dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middle Aston, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.42 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm
Weight: 6.2 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy rapier or dagger, dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1500-800 BC). The fragment consists of only the tip of the weapon.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanengan, Gwynedd, Gwynedd (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.2 mm
Thickness: 5.25 mm
Weight: 86.9 g
Description: 
Cast late Bronze Age copper alloy miniature socketed axe. The object is covered in a pale yellowish green patina with patches of dark grey probably representing the dark silts in which it was found. There are very occasional small patches of bright copper metal showing. In profile, the sides of the axe are parallel flaring out abruptly to form a crescent shaped blade at one end and expanding slightly at the socketed end to produce a 'collar' around the mouth of the socket. Viewed on edge, the axe is a distinctly triangular shape with a prominent oval attachment loop projecting from one edge. Both edges show remnants of significant casting seams which are very rounded perhaps through wear or possibly through rough finishing during the manufacturing process. The blade is asymmetrical with one point of the blade noticeably longer than the other, possibly the result of sharpening over time.  The socket is a rounded rectangular shape narrowing to a lozenge shape towards the blade.  



Discussion:



The small size of the axe may indicate that it was intended for a more specialised activity such as carpentry rather than simply forest clearance. (Frances Lynch pers. comm.)

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ellerton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.58 mm
Thickness: 20.57 mm
Weight: 77 g
Description: Late Bronze Age cast copper-alloy socketed hammer, (1000-800BC). The hammer is almost complete with some wear on the mouth and base. The hammer body face is almost rectangular, tapering slightly towards the mouth end. There is a lower moulding line and flared collar to the mouth. From a side view the tapering cannot be seen, and the base is rounded. The vertical corners on the hammer body are chamfered, resulting in an octagonal cross-section. The mouth is ovate in shape 27.75mm by 23.51mm. Casting seams can be seen on both sides, evidence of two piece moulding. The hammer surface is smooth with a dark brown patina, where this surface has been lost the metal is rough and a light green.



The earliest bronze hammers were created in the Middle Bronze Age Taunton metalwork phase, however hammer finds are more defined in Late Bronze Age hoard discoveries. Socketed hammers became more widespread in the Penard phase (c1200-950BC), and according to Burgess this tradition lasted longer in the North of Britain whereas the characteristics of the Wilburton Phase were prominent in southern Britain during the tenth century BC. Hammers were produced in smaller numbers during the Ewart-Park Phase which is characterised by a higher volume of leaded bronze artefacts. The production of bronze and in particular tin bronze depleted after 800BC. Burgess (1968) describes two socketed hammers from the Kilnhurst hoard in Yorkshire, one long and the other short which is similar to the example here. Early examples tend to be plain with no collar, whereas later examples have collars and moulding. The example described here is more likely a later example in the Penard Phase. Burgess also parallels Penard metalwork to continental examples and in particular western France.



In comparison to socketed axes, socketed hammers are a rare find, and to date only 35 recorded and publically accessible on the PAS database, 3 of which were found in North Yorkshire. Similar hammers to this example have been recorded as FAKL-9C9543, LVPL-5A7954 and SWYOR-D13642. The Kilnhurst hammers can be seen in Burgess (1938, Fig. 13, p.18).



This hammer is 54.58mm in length, 24.25mm wide, 20.57mm thick and weighs 77g. The mouth has a max diameter of 27.75mm and a minimum of 23.51mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hill, South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.7 mm
Thickness: 11.7 mm
Weight: 42.08 g
Description: A fragment of Middle to Late Bronze Age (1450 - 900 BC) bronze socketed spearhead, consisting of part of the blade section. It measures 60.7mm in length, 27.55mm maximum width and weighs 42.08 grams.



The fragment is broken on both ends, it is lozengiform in cross section and tapers and narrows from 27.4mm wide and 11.7mm thick to 18.25mm wide and 8.4mm thick at the break towards the tip.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bampton, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 90.07 mm
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Weight: 16.92 g
Description: A Bronze Age copper alloy razor in fair condition but now a little bent. Some surface patches are missing on both sides and the blade edges are a little ragged. The razor is oval with a short narrow tang. The tang tapers and gets wider towards the blade. The edge of the tang continues into the body of the razor and the two sides form the inner edges of the blade itself.



Peter Reavill comments:



This is a Piggott (1946) Class I double-edged razor - some of these are decorated along the mid rib and many are pierced through the tang. The date is later EBA - early MBA and they are often associated with burials. This example is similar to Piggott's cat. no.34 which is from Winterslow, Wilts (and associated with cinerary urn and amber buttons / hair ornaments - now in Ashmoleon Museum). I would expect it to date in the region of c1800 BC - c1400 BC.
Notes: 
Teh razor as kindly donated by the finder to the Oxfordshire Museums Service

Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Checkendon, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.51 mm
Weight: 89 g
Description: An 89g lump of possible Bronze Age copper-alloy metal working debris.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-800 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gwinear-Gwithian, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36 mm
Thickness: 11.7 mm
Weight: 55.12 g
Description: Cast copper alloy blade from a socketed axehead that is square in plan, triangular in profile and lozenge-shaped in section. The blade is narrow with straight sides with no suggestion of flanging and the cutting edge is rounded and blunt, though severely affected by corrosive pitting. The broken end of the blade still has the end of the socket which would have expanded within the axehead as the blade developed into the body and the collar at the opposite terminal. The socket is 21 mm long, 3 mm wide and 3 mm deep. The socket, when complete, would have held the wooden haft or handle of the axe. The original surface has partly corroded away and there are patches of light green bronze disease at the broken end. The narrow straight sides of the blade suggest that it is part of an Armorican socketed axe, also refered 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 sparse. They date from the end of the Bronze Age, the Llyn Fawr phase, and into Hallstatt C (c.800-700 BC).



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar Amorican socketed axes from Newlyn, Carn Brea and Penquite, in Cornwall, on pages 421 & 424-5, plates 14 & 17, nos.115, 129c & 134.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Teffont, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.55 mm
Thickness: 18.1 mm
Weight: 32.37 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy palstave dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age c. 1500 - 1150 BC. The fragment is sub-rectangular in shape the butt and a fragment of the flanged sides survive. The axe has an angular butt and the sides gradually widen towards the break. Both sides of the palstave have high developed flanges, which increase gradually from the butt to from sub-triangular sides. 



The faces of the axe fragment are slightly concave, creating a H-shaped cross-section. The faces of the axe show signs of wear, such as scratches and the break is even and patinated, suggesting that the object was broken in antiquity. Due to the fragmentary nature of the object, it is difficult to confidently assign a Type.



The fragment measures 28.55mm in length, 26.8mm wide, 18.1mm thick and weighs 32.37 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Teffont, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.95 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 6.43 g
Description: An incomplete and shortened cast copper alloy rapier dating from the earlier Late Bronze Age, that is c. 1100-900BC. The blade is lozengeform in cross section with two broadly triagnular knotches at the lower section of the blade. The balde tapers from the notches to the tip (3.95mm thick to 1.95mm thick)



The rapier fragment is 27.95mm in length, 14.85mm wide, 4.4mm thick and weighs 6.43  grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alton, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.94 mm
Thickness: 6.01 mm
Weight: 12.19 g
Description: The blade and most of the body of a small copper-alloy chisel of Bronze Age date. The chisel presently measures 30mm and the blade is 20mm across. At the break the section is rectangular. The surfaces are worn and pitted.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Goodworth Clatford, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.7 mm
Thickness: 14.4 mm
Weight: 21.47 g
Description: A fragment of Middle Bronze Age (1500-1150 BC) palstave axehead, consisting of the butt end and the beginning of the flanges only. It measures 25.7mm in length and weighs 21.47g.

The break is worn but possibly not ancient. This is the widest part of the fragment and is a horizontally-elongated H in cross-section, measuring 28.0mm wide and 14.4mm thick. The sides of the axe are triangular in shape, narrowing to the butt end which is 2.4mm thick and 24.2mm wide, having a slightly curved end edge.

The patina is smooth and shiny and blue-green in colour. At the break bubbles (from the casting process) are visible and running longitudinally along the centre is a slight step, probably a join-mark. There are some signs of tooling to the outside edges of the flanges, which are 3.6-3.8mm thick at their widest.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Skipsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.7 mm
Thickness: 12.1 mm
Weight: 37.4 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date ( about 1000 - 800 BC). The object can be classified as fitting into the Ewart Park phase of metalwork. The object has been broken and just the tip, including the deepest part of the socket survives.



The object is sub-rectangular in plan with the cutting edge flaring outwards to form a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is almost complete but is very abraded. It measures 41mm in width, and is 1.4mm thick. At the incomplete socket end the object measures 34.8mm in width and is 12.1mm thick. The remaining socket is 2.5mm deep. The edges of the socket are broken irregularly.



Patches of a glossy dark brown patina remain on each face however the majority of the surface is pitted and abraded due to movement within the plough soil. Some small patches of light green corrosion are present.



Socketed axes are most common during 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. This would date the axe from about 1000 - 800 BC. However socketed axes were also known during the Wilburton phase of metalwork and due to the incompleteness of this example an earlier date cannot be ruled out.



The axe fragment is 25.7mm long and weighs 37.4g. Compare LVPL-EB99C8 and SWYOR-7C54E2 among other examples on the PAS database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alfrick, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.86 mm
Thickness: 12.25 mm
Weight: 47.86 g
Description: Possible Bronze Age (c.1600 to 1100 BC) chisel: This incomplete copper-alloy object may be a probable chisel or possibly a palstave. Only the blade end of the object survives, and the cutting edge is 32.17mm wide and the sides then taper to 29.27mm wide at the break, where it is 12.46mm thick and a rounded sub-lozenge in cross-section. No evidence of the side flanges or stop ridge survive making the object hard to classify and date confidently. The faces of the artefact has a trace of a swollen rib. The surface of the artefact has traces of a dark green patina and is otherwise abraded. The patina is not heavy and there is no pitting on the surface. The patina also covers the break. The tool is 33.86mm long, 32.08mm wide and 12.25mm thick. 47.86g.



The artefact is very similar to SWYOR-2DED2C on this database. The narrowness of the blade and thickness at the break are perhaps more similar to chisels such as NMS-894E92, SF2649 and SOMDOR-7B3C43 on this database, but it have the horizontal sides of the more common chisel form, as seen on SF-09D1D5 and SUSS-D93644 on this database. However, small, narrow-bladed palstaves belonging to the Taunton phase (1400-1300 BC) of metalworking or possibly to the slightly earlier Acton Park II period, (c.1500-1400 BC); (both corresponding with Needham's period 5, 1500 - 1150 CAL BC) are also similar, especially in the rapid thickening from blade to break. It was perhaps similar to SOM-1DE687, HAMP-996311. Further arguments on either side are given in SOM-2B70A5, dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1600 - 1100 BC.



The patina is not typical of Bronze Age artefacts, and therefore there is a possibility that the item is of a later date. Another possible function is a vessel leg, but this is not a convincing identification based on the shape, surface condition and section.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amesbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.12 mm
Weight: 23 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age or possibly Early Iron Age copper alloy socketed axe dating from c. 900-700BC. Part of the rim together with the loop survive. The axe has a prominent seam and the metal has a high tin content. The prominent seam and the incompletely finished loop both suggest that this axe was broken before it could be finished off and used.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 114 mm
Diameter: 23 mm
Weight: 86.65 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, dents in both faces and in the cutting edges. Opposed peg-holes in the socketed end. Length 114mm. Width 37mm. External diameter of socket 23mm. Weighs 86.65g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight: 45.43 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy side-looped spearhead, cracked and broken with much of the socket missing, with ancient breaks. The blade is of lozengiform section on either side of the socket, with a sharp arris defining the change of angle or chamfer for the cutting edge. The upper part of the outside face of one side-loop survives, and is pointed oval or lozengiform. The other side-loop is missing and there is a worn V-shaped break or notch. Extant length 116mm. Width 26.5mm. Extant thickness 14mm. Weight 45.43g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shouldham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Thickness: 16.5 mm
Weight: 63.24 g
Description: Fragment of copper alloy spearhead, socketed mid-section of blade, irregular break at both ends, upper and lower parts missing. It belongs to the Wilburton Phase, so relatively early in the Late Bronze Age, c.1000 - c.900 BC. Extant length 70mm. Extant width 48mm. Thickness 16.5mm. Weight 63.24g.
Notes: In 2019 a group of middle to late Bronze Age metalwork was found in the same area and reported under the Treasure Act 1996, Designation Order 2002 (NMS-B2247B, 2019T945). Although it is likely that this spearhead was part of the same hoard, it cannot  retrospectively qualify as Treasure under the order.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.84 mm
Thickness: 6.6 mm
Weight: 7.64 g
Description: 
A Late Bronze Age copper-alloy posible side-looped spear head fragment. The fragment has a very pronounced midrib and there are fine striations on both sides. There is no socket present.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Charlton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.27 mm
Thickness: 11.28 mm
Weight: 18.93 g
Description: A fragment from a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead dating to c 1000-800 BC. The fragment comprises a section of the rim of the axe. The rim is flat and narrows towards the body of the axe. There is a slightly angled rim which suggests this may be a fragment from the corner of the axe socket. The patina is dark brown with beige clay coloured marks. At the break, the patina is dark green with patches of bright green.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brington and Molesworth, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.2 mm
Weight: 13.91 g
Description: Fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead. Extant length 23.2mm. Weight 13.91g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brabourne, Ashford, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 140.72 mm
Diameter: 29.74 mm
Thickness: 3.14 mm
Weight: 280 g
Description: A copper alloy socketed and fluted chisel of Late Bronze date (1000BC- 701BC). The chisel is roughly wedge shaped, tapering to a hammered point from a wide circular rim at the socket end. The socket itself is roughly square shapedand appears to have iron oxide within in the socket. The entirety of the object is a rough dark brown with patches of light brown corrosion and the occasional hint of light coppery metal. Oxidisaiton would suggest iron but some parts of the object have the green tinge of copper corrosion under the brown oxidisaiton.



With an overall length of 140.72mm and weighing 280g. The tip it is 13.22mm wide and 3.14mm thick, the circular collar has a diameter of 29.74mm and is 5.92mm thick.The rectangular recess is 42.32mm deep, the rectangle is orientated with the corners to the flat planes of the outer shaft.
Notes: This object is similar to known bronze age socketed chisels such as those illustrated by Pearce (1983 563, Plate 2, No.12 and 585, Plate 24, No.191), as well as examples on the PAS database at LON-80850F and CORN-42EF37.



The iron oxidisation around the socket is likely the result of depositional circumstances.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Minehead, West Somerset, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 20.4 mm
Weight: 103.92 g
Description: A copper alloy palstave fragment of Middle Bronze Age date (c.1600-1000 BC). The fragment is broadly rectangular in plan. The butt end, part of the flanges, part of the blade and the cutting edge are missing due to old breaks. The flanges taper to form a worn U-shaped septum. It exhibits a worn stop-ridge approximately halfway along its length. The blade expands out slightly along its length before terminating in a worn break approximately mid-way along the length of the blade. In profile the palstave is lentoid, with the widest section at the stop-ridge. It exhibits traces of a vertical casting seam along one side, however, due to the worn condition, it is not possible to state the full extent of the casting seams or any decoration.There is a green and brown patina on the surface.



The palstave measures 57mm in length, 27.8mm in width, 20.4mm in thickness and weighs 103.92g.
Notes: 
This record is from a finds day and therefore may not be to usual PAS standard.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brearton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 128.2 mm
Thickness: 17.7 mm
Weight: 57.6 g
Description: A cast copper alloy socketed side-looped spearhead found in two pieces, dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 BC - 1250 BC. The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a sub-oval / leaf-shaped blade, hollow socket and cast side loops; Davis Group 6, 'developed side looped'.The spear head has broken, fairy recently, across the lower part of the blade. The two pieces were found about 6 metres apart. The tip piece is 57.2mm long, 19.9mm wide and 9.6mm thick. The socket piece is 74.2mm long, 23.1mm wide and 17.7mm thick.



The blade measures about 75mm in length, 23.1mm in width and the tip of the blade is 2.6mm thick. The overall shape of the blade can be described as being leaf-shaped. It has straight sides at the point end, with a rounded base near the socket. The centre of the blade is divided by a tapering (tip to base) lozenge shaped midrib. This midrib expands into the socket of the spear.



The base of the socket is 17.7mm in diameter. The internal socked measures 63.9mm deep. The two loops are positioned 14.5mm below the base of the blade. The loops measure 14mm in length and are 4.1mm wide. The loops are fairly flat in cross-section.



The object has a smooth dark brown to olive green patina which is pitted in places. Some of the blade edge is damaged. The break between the two pieces is less patinated than the rest of the object, but it is not an immediately recent break.



LVPL-893C73 is a similar example (among others on the PAS database) and the record notes that "Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis' Class IV and date to the early Middle Bronze Age. They are likely to belong to the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Penard metalwork assemblages, corresponding to Needham's (1997) Period 5, dating from about 1500-1150BC." Davis (2017), however, suggests that 'spearheads from the earlier MBA [Middle Bronze Age] were those with sockets extending into the blade, and with loops on the side of the socket'. He dates these 'to the Acton Park and Taunton phases, 1550-1250 BC', consequently this example has been dated similarly.



Over all, the spear head is 128.2mm long, 23.1 and 17.7mm thick. 57.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Edington, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.52 mm
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Weight: 18.74 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy probably Middle Bronze Age (1500-1050 BC) socketed spearhead, consisting of the tip of the blade only.





The blade has a pronounced mid-rib, 10.99mm in diameter at its wider end/ break and narrowing to 4.26mm in diameter at the point. The blade also narrows in its width, disappearing into the point at its tip but there is damage to the blade on both sides near the tip and it is not clear what the original shape was. It is circular in profile. Near the tip the blade is 2.30mm thick and at the break it is 3.45mm thick.





At the break, there is possibly a trace of the end of the socket, off-centre within the mid-rib and c 2mm in diameter.





The patina is grey-green in colour. The fragment measures 46.52mm in length, 15.38mm in width at its widest, midway along its length, but the blade is damaged here and this would not have been its original width at this point, 12.30mm in max.thickness at the break , and weighs 18.74g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Dunmow, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Weight: 225 g
Description: Copper alloy Late Bronze Age ingot, 1000-800 BC. It is plano convex in shape with the surfaces of the ingot rough and uneven. The ingot has sections that are covered in a light green patina.



Other examples of Late Bronze Age plano convex ingots can be found on the database SUR-680E49, SUR-9A2783, KENT-585CA7.



It is 225 grams. 54mm in length
Notes: 
Record created by the images and information supplied by finder. Artefact/coin not seen by FLO

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frampton, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.68 mm
Weight: 37.31 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave (c 1600 BC - c 1001 BC). This blade fragment is rectangular in cross section with convex sides. From the old transverse break at the top, the sides flare evenly to the cutting edge which is evenly curved in plan. No casting seams or decoration are present. This palstave has a green patina.. Length of remains of blade: 43.68mm; width at widest point near cutting edge 26.58: width at broken end 18.90mm; thickness at broken end 8.75mm narrowing to thickness at cutting edge of 2.65mm. Weight: 37.31g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loughborough Garendon, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 20.37 g
Description: Mid to Late Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead fragment, 75mm long, 21mm wide, 9mm thick and weighing 20.37grams.



The object is triangular in form and an oval in cross section. It represents the damaged tip of a spear head. It has a narrow central rib which has a circular cross section and tapers towards the point. The blades which are damaged, run down to a bevelled edge and taper in width towards the point.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clanfield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.8 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 34.01 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy rapier, dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age.



The flat-sectioned butt is sub-trapezoidal in plan, the thickness gradually declining towards a scallop-shaped upper end. Two C-shaped notches, located below this upper portion, mark the points at which the now-missing handle plates would have been attached. The widest point is at the shoulders, beneath which the concave sides angle inwards, smoothly extending into the parallel-sided blade. This blade is of lozenge-shaped cross section and has been broken in antiquity. The piece has a mid to dark brown surface patina (slightly pitted in places) which suggests deposition within a damp environment.



Length: 81.8mm; width: 31.7mm; thickness: 4.4mm. Weight: 34.01g.



This rapier forms part of a dispersed group of Middle to Late Bronze Age metalwork found to the north of Faringdon and concentrated on the northern side of the River Thames. Close parallels include a complete (albeit broken) rapier (GLO-036A39) and pieces of two further such implements (SUR-A18104/Treasure case 2015 T331). All of these rapiers are of similar form, being of Burgess and Gerloff's Group IV (1981) and dating to the period c. 1500-c. 1150 BC. Other similarly dated implements from the area include razors (see SUR-D8D06E and LEIC-081BB1), a disc-headed pin (SUR-1EFCC6), a socketed axe (WILT-A30E3C), socketed spearheads (WILT-1F3709, BERK-2CF486, BERK-2D0061, BERK-4D4F74) and a palstave (BERK-CD4525).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frampton, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.35 mm
Thickness: 4.9 mm
Description: A Bronze Age chisel fragment measuring 33.35mm in length and 45.6mm wide. The chisel is incomplete only the blade survives. The blade thins from 4.9mm thick to 1.5mm thick at the cutting edge, the break at the top of the blade is broadly oval in cross section. The blade expands from the break towards the cutting edge. The chisel weighs 26.15 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -650)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cawton, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49.6 mm
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm
Weight: 23.5 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed gouge of late Bronze Age date. The remaining portion is a length of the hollow socket with a tapered U-shaped blade terminal to one end. The opposite end terminates in a worn break.



The socket is circular with an exterior diameter of 15.6mm, interior diameter of 12.1mm and is 20.7mm deep. From the socket the blade tapers to a rounded cutting/gouging edge which is concave to one side of the body. The gouging edge is extremely worn.



Peter Reavill, Finds Liaison Officer for Herefordshire & Shropshire, states that this gouge is of Wilberton, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking, phases which correspond to Needham's (1996) Period's 6 - 8.



The metal has a dark greenish-brown patina and is worn. The gouge is 49.6mm long, 15.6mm in diameter at the socket, 13.4mm x 7.1mm at the cutting edge and the walls are 1.9mm thick. The object weighs 23.5g.



Comparable socketed gouges have been recorded on the PAS database. For examples see: SWYOR-FCB525, NMGW-62C84F, DUR-06F0E8, IOW-EC25A7 and SUR-7898C5. The latter record notes that: "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. It is difficult to suggest a date for this example with a prominent single, slender moulding. 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. Needham et al's (1997) recent study of Bronze Age chronology dated a collared socketed gouge from the Bodwrog Hoard, Anglesey to 2720 +- 45 BP (DoB No 3, OxA-4652, p68)."
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Egloshayle, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.5 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 149.2 g
Description: Cast copper alloy MIddle Bronze Age early short-flanged axehead, developing from a flat axe to a palstave with low side flanges and only a slight stop ridge. The side flanges are leaf-shaped in profile and damaged but their highest point is in line with the slight stop ridge which runs across the width of the axehead above the 'septum' or recessed area between the flanges. This ridge would have stopped the wooden haft from shifting on to the septum and the side flanges would have stopped any sideways movement and would help to bind the haft to the axehead. The undecorated septum is slightly lower than the blade. The blade is short, only 35 mm long from the faint stop, but would have originally been more crescentic and has since worn away during use and is now only slightly flanged. The surface of the axehead is quite worn and pitted but there is no active bronze disease.



Needham (1979) illustrates similar small axes from Teignmouth in Devon and Gerrans in Cornwall on pages 273-4,  figs.6-7, no.4 which are part of the Arreton repertoire from the early Middle Bronze Age, c.1700-1500 BC.



Moore and Rowlands (1972) illustrate a similar flanged axe with low side flanges, no stop ridge and a short blade on page 52, pl.VI, no.10, which is dated from the Arreton phase in the early Middle Bronze Age, c.1700-1500 BC.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar examples of haft-flanged axeheads from St Columb, Ladock and Veryan parishes on pages 564, 570 & 580, Plates 3, 9 & 19, nos.31, 78 & 147a, which are dated from the early Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upper Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 86.47 mm
Thickness: 10.16 mm
Weight: 69.28 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy 'Sussex Loop' bracelet of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1400-1250 BC. The fragment consists of one-half of one of the double loop strands, which is lozenge-shaped in cross-section and terminates in the flattened sub-oval terminal hook, which would have fitted the arm band to the other looped element of the bracelet. The apex of the lozenge cross-section has been decorated with small incised lines, positioned slightly obliquely across the apex. The terminal end has been further decorated with two other raised ridges flanking the central apex mentioned above and one of these also bears the traces of small incised oblique lines, whereas the other ridge is too worn to discern this decoration. The entire fragment has an overall dark green patina and colour and the break across the centre of the arm band is flat and distinct, similar to the cuts in 'Sussex Loop' bracelets found in Middle Bronze Age hoards from Sussex (cf. Treasure case 2011 T192, the 'Near Lewes' Middle Bronze Age hoard). The fragment measures 86.47 mm long, 45.1 mm wide, 10.16 mm thick and weighs 69.28 grams.



Discussion: 'Sussex Loop' bracelets have been attributed this title because nearly all known examples originate from the Brighton-Lewes East Sussex area. Recently, a further two Sussex Loop bracelets were discovered in Surrey and given the Treasure number: 2013T316. These examples were the furthest discovery point away from the original examples and potentially the only non-Sussex examples known and were designated finds of significance for this reason. This example, having been discovered in West Sussex is another example of a non-Brighton-Lewes area bracelet and as such, begins to raise issues with this type of bracelet being designated as only coming from this locality. However, because of the reasonable radius of the new discoveries from the original ones, it is still possible that these could be items of local manufacture and circulation.
Notes: 
This fragment was subjected to XRF metallurgical analysis by Dr. Jaime Kaminski at the University of Brighton. Dr. Kaminski confirms that the alloy used here is similar in composition to others of this type and as such, should be stylistically and compositionally acceptable for identification as a 'Sussex Loop' fragment in spite of missing other diagnostic elements to old damage.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clanfield, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.25 mm
Thickness: 2.73 mm
Weight: 8.92 g
Description: The blade and tang from a copper-alloy possible Bronze Age knife. The tang is blunt and its maximum width is13.19mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harmston, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 25.93 g
Description: A copper-alloy casting jet of probable Mid to Late Bronze Age date 1600-800BC. The lower part of the object consists of an inverted-sub-conical plug. The upper end of this plug bifurcates into 3 circular-sectioned arms, each with a vertical, flat outer face.



Casting jets are waste products which form at the top of a two-piece clay mould when the molten metal has filled the object-shaped void below. As they represent re-usable metal, they were often retained and regularly turn up in founder's hoards of the period. Given the jets size it is unlikely to be from brooch production and is more likely to relate to a large object such as an axe, dagger or sword. Similar to BH-8BDE6E, BH-4D6780 and ESS-39BA43



The length is 29mm, the width is 26mm, thickness 17mm and the weight 25.93g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Highmoor, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.04 mm
Diameter: 17.66 mm
Thickness: 2.67 mm
Weight: 25.42 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed chisel (or perhaps a gouge), missing its blade. The internal opening measures 12.88mm in diameter; the external diameter measures 17.66mm. The chisel has a flaring collar with a groove below the rim and is bent in profile. The socket continued beyond the break.
Notes: Cf. GLO-3435C7 and WMID-E1B777
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wacton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.5 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 58.18 g
Description: Fragment of an Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axe with an ancient break before the expansion to the cutting edge which was badly damaged in antiquity and has received a little recent scuffing. Extant length 35.5mm. Width 50.5mm. Thickness 7.3mm. Weight 58.18g. c.2000 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Croughton, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.4 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 11.28 g
Description: A copper-alloy object of Bronze Age date: probably a small tanged knife dating from the Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-850 BC).  The object now has a sub-trapezoidal form, being rounded at the blade tip, and tapering gradually towards it.  At the attachment end the object becomes waisted and narrowed, indicative of a tanged handle.  However, all of the sides of the artefact are abraded, with a number of significant notched removals.  In cross-section the object is the shape of a very flat pointed oval.  The surface is pitted on both surfaces.



The object measures 60.4 by 20.1 by 2.6mm and weighs 11.28g



Tanged knives date to the Wilburton phase (LBA2), reaching into Early Ewart Park (LBA3) : c.1000-850 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy Copper alloy
Found: Dinton-with-Ford and Upton, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 8.5 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a cast copper alloy Middle or Late Bronze Age spearhead (1500-800 BC). The fragment is broadly triangular in plan and lozenge-shape in cross section. The spear point has bevelled edges and is in good condition with a dark browny-orange patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wyverstone, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.71 mm
Thickness: 1.46 mm
Weight: 12.39 g
Description: Incomplete copper alloy socketed spear head, dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c.1500 BC-1150 BC). It has a sub triangular shape with the remains of a blade. The tip of the blade and the bottom of the socket are missing. At the bottom, just above the break on either side are two nodules, possibly the remains of a set of casting loops. The edges of the blade are worn, with a green patina developing in places, especially along the broken edges of the tip and socket.



Similar style spearheads are recorded on the database, DENO-3B0107, WILT-B83B8F. Similar looped spearheads have been dated by Margaret Ehrenberg to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions (c. 1500 - 1150BC).



The spearhead weighs 12.39 grams, 42.71mm length, 11.18mm width at its widest, midway up the length, 1.46mm thickness at broken socketed end.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 142 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Weight: 564 g
Description: Early Bronze Age flat axehead in quite fresh condition with a few small patches of scuffing both ancient and recent. The cutting edge is almost undamaged. Length 142mm. Width before the butt end 41.5mm, at the cutting edge 80.3mm. Thickness 12.5mm. Weight 564g. c.2350 - c.1500 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -2000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Erth, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 57.22 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy flat axehead, sub-rectangular in plan and section and triangular in profile, with a rounded end and broken edge where it is missing its blade and more than half of the axe so that just the butt end remains. This end, opposite the blade end, would have been hafted to a wooden handle. The fragment tapers slightly towards the butt end which is rounded off and widens towards the broken edge which has been partly chiselled off, but has since softened through corrosion and wear. The axehead would have continued to expand into a triangular flat blade which is now missing. There is no evidence of any form of incised or cast decoration present on the surface of the axe, but the original surface has corroded away and is now very pitted, so that preservation is poor. There are many circular depressions on the surface that have been caused by blisters forming as the axehead has corroded and then breaking down and powdering away.





The length is 50 mm, the width of broken edge is 32 mm and the width of the butt end is 26.5 mm, the thickness of the broken end is 8 mm and the thickness of the butt end is 5 mm.



Similar slender flat axes with straight-sided butt ends can be seen in records CORN-6C605C, DENO-93FB17, SUR-E3F467, LANCUM-6507C2, and SOMDOR-C71623 on the database.



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



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



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



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



Reference:



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



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. (1981) The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. pp.46-47.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilmark, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 21.58 mm
Thickness: 3.62 mm
Weight: 3.01 g
Description: A copper alloy possible horse harness ring of Bronze Age to Roman date (c. 1000 BC - AD 410). The ring measures 21.58mm in diameter (internal diameter 15.12mm), is 3.62mm thick and weighs 3.01 grams. It is circular in shape with a circular cross section, and has a green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Westgate, Gloucester, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 60.19 g
Description: Copper alloy socketed axe blade fragment consisting of only the forward edge of the axe. The sides of the axe expand in to a large curved blade. The tip of the socket are just about visible in the break. Date late Bronze Age 1100BC-800BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder