression on the break. Only a very short part of the blade edge survives (7mm). The casting seam is evident on the surviving side, with the suggestion that the sides are angled to the centre. The side is slightly convex across its surviving length. Both face are slightly convex across their lengths with no discernible blade facet or ribs surviving. The surface is corroded with some surviving dark green patina.





The fragmentary state of the object makes identification difficult and typological identification indeterminate. Although it is possible to tentatively suggest the base of a socket on the fragment and together with angled sides, indicating a hexagonal body section may indicate a socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date, c. 750 – 600BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Uley, Stroud, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 125 mm
Thickness: 34 mm
Description: An incomplete copper alloy facetted socketed axehead dating to 1000BC- 800BC. Flanking both faces of the axe is a wide, flat based channel that emanates from the tips of the blade.  Running the length of the axe, each channel gently expanding to the rear collar and gives the axe an overall hexagonal cross-section. Further decoration can be found on both sides where six transverse grooved lines are positioned before the collar. The Collar is undecorated and gently curves out at its base to form an expanded flanged terminal. 



On the side of the axe is a loop that is made from a rectangular arched band that has two channels running its length.  These loops are normally positioned to run lengthways down the axe; however, this example has the loop positioned transversely across the axe. 



The position of the loop in very uncommon, but this is one other example recorded on this database, see DOR-3F8141.
Notes: 
This item was recorded by images supplied by the finder 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pont-y-Clun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 136.6 mm
Thickness: 31.1 mm
Weight: 304.1 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze ‘Late’ Palstave of Type Isleham as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p 158-163)[1], dated to late Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industries (ibid.) and dated to perhaps 1100 – 750BC



The palstave is near-complete, with some peripheral damage to the flanges (with a length of 136.6mm, and a weight of 304.1g). The butt is straight and like the septum, is thick (with a width of 19.6mm and a thickness of 6.5mm). The sides are straight and gently divergent as far as the stop (where it has a width of 25.1mm). The loop begins before the stop and continues on to the side of the blade (with a length of 26.0mm, a width of 8.8mm, a height of 9.1mm and giving an overall width of 29.7mm). The palstave narrows slightly to the blade (at 19.5mm), after which the sides are gradually divergent and produce a slightly expanded blade edge, with some damage and loss to the blade tips (with a blade edge width of 33.6mm). The casting seams are evident on both sides and have been neatly finished but are more-finished and barely discernible on the sides of the blade. The flanges rise from well below the butt (13mm) and rise linearly to reach their maximum depth (of 31.1mm) at the stop.  The stop is comparatively straight and is perpendicular to the septum (with a height of 9.6mm). The thick septum is enhanced on both faces with three parallel ribs, beginning at the stop and ending before the flanges start (with a length of 34mm). Both blade faces are decorated with three short, parallel ribs (19.1mm long) beginning beneath the stop. The stop is raised above the blade (3.2mm high) with a near-perpendicular bevel to the blade faces. The blade faces are straight and convergent, before converging more sharply to the blade edge but with a subtle but discernible blade facet. Hammer facets are evident on the blade and occasional striations, possibly from sharpening. The surface has a mid to dark green and black patina with areas of bright green corrosion. 



The palstave has many of the characteristic attributes of ‘Late’ palstaves and the ribbed blade decoration with nipped-in waist under the stop, suggests Type Isleham. The continuation of the ribs on the septum is an unusual feature and is difficult to parallel. The ribbed septum would have helped to eliminate rotational movement when hafted. 





[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: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wenvoe, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.1 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 13.5 g
Description: Late Bronze Age socketed axe mouth fragment of undetermined type and probably of Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries, c. 1000 –600BC



The axe is fragmentary, represented by a mouth and upper face and side fragment (with a surviving length of 27.1mm, a surviving width of 23.5mm, a surviving depth of 8mm and a weight of 13.5g) with all of the breaks occurring in antiquity. The mouth is rounded (6.5mm thick and 8mm long) with no casting runner stubs present on the mouth.  Beneath the collar is a horizontal moulding on the mouth and side. The face (with a thickness of 4mm) has the top of two of the three ribs descending from the moulding and continuing to the break. The face is flat across its width and its length, beneath the collar. The side has a slight angle, perhaps suggesting a hexagonal body section on the axe. There is no evidence for a loop on the side. The socket is flat across both its length and width.  





The fragmentary condition of the axe makes typological identification difficult. The horizontal moulding beneath the collar indicates that the axe was not of South Wales Type but may be of Type Welby, Type Yorkshire or other similar types of Ewart Park metalworking but also may possibly of Sompting or allied types of Llyn Fawr metalworking.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -1050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Queen's Gate, Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 106.35 mm
Weight: 58.5 g
Description: A complete Bronze Age cast copper-alloy spearhead of basal-looped triangular form, 106.35mm in length. The blade is triangular, with a pair of small loops at the junction between the lower blade edge and the socket. The root of the blade juts out at right angles from these loops. The socket is conical, continuing along the blade as a broad rib with circular cross section, with the flat blade projecting to either side. There are possibly small ribs running along the blade from the ends of the loops which are aligned with the midrib, however the condition of the object makes these very difficult to see clearly. The patina is dark, with pale patches of corrosion / encrustation typical of long exposure to a riverine environment. This spearhead is likely to date from circa 1200 to 1050 BC.
Notes: The style can potentially be identified as Davis Type 9c (also identifiable as Greenwell and Brewis IIIa) and is seen as an indigenous development from earlier leaf-shaped Middle Bronze Age forms which is associated with the Penard industry. This dates to the transition from the middle to late Bronze Age. This is a relatively rare tradition, with finds typically concentrated in the lower Thames Valley (Pearce, 1984: 41; Ehrenberg, 1977: 11), as with this example, which was a foreshore find from the Thames and may have originally comprised a votive deposit in the river. Similar examples from the upper Thames valley are published in Ehrenberg (1977: Fig 17) and more generally in Langmaid (1976, 52; 18a/b). This is an unusually small example of the type.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (1150 to 600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brightwell Baldwin, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy leaf shaped spearhead, probably of Davis (2017) Group 7, dating from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (1150 BC-600 BC).



The surviving portion is a length of the hollow leaf-shaped blade with tapering edges and a rounded tip. At the opposite end there is one surviving shoulder, which terminates in an uneven worn break, revealing the hollowed interior, which extends right through to the tip. The external edges of the blade are uneven in form and are all worn and rounded, as is the tip. 



On one side the body is significantly damaged with a large portion of the once conical socket compressed and collapsed in several places with several portions missing, revealing the hollow interior within. The junctures between the socket and blade are also cracked in several places along the length of the blade either side of the compressed and collapsed areas.



The opposite face remains intact but is likewise compressed along the central axis of the blade, with subsequent cracking in several areas either side.



The form of the spearhead suggests that it is probably a conical spearhead variant. The shape of the blade resembles the leaf-shaped spearheads of the Ewart Park metalwork assemblage (1000-800 BC) and is probably a Davis Group 7 type missing its more diagnostic side-loop and decorative features. Peter Reavill and Dot Boughton note that as it is missing these features, the earliest to which it could date is 1150 BC during the late Penard metalworking phase. 



For a broadly comparable Davis Group 7 Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (1150 BC-600 BC) spearhead with the more diagnostic side-loop and decoration recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, see SWYOR-FD8F64.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Courteenhall, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.56 mm
Thickness: 9.43 mm
Weight: 17.5 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead, of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1500-800 BC).



The blade is narrow and triangular with a pronounced, broad mid rib, on both sides extending to the tip of the spear which tapers in to a point. In cross section the object is lozenge shaped. The edges narrow and flare out from the mid-rib. There are multiple abrasions and missing portions of the edges. The fragment terminates in an old abraded transverse break. The socketed lower portion of the object is missing and the retained portions has a shallow concave aspect expose by the break.



The metal is a dark-brown in colour with areas of green and light brown corrosion and a pitted and corroded patina.



As this represents only a small fragment of the spear it is not possibly to classify the form of the complete object. It is probably of a later Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age (c. 1500-c. 800 cal BC).



Similar objects can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: NLM-99D791, IOW-F3883D, SUR-BB2595



Length: 50.56mm, Width: 20.20mm, Width (tip): 4.57mm, Thickness: 9.43mm, Thickness (tip): 3.05mm, Weight: 17.5g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Witchampton, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 132.12 mm
Thickness: 3.43 mm
Weight: 27.16 g
Description: An incomplete cast tanged dagger or knife.The blade is double edged, tapering, with a central ridge producing a lozengiform profile, At the top is a narrowed rectangular tang with a single, circular attachment hole ( about 3 mm diameter). The tang is narrowed from the top of the blade with angled sides. At one side is a slight shoulder at the top of the blade, the other side is broken.The dagger has The blade tapers to the break and has been slightly bent. The patina is orangey-brown, probably from waterlogging in the area where it was found.

Date: MIddle to Late Bronze Age - c. 1150-850 BC

Dimensions: 132.12  mm x 20.60 mm x 3.43 mm

Weight: 27.16g



Blades with similar tangs are recorded on the database as DUR-F9F5D4,  NLM-F55856 and DOR-FAC625, on which Dot Boughton has commented that Burgess and Gerloff include a blade of similar shape and size in their Group II (Damaged Blades Modified for Rehafting), p. 36ff. Its their no. 248 from Marston Trussel, Northamptonshire which is c. 12.6cm long and 2.1cm wide. It is described as "Tanged blade, either a knife made in this form or possibly a dirk with butt cut down for rehafting, in which case the torn rivet hole would have been secondary; rather worn brown green surfaces with some patches of bright green corrosion; edges worn and chipped." Plate 32, no 248.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tickenham, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38 mm
Height: 9 mm
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 with a hollow centre, 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.

Notes: 
This artefact was recorded from images emailed in by the finder. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder