dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Worldham, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 145.1 mm
Thickness: 36.9 mm
Weight: 384 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy unlooped palstave axehead of Schmidt and Burgess' Group I (Primary Shield Pattern), with a small amount of damage to the butt end, cutting edge and flanges. One face and two sides of the axehead retain much of the original shiny, smooth olive green-brown soloured patina. Elsewhere, where the patina is lost, the metal is rough, heavily pitted, and a blueish-green in colour. 

The blade is triangular in shape, the long edges a little in-curved and the cutting edge expanded (51.2mm wide). Visible on the face retaining its original patina, the cutting edge is bevelled and above this are shallow hammer markings/ workings. There is a little damage to one end of the cutting edge.

The stop ridge measures 24.2mm wide and 32.3mm in depth. Below this, and continuing as a line from the flange edges above, a rib on either side converges in a point at the top of the blade to give a triangular shield-shape. Just below the stop ridge, the top of the blade is waisted and measures 22.5mm wide and 24.5mm thick.

Above the stop ridge the flange edges running along the butt end of the axe slope upwards to a point c. one third of the way along the butt end before sloping downwards again for another third of the length where the flange becomes level with the butt end. At their highest point, the flanges have a depth of 36.9mm; however only one of these points survives undamaged so it is likley the original depth was c.38mm. Originally, the flanges would have had a distinctive lozengiform shape. To one side of the axehead these are badly damaged and motly missing (old damage). The butt end is 19.4mm wide and 6.6mm thick. One corner is missing (old damage).

To the sides of the axehead the casting flashes are visible in places, worn smooth. To one side, a pair of longitudinal grooves are visible just below the butt end. It is uncertain whether these are decorative or the remant of a worn casting flash.

The length from the butt end to the stop ridge is c.61mm. It is max.14.1mm deep (behind the stop-ridge - there is also a deepish hole at this point, a possible casting flaw) and 15.8mm wide inside the flanges behind the stop.

The axehead measures 145.1mm in length, max. 51.2mm wide (cutting edge) and 36.9mm thick (stop ridge). It weighs 384g (to the nearest 2g).



Group I types are of Acton Park 1 metalworking industry corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 4 and probably dated to c. 1600 - 1450BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Selwood, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 123.8 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age cast copper alloy palstave (axehead) with one side loop dating to BC 1300 to 1150.



The palstave has an old, irregular break at the butt. The septum is gradually thickens from 3.0 mm at the butt to 7.4 mm before the stop. The septum is 54.2 mm in length and 24.4 mm in width. The flanges gradually widen from the butt to the stop to a maximum of 31.4 mm on one side and 29.6 mm on the other side, creating a triangular shape in profile. The stop is angled forwards slightly at its centre and is thicker than the flanges at the centre at 31.3 mm. An integral loop survives on one side and measure 21.9 mm in length. The loop starts before the widest part of the flange and continues towards the blade side. On the other side, diametrically opposite to the loop and near to the flange top, is a shallow hole. The hole measure 4.7 mm in the inner diameter.



The elongated, narrow blade is sub-rectangular in section with curved sides that widen gradually towards the blade, before curving out at the blade tips to meet the convex curve of the blade edge. The blade thins from the stop to the edge. The broad faces of the blade are noticeable convex with a central ridge projecting down the blade from the stop. The blade is 62.0 mm in length from the stop ridge to the cutting edge and 21.7 mm in width across the stop ridge. The cutting edge is 35.9 mm in width and 2.8 mm in thickness, it is chipped and any edge bevel is now unclear.



The palstave appears plain and with a green-brown patina all around. Traces of the original surface remains on the loop, on the stop ridge and on one side of the blade.



The palstave measures 123.8 mm in length and weights 245.9 g.



The palstave dates in general to the Middle Bronze Age. The side loop and a much narrower blade tending towards oval in cross section suggest a late dating, from BC 1300 to 1150. A similar example from Salcombe, Devon (Knight, Ormod, Pearce 2015, no. 163b) is dated along with other materials from AC 1300 to 1150. Another example is from Maentwrog, Gwynedd (Savory 1980, no.178).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.94 mm
Thickness: 3.96 mm
Weight: 3.7 g
Description: A small, broken, mouth fragment of a Late Bronze Age, cast, copper alloy-bronze socketed axe head. Probable rounded subrectangular mouth with moulded double bands around the rim. The bronze axe was far more effective than its stone counterpart and allowed large areas of ancient forest to be cleared for farmsteads and cultivation. This inturn lead to a rise in the population levels. There appears to be some wear, otherwise an attractive green patina with a few light scratches and one small spot pale green corrosion where the surface has chipped away. This is likely to date between 900-600BC. Ref. Bronze Age metalwork in the Norwich Castle Museum, Norfolk Museum Service 1977 2nd Edition 1997, page 23-25 No. 48-102, History Beneath Our Feet, Brian Read, Anglia Publishing Ipswich 1995, page 2-5 No. 12-19 and Detector Finds 5, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 2002, page 54-58 Fig. 1,3, 4 & 5. The axe fragment's truncated dimensions are 19.94mm long, 17.95mm wide, 3.96mm thick and weighs 3.7g,
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MODERN (-700 to 1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Deanshanger, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.8 mm
Thickness: 17.7 mm
Weight: 19.13 g
Description: A probable copper alloy casting sprue or manufacturing waste dating from the late Bronze Age to Modern period. The object is funnel shaped, round and flat on one side with an irregular shaped stem projecting from underneath. It has a dark green patina, with patches of red brown. It measures 21.8mm in length, 22.4mm in width, 17.7mm in thickness and weighs 19.13g.



Similar records on the database include SF-EE942E, IOW-B7A300 and NLM-0CAEB5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rimington, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82 mm
Weight: 134.8 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date (1000 - 800 BC). The object can be classified as the Ewart Park phase of metalwork.



The object is sub-rectangular in plan with the cutting edge expanding outwards to form a convex cutting edge.



The socket has a sub square mouth, is deep and the insides are smooth.



A moulded collar decorates the axe below the mouth on each face. Extending down from this are three raised ribs. The ribs have been abraded and damaged in recent times. The front and back faces of the axe are faceted at the socket end.



Along the centre of each side of the axe is a pronounced casting seam. The seams have not been filed down. One side of the axe has a large semi-circular moulded side loop. The object has a mid to dark brown patina which has chipped away around the cutting edge with evidence of corrosion. On one face of the object are deep cuts running at a diagonal to the object.



The object can be classified as the Ewart park phase of metal work which corresponds with metalworking phases X - XII, or Needham Periods 6-7, dating from about 1150-750 CAL BC.The length is 82mm, the width is 53mm thickness and the weight 134.80g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horton, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy dagger dating from the Early Bronze Age, c.2150-c.1500BC. The object is a butt riveted small blade dagger or knife with triangular blade. The blade would have been attached to the hilt by means of three large rivets, the top side one is still in place. The rivet is circular in cross-section and flat-hourglass-shaped in plan. The other two are missing and the other rivet holes are incomplete due to breaks or possibly corrosion. The object is quite damaged so it is difficult to ascertain the exact type, but it is similar to Needham's series 2 (id 1200 Carder Low Type 2B or 1204 Parsley Hay Type 2A) or a series 7 (ID 1260 Thomas Hardye School Type 1 B4/7A). The condition of the object is reasonably good. It is patinated dark green/brown with damage to the blade and the top is missing. The length is 50mm, the width is 28mm (photos from finder).



Similar in form to SF9298 though larger which itself is similar to examples from Shrewton, Wilts (associated with a pommel and a beaker) and Driffield, Yorks which was associated with a beaker, stone wristguard with gold rivet caps and two amber buttons.



EBA daggers are rare in the north (and very rare in the northwest) - and are high status EBA funerary artefacts usually found in barrows (Ben Roberts pers com 24.07.18).



Clarke, D.L., 1970 Beaker Pottery of Great Britain and Ireland Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press , figs 549 and 543



Needham, S.P., 1996 Chronology and periodisation in the British Bronze Age Copenhagen: Wiley
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sabden, Ribble Valley, Lancashire (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 148 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Description: Cast copper alloy complete unlooped palstave axe probably dating to the Middle Bronze Age palstave 1450 to 1300 BC. The axe is of shares similarities with the Taunton metalwork assemblage and Hotham related to the palstaves of the Acton Park metalwork assemblage to which it bears some resemblance similar to Needham et al fig 140 (1985) and Read (1995: p.3 fig 9 ). The butt is slightly concave and has a width of 55mm. The flanges are flat, longiform in plan, straight and parallel as far as the stop but do not extend all the way to the butt, with a width at the stop of 30mm. The blade is flaring 55mm wide with a slightly bevelled facet possibly as a result of hammering. The axe has a dark green patina. The axe in length is 148mm, the width is 55mm thickness 55mm wide and there are no traces of casting flashes on the flange facets which must have been filed away. The axe share similarities with, NMGW-D73AD4 and NMGW-FAACD2.

The palstave shares typological features with Group I and Group II palstaves, the primary forms introduced to Britain in the Middle Bronze Age (Schmidt and Burgess 1981). As there are no side loops or midrib, this palstave may be relatively early, probably a Group II type from the Acton Park phase of Bronze Age metalwork, c1450-1300BC.

Schmidt and Burgess tell us that the term 'palstave' is misleading, as it comes from the Icelandic 'Paalstab' meaning a digging tool, not a type of axe. The term is used in British archaeology to describe an axe where there is a stop and the flanges disappear into the stop. Palstaves are also thicker below the stop. They are usually decorated on the blade and, as time went on, developed loops. Group I palstaves have a shield-like decoration below the stop ridge and variable flanges.

The concentration of palstaves in the North West of England is explained by the proximity to the Acton Park province, the major production area in north Wales and the Marches

British Bronze Age metalwork. A1-6., Early Bronze Age hoards / by Stuart P. Needham, Andrew J. Lawson and H. Stephen Green. London : Published and distributed for the Trustees of the BritishMuseum by British Museum Publications, 1985. ISBN - 0714113808 (unbound)

Read, B. 1995. History Beneath Our Feet. Anglia Publishing, Ipswich

Schmidt, P. K. and Burgess, C. B., 1981. The axes of Scotland and Northern England Munchen : C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung 119
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Maplestead, Braintree, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.36 mm
Thickness: 10.15 mm
Weight: 23.78 g
Description: Lower part of a copper alloy socketed looped axe dating from the Late Bronze Age, i.e. c. 1000-800BC. Possibly of plain South Eastern Type.



Description: The fragment survives only as the blade end. The sides begin to curve inwards from the curved crescent blade-edge, flaring in section to a rectangle. The broken edges are heavily worn likely indicate breakage in antiquity although the variation in patination may indicate it happen while in the ground. The break across the body is irregular. The surface of the axe is heavily mottled dark to light green to light brown in patina and is heavily pitted by corrosion across its entirety. It looks like it was not faceted or had a ribbed decoration.



Masurements: 20.36mm long, 43.22mm wide, 10.15mm thick and 23.78g in weight
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whissendine, Rutland, Rutland ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 52.83 g
Description: Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, 97mm long, 28mm wide and 15mm thick, with a weight of 52.83g. (weight includes wet mud still present into the shaft).



The object has a large conical shaped socket with a sub-circular cross section, when recorded the socket was filled with damp mud. There is a circular hole, c.3mm in diameter, 8mm from the base. The socket is 28mm wide and 15mm thick at its base with an internal width of c.24mm. The socket continues as a midrib which terminates at the tip of the blade. The blade wings are quite small, 23mm at widest position, and gently curved with a very slight bevelled edge.



The object fits Davis Group 11 Generic Type 11 E Short splayed socket dated to both the Wilburton and early Ewart Park industries - 1200 - 900 BC Davis PBF V Band 7 Late Bronze Age Spearheads of Britain. Needham Period 6-7 (1100 -750 CAL BC) and Burgess metal working stages X-XII.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chitterne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.6 mm
Thickness: 6.6 mm
Weight: 12.5 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy object, likely an awl or tool of uncertain date. It has a very sharp pointed tip and a worn break at the opposite end (probably the base of a missing tang). The surviving pointed element is trapezoidal in profile, 55.6mm in length with a maximum width of 8.6mm. The object has distinct flat faces, with longitudinal grooves down two sides.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hardwick, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.4 mm
Thickness: 11.7 mm
Weight: 47.2 g
Description: Bronze ingot or cake fragment, 42.7g in weight and 33.4mm long. The object has a rough and unfinished surface with a green to blue-green patina and a plano convex to trapezoidal profile. One end is rounded the other has a pronounced step or edge which may be a break or suggestive of casting. The break is worn and clearly made in antiquity. Probably Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2350 to 42)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashwell, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 15.29 g
Description: An unidentified cast copper-alloy object, possibly a miniature axe dating from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age (c. 2350 BC to 42 AD). The object is trapezoidal in shape and sub-rectangular in cross-section. One end of the plate consists of a narrow sub-rectangular shank with a broken terminal. From here the plate gradually widens and flattens with concave outer edges to form a wide terminal with a narrow rounded edge. The upper and lower surfaces are plain and undecorated, though the entire object is covered by a green patina. The object measures 26mm in length. The narrow terminal measures 7mm in width and 7mm in thickness, while the wider thinner end is 18mm in width and 4.5mm in thickness. The object weighs 15.29 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2350 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashwell, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 14.3 g
Description: An unidentified cast copper-alloy object, possibly dating from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age (c. 2350 BC to 43 AD). The object is sub-rectangular in shape and trapezoidal in cross-section. The inside edge of the object is concave and rounded, and extends, gradually thinning, to a thinner convex outside edge that is bevelled on one side and flat on the other. The object has a green patina. It measures 31mm in length and 17mm in width. The inside edge is 8mm thick, and the outside edge 2.5mm thick. The object weighs 14.30 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ivinghoe, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.9 mm
Thickness: 2.8 mm
Weight: 1.69 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy late Bronze Age spearhead dating to c. 1000 - 801 BC. Only the tip end of the spear head remains. The fragment is sub triangular in shape, narrowing towards the tip of the spear, the tip of which is worn and broken. The fragment is lozenge shaped in cross section. Running down the centre of the fragment on both sides is a raised midrib. The blade edges have been worn and there are notches along both the edges. The blade has a dark green patina, and has patches of brown corrosion. The blade is 20.9mm in length, 12.9mm in width, and 2.8mm in maximum thickness. It weighs 1.69g.



The fragment is similar to spear blades shown in Needham 1990, page 55, dating to the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitchurch, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93.9 mm
Diameter: 6.3 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 13.23 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of probable Late Bronze Age date. (c.1000-801 BC). The centre of the awl is rectangular in cross-section, tapering to a rectangular-sectioned tang and circular-sectioned tip.

The awl is 93.9mm long. In the middle section it is 5.3mm wide and 5.2mm thick. The circular cross-section is 6.3mm in diameter and it weighs 13.23 grams. It has a darkish green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bere Regis, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.8 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 3.55 g
Description: A complete Late Bronze Age (c.1150-800 BC) copper alloy probable awl, with a square cross-section tapering into a flat rectangular sectioned tang at one end, and an oval cross section tapering to a rounded point at the other. 

Date: Late Bronze Age

Dimensions: 60.8mm x 3.9mm x 3.9mm

Weight: 3.55g



Similar to database record HAMP-10928A
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Otterhampton, Sedgemoor, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.5 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 8.39 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age copper-alloy, possibly of a socketed axehead. This fragment is irregular in plan and is possibly part of the mouth of the axehead. The outer face has an upper linear moulding of 5.1 mm in maximus thickness that narrows to 2.1 mm. Then is the remain of a transverse lower moulding. The back of the fragment is flat.



The fragment has a dark green patina and the breaks are worn and old.



It measures 24.5 mm in length, 18.7 mm in width, 5.1 mm in thickness and weights 8.39 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy Gold
Found: Martham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 19 mm
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Weight: 12.3 g
Description: Description: Middle to Late Bronze Age incomplete gold-plated copper-alloy penannular ring. It consists of a copper-alloy core forming an incomplete loop which tapers slightly towards the terminals. One terminal has been damaged, exposing the core. The sheet gold plating exhibits banded decoration in the form of alternating stripes of gold and silvery-coloured metal, probably electrum.



Discussion: The penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money'. "Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange" (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis, in record NMGW-04216C / 2013 TW13; references therein).



A number of similar examples have been reported as Treasure and are recorded on the PAS database, including PAS-011055 (2016T920), HAMP-1248F2 (2017T1157), SUSS-1CBAB0 (2017T984), SUSS-5EF5C1 (2017T350) and NMS-183C7E (2016T190).



Date: c. 1150 - 800 BC.
Notes: Any prehistoric artefact with any precious metal content whatsoever qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.3 mm
Thickness: 21.8 mm
Weight: 123.12 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy facetted socketed axehead dating to 1000 BC - 800 BC. As we cannot see the collar the axehead can probably be classified as Meldreth type, Ewart Park phase of metalwork. The cutting edge is expanded and relatively undamaged. The sides are faceted, giving a six-sided cross section. The socket mouth is circular although the collar is missing. On the upper part of the axe is a D-shaped, oval sectioned (approx 8mm in depth) attachment loop, it is positioned unusually horizontally instead of vertically probably directly below the missing collar.

Date: Late Bronze Age.

Dimensions: 95.3mm x 47.1mm x 21.8mm

Weight: 123.12g


Dot Boughton (former FLO) has identified this as a Late Bronze Age facetted socketed axe of the Ewart Park Metalwork phase (1000 - 800 BC) and notes that the unusual form of the loop and thiness of the walls make it different from the generality of such axes.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.2 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 7.42 g
Description: A copper alloy awl or gouge. The awl has an rectangular cross section. It tapers towards both ends from the centre. Both sides taper on all four faces and terminate in a sub circular sectioned point. One side is slightly bent upwards.

Reference: Read.B, 2016, pg.99, no.694.

Date: Possibly late Bronze Age 1150 to 800 BC.

Dimensions: 67.2mm 5mm 4.6mm

Weight: 7.42g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hartlip, Swale, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.13 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 23.62 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy blade of Late Bronze Age date (c.1100-800 BC).



Description: The fragment represents a middle section of the blade, with the mid-rib and faceted blade edges remaining. The division of the blade facets from the mid-rib is highly distinctive. The breaks seem heavily worn and the object is patinated dark green where un damaged and lighter green where damaged or worn.



Measurements: Surviving length 34.13mm; surviving width 22.49mm; maximum thickness 8.3mm; surviving weight 23.62g.



Discussion: Possibly of Carp's tongue type or Ewart Park
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shorne, Gravesham, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.16 mm
Thickness: 10.76 mm
Weight: 25.13 g
Description: An incomplete socketed axehead of Bronze Age date (c. 1000-800 BC).



Description: The surviving fragment comprises most of the blade-end, only surviving between the cutting edge and the end of the internal socket, and the remaining portion is also broken off vertically and does not match the corresponding side. The fragment is sub rectangular in plan and sub-triangular when viewed in profile. One side of the axe is missing, but the remaining side tapers very slightly from the cutting edge. The cutting edge is slightly convex. The socket is half an elongated, sub-oval in cross section and the broad face is plain.



Dimensions: length 32.16mm; width 20.58mm; thickness 10.76mm; weight 25.13g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ulpha, Copeland, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.55 mm
Thickness: 9.72 mm
Weight: 70.78 g
Description: Blade fragment of early Bronze Age flat axehead (c. 2400 - 1700 BC). The object is broadly triangular in form, widening and tapering slightly to a straight blade edge. It is very worn and pitted. The damage is predominantly abraded but there are some clean scrapes, possibly resulting from plough damage. The object is 54.55mm in length, 48.91mm at maximum width and 9.72mm in thickness. It weighs 70.78g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101 mm
Diameter: 26 mm
Weight: 80.17 g
Description: A looped and socketed copper alloy spear head dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1250 BC. It seems to fit into Davis's Group 2 or Group 3 (2017). It has a triangular blade with ribs on each blade wing, and a prominent midrib, lozenge shaped in cross-section. The socket is circular in cross-section and the socket extends just into the base of the blade midrib. There is a side loop on each side of the socket, positioned very close to the end of the object, away from the blade. The spear has a smooth mid green with only slight pitting and corrosion.



The spear head is 101 mm long. The blade is 58 mm long and hmm wide, tapering from 17 mm thick at the point where it meets the shaft. The shaft is 43 mm long and has an exterior opening of 26 mm. The interior diameter is 21 mm. The depth of the interior of the socket is 51 mm. The loops measure 20 mm x 7 mm x 7 mm. It weighs 80.17g.



Reference



Davis R (2017) Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.5; A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads
Notes: Davis (2017) notes that "Spearheads from the earlier MBA were those with sockets extending into the blade, and with loops on the side of the socket. They date to the Acton Park and Taunton phases, 1550-1250 BC." He describes his Group 2: "Early socketed" as "Triangular blade. Socket with short shaft aperture extending only to base of the blade."
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Laverstoke, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.4 mm
Thickness: 2.9 mm
Weight: 3.4 g
Description: A copper alloy Late Bronze Age awl dating to the period 1150 - 800 BC, measuring 63.4mm in length and 3.6mm in width. The object has a flattened and rounded sub rectangular cross sectional profile with flattened faces which taper into squared ends.
Notes: A similar awl is illustrated in Read B. (2001), p. 94, no. 694. Similar awls are also recorded on PAS database as WILT-97977D, SWYOR-220A7C, LEIC-1EA9CB and SUR-660898 and WILT-BBA285.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Laverstoke, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.4 mm
Thickness: 6.8 mm
Weight: 9.6 g
Description: Copper alloy tool, 41.4mm in length and 8.4mm in width. The object is curved and narrows to a point, with a flattened and sub-rounded cross sectional profile. Each broad side has two deeply incised grooves running along it, creating a pronounced central spine and lateral shoulders. The flattened end has a worn break, possibly from a shank or tang to mount into a handle. Possibly Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Diameter: 6.9 mm
Weight: 5.5 g
Description: Copper alloy stylus or awl, 36.0mm in length and 6.9mm in diameter. The object has a triangular shape with a circular profile and narrows to a point. The top end has a shouldered collar and a broken stump of shank or tang to mount into a handle.
Notes: Similar to DOR-9C4AB8. Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but ones of this form are known to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thurlaston, Blaby, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 
Bronze age copper alloy palstave fragment, the object consists of the butt end and central portion of a palstave with a prominent stop ridge.

Notes: 
Pre PAS museum Identification

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Long Bennington, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 26.3 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 27.43 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Middle to Late Bronze Age palstave axehead (c. 1500-900 BC). Only the end of the butt remains. The cross section is similar to an elongated H. The longitudinal section is wedge shaped, tapering up from the butt edge, the opposite end has been broken off. On either side of the main body the sides form flanges. Length 26.3mm, Width 26.2mm, Thickness at butt end, 2.6mm, thickness at broken end 6.0 mm. Weight 27.37g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dewlish, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.1 mm
Thickness: 13.8 mm
Weight: 126.16 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy palstave. The blade end only. The blade is rectangular in cross-section. The cutting edge is flared and curving. There is a slight curving ridge on both faces across the body of the axe, behind the cutting edge The blade thins gradually from the break to the cutting edge.

Date: Middle Bronze Age - 1600 BC to 1000 BC.

Dimensions:45.1mm x 50.8mm x 13.8mm.

Weight: 126.16g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.5 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 1.1 g
Description: Fragment of the tip of a Bronze Age axe . The fragment has a curved edge and a triangular profile. It is 21.5mm in length and 5.8mm wide with a heavy blue-green patination.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bramley, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.7 mm
Thickness: 4.6 mm
Weight: 8 g
Description: Copper alloy fragment, 34.7mm in length and narrowing from 16.1mm to 11.9mm. The wide end is square and faceted; the remainded of the fragment has an asymetric trapezoidal profile, with a prominant ridge up to 4.6mm thick down one side of the front. The rear is flat and the object demonstrates a slight curve.



The flat back and asymetrical profile suggest this to possibly represent a fragment of a Bronze Age tool such as a sickle or knife blade.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wrawby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101 mm
Height: 51.4 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 230 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed axe head. Cast socketed single looped axe head, lightly flared towards its crescentic curved cutting edge. The plain narrower upper and lower sides each bear a clear central mould line; the other broader sides are flat and plain. At c.50mm in from the cutting edge, narrow grooves of width c.4.5mm appear at the arises where flat sides meet, and these continue until 5mm before the edge of the socket. This appears square with rounded corners externally, framing a rounded aperture measuring 27mm in both directions and with a thickened triangular section border. A single loop of length 17.5mm, width 6.5mm and height [i.e. protrusion] 7mm is set on one narrower side adjacent to the socket, with the mould line noted above continuing along it. Most of the object bears an appealing brownish patina; this has suffered only limited disruption by localised damage on one broader side, and is more extensively removed from the other, where a deeper dent also appears, presumably the result of plough strike. A chocolate brown material with an orange tinted stain where it is lost appears around the inner side of the mouth of the socket, and might even represent the otherwise decayed wood of a haft. The cutting edge remains sharp. The thickened socket mouth, which is amply reinforced at the point which would receive more stress than any other, adds to the general impression of a viable tool which remained fully functional at the time of its deposition. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 101mm, Height (at cutting edge): 51.4mm, Width (at mouth of socket): 36.5mm, Thickness (at mouth of socket): 5.9mm, Weight: c.230gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Strap Fitting (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1600 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.3 mm
Thickness: 9.8 mm
Weight: 11.6 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy strap fitting of possible middle Bronze Age to Iron Age date, c. 1600 - 100 BC.



The object comprises a pointed ovate body with a D-shaped section which tapers in thickness from one end to the other. The upper terminal is swollen with a wide, rounded upper end which is decorated with two parallel incised D-shaped borders. The front of the swollen portion of the body has a central lozenge shaped recess extending from the point at which the two borders meet on the upper edge to midway along the front of the body. The recess is at its widest where the body bends from the rounded top to the front. The sides of the body curve inward slightly as they extend and narrow to form the rounded lower terminal.



An integral rectangular attachment loop is present to the reverse of the wide upper terminal and the reverse of the fitting is slightly concaved.



The metal has a dark green patina and is worn. The object is 25.3mm long, 16.3mm wide, 9.8mm thick (17.6mm with attachment loop) and weighs 11.6g.



This fitting has features in common with a fairly frequently found yet poorly understood object type currently known simply as 'moustache' or 'moustache-like' objects. See: YORYM-9432BB, LIN-9296A3, WMID-CA9D04 and BH-037A57. Such objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard. Dr JD Hill (British Museum) suggests that they are Iron Age objects, but this is yet to be confirmed by excavation of a stratified example.



SUR-29CED6 and SUR-4F8D51 are more similar to the current example. While both are described as 'a fragment of a moustache object' they appear to be complete.



A similar date range to that given for 'moustache-like' objects is likely for this object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1140)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Methwold, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.5 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 7.63 g
Description: Complete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy barbed and tanged arrowhead. Finely cast with multiple fine file marks on both faces which have chamfered edges to the blade and a shallow mid-rib. There is a slight casting-flash one one side of the pointed-oval sectioned tang. Traces of iron-staining over all. Length 54.5mm. Width 22mm. 3mm thick. Weighs 7.63g. 1275-1140 BC.



A bronze arrowhead from the Penard hoard (a secure Bronze Age of c. 1275-1140 BC), was discussed in Archaeologica 71 (p. 138), where it was suggested that although the barbed and tanged form was used in flint from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Bronze Age, copper alloy arrowheads did not come into fashion until later in the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Melton Dorian, Melton, Leicestershire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 1.12 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy arrowhead 18mm long, 13mm wide and 2mm thick with a weight of 1.12g.



The object is sub triangular in form and ovoid in cross section. It is an almost complete barbed and tanged arrowhead, missing part of one tang. It appears to have been roughly cast and has a slightly bevelled edge on one face, suggesting one piece mould? Similar to WILT-807272 WMID-CE6A76 SF6680.



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Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rylstone, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 172.7 mm
Weight: 191 g
Description: A nearly complete cast copper alloy spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (1400 BC - 1125 BC).



The spear blade is leaf shaped, with loops incorporated into the base. This is known as a basal-looped spearhead. The blade is now broken into two pieces, roughly half way down with a diagonal break. Most of the outer edge of the blade is abraded, except around the tip where it is complete. The centre of the blade is divided by an expanding (tip to base) lozenge sectioned midrib. This midrib expands into the socket of the spear. Conjoined at the base of the blade are two oval shaped loops. When viewed in profile, the outer edges of the loops (loop plates) are lozenge shaped. The socket is conical in shape, the lower edge of which is slightly damaged and missing a small section. There is remains of wood inside the socket.



The metal is dark brown in colour, with an uneven but polished patina. The tip is 98.6 mm long, 33.9 mm wide and 13.9 mm thick at the midrib. The second piece is 172.7 mm long and 39.4 mm wide. The base of the socket is 23.9 mm by 22.5 mm. The tip weighs 57.6 g and both pieces together weigh 191 g.



Middle Bronze Age spearheads have been categorised by Davis (2017) and this example falls into Group 8: Incorporated basal looped. He notes that spearheads of the later MBA were generally larger, as well as having loops at the base of the blade. They are dated by associated to the Taunton and Penard phases (1400 BC - 1125 BC).



Further examples have also been recorded on the PAS database, including BERK-AAB536, HESH-CB1BF7, SF-54C472 and DENO-DC8D26.



Reference:

Davis, R. 2017 A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads Later Prehistoric Finds Group: Datasheet 5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thurnham, Maidstone, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.04 mm
Thickness: 9.21 mm
Weight: 23.38 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper alloy socketed axe, dating to the Late Bronze Age c. 1000 - 800 BC.



Description: The fragment represents part of the socketed end of the axe and is unevenly shaped. Part of the rimmed collar for the socket remains. Just after the rim there is a side loop to help secure the axe to its handle, which remains roughly to 50% to its original length. The fragment is dark green on the surfaces, its surface is also heavily pitted with some casting bubbles visible. All breaks are heavily worn suggesting they occured during antiquity.



Measurements: 21.04mm long, 28.63mm wide., 9.21mm thick and 23.38g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Sustead, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 10.2 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 1 g
Description: Description: Incomplete gold artefact of possible Bronze Age date. It comprises a strip of sheet gold with a jagged transverse break across one end and folded horizontally so that the corners overlap. At one end are two small perforations, possibly rivet holes. 



Dimensions: Length (folded): 10.2mm, maximum width: 14mm, minimum width: 13mm, thickness: 1mm, weight: 1g. 



Discussion: A number of similar objects have been reported as potential Treasure and are recorded on the PAS database including: HAMP-B9814B (2018 T700), SUR-DE6DF2 (2017 T644), BH-1BE953 (2014 T901); this last states: “There is a range of gold strip and ribbon ornaments datable to the British Bronze Age. The less numerous types include arm and possibly ear ornaments fastening by means of a hook at each end, or a hook and eye (piercing)… There are also an increasing number of (often) thin gold strips and fragments with terminal piercings which on grounds of composition could fit into a Bronze Age context. Again, there are continental analogues, beginning within the Early Bronze Age sheet gold tradition.”



Date: c. 1500 – 800 BC.
Notes: The object appears to consist of over 10% precious metal and be over 300 years old at the time of finding and as such qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Donated to museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Sparham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.7 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
Weight: 1.8 g
Description: Description: Incomplete gold artefact of probable Bronze Age date. It comprises a strip of sheet gold with a jagged transverse break across the wide end. The plate tapers along its length into a square-sectioned hook which curves under the plate. Just behind the hook is a circular perforation punched from the reverse of the strip to the front.



Dimensions: Length (bent): 26.7mm, maximum width: 15mm, minimum width: 1.5mm, thickness: 1.2mm, weight: 1.8g.



Discussion: A number of similar objects have been reported as potential Treasure and are recorded on the PAS database, including HAMP-B9814B (2018T700), SUR-DE6DF2 (2017T644) and BH-1BE953 (2014T901). This last states: “There is a range of gold strip and ribbon ornaments datable to the British Bronze Age. The less numerous types include arm and possibly ear ornaments fastening by means of a hook at each end, or a hook and eye (piercing)… There are also an increasing number of (often) thin gold strips and fragments with terminal piercings which on grounds of composition could fit into a Bronze Age context. Again, there are continental analogues, beginning within the Early Bronze Age sheet gold tradition.”



Date: c. 1500 – 800 BC.
Notes: The object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently, in terms of both age and precious metal content, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.



In addition, it seems likely that this find is part of the Bawdeswell hoard, originally reported as 2009T653 (NMS-30B786), containing a socketed knife and two socketed axeheads. Addenda to this hoard include 2016T503 (NMS-8E5122, a socketed axehead), 2018T638 (NMS-A215F7, a MBA to LBA sword fragment) and 2020T17 (NMS-5FF2B8, a socketed axehead). The Bawdeswell Bronze Age hoard now contains seven objects; fragments of four socketed axes, a socketed knife, a sword and a fragment of gold.
Subsequent action: Donated to museum by all parties, hence disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.5 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 6.59 g
Description: Incomplete Middle to Late Bronze Age copper alloy knife with triangular blade. The point of the blade and the butt of the tang missing. A very slender example. The breaks are not recent. Extant length 56.5mm. Width 17mm. Thickness 2.4mm. Weight 6.59g. c.1300 - c. 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Salhouse, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 17.52 g
Description: Fragment of the blade of a Middle Bronze Age rapier, both ends broken, heavily pitted and corroded. Extant length 46mm, width 16mm, thickness 5mm. Weighs 17.52g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder