dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Glyn Tarell, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 72.6 mm
Thickness: 21.1 mm
Weight: 95.13 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Bronze Age axe (1150 BC-800 BC). The axe is a plain long socketed type and slender in form. 

The axehead has been damaged and is incomplete missing the mouth and the loop (with a surviving length of 72.6mm and weight of 95.13g). The break is from old damage (where the axe has a maximum surviving width of 29.5mm, thickness of 21.1mm and socket depth of 43.1mm) and has a sub-rectangular section at the break with the end of the bottom loop on one side just before the break. The loop end is corroded and is represented by a small raised stub. The sides of the fragment are bevel slightly to the casting seams (which are smooth, probably hammer-finished) each running the length of the blade on the top and bottom. The sides diverge gently before flaring slightly towards the blade edge (with a blade width of 36.6mm). Towards the blade edge (11.5mm from blade edge) a darker gradient possibly indicates usewear. The blade edge itself is damaged with the original surface having been broken/eroded away through time. 

The faces of the blade are plain with no evidence of ribs. The faces are flat and gradually convergent to the blade edge. Sharpening striations are discernible running along the blade edge. The surface is smooth with a medium green patina with areas near the break on one face and on the top side lost to damage, likely from deposition environment, exposing a rough light green subsurface. Traces of shiny black are visible on one side and inside the socket, possibly from tenorite as seen on other contemporary axes.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llangors, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.3 mm
Thickness: 14.2 mm
Weight: 48.72 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy spearhead probably of late Bronze Age date (c.1500-700 BC). The spearhead is fragmentary, missing the basal end of the blade and base of the socket with only the top end with tip surviving. The spearhead has broken through the central socket, which is solid, with a diameter of 14.2mm x 12mm). The position of the socket is marked by a prominent, rounded midrib with a width of 12.1 at the break, height of 3.3mm on one side and 4.3 on the other, and maximum surrounding overall depth of 12.2 just before the break. The midrib tapers gradually towards the tip (0.7mm in width and 3.2mm overall depth at the point). Faint lines run parallel to the midrib from the break and appear to terminate c.7.6mm from the point, though they could have run up to the tip and have since been eroded away from surface damage. The surviving blade edges suggest the blade end is triangular in plan and widens just before the break (39.3mm), so was possibly leaf-shaped. The spearhead is slightly bent towards the break (as seen in section) suggesting the object was intentionally bent and broken prior to deposition. One side of the spear has been struck, possibly by plough, with a diagonal groove running from the midrib to the edge of the blade. 



The absence of the socket makes typological identification uncertain. The more commonly–recovered types consistent with the form of the fragmentary spearhead are pegged, of Davis’ generic Group 11 (2015)[1], or possibly of a side-looped type, Davis’ (ibid) Group 6. Socketed Spearheads of Davis’ Generic Group 11 can be dated to the Wilburton phase of the Late Bronze Age, dated by Needham et al (1996)[2] to c. 1200 – 900BC.



The spearhead is an uneven grey patina with patches of bright green, dark grey/black possible tenorite, and orangey brown. The object has a max length of 85.3mm, width of 39.3mm, thickness 14.2mm and weighs 48.72g.

Similar spearheads are recorded on the PAS database e.g. NMGW-215EBE, YORYM-E5C837, YORYM-3D457F, NMGW-3EA2A8, SOM-4FBE8D
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stirton with Thorlby, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 153 mm
Thickness: 35.4 mm
Weight: 426 g
Description: A cast copper alloy Middle Bronze Age Later Short Flanged Axehead of uncertain sub-type dating to the period 1600 - 1300 BC. This corresponds with the Acton Park II, and Taunton metalworking Assemblages, that correspond with Needham Period 4 or 5. 



The axe has a narrow, convex butt. The septum and upper blade are of the same thickness and there is no stop-ridge present. The flanges are cast and are a wide pointed oval shape in profile, nearly lozenge shaped. The blade has suggestions of a central ridge or arris on both faces. The sides flare out moderately to form the cutting edge which is convex, but the blade is fairly narrow overall when compared with the larger corpus of similar axes. Part of the original smooth patina survives in the septum, but most of the surface is pitted, corroded and lumpy, obscuring any decoration or facets. 



The axehead is 153mm long, 54.1mm wide across the blade tips, 23.2mm wide across the butt, 35.4mm thick across the flanges, and 16.4mm thick across the centre of the blade. It weighs 426g.



Compare DUR-05101C (Schmidt and Burgess Type Lissett), NCL-74C5D5 and DUR-41AE2E (Schmidt and Burgess Type Ulrome).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hoby with Rotherby, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 6.12 g
Description: A rod-shaped copper alloy object, possibly part of a Bronze Age copper alloy awl.  It is square in cross section with rounded edges and  tapers slightly at both ends.  The object is in very poor, corroded condition, is 30mm long, 6mm wide, 6mm thick and weighs 6.12g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tanworth-in-Arden, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 111.15 mm
Thickness: 42.35 mm
Description: An incomplete copper alloy, plain socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age (Wilburton/Ewart Park phase c.1100-800BC).



The axehead has a narrow sub-rectangular body, with two concave faces flaring towards the blade end and slightly towards the haft end. The blade flares to form a crescent-shaped cutting edge, which is now worn. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. It has a raised collar, which shows signs of wear and corrosion. The remains of a side loop are apparent. The casting seams are prominent along both sides of the axehead. The object shows signs of corrosion across all faces.



A comparable example recorded on the PAS database is KENT-F054AC. 



The overall dimensions are as follows: 111.15mm in length, 54.54mm in width, 42.35mm in thickness and ...g in weight
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wilsford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58 mm
Thickness: 8.4 mm
Weight: 18.44 g
Description: A fragment from a cast copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 cal BC. Only the tip of the spear remains.



The fragment is triangular in plan, tapering to the spear's point. It has a circular midrib that is solid and runs to the point of the spear from which the flat blade edges of the spear extend these narrow in width to meeting the point. The fragment has a dark green patina that is chipped away in places. 



The fragment is 58mm long, 17mm wide, 8.4mm thick and weighs 18.44 grams.



 Not enough of the spearhead has remained to be able to date this fragment to a more precise range, although the circular section, the angle of the blade, and the midrib extending to the to the tip suggest comparisons with spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11.
Notes: 
This find was recorded by images and information provided by the finder, not seen by the FLO.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Combpyne Rousdon, East Devon, Devon ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.3 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 68.7 g
Description: A copper alloy flat axehead of Needham Class 4, dating to the Early Bronze Age period, c. 1900-1700 BC. 



The axehead is lenticular in profile, with slightly flattened edges, and a broadly flaring cutting edge. It is comparatively small with a markedly slender butt, which nonetheless thickens at the septum. This is possibly a proto-stop ridge, as there is a particular horizontal thickening in this area. Both faces show signs of pitting, with some circular areas a deeper green than the consistently dark green surface elsewhere. There is a shallow U-shaped depression in the cutting edge which may have occurred during use. 



Similar examples, albeit with a slightly longer butt, include SOM-90B762 (from the south west), KENT-A2BA81 and NMGW-084887, the latter of which has slightly more exaggerated bevelling.  DEV-987893 is a further local fragmentary example. The record for SOM-90B762 provides an extended interpretation:



This is a low flanged axe of Early Bronze Age date. The lack of developed stop ridge suggests it most likely dates to the later stages of the Early Bronze Age. Needham (1983, 2017) has produced a typology of Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age flat and flanged axeheads that defines them based on the ratios of their physical form (Needham 2017, 4, Table 1). This axe meets all the criteria for a Type 4e Axehead and most closely corresponds to a Type 4E Withington form (Needham, 2017, 27-29, 55-56). Needham places the date of this type of axe to between the 20th and 18th centuries cal BC c. 1900-1700 cal BC (ibid 45, fig 16).



Measurements: 66.3mm length,  19.4mm width (butt), 39.2mm width (blade), 5.3mm thickness (butt), 8.9mm thickness (proto-stop), 1.9mm thickness (blade edge), weight 68.7g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39 mm
Weight: 55 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date (c 1000 - 800 BC) corresponding to the Ewert Park metalworking phase (Needham’s (1996) Period 7) and of faceted type. The surviving portion of the axehead is 43mm in width and 39mm in length, comprising the front end which has a flared, curved blade edge, with pointed, almost hooked ends. The sides of the blade have four distinct facets, which taper to the blade edge. There is no evidence of any other decoration to either face. The break across the axehead reveals the interior to be hollow and the cross section to be of a flattened oval shape.
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Waltham, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 3.77 g
Description: A complete copper alloy awl dating to the late Bronze Age (c.1150-800 BC).



The object is square in cross section along most of its length, and tapers to a circular cross-sectioned point at one end. At the other end it flattens to become rectangular in cross-section, before ending in a chisel-shaped terminal. The surfase has green patina but also has some scratches in a light brown colour which looks like it might be a decoration.



Dimensions: Length 56mm; thickness at mid-point 3.5mm; thickness at chisel end 0.7mm; weight 3.77g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Taynton, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 174 mm
Description: A copper alloy palstave axe that has a wide curved blade. The sides of the blade are concave and taper to the middle of the axe. The stop ridge is positioned three-quarters of the way down from the blade, from here tapering flanged sides extend towards the rear of the axe. 



There are patches of dark green patina which is the original surface, however, most of the extremities and blade have been damages by corrosion leaving a light green pitted surface.



This is a Group I: Primary Shield Pattern type and dates to the Middle Bronze Age 1500 BC - 1150
Notes: This record was generated form emailed images supplied by the finder during the 2020/21 Covid-19 lockdown.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.8 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Weight: 31.67 g
Description: An incomplete socketed gouge dating to the Late Bronze Age, c. 1000-800 BC. The remaining portion comprises the tip, which is heavily corroded and has lost most of its original surface. The rear end has a corroded break which reveals the hollow interior of the casting and the sub-rounded cross section of the gouge shaft. A remaining portion of the surface in the concave interior surface of the gouge appears to have striations from use wear.
Notes: According to Pearce (1983: 43) these types of socketed gouges begin to be produced in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age, with most being dated to the Ewart Park 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).



Comparable socketed gouges have been recorded on the PAS database: DEV-779119, YORYM-316F81, YORYM-CD7FFB, SWYOR-FCB525, NMGW-62C84F, DUR-06F0E8, IOW-EC25A7 and SUR-7898C5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Blount, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 145 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 343 g
Description: A complete Early Bronze Age Migdale flat axehead, dating to 2200 - 1900 BC. The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in plan with a narrow butt evenly expanding sides that extend to a splayed crescent shaped blade. In cross section the axe is rectangular shaped with both sides being relatively flat and sides having a rounded curve. The butt of the axe has a horizontal top edge and the corners are rounded. The sides of the axe gently expand evenly in width to a point just above the cutting edge where they become distinctly out-turned / splayed. The axe is a mid-green colour with a large areas of highly polished surface patina. This patina has been broken in several places and where this has occurred laminating corrosion has removed considerable surfaces. Where this damage has occurred a light grey green powdery corrosion is evident. Although there has been some surface loss there is no evidence of applied incised or hammered decoration.

Length: 145 mm

Width: 76 mm

Thickness: 6mm 

Weight: 343 g



Needham flat axe class 3, either C or D. 





Many thanks to Ed Caswell and Peter Reavill for help in narrowing the axehead to a type.
Notes: 
Images and information kindly provided by the finder.

Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Burlescombe, Mid Devon, Devon ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.8 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 53.76 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy sword of Bronze Age date, c. 1600-800 BC. 



The fragment comprises part of the blade, and is sub-rectangular in shape, although it tapers to a narrowed break. It is lenticular in section, with a marked central rib giving it this profile. There are breaks at both terminals, and the sides of the blade are also jagged and damaged. The surface is largely a smooth dark brownish green, but areas of damage show the lighter green undersurface. 



Numerous similar fragments are recorded on the database, which include SF-F0C159 and NMGW-587A08. The size of the fragments makes close typological assessment difficult, but the width of this example suggests it is a wider blade belonging to the later Middle to Late Bronze Age.



Measurements: 68.8mm length,  35.1mm width, 6.5mm thickness, weight 53.76g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gnosall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 10.2 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy, tip from a spearhead, probably of Middle Bronze Age period, dating from c. BC 1500 to c. BC 1150.



The object is broadly triangular in plan and broadly lozenge shaped in cross section. The object has a rounded point at the top, which seems to have sustained some damage. From the point the sides of the object taper out, ensuring the object is wider at the base. There is a central raised ridge running vertically down the middle of the spear head, this appears on both sides. There is an old horizontal break at the base of the object, probably indicating the spear was broken in antiquity. There is damage to both edges of the blade.



It measures 53.0 mm in length, 11.9 mm wide (base), 3.9 mm wide (tip) and 8.3 mm thick. It weighs 10.2 g.



The spear head is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.



This object has lost most of it's diagnostic features and as a result further classification is difficult. However similar spearhead fragments have been recorded on the database, including SWYOR-1F74C1, SF-C557DC and WMID-270D2F. All have been dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.2 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 5.74 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy blade probably a dirk or rapier dating to the Middle Bronze age c. 1450 – 1150BC.



The blade is sub rectangular with a transverse break at one end and a rounded worn tip at the other. The sides of the blade expand slightly at the rounded tip. It is lenticular in cross section with a central mid rib and the blade is thinner in section on the upper part of the blade. The faces of the blade are plain and the edges worn and irregular. The blade is bent with a short narrow indentation across the mid rib on one face.  The object has a dark green patina.



Measurements: length = 30.20mm; width = 13.08mm widening at the rounded tip to13.89mm; thickness = 4.1mm narrowing to 1.3mm at the tip and weight = 5.74g.



Discussion: this is most probably the tip of a rapier or dirk fragment.  The bend in the blade is possibly a deliberate act to render the object unusable.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Malvern, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Description: A complete copper alloy spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1550-1250 BC). The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a sub-oval/leaf-shaped blade, with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces. The mid-rib is lozenge shaped and tapers from the tip of the spearhead into the socket of the spear. The socket is hollow and has cast side loops roughly half way up the socketed end on opposing sides. The socketed end is slightly chipped but overall the object shows few signs of wear. The object has a smooth dark brown to dark green patina, which is pitted in places.



This form of spearhead can be classified as Davis Group 6 (Davis 2017). Davis (2017) 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 thus dates these types to the Acton Park and Taunton phases, circa 1550-1250 BC. As such this example has been similarly dated. 



Comparable objects recorded on the PAS database include: SWYOR-A609BB; LIN-0DDC06; and LANCUM-D63A53.



The object measures 109mm in length, 19mm in width and 14mm in depth.
Notes: Photographs and dimensions kindly supplied by the finder during the third Covid-19 lockdown period.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 2.85 g
Description: 
Copper alloy blade tip fragment probably from a socketed spearhead. This is the tip of the spearhead and has a flat spine running down the centre, flanked by bevelled edges on both sides. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kettlewell with Starbotton, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.7 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 9.91 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy blade probably from a rapier and probably dating from the Middle Bronze Age, 1500 BC - 1150 BC. The fragment is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and slightly tapered. A central ridge / mid rib runs along the length of the fragment on both faces making it lentoid in cross-section. The patina is brown and speckled green and the surface is smooth. The breaks at both ends are abraded and at least partially patinated. The length is 40.7mm, width 11.5mm, thickness 1.0mm and weight is 9.91g. A direct parallel for the rapier blade cannot be attributed due to the fragmentary nature and lack of diagnostic features and so a broad Middle Bronze Age date is suggested.



The narrowness of the blade and the nearly straight edges suggest this fragment is from a rapier rather than a sword or dagger. Compare HESH-A4380B for a similar fragment, and SOM-71AABB for a near complete example.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kettlewell with Starbotton, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.6 mm
Weight: 30.2 g
Description: A cast bronze side looped and socketed spear (spearhead) of Middle Bronze Age date (1550- 1250 BC). It is broken into two pieces, but the break is partially patinated and the object is otherwsie almost complete.



The socket below the blade is 66.6mm in length; it has a width of 10.8mm broadening to 12.3mm at the base. It weighs 30.2g. The socket is hollow for at least 50mm, and extends into the blade with a ridged mid rib extending to the tip. The blade is narrow in shape with smooth oval edges. There are the remains of cast loops, one on each side, halfway down the socket. Above the loops the shaft narrows before widening to form the base of the blade.  It measures 34.1mm in length, 10.6mm in  width, 5.8mm in thickness and weighs 10.16g. 



Davis describes spearheads from the earlier MBA as 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. (Classified as type 6).



Ref: Later Prehistoric Finds Group : Object Datasheet No.5 , Richard Davis PhD, A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101 mm
Weight: 33.5 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy socketed spearhead of Davis’ (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped) of  Middle Bronze Age, probably a product of the later Arreton, Acton Park, Taunton or early Wilburton metalworking phases (c. 1500 – 1100BC, or Needham’s (1996) Periods 4-5). The spearhead is 101mm in length, with a pointed leaf-shaped blade, 20mm wide across the rounded lower part of the wings, which comprises half of the extant length of the spearhead. This has a prominent rounded midrib which runs seamlessly from the socket to the blade tip. The socket is conical with a flanking pair of small rounded side loops around one third of the way up the length of the spearhead from the open socket. One of these loops is incomplete.
Notes: Cf Davis’ (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped) type.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2150 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Battle, Rother, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.86 mm
Weight: 51.75 g
Description: A copper or copper-alloy leaf shaped razor or knife dating to the Middle Bronze Age c. 2150-1500 BC.



The leaf shaped blade is lenticular in cross-section. One surface is almost flat and the other slightly convex possibly with the remains of a midrib. The tang is also lenticular  in cross section with opposing convex surfaces. The surface extending from the flat side of the blade steeply convex and the opposing side extending from the midrib side is gently convex and almost flat. The tang measures12.44mm at the base of the blade tapering to a point. It thickens from 7.68mm tapering to 1.75mm at the tip. The side profile of the tang terminates in a curve with a sharply upturned tip.The object is covered in pale green corrosion, but is a bright copper underneath. 



Measurements: length: 91.86mm; width: 32.78mm; thickness of blade: 7.31mm and weight: 51.75g. 



Discussion: The upturned tang would have held the original wood, bone or antler handle in place. Other similar examples on the database include: LANCUM-0FBC03; LEIC-081BB1; SF5067. See also Watson, P. 1993 no. 76, a razor metal detected in 1986 in Bewdley Worcestershire and now in Birmingham museum (1987.A218.).



Elle De Spretter notes that the shape is consistent with Peggy Piggot's Class I, Butler and Smith Class Ib and Jockenhovel's double edge with long oval blade and tang.



References:



Butler and Smith, 1956. Razors, urns and the British Middle Bronze Age', Univ London Inst Archaeol Ann Rep Vol. 12.



Piggott C.M. 1946. The Late Bronze Age Razors of the British Isles, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society (N.S. 12 (XII)).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Marton cum Grafton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 151.7 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight: 446 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy flanged axe dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1600-1300 BC. It is probably from Needham Period 4-5; the Arreton, Acton or Taunton metalwork assemblage. There is a lozenge shaped flange on each side of the butt end. The blade tip is crescent shaped but no bevels are visible. The sides of the blade flare towards the cutting edge, and are curved. There is no stop ridge for the handle to butt against, but the blade is thicker than the septum. There is a raised curved line at the haft end of the blade - a shield pattern - on both faces, and within the shield is a central arris running along the axe towards the septum. The surfaces inside the flanges are smooth and deep green, but the more exposed surfaces are extensively pitted. The butt end is damaged, so it is not clear if it was notched (concave) or not. The object weighs 446g, has a length of 151.7mm, a width of 29.7mm and has a thickness of 29mm.  



Compare DOR-5D7F46 which cites Peter Reavill who reports that Burgess and Schmidt note the affinities of the shield shaped pattern to that seen on Palstaves of the same period (pp 84-89)" suggesting a date of about 1600-1400 BC (Needham Periods 4-5 and Burgess Metal Working Stage VII and VIII). SWYOR-596EEA is also similar and the record comments that: "Winged axes of the Taunton assemblage are more common in Northern England." See also the short flanged axes in figure 31 of Rohl and Needham (1998) Britsh Museum Occasional paper 102.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1900 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shere, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.6 mm
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Weight: 63.6 g
Description: A fragment of an Early Bronze Age developed flat axe of Needham’s Class 4 but of uncertain sub-type, probably dating to the later part of Needham’s (1996) Period 3 (c. 1900 – 1600 BC). The surviving portion comprises a 40.6mm long section of the blade end. The fragment is flat in profile, with the tapering ends of parallel flanged ridges along each side. The blade appears to be facetted into the cutting edge. The break at the rear end is patinated and ancient.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Steeple Claydon, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 87 mm
Thickness: 14.3 mm
Weight: 22.31 g
Description: A complete but chipped copper alloy spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1550-1250 cal BC) consisting of a circular socket with side loops above which is a leaf shaped blade. 



The spearhead's blade is broadly leaf shaped in plan with a point of maximum width (PMW) placed 14.5mm along its 43.2mm length. Below the PMW the blade edges first narrow in a convex arc before abruptly becoming straight diagonal lines to meet the haft of the object. Above the PMW they narrow smoothly in a convex arc to the blades' point. Both blades have irregular chips missing possibly from damage in the soil, although there are at least two (maybe three) V-shaped chips in one blade near the tip of the spear that may be from use or an act of deliberate damage.  The mid-rib  is pronounced, runs the length of the blade and is lozenge shaped in cross section. the blade is flat beyond the midrib with no evidence of a bevel.



The socket is circular in cross section with a maximum diameter of 14.3mm at its base. The socket contain concreted soil within it. The spear's has cast side loops placed roughly half way up the socketed end on opposing sides. each loop is c. 10.9mm long, thin (2.0mm wide) and has a sub-oval hole. They do not appear to have been hammered after casting having a stringy appearance. Two casting seem run the length of the socket along lines that include each of the side loops. These are most pronounced between the side loops and blade.



The spear has a mostly thick dark green patina that is chipped to reveal a lighter green patina below. There are some lighter bronze scratches possibly from recent damage by the plough.



The spearhead is 87.0mm long, 14.3mm thick at the socket narrowing to c.2.3mm thick at the blade tip and weighs 22.31 grams.  



Side-looped spearheads are Greenwell and Brewis'  (1909) Class IV which they date to the early Middle Bronze Age. Davis (2012) has recently provided a more thorough typology of Bronze Age spearheads in Britain within this typology this form most closely matches his type 6E (leaf shaped) with a point of maximum width placed c. 34% along the blades length and convex blade edges. While the lower blade edge is somewhat angular similar to those seen on Kite shaped spearheads, these may be warped and are illustrated on further leaf shaped spearheads illustrated by Davis (2012: pl. 34, Nos. 570, 584. 587 and 590). Davis (2012: 108-9) argues side looped forms to The Acton Park Phase (1550-1400 cal BC) with the suggestion that in some areas this use may be extended slightly into the Taunton Phase (1400-1250 cal BC).  A date of c. 1550 to 1250 cal BC is most appropriate (following Needham et al. 1997) this would match Needham's (1996) period 5.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Felthorpe, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 140 mm
Weight: 290 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age palstave axe of typical non side-looped form, with 'shield-shaped' moulding immediately below the stop ridge. Pitted, worn and corroded, damaged butt end and flanges. Length 140mm. Width 55mm. Weighs 290g. c. 1,600 to 1,400 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Pennard, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 184 mm
Thickness: 23.7 mm
Weight: 169.78 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Late Bronze Age socketed leaf-shaped spearhead, 184mm in length, probably of pegged type. The form most likely corresponds to Davis' (2017) group 11, probably a product of the Wilburton or Ewart Park Metalwork Assemblages and dating to c.1200- 800 BC. The socket is incomplete, but what remains is a maximum 23.7mm diameter and tapers seamlessly into a thick round midrib. The blade is leaf shaped and tapers regularly to a thin triangular point. The cross section is lenticular with no clear distinction between midrib and wing. There is a remnant of a narrow flange around the blade edge on one side at the widest point suggesting a stepped or bevelled blade edge which has mostly been lost to corrosion. Much of the original surface is retained; there is no trace of decoration apparent.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cornelly, Bridgend, Bridgend (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.3 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 65.5 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type and of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries dated to c. 1150 – 600BC



The fragmentary cast axe is represented by a blade fragment (with a surviving length of 42.3mm, a maximum thickness of 12.2mm and a weight of 65.5g). The axe has broken in antiquity across one face and through the base of the socket on the other face. The socket is rectangular (33.4mm wide). The sides appear to be straight and gradually divergent to the blade edge. Corrosion has removed any casting seam on the sides. The original edge blade edge has been lost and is eroded (with a width of 42.0mm) but is near-straight and shallow (with a surviving depth of 5mm). The blade faces are slightly convex across their widths but near-flat across the length of the more complete face. There is no surviving evidence for ribs on the face but the surface is very heavily corroded. Traces of a mid to dark green patina are evident but much of the surface has a pale-green active corrosion.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The presence of a socket base indicates a Late Bronze Age date for the axe, c. 1,150 – 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork. The straight shallow blade is consistent with axes of South Wales (Stogursey) type but should not discount other possible types
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fairburn, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103.1 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 117.05 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment of a Bronze Age sword dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, 1300 BC to 800 BC. It is also possible that the fragment is from a dirk or rapier. The blade is lentoid in cross-section with edge bevels on both faces. Both ends are broken and the damage does not appear to be recent. The breaks are patinated but not worn. The fragment tapers and has straight edges. The surface has been recently slightly damaged in the centre where the patina is missing. There appears to be post depositional bending in the centre, causing cracks in the patina, which is a blue-green colour where it is undisturbed. The fragment is 103.1mm long; 36.3mm wide narrowing to 27.3mm; 6.3mm thick, and it weighs 117.5g.



See https://finds.org.uk/guides/bronzeage/objects/swords. This fragment is probably most likely to be from a Wilburton or Ewart Park type sword but could also be from the Taunton or Penard style phases. Compare WMID-871F5F and YORYM-17D783.



The location of the findspot in the Aire Valley, fairly near to the burial mounds and henge at Ferrybridge, may be significant, and could suggest intentional deposition in a riverine environment, perhpas after being deliberately broken.
Notes: 
Bronze Age swords are not common finds in North Yorkshire, so it has been made a find of note.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy Wood
Found: Sedgehill and Semley, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 92.1 mm
Thickness: 37.3 mm
Weight: 214.42 g
Description: A late bronze age socketed axehead which retains a portion of wood within the socket. The axehead is of a late Bronze Age type probably attributable to the Ewart Park Metalworking Industry, (c. 1000-700BC) with a single sideloop near the socket and three moulded ridges to each side of the blade which run half way down to the cutting edge. There is corrosion damage to the socket end on one side which has resulted in three fragments breaking away; they are however retained (2nd image). The socket is 37.3mm by 44mm and of sub rectangular form with a circumferential ridge around the opening. The blade edge is damaged from corrosion but flares slightly and tapers to a thickness of around 7mm. There are casting spurs along the seams on the sides.



The wood in the socket is soft and fibrous and a light tan / brown in colour. It appears to completely fill the hollow centre of the axehead (3rd image).
Notes: 
The retention of wood within the socket of this axehead is exceptionally rare and made possibly only by localised anaerobic preservation in a waterlogged context (possibly a ditch fill). These conditions have further resulted in poor preservation of the metal.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to 600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Michaelstone-y-Fedw, Newport, Newport (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.9 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 52.3 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type and of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries dated to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The fragmentary cast axe is represented by a blade fragment only (with a surviving length of 29.9mm, a maximum thickness of 12.0mm and a weight of 52.3g) and is of comparatively slender form. At the top of the fragment is the base of the socket of sub-rectangular form (26.7mm x 5.5mm and with a maximum surviving depth of 2.4mm), broken in antiquity. A small length of the sides survive (24-5mm), which appear slightly bevelled towards a raised central ridge, which comprises the finished casting seams. The surviving sides are near-straight and slightly divergent to the blade tips (with a surviving blade edge width of 40.0mm). The original edge blade edge has been lost and is eroded but has a slight curved edge (with a surviving depth of 5mm). The surviving blade faces are very slightly convex across both their lengths and widths. There are no ribs evident on the surviving faces. The surfaces are corroded with a partially preserved dark-green patina and elsewhere has a pale green corrosion.



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The presence of a socket base indicates a Late Bronze Age date for the axe, c. 1,150 – 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Madley, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.5 mm
Thickness: 12.4 mm
Weight: 30.2 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type and of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries dated to c. 1,150 – 600BC



The fragmentary cast axe is represented by a blade fragment only (with a surviving length of 30.5mm, a maximum thickness of 12.4mm and a weight of 30.2g). At the top of the fragment is the base of the socket of sub-rectangular form (28.8mm x 5.2mm and with a maximum surviving depth of 7.6mm), broken in antiquity. The socket is wedge-shaped, converging towards its base. A small length of the sides survive (19mm), which appear slightly bevelled towards a central ridge, which comprises the neatly finished casting seams. The surviving sides are straight and slightly divergent to the blade tips (with a surviving blade edge width of 39.2mm). The original edge blade edge has been lost and is eroded but is irregular with a slight curved edge (with a surviving depth of 5mm). The surviving blade faces are slightly convex across both their lengths and widths. There are no ribs evident on the surviving faces. The surface has a partially preserved dark-green patina and elsewhere has a pale green corrosion. 



The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The presence of a socket base indicates a Late Bronze Age date for the axe, c. 1,150 – 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne Bassett, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 18.8 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 7.82 g
Description: A copper alloy penannular ring or ring core of probable Bronze Age date (c. 1300-800BC). The ring is made from a circular sectioned loop. The original surface is missing, and green and brown copper corrosion products cover the ring. The blue corrosion product is likely azurite. Objects such as this are often termed “ring money” or “hair rings” but are most likely a form of personal adornment worn on the nose or ears.  Typically dated to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age, it is suggested in NMGW-04216C that they in fact originate in the Middle bronze age and continue in use until the end of the Bronze Age. This means a wider date range of c. 1300-800BC must be given for this object. 



It is possible that this object is a core onto which sheet gold or gold/silver alloy would have been fixed. The XRF results may support this as a trace quantity of gold and silver was detected.



The finder was kind enough to take an XRF scan of this object. While this will not give precise readings of the metal composition it does give indication as to the elements present. The results were: Cu 42%; Sn 42%; Si 7%; Pb 3%; Au + Ag 0.4%
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lessingham, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97.4 mm
Thickness: 22.2 mm
Weight: 212 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper-alloy socketed axehead. The mouth of the socket has become squashed and broken (and the breaks worn). Approximately half of the mouth is missing to a depth of 16 to 20mm. Another quarter of similar depth is detached but extant, while the fourth quarter is in-situ and integral. The detached fragment fits back onto the axehead well, in a position opposite and squashed against the integral quarter. Both parts are thickened at the rim and their shape indicates that the mouth was originally oval.



The axehead is sub-rectangular in transverse cross-section (rounded corners and slightly convex faces). In width, it tapers concavely from the mouth to the centre and then expands concavely to the lateral tips of the curved cutting edge.  In thickness, it expands convexly from the mouth to a point about a third of the way along of its length (mainly or wholly due to having been squashed) and then tapers convexly from there until it terminates in a point at the cutting edge.



The two narrow faces each bear a longitudinal casting seam, and one bears a loop, which is biconvex in cross-section and situated close to the mouth. A small fragment of the cutting edge has been lost from a worn break near its centre. The whole object is patinated bright green. 10th to 8th century BC



Length: 97.4mm. Width (at cutting edge): 50.8mm. Thickness at centre (broad face to broad face): 22.2mm. Thickness of rim: 5.4mm. Weight: 212g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Deanshanger, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.3 mm
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Weight: 38 g
Description: A fragment of a middle Bronze Age copper alloy axehead, probably a flanged or palstave type, comprising a 38.3mm long section of the cutting end. The blade is flat in profile, 10.2mm thick and has a flared crescentic cutting edge which appears to be faceted slightly as it tapers. The body of the axehead has a narrow rectangular cross section 18.2mm wide and ends at a break which is patinated and looks ancient.
Subsequent action: Finder applying for an export licence
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Harting, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 128.8 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 68.4 g
Description: A near-complete copper alloy Wessex dagger dating from the Early Bronze Age (c. 1600-1400 BC), of EBAIII Arreton (Camerton-Snowshill) type (following Gerloff 1975) or Series 5D (following Needham 2015), and of Needham's (1996) Period 4-5. The blade is 128.8mm in length and tapers with ogival sides to a point from a 47.3mm width rear end which has two rivet holes. The blade has lenticular cross section and is decorated with two sets of four parallel grooves which run along each edge of  the blade on both sides, following the line of the taper and merging at the point. The blade edges are bevelled. The midrib merges seamlessly into the profile of the blade. The tip is slightly bent.
Notes: 
Camerton-Snowshill daggers are generally deposited within burials with a largely Wiltshire and Dorset distribution and have a date range that is believed to span the Early to Middle Bronze Age transition.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder