dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brasted, Sevenoaks, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.37 mm
Thickness: 3.41 mm
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed axe, c.1000-800BC



Description: The fragment represents part of the socket and loop of the axe but that is all. The breaks are jagged and partially worn suggesting they were broken  in antiquity. Due to its' incompleteness it is not possible to narrow the ID for this object.



Measurements: length: 24.37mm width: 15.37mm thickness: 3.41mm weight: 8g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 112.9 mm
Weight: 403 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date, c.1000 - 800 BC. South Wales (Stogursey) Type and of Ewart Park Metalworking Industry of Needham's (1997) Period 7.



The axehead is wedge-shaped with a square socket mouth and a moulded everted collar. The remains of four runners / casting jets in the form of raised ovate knops are present - being positioned at the mid-point of each side of the mouth. Internally the socket is wedge shaped - it tapers and narrows to the cutting edge. Externally the sides of the axehead are broadly parallel before expanding to form a crescentic shaped blade with distinct blade tips. On the upper part of the socket is a D-shaped, ovate sectioned attachment loop it is positioned directly below the swollen collar. Casting flashes are present on both sides of the axehead including the loop and a crack is present along one corner. The flashes have been trimmed and hammered flat. Likewise the blade is prepared and sharpened - suggesting the axe was in a condition where it would have been usable.Three distinct vertical ribs are present on the two widest surfaces of the axehead, these commence from the underside of the moulded collar and taper to blunt points on the lower blade before the cutting facet of the axe.



The metal has a largely shiny reddish/brown patina with some green patches on the blade. The area around the socket is slightly blackened while the ribs retain a brassy shine. Peter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer - Herefordshire & Shropshire comments that this is a common feature with the axes seemingly dipped or deliberately blackened, and the ribs then polished resulting in a shiny gold on black effect.



Dimensions:



Length: 112.9mm;



Socket (external): 53.4mm x 44.9mm;



Socket (internal): 30.7mm x 27.9mm;



Blade width: 59.5mm;



Loop: 30.5mm x 7.6mm x 5.4mm;



Internal depth: 80.1mm;



Weight: 403g.



NMGW-718725 states that South Wales axes and their variants are prolific in south east Wales with over 120 examples now known as single finds and from within hoards. Examples of both complete and damaged socketed axes in hoards within the National Collection of Wales include St.Mellons, Cardiff (Stanton 1984), Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan (Savory 1980, no.281) and Penwyllt, Ystradgynlais, Powys (Savory 1980, no.284).



Recently, this phase has been radiocarbon dated to 1020-800 CAL BC (Needham et al. 1997; Needham 1996)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Northmoor, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.57 mm
Thickness: 10.05 mm
Weight: 15.15 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy spear tip from the Bronze Age circa 1700-1500BC. The spear tip is triangular in plan it is also curved and possibly missing a lower piece. The convex surface displays wear to the middle and the edges of the spear are nicked in places. Two of the nicks reveal a green patina underneath the redish brown surface of the spear.



A similar tanged spearhead can be found in (folder p73 -74). (MA VI c1700-1500BC) Weight:15.15g.



Length: 40.57 mm

Width: 21.47 mm

Thickness: 10.05 mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Advent, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 164.45 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy miniature flat axe head of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC. Sub-triangular in plan, lenticular in section and in profile. At 101 mm in length the axe is slightly over half the size of a standard Early Bronze Age axe from South-west England. It is 43.5 mm wide at the blade end, tapering to 20 mm near the damaged butt end; its maximum thickness is 9.5 mm and its weight 164.45 g. The sides are straight and do not flare outwards to meet the blade edge which is slightly curved in plan. Much of the original surface has been lost and the axe is pitted and abraded through corrosion and movement within the plough soil. One face is less corroded but there is no evidence of any form of incised decoration on the surface of the axe. The butt end has broken in antiquity to create a central projection which has subsequently worn to a smooth point. The break suggests that part of the axehead was left in the haft or handle which means that it was used.



Pearce (1983) describes a miniature Migdale (Sutherland, Scotland) type flat axe, with a slightly flared blade, from Banner Down, Somerset on page 502, which is illustrated in pl.69, no.587 and a wider, broader Migdale type flat axe with straight sides from Harlyn Bay, Cornwall on page 418, pl.12, no.98c, which are both associated with the Migdale metalworking tradition of the Early Bronze Age, c.2200-2000 BC.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) discuss Migdale flat axes on pp.35-45 and the Biggar variants, with their straighter sides and less rounded cutting edges, on pp.46-48. These are illustrated in plates 5 to 19. A similar small flat axe with straight sides and a shallow curve to the blade, of the Biggar variant type, from Yorkshire, which is the same length, is illustrated in pl.19, no.241.



There are similar miniature Migdale type axes recorded on the database in WMID-58D2F4 and LVPL-DA4598, which is referred to as a 'Biggar' variant of the Migdale type of flat axe, but these have slightly crescentic blades.



These axes all fit within the earliest phases of metal working in Britain, Metalworking Stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996, p.122) Period 2 (c.2350-2050 cal BC). This means that they are dated, broadly, to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lewannick, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.5 mm
Height: 15 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 41.35 g
Description: Cast copper alloy fragment of a Bronze Age socketed axe, sub-rectangular in plan and in section and triangular in profile. The fragment consists of the blade end of a socketed axe, 44.5 mm long, 29.5 mm wide at the blade end, 15 mm in height and 4 mm thick at the broken end, and 41.35 g in weight. The entire surface is oxidized to a pale green. The base of the sub-rectangular socket is slightly dished and would have expanded within the axehead as the blade developed into the body and the collar at the opposite terminal. The socket, when complete, would have held the wooden haft or handle of the axe.The almost parallel sides of the fragment are slightly convex, with a faint linear casting seam on each side. The blade is very slightly expanded from the sides of the axe at the cutting edge, which would have been the result of sharpening during use. The cutting edge is rounded and slightly damaged although this appears to be limited to the surface corrosion and is more likely the result of soil movement than of use. The narrow straight sides of the blade suggest that it is part of an Armorican socketed axe, which are also referred to as 'Breton axes', a type which are usually non-functional and may have been 'ingot-axes' at least in north west France. Outside north west France they are widespread but uncommon. They date from the Late Bronze Age, the Llyn Fawr phase (c.800-700 BC), and into the Early Iron Age, the Hallstatt C phase (c.800-650 BC).



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar Armorican socketed axes from Newlyn and Carn Brea, in Cornwall, on pages 421 & 424, plates 14 & 17, nos.115 & 129c.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Just, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 9.47 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy blade, possibly the point from a Bronze Age sword, kite-shaped in plan and lozenge-shaped in profile. The broken end appears to have been deliberately cut to create a pointed apex which may have been to improve hafting if the fragment was re-used as some sort of perforating tool. This break is not typical of the deliberate breaking up of swords into fragments for deposition, which is often clean and perpendicular to the edge (Matt Knight pers comm). None of the original surface remains, as the fragment is so corroded and pitted from being in the sea, and there is no evidence of any mid rib which is common to Bronze Age swords. It is also very narrow for a sword blade but may come from a narrow Wilburton phase type sword or a blade that is stepped and narrowed in plan like the Carp's Tongue Complex sword, though the latter is not found in Cornwall.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a sword with a narrow blade and point from Weymouth, Dorset, on page 666, pl.105, no.476, which is dated from the Wilburton phase of the late Middle Bronze Age, c.1150-1000 BC.



Burgess (1968) illustrates a sword found in the River Thames on page 22, fig.13, no.1 which dates from the Carp's Tongue Complex of the Late Bronze Age, c.1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Idmiston, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.1 mm
Thickness: 7.1 mm
Weight: 6.26 g
Description: A fragment of a bent Bronze Age cast copper-alloy decorated socketed spearhead. The fragment broadly triangular in plan and lozengeiform in cross section. The spear fragment tapers towards the point which has been bent, the tip of the spear curves towards the fragment. At the break the socket is visible. The sides are decorated with vertical grooves.



The spear is 36.1mm in length, 10.65mm wide, 7.1mm thick and weighs 6.26 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Christow, Teignbridge, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.4 mm
Thickness: 26.4 mm
Weight: 209.45 g
Description: An incomplete Bronze Age copper alloy Palstave, probably dating to c. 1,500-1,300 BC. The Palstave comprises of the blade only, the butt-end, including the entirety of the septum and flanges being lost to an old break at the stop ridge. The vestigial remains of loop are present, with a broken and abraded projection from one lateral face below the stop ridge. Each broad face features corroded rident or shield shaped decoration, cast in low relief below the stop ridge. In plan the blade flares widely into a crescentic cutting edge, but with no evidence for flanged blade tips, whilst in profile the blade narrows notably below the stop ridge, before tapering more gradually into the cutting edge.



Dimensions: length 75.4mm; width 42.4mm; thickness 26.4mm; weight 209.45g.



A comparable palstave, also found in Devon, can be seen recorded at DEV-8907FD. A Palstave featuring very similar "trident" decoration can be seen illustrated by Pearce (1984, no. 809), described as being of high-flanged South-Western type. Another comparable palstave, although with lower flanges is published by Knight, Omrod & Pearce (2015, no. 460), from a small hoard in Somerset. Comparable palstaves on this database include LVPL-135122 and WAW-B8887E. The axehead probably fits into Needham's group III and the Acton Park II or Taunton metal working phases, and probably dates to c. 1500-1300 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxholm, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight: 17.02 g
Description: 
A copper alloy casting jet or sprue. The item is roughly oval in plan and plano-convex in section, and has an incomplete, irregular tab of copper alloy extending from the base. Probably Late Bronze Age.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.5 mm
Height: 22.9 mm
Thickness: 13.1 mm
Weight: 18 g
Description: Copper alloy mount or fitting of uncertain function and date, probably of Late Bronze Age or Iron Age date and possibly a scabbard chape.



The possible cast mount is complete (with a length of 23.5mm, a height of 22.9mm and a weight of 18.0g). The mount is of bulbous bi-lobed form (21.5mm wide and 13.1mm thick) with a curving point projecting from each lobe. At the centre is a shallow rounded groove, widest at the base. Both lobes are decorated with prominent ribbing defined by grooves. The lobes terminate in gently curving points of rounded D-shaped section, slightly flattened on their interiors. The points are not decorated and the interior, near the centre is less finished than the rest of the mount. At the centre is an irregular, sub-circular depression or hollowing (6.6mm wide, 7.6long and 4.2mm deep). The interior is not finished and would not have been seen. The surface has a dark-brown patina with orange brown residue or corrosion surviving in the deeper grooves.



The object, often referred to as a 'moustache' is recognised object form but poorly understood in terms of its function and date. The object form is quite consistent, being bi-lobed and rounded, often with ribbed decoration and with projecting prongs. An example of the type was found with the Salisbury Hoard and indicates a Bronze or Iron Age date although the style would suggest a Late Bronze to Iron Age date. It has been suggested that the mount may have been used on Iron Age weapons and it seems possible that the pronged form may be consistent with its use as a scabbard chape, although this remains a conjectural identification.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Caerwent, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.3 mm
Height: 40.1 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 43.9 g
Description: Bronze Age knife or razor probably of Late Bronze Age date

The knife or razor is of crescent form and appears to be near-complete but is perhaps missing a tang (with a length of 51.3mm, a height of 40.1mm and a weight of 43.9g). The blade edge is concave with a deep-arched back. The blade tips at both ends may have been elongated, as suggested shallowing to the curve at the back. One tip has a small semi-circular notch (3.3mm diameter), possibly the remnants of a rivet attachment hole and if correct, may suggest a slight tang on that side. There is an irregular long notch (12.5m long and 3.3mm deep) on the top edge, just below the apex and may also be the result of hafting. The blade is thickest at the centre (with a maximum thickness of 4.4mm) and thins at a blade facet on both edges and on both faces. The blade facet has a consistent length (of 7.4mm) along the edge. The surface is more corroded on one face and is dark-green brown with pale. The opposite face has a dark-green patina with a few striations evident running along the blade, possibly from sharpening.



The bronze blade is difficult to closely parallel with British archaeological finds but is perhaps best paralleled with Late Bronze Age Hog backed or triangular knives or Racloirs. The blade edge on these examples is usually comparatively straight rather than concave and perhaps suggests a specialised function. The possible rivet indent on one end and damage to the apex, perhaps suggest a tanged knife with handle on one end but covering the top of the blade.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Maxstoke, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 129.77 mm
Diameter: 22.03 mm
Weight: 74.45 g
Description: Late Bronze Age date (c. 1150-600 BC) pegged spearhead. The copper alloy spearhead is almost complete with the edges of the blade being abraded and the rim of the socket is damaged recently. The blade is a slender leaf-shape and the edges of the blade are slightly bevelled. The midrib tapers towards the tip, which is missing and expands to the socket. The socket is still filled with soil, and is 17.36mm diameter on the interior and 22.03mm diameter on the exterior. The socket is decorated with three bands of triple stranded grooves. On the exterior edges of the outer grooves there is a very fine low-relief zig-zag design. The socket also has a circular perforation on one side, the perforation on the other side is not visible due to corrosion.



The surface of the spearhead has a well-developed shiny dark brown patina.



The spearhead measures 129.77mm in length, 22.03mm diameter at the socket, 27.44mm wide across the blade and weighs 74.45g with soil.



The spearhead is a pegged spearhead which date to the late Bronze Age (c. 1150-600 BC) and are usually found in the Thames Valley, Cambridge Fens and east Midlands.



This spearhead type can be attributed to Davis (2016: 2) Group 11, where he states that Group 11 'represents 72% of the corpus. Attributes are peg holes in the socket and various blade forms e.g. an even curve from blade/socket junction to the tip; a wide curving blade base with blade edges then leading straight to the tip. Overall spearhead length varies considerably from c.100mm to c.400mm. Several have incised decoration on the socket.'



Reference:



Davis, R. (2016) A Short Guide to Late Bronze Age Spearheads, Later Prehistoric Finds Group Object Datasheet No.3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Halloughton, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 94.2 mm
Thickness: 12.1 mm
Weight: 133.44 g
Description: A complete Bronze Age copper alloy flat axe dating to the period circa BC 1700-1500. The object is a flanged axehead type. The object consists of a concave butt with tapering sides. It has parallel slightly flanged edges tapering outwards before becoming part of the curved edge of the blade. The blade then tapers gently on either side meeting forming the cutting edge. The object is undecorated though treating with renaissance wax has been attempted resulting in a purple patina. The original patina was brown with green corrosion, and there are traces of green indicating its copper alloy consititution. The blade has pitted badly on both sides and one side of the blade is also badly pitted along the septum and butt end. The object is consistent in form with the Arreton flanged axes, dating to the Metal Assemblage type VI, circa 1700-1500 corresponding to late Early Bronze Age and the early Middle Bronze Age.



Overall length: 94.2mm; blade width: 50mm; Thickness: 12.1mm; Butt width: 6.28mm; Septum length: 65.52mm; Weight: 133.44g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Elmstead, Tendring, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 99 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 177.73 g
Description: Fragmentary copper-alloy palstave axe dating from the Middle Bronze Age c. 1500 - 1000 BC.



The axe retains part of the blade and stop-ridge. The blade is lentoid in section and sub-rectangular in shape, flaring outwards nearer the blade edge. The blade edge is now missing.



The stop-ridge is rectangular in shape, though the depression in one face is deeper than the other. The butt portion of the axe is also missing.



The thickest portion of the item is the junction between blade and stop-ridge where flanges rise to meet at the centre.



The surface is very worn and the axe appears to be heavily damaged. The patina is a dark green and dark brown mottled colour, with iron staining on the blade portion.



Dimensions: weight: 177.73g, length: 99mm, width: 38mm, thickness: 18mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.7 mm
Thickness: 9.4 mm
Weight: 7.1 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age spear head dating to 1500BC to 800BC. Only the tip of the spear head remains and is sub-triangular in plan and profile. The edges have sustained damage and the break appears not to be recent.



The item is triangular in shape. The mid portion of the spear is cylindrical in section, and there are two triangular sectioned flanges that protrude at each side to prodice the sharp blade edges. The spear tapers to a point, and the breakage is at the opposite end. The surface patina is a light brown with patches of green, and the inside (seen through the breakage) is a light orange/brown.



Dimensions: weight: 7.1g, length: 28.7mm, width: 15.9mm, thickness: 9.4mm
Notes: 
A date of middle to late Bronze Age was decided by the cross sectional shape to similar items.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Norton, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.74 mm
Thickness: 4.58 mm
Weight: 3.6 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy awl, dated to the Late Bronze Age. The object has a sub-circular shaft tapering to a straight point at one end. The other end has been hammered and flattened forming a sub-rectangular upper end.



Its use remains unclear despite its technical attribute.



The metal is a dark green in colour with a slightly pitted patina. Length: 65.74mm, Width: 4.13mm, Thickness: 4.58mm, Weight: 3.6g
Notes: 
The form of the awl does not change much through time and similar objects are also noted in the Roman period and possibly later.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bainton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72.23 mm
Thickness: 15.82 mm
Weight: 55.3 g
Description: A copper alloy Bronze Age flanged axehead, dating to the period c.2000-1700 BC. The axehead is broadly rectangular, with an incomplete expanded crescent shaped blade. The butt is narrow and incomplete and measures 12.72mm in width and is 3.28mm thick. In profile the axe is a sub pointed oval with both terminals tapering. In section the axe is slightly H-shaped as the side edges of the axe have been worked to form a slight raised collar rather than having cast flanges. The flanges extend 1.0 mm above the body of the axe head. The expanded blade measures 29.31mm in width and is 5mm thick. The axehead has a green patina, with a corroded and pitted surface.



The axehead measures 72.23mm in length, has a maximum width of 29.31mm (blade), a minimum width 12.72mm (butt), and has a width of 15.82mm in the centre. It is 8.20mm thick at the central point. It weighs 55.30g.



This axehead is similar to SWYOR-3DAD49 and DOR-28154A, and is consistent with that of the Arreton type axe, of Early Bronze Age III dating, metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bainton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.25 mm
Weight: 29.05 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, dating to the period c. 1150-800 BC. Only the tip of the axehead survives. The blade edge is mostly intact and has a convex curve. The fragment has a broadly rectangular cross-section at the break and the socket is revealed inside the break. One edge is bent inwards due to post depositional damage, and the edges are uneven and jagged. The fragment is corroded and pitted, with a green-brown patina.



The axehead measures 24.25mm from the break to the cutting edge, 36.29mm wide (length of cutting edge), and 10.19mm thick at the break. It weighs 29.05g. The internal measurements of the socket are 28.02mm by 5.67mm.



Cf. DENO-DE3DDD on the database
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bainton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.68 mm
Weight: 2.89 g
Description: A fragment of a bronze age weapon, possibly a dagger, dating to the period c.2300 - 800 BC. The fragment is triangular in plan and lenticular in cross section. A worn break is present at the lower edge. The edges are worn, and a brown-green patina is on the surface.



The fragment measures 26.68mm in length, 11.26mm in width, 2.53mm in thickness and weighs 2.89g.



Cf. YORYM-D78623 on the database



Due to the fragmentary nature of this object, it is not possible to say with certainty that it is a dagger, and may be the tip of a different bladed weapon.



The curve at the break suggests the weapon may have been broken prior to deposition, possibly by way of ritual decomissioning of the piece.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 2.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy axehead of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (c. 1400- c.800 BC).



A fragment of crescentric cutting edge axe blade from an uncertain type of axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2100 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.8 mm
Diameter: 5 mm
Weight: 10.9 g
Description: 
Tapering rod of copper-alloy of uncertain date.  Possibly a tool or huge brooch pin rectangular in section rounding to a flat point.  Bronze Age or Iron Age date?

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 2.8 g
Description: The tip of a cast copper-alloy blade, probably a rapier of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (1600-800BC). The surviving fragment is lozenge in cross-section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Willingdon and Jevington, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.29 mm
Thickness: 9.54 mm
Weight: 9.41 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy Bronze Age spearhead, dating to the period c. 2000 -1000 BC. The piece represents the tip of the spearhead and is triangular in plan, retaining the mid-rib, which is hollow and formed part of the socket. The spearhead has a light green patination.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loders, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.9 mm
Thickness: 9.6 mm
Weight: 27.68 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy tanged chisel, probably dating to c. 1150-800 BC. The chisel survives complete, although the tang has been damaged, and is now bent at 45 degrees to the plane.



The tang is rectangular in cross section, tapering to a point in profile and with a sub-rectangular end in plan, with the remains of casting seems running down either lateral face, particularly prominent at the interstice with the collar. The latter is elaborated, and oval in cross section, with concave sides and an expanded upper edge. The blade projects from below the less pronounced lower edge of the collar, exapanding into a crescentic cutting edge in plan, whist tapering to a point in profile. The lateral faces are faceted, creating a shallow, sub-hexagonal cross section. The blade is undecorated.



Dimensions: length 85.9mm; width of tang at mid point c. 6.0mm; width of collar 11.4mm; width of cutting edge 27.9mm; maximum thickness (at collar) 9.6mm; weight 27.68g.



A similar tanged chisel was found in association with a large amount of Late Bronze Age material as part of a probable Early Iron Age hoard at Gussage St. Michael, Dorset (Knight, Ormrod & Pearce 2015: 51, no. 250b). Another similar example, from Kingston, Dorset, is published by Pearce (1984: 476, no. 416a), from a site which has also produced Late Bronze Age pottery. Numerous similar chisels are also recorded onto this database, but cf. WILT-CDB685, which is particularly similar.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Church Eaton, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.9 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 12.6 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed gouge, of Late Bronze Age dating circa AD 1100 BC to 650 BC.



The object consists of the tip only with the rest of the object missing. The tip has a 'U' shaped blade. The gouge has a circular cross section. The object has tapering sides. The upper edge is damaged an uneven. The tip is narrowed, rounded and slightly flattened. One of the long edges faces is flattened. The opposing side is convex. The gouge has a dark green coloured patina with significant abrasion and pitting on the surfaces.



An incomplete example is recorded on the PAS database which was discovered in Herefordshire (HESH-A48FE1) the description explains how 'Socketed gouges have been found associated with metalwork assemblages of Wilberton (eg. Guilsfield, Savory, 1980, No. 268. 64-65) through Ewart Park (eg Penwyllt, Savory 1980, No 284. 7-8) and Llyn Fawr (Savory 1980, No 291 9-11). Savory (ibid., p 55) suggests that the earliest examples have multiple mouth mouldings, while later examples have a plain or broad, flat collar. According to Pearce in the 1983 publication 'The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain Part I', page 43, socketed gouges 'appear to have begun in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age', although she suggests that most socketed gouges can be dated to the Ewart phase between c. 1000 - c. 800 BC'. Another example has also been recorded as discovered in North Warwickshire WMID-41C97A and also SWYOR-FCB525 discovered in Yorkshire.



The gouge measures 46.9 mm in length, 14.2 mm wide, a thickness of 1.8 mm of the gouge walls. It weighs 12.6 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bere Regis, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.16 mm
Thickness: 3.95 mm
Weight: 12.38 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy probable rapier blade, 1500-800 BC. A section of straight-sided double-edged blade with a low oval cross section. The surface is pitted and corroded and has an even green patina. It has a wide mid rib.

Date: Bronze Age - c. 1500 - 1200 BC

Length: 40.16 mm

Width: 16.86 mm

Thickness: 3.95 mm

Weight: 12.38 g



The piece could be a fragment of a Bronze Age rapier, representing the  blade just below the tip. The size and condition of the fragment make further identification difficult.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bere Regis, Purbeck, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.7 mm
Thickness: 9.93 mm
Weight: 32.53 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy palstave axe, probably dating to 1500 BC to 1150 BC. The flared, crescentic cutting edge only remains. It has a rectangular cross section. The surface is lightly corroded and pitted.

Date: Middle Bronze Age

Length: 26.70 mm

Width: 34.37 mm

Thickness: 9.93 mm

Weight: 32.53 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pontesbury, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.2 mm
Thickness: 8.6 mm
Weight: 17.4 g
Description: A complete miniature Palstave of the Middle Bronze Age, dating from c. 1, 300 B.C - 1,200 B.C.



The palstave is broadly rectangular in plan and is lentoid in profile. There are raised ridges on the outer edge of each side forming a H shape in profile at the butt end. The butt is slightly concave and tapers to a rounded rectangular end. Slightly off centre is a raised horizontal mid rib with a three pronged head decoration, forming a trident pattern and two oval depressions in the surface. The blade is triangular and flares out, the cutting edge is visible, and tapers to a sharp edge.



The axehead measures 53.2 mm in length. It is 16.9 mm wide at the blade, 11.7 mm wide at the midrib, and is 7.1 mm wide at the butt end. The object measures 8.6 mm thick at the midrib, the blade is 2.9 mm thick and the butt is 1.8 mm thick. The axhead weighs 17.4 g.



The axhead is a dark green in colour with an uneven patina. Abrasion caused by movment whilst within the plough soil has resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.



This object seems to be echoing the style of the Early Palstave, Group III, Low flanged (Broad Bladed) axeheads and is very similar to the Wantage type and it's variants. This type has a broad blade and are decorated with a trident pattern, formed by short mouldings branching from the midrib out towards the corners of the stop. Schmidt (1981) writes that although broad bladed, unlooped palstaves are rare in the Marches and Wales there is enough with a trident pattern to view this area as a source for the type (p 133). He also mentions that unlooped, trident palstaves of Type Wantage are among the earliest broad bladed Palstaves to be produced (p 134). He gives a date for the Low flanged (broad blade) Palstaves beginning in the 14th century B.C and extending into the 13th, which puts it firmly in the Middle Bronze Age (1,600 B.C - 1000 B.C). Similar objects have been recorded in Schmidt (1981), Plate 59, Nos 801 - 808 and page 133. However these recorded examples are of larger Palstave axeheads. A direct comparison for a miniature Palstave of this type could not be found at the time of recording.



References



Schmidt, P.K., 1981 The Axes of Scotland and Northern England Munich : Prahistorische Bronzefunde Abteilung.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Gold 
Found: Garway, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Weight: 4.84 g
Description: A gold band with a narrow tang/fastening hook at one end and blunt rounded terminal at one end (with a roughly pierced hole to receive the fastening hook). Both sides of the ornament are folded over to create an overall [ shape (similar to other objects of this date and style, cf. the Binstead 'rings', discussed below). The object has been distorted and crumpled. It is not clear whether the damage occurred before or after deposition, but the latter is probable given the lack of clear or intentional breakage.



Dimensions:



In its current state the object has dimensions of 30mm by 23mm (length by breadth). Measure with a soft tape the object would have had a length of 70mm and a width of c.14-15mm.



Weight: 4.84g



Composition of the gold:



The composition of the gold was tested using non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis. It indicated a surface composition of approximately 88-90% gold and 9-11% silver, the rest being copper.



Discussion:

The function of this band is uncertain. It could be a ring or an ornament with another function. It share features in common with goldwork of probable Middle Bronze Age date, including the substantially larger Capel Isaf (Dyfed, Wales) armlets (Savory 1977), two small interlocked gold 'rings' found at Binstead (West Sussex) (Varndell 1998-9, 10-11, fig. 3) and the Woolaston (Gloucestershire) goldwork hoard (Treasure case 2013 T805, now in the British Museum).



References:

Savory, H. 1977, 'A New Hoard of Bronze Age Gold Ornaments', Archaeologia Atlantica, 1977 (Vol. 2).

Varndell 1998-9, 'Binstead, West Sussex: Two Bronze Age gold rings linked together', Treasure Annual Report 1998-1999, DCMS, 10-11



Author



Neil Wilkin

Curator, The British Museum
Notes: As a find of a precious metal object of Bronze Age date, this object qualifies as Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act (1996).



Reported via Mark Lodwick at National Museum Wales.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Staverton, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.3 mm
Thickness: 23.3 mm
Weight: 74.56 g
Description: An incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead, of South Wales type and dating to the Ewart Park metal working phase, c. 950-750BC. The axehead is largely complete, but with extensive damage to the mouth of the socket. The axehead is sub-rectangular in plan and tapers in profile towarss the cutting edge. A pronounced casting seam runs down either lateral face, creating a shallow sub-hexagonal cross section, The vestigial remains of a probable loop survive on the less complete lateral face. The less abraded broad face is decorated with a series of three slightly converging longitudinal ribs. The cutting edge is flat. The mouth of the socket is expanded into a slightly flaring collar, with two of what was originally four casting runner stubs present; one at the centre of each surviving side. The socket is sub-rectangular in cross-section, and is 50.8mm deep.



Dimensions: length 78.3mm; width 34.2mm; thickness 23.3mm; weight 74.56g.
Notes: Similar axeheads can be seen published by Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2014: nos. 54 & 432). A number of similar axeheads have been found in Late Bronze Age hoards now recorded on this database, cf. NMGW-1C435C, amongst others.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pleasington, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 150 mm
Thickness: 37 mm
Weight: 293.51 g
Description: Cast copper alloy unlooped palstave axe probably dating to the Middle Bronze Age palstave 1300 to 1150BC. The axe 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 ) Dated to 1200 BC. The axe is almost complete and is relatively long with a length of 150mm. The butt is slightly concave and has a width of 30mm. The flanges are flat, long in form 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 72mm wide with a slightly bevelled facet possibly as a result of hammering. The septum is very small and hard to discern and the edge of the butt maybe slightly broken. The axe has a green patina with green colouration in patches and there are various nicks along the length The axe is 30mm 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.



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.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Codford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 71.6 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 28.65 g
Description: A Middle Bronze Age copper alloy small palstave axehead or chisel, probably dating to c. 1500-1100 BC. The palstave is 71.6mm long, with the butt end being rectangular in plan and of largely consistant width, 11.0mm at the stop ridge, the blade exands in width from the stop ridge reaching 18.0mm at the rounded cutting edge, with no wing tips. In profile the blade is of largely consistant thickness, 3.6mm at the midpoint, although tapering to a point at the cutting edge. The palstave flares outwards into the stop ridge, 12.0mm thick, before tapering into the butt, with sub-triangular flanges. a deeply incised slatire is engraved into the lateral face of one flange, with the cuts being patinated. The septum is sub-rectangular and 25.1mm deep, the blade is undecorated.



Overall dimensions: length 71.6mm; width at cutting edge 18.0mm, at butt 10.6mm; thickness 12.0mm; weight 28.65g.



Although extremely small, a great variation in terms of size is a noted feature of axes of the Bronze Age, with these smaller axes probably being used for lighter woodworking (Moore & Rowlands 1972:13). An incomplete palstave, probably originally around 100mm long and of comparable form is recorded in this database: DEV-669688. Nos. 817 & 874, amongst others, published by Pearce (1984) are similarly short in length, although proportionally they differ.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.6 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 6.61 g
Description: Copper alloy sword fragment. Cast fragment of a long narrow leaf-shaped blade, from towards its tip. A flattened rhomboid section at the narrower end of the fragment is rendered lentoid at the wider end by the rubbing down in antiquity of the aris between the sides of the blade on both its sides. The cutting edges remain sharp. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800 BC.



Length: 30.6mm, Width: 18.3mm, Thickness: 3.7mm, Weight: 6.61gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Moulsford, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 115.6 mm
Thickness: 31.4 mm
Weight: 268 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age Transitional palstave axehead of Schmidt and Burgess Type Roundhay, Midribbed Variant (The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, 1981; plate 64 and 65, nos.883-99), and of Penard/Wallington metalworking phase, corresponding with Needham's (1996) Periods 5 -6 and probably dating to 1300 - 1100BC. The incomplete axehead consists of the blade, loop and roughly half the butt end.
The blade has incurved long edges and an expanded cutting edge (38.7mm wide and 2.3mm thick), which has suffered some slight damage and has a shallow curve. On both faces is a prominent central mid-rib extending vertically below the stop-ridge and expanding, shallowing-out, into the lower blade. On one face it is wider and shallower, on the other narrower and higher.

The loop extends in a C-shape to the side, measuring 28.9mm in length and 11.0mm in thickness and projecting c.15mm. The casting flash is apparent both above and below the loop (where it is slightly to one side of the loop) and has been smoothed down.

The stop ridge has squared-corners and a depth on either side of c.8mm. It is 27.1mm wide and 12.7mm thick at this point (inside the flanges 8.9mm thick). At the old break (which has an H-shaped cross-section) it measures 26.2mm wide and 10.3mm thick.
The axehead measures 115.6mm in length, 39.0mm in max.width (across the loop), 31.4mm in max.thickness and weighs 268g (to the nearest 2g). It has a greyish-green patina with brighter green corrosion at the butt end and some pitting towards the cutting edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 25.7 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 15.51 g
Description: A copper alloy possible horse harness ring of Late Bronze Age to Roman date (c. 1000 BC - AD 410). The ring weighs 15.51g, measures 25.7mm in diameter (21.1mm internal diameter) and is 7.9mm thick. It is circular in shape with a 2.2mm wide rib running around the circumference. The interior surface features a circumferential ridge, to give a lozenge-shaped cross-section. Both edges are flanked by a 1.3mm wide rib. The object has a very smooth, shiny dark brown patina.

A ring with similar decoration recorded on this database is WILT-1A5240, of which the author writes 'Similar rings have been discovered in a number of Bronze Age hoards and have been suggested as horse harness fittings, as being part of the handles of a sheet-metal cauldron of Class A1 (Type Tul-na-cross) and Class B1 (Types Llyn Fawr, Ballyshannon and Castlederg) (Gerloff 2010, Pl. 17, 7b; Pl.32, 14a; Pl. 33, 14f-h; Pl. 34, 15d, Pl. 54, 33c and Pl. 66, 37g), or part of a chain from which a cauldron or other vessel was suspended over a fire'.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ravenstone with Snibstone, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85 mm
Thickness: 10.8 mm
Weight: 154.35 g
Description: An early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axe head dating to the period circa 2100-1700 BC. The axe has a narrow butt that gradually expands in width towards the cutting edge. The axe widens more sharply where the sides meet the cutting edge. The cutting edge is convex. The butt is rectangular in cross-section and the blade's cross-section is a pointed oval shape. The end iof the butt is at an angle rather than straight, indicating that the axe head was broken in antiquity.



The blade is pitted badly on both sides. The object is similar in shape to axes Brithdir and Willerby metalwork class 4 axes, which date to the period c. 2100 - c. 1700 BC.



Overall length: 85mm; blade width: 52.3mm; Thickness: 10.8mm; Weight: 154.35g.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum