dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1140 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pentyrch, Cardiff, Cardiff (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.3 mm
Thickness: 9.8 mm
Weight: 17.73 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe head of Late Bronze Age date, likely dating from the Wilburton-Wallington metalworking phase to the Llyn Fawr Phase (c. 1140 to 700 BC).



The fragment consists solely of part of the blade nearest to one blade tip, one side and face of the axe, and part of the very bottom of the socket of the axe. The cutting edge of the blade is missing, but enough remains of the side and blade to see that the blade curved down from a now missing projecting blade tip. The fragment measures 24.9mm from the broken tip to the break perpendicular to the blade edge.



The base of the socket is a maximum of 17.2mm from the broken blade edge, and measures 14.9mm in length from the side to the break. A fragment of one face survives projecting 8.9mm up from the base of the socket. The face wall is 4.6mm thick, while the remaining scar from the other wall is 3mm across, although possibly incomplete. 



Only 10.6mm of one side remains, with possible flashing remaining, and a visible expansion to form the blade tip.



The extremely fragmentary nature of the object leaves too few diagnostic features to place it comfortably into a precise type, but a socketed axe like this likely dates to between Wilburton-Wallington and Llyn Fawr metalworking phases. Most socketed axes from South Wales date to the Ewart Park metalworking phase. The way in which this axe has been broken suggests intentional destruction.



The fragment has a green pitted patina with patches of bright blue corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Thatcham, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.5 mm
Thickness: 15.1 mm
Weight: 29.97 g
Description: A near complete cast copper alloy socketed spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date. The form corresponds to Davis’ (2012) Group 6 (Developed side-looped) and is most proba a product of the later Acton Park, Taunton or early Wilburton metalworking phases (Needham’s (1996) Periods 4-bly5, c 1500-1100 BC). The blade was leaf shaped and 18.7mm in width with a pronounced mid rib which extends to the socket. There is a small area of damage to one side of the blade. The socket depth is 52mm. There are two small and narrow flanking side loops around half way along the tapering conical socket.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: East Walton, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.8 mm
Weight: 11.3 g
Description: Gently curved fragment of the mouth of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead. Below the external rounded thickening there is a horizontal rib moulding. The breaks are not recent. The shiny surface, especially evident on the interior, is probably the result of tin enrichment. Extant length and width 20.8 and 26.3mm. Weight 11.3g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.2 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 2.98 g
Description: A copper-alloy Late Bronze Age (c.AD1150-800) awl/chisel. The object has a square cross section in the middle and tapers on four sides towards a flat, chisel edge. The other end tapers to a flattened point with a small knop on the terminus.
Notes: Cf. OXON-C4D536 on the database which states: Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). Awls are generally considered to be Later Bronze Age in date (c.1600-800 cal BC) however, as a functional object the form of the awl barely changes from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods and a selection of broadly comparable awls are recorded in Ottaway and Rogers (2002).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1350 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.9 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 24.5 g
Description: An incomplete fragment from a cast bronze (copper alloy) rapier or possible dirk of Middle Bronze Age II date (1350 to 1100), Taunton/Perand phase.



The fragment consists of part of the upper blade, just below the hilt. it is sub rectangular in shape. It has a lentoid cross section and is slightly bent in cross section. The blade edges are incomplete. The blade edges are 2.0 mm thick.



It measures 84.9 mm in length, 20.5 mm wide and 4.1 mm thick. It weighs 24.5 g.



The fragment is a mid to dark green colour with an even surface patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loggerheads, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 50.4 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy (bronze) knife or dirk, dating from the Early Bronze Age III (1800 to 1500 BC, Arreton phase) to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1300 to 1150 BC).



Two joining fragments of a knife or dirk. The knife or dirk would have been triangular in shape. Traces of rivet holes are present at the top of the top fragment. A median rib is present on both fragments. Blade facets are present along the edge but the original edges have been damaged. The middle section has been decorated by stippling. The break between the fragments is patinated, indicating that it was broken prior to deposition.



The upper fragment measures 50.1 mm in length, 34.4 mm wide and 4.2 mm thick. The blade edges are 2.2 mm thick. It weighs 25.3 g. 

The lower fragment measures 70.3 mm in length, 23.6 mm wide and 5.1 mm thick. The blade edges are 2.0 mm thick. The point is 6.7 mm wide. It weighs 25.1 g.

Together they weigh 50.4 g.



Both fragments are 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.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Anvil (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2350 to 1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.1 mm
Thickness: 7.4 mm
Weight: 19.76 g
Description: A copper-alloy probable miniature anvil of uncertain date, probably dating between the Bronze Age and the early-modern period (c. 2350&nbsp;BC&nbsp;-&nbsp;AD&nbsp;1800). It consists of a rectangular body.&nbsp;The is a triangular projection from&nbsp;one short edge and a triangular projection from one long edge.

The object has a dark green coloured patina covering all surfaces.
This object may have been used for very fine metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hoby with Rotherby, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 55.37 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 11.64 g
Description: A Bronze Age? copper-alloy awl, dating to c. 1150 - 800 BC. The object is square in cross section along half of its length, and at the mid-point tapers to a circular cross-sectioned and point at one terminal. At the other terminal it flattens to become rectangular in cross-section, before ending in a chisel-shaped terminal. The surface is undecorated. 

Length: 55.37 mm

Thickness: 8.20 mm

Weight: 11.64 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hyde Lea, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.5 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 23.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (bronze) flat axe of Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2350 BC to c. 2050 BC).



The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in shape with an incomplete rounded shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with tapering edges. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow rounded profile; the width at the butt is 11.9 mm (thickness: 2.0 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively straight. The axe is thickest at the mid point (6.0 mm), with no sign of a proto stop ridge. The sides of the blade expand to produce a rounded blade edge with an abraded width of 21.1 mm (thickness 2.5 mm).



It measures 46.5 mm in length, maximum width at the blade is 21.1 mm, width at the butt is 11.9 mm and it has a maximum thickness of 6.0 mm. It weighs 23.5 grams.



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



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



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



Reference:



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



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. p.46-47
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fencott and Murcott, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 89.7 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight: 181 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze unlooped palstave axehead dating to c. 1500-1150 cal BC. It is missing the majority of its blade to an abraded transverse break placed 14mm below the stopridge.



The butt of the axe is c.20.2mm wide, c.3.9mm thick and has a diagonal edge that is straight but worn.  The septum measures c.66.9mm in length and is mostly consistent in thickness along its length narrowing very slightly at the stop ridge due to two small casting flaws on each side. The flanges of this axe begin 11mm after the butt and widen in a slightly convex curve reaching their tallest point (c.26mm) 9mm before the stop ridge from which they are a consistent height. The stop ridge is a very shallow crescent shape.



The blade extends 14mm beyond the stop ridge before ending in an abraded break over which distance it is straight sided. It is thinner than the stop ridge being c.9.9mm thick creating a slight ledge marked by a concave curve. It narrows slightly along its length. The flanges continue along the outside edges of the axe creating two raised borders (flange extensions) which flank a pronounced a central raised midrib.



 Shallow but clear casting seams can be seen running along the middle of the axe down its length.



The axe has a dark orange brown patina that has been chipped in a few spots revealing light green colour underneath. There are some concreted iron pan deposits around the septum suggesting it was, at some point placed within waterlogged conditions.



The palstave is 89.7mm long, 25.5mm wide, 26mm thick if including the flanges and weighs 181 grams



The characteristic features of this palstave are the relatively straight stop ridge (rather than curved), convex and then stepped flanges which begin after the butt and which rise higher than the the stop ridge, and raised flange continuations flanking a midrib decorating the blade. The lack of a blade shape prevents a certain identification however these features are all shared by Primary phase palstaves of the Oxford type examples of which are illustrated by Schmidt and Burgess (1981: pl.58 Nos 788-799). Rowlands (1976, no. pl.29) which he categorises as his class 2 which he places in the Middle bronze Age c. 1500-1150 cal BC .This is supported by a near identical example from a Middle Bronze Age ornament hoard (BERK-4DC8D6)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Norton, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 6.4 mm
Weight: 5 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment probably from a Bronze Age spearhead, dating from 1700 BC - 800 BC. The fragment is the tip of the spearhead. It is lentoid in section, with a slight ridge running down each face and seems very worn. From the tip it is 25mm long until it ends in a rounded and patinated break. It has a dark green patina. The tip is 25mm long, 11.9mm wide and 6.4mm thick. It weighs 5g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton Snodsbury, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Weight: 7 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy chisel or possible miniature axehead dating to the Early Bronze Age (c. 2000BC -1700 BC). The object is trapezoidal in plan and wedge-shaped in cross-section with a flaring cutting edge and narrowed shaft. The sides descend from the butt almost vertically then fan out in a smooth curve to form the, now chipped, cutting edge. 



For a comparable example see PAS record LIN-9CD5CA. According to Brundle (2021) 'diminutive axes are often associated with Roman votive offerings. However, the axe recorded here is clearly of a Bronze Age form. Miniature flat axes such as this tend to fit in the chronology at the very end of the early Bronze Age when developed axes are becoming established. It is likely that this example is dated to the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II-III)', 



The object measures 42mm in length and weighs 7g. 



Reference:



Brundle, L (2021) LIN-9CD5CA: A BRONZE AGE MINIATURE OBJECT Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1038077 [Accessed: Dec 22, 2021 5:40:48 PM]
Notes: 
Photographs and dimensions kindly supplied by the finder via email. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.61 mm
Thickness: 16.75 mm
Weight: 130 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy socketed axehead fragment, dating from the Late Bronze Age to early Iron Age,(c. 950-750 BC).



The surviving element consists of the cutting edge which is crescentic, and sharply flaring. The surviving fragment has a hollow centre, representing the beginning of a socket. The front and rear surfaces of the axe are slightly concave with multiple sub-oval indentations and there are raised casting seams remaining along each side.  The blade edge is worn, and the tips irregular through use.  while the breaks on the body are also old and worn. The exterior surfaces of the axehead have a mid-green patina. 



Not enough of the artefact is extant in order to determine further typological designation, but socketed axes generally date from the Middle to Late Bronze Age through to the Early Iron Age (circa BC 1300-BC 800). It is possibly of Southern Eastern type, which date c. 900-600 BC. 



Measurements: length: 53.61mm; width at blade: 55.65mm; thickness at break: 16.75mm and weight. 130g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1150 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gweek, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.45 mm
Thickness: 5.48 mm
Weight: 6.79 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy Awl of probable late Bronze Age date (1150-800 BC). The awl is square in cross section along most of its length, and tapers to a rounded point at one terminal. At the other terminal it flattens to become rectangular, before ending in a chisel-shaped terminal. The surface is undecorated and has a dark green patina with small patches of bright green colouring.



Measurements: Length, 57.45mm; Width, 5.92mm; Thickness, 5.48; Weight, 6.79g
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield, Dacorum, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.08 mm
Thickness: 5.56 mm
Weight: 14.7 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy Bronze Age blade fragment from a spear or dagger. The fragment is broadly rectangular in shape and lentoid in cross-section, with gradually tapering sides. The long edges are worn and uneven, being damaged in several places. The breaks at each end are old, worn and patinated, suggesting they occurred in antiquity. Both faces of the blade have etched decoration along the long edges in the form of four or five linear grooves. The area of the blade between this decoration is undecorated and plain in appearance.



The blade fragment is very worn and abraded. The surfaces are pitted and rough, with some lamination in places.



The patina is mid-green in colour and evenly distributed, with small sparse patches of mid-brown across the surfaces.



The blade fragment measures 33.08mm in length, a maximum of 20.94mm in width and a maximum of 5.56mm in thickness. It weighs 14.70 grams.



Peter Reavill, Finds Liaison Officer for Shropshire, suggests that the blade is most likely the tip of a Late Bronze Age (c. 1100-800 BC) spearhead decorated with grooves, or possibly, based on the decoration, a fragment from an earlier object - such as an arreton / Snowshill dagger of the Early Bronze Age III (c. 1600-1400 BC), though these are very rare and thus more unlikely (e.g. HAMP-C13678).
Notes: The finder reports that this was found within a few feet of BH-C4785A, which may or may not be related.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield, Dacorum, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.6 mm
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Weight: 15.56 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy fragment from an uncertain socketed object, probably of Late Bronze Age date (c. 1150-750 BC). The fragment is broadly trapezoidal in plan with four unevenly worn edges. The upper edge is relatively straight and has a worn notch of damage towards one end. The adjacent edge has a short triangular recess and a long edge that extends outwards to the lower pointed corner. The opposite short edge has three unevenly spaced semi-circular recesses. The lower edge, meanwhile, is rounded and curves inwards before the break. An integral flange extending along approximately three quarters of this inside edge is broadly sub-triangular in cross-section and expands from what is otherwise the uneven sub-rectangular-sectioned wall.



None of the external or interior surfaces are decorated and all have uneven light green, light brown and dark brown patination.



The fragment measures 31.6mm in length, 23.5mm in width, a minimum of 3.3mm in thickness and a maximum of 9.3mm in thickness. The entire object weighs 15.56 grams.
Notes: The finder reports that this was found within a few feet of BH-6F439A, which may or may not be related.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59 mm
Thickness: 9.89 mm
Weight: 18.8 g
Description: Bronze Age spearhead: The spearhead is fragmentary with the tip remaining and probably dates from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 cal BC. The fragment is triangular in plan, tapering to the spear's point which remains sharp. It has an oval midrib that is solid and runs to the point of the spear as it tapers in width and depth. From the midrib the blade extends, with each side forming an elongated triangle. The fragment has a shiny dark brown patina. The break at the lower edge is not too recent.



The fragment measures 59mm long, 20.06mm wide, 9.89mm thick and weighs 18.80 grams.



Not enough of the spearhead has remained to be able to date this fragment to a more precise range.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kempsford, Cotswold, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 165 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight: 487 g
Description: A copper alloy long flanged palstave axe dating to the late Early to early Middle Bronze Age.  The front of the axe mounts that blade which has a curved forward edge that is bevelled on both sides and lead the main portion of the blade, here a low central spine on both sides runs from the bevel to the low stop ridge that is positioned in the centre of the axe.  Large flagged sides project perpendicular to either side of the body of the axe, each side as a convex profile that runs from the butt of the implement to just below the base of the cutting edge.  



This is likely to be of Arreton or early Acton Park metalworking phase, perhaps dating to 1800 - 1600 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Amport, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.3 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 3.07 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy blade from a mid to late Bronze Age spear, or possibly a rapier or sword, comprising the pointed tip, which is&nbsp;18mm in length, triangular in shape with a lenticular cross section and has a pronounced midrib. The sides are&nbsp;faceted and the blade is&nbsp;slightly bent along its length.&nbsp;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Medstead, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.5 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 5.95 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy dirk or rapier dating to c. 1450-1150BC. The fragment comprises the tip which is triangular, 39.5mm in length and has a lenticular cross section 4.1mm thick with a pronounced rounded midrib.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Porthcawl, Bridgend, Bridgend (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.6 mm
Thickness: 8.7 mm
Weight: 20.44 g
Description: A fragmentary cast copper alloy axehead, probably a developed flat axe or palstave of Middle Bronze Age date (c.1500-1100 BC). The fragment comprises the narrow butt of the axehead, which is sub-rectangular in plan (overall length 32.6mm) and sub-triangular in profile that thins to the edge of the butt. The sides are straight and only slightly divergent (width at butt is 17.1mm, width at break is 20mm). The object is convex across the thickness beginning c.10mm from the butt edge and increasing gradually, reaching the maximum thickness (8.7mm at the edges, 6.2mm at the centre between the flanges) at the break (which occurred in old damage). The butt is narrow and thin with a surviving thickness of c.0.7mm. The surface is a dark green patina mottled with patches of bright green corrosion and weighs 20.44g.

The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification difficult. The gradual flange suggests the fragment is likely a developed flat axe rather than a palstave, which have a more dramatic flange at the butt.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitehill, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 117 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 233 g
Description: An extremely corroded triangular cast copper alloy object, 117mm in length, possibly a flat axehead of early Bronze Age date. The object has moderately concave sides and flares from a width of 6mm at the butt to 56mm at the blade. The side profile lacks a lenticular profile and the cross section appears entirely flat; this may be due to the extensive corrosion loss which has also removed any blade edges and sides. A stop bevel may be present, this has again been corroded to the extent where it is difficult to see.



Cf. Needham's (2017) Class 4 B (Type Aylesford), Period 2-3, circa 2200-1800 BC.
Notes: 
A surface find made by a walker.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chirton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.2 mm
Diameter: 7.46 mm
Weight: 8.46 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged awl, punch or engraving tool, 60.2mm in length and probably of Bronze Age to Roman date. It has a sharp pointed tip and a worn break at the opposite end at a stepped base of a missing sub-rectangular tang. The pointed section is hexagonal in profile, with six distinct flat faces and tapers from 7.46mm to 1.8mm at the point.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1150 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bucklebury, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60.4 mm
Thickness: 7.1 mm
Weight: 12.14 g
Description: A Bronze Age? copper-alloy awl, dating to c. 1150 - 800 BC. The object is square in cross section along half of its length, and at the mid-point tapers to a circular cross-sectioned and point at one terminal. At the other terminal it flattens to become rectangular in cross-section, before ending in a chisel-shaped terminal. The surface is undecorated.



Length: 60.4 mm

Width: 6.9 mm

Thickness: 7.1 mm

Weight: 12.14 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shirenewton, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 119.5 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight: 75.12 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy side-looped spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date. Probably of Davis’ (2012) Group 5 A (Wide Blade) of the Acton Park metalworking phase (1550-1400 BC).



At its mouth, the socket has a diameter of 2mm and an aperture diameter of 17.4mm, as well as an aperture depth greater than 43mm (the very end of the shaft aperture is still filled by soil to an unknown depth). Both side loops are present but damaged, sited 14.4mm to 12.7mm above the socket mouth, measuring 17.2mm long by 6.4mm wide and 17.7mm long by 5.6mm wide respectively. The shape of the loop plates is altered by damage and may originally have been oval or lozenge shaped. The loops are cast in line with the blade, and casting flashing is visible between the socket mouth, the loops and the blade. Much of the flashing appears to have been removed by hammering or possibly filing. Two small (one <0.5mm, the other c. 0.8mm) holes are present in each flashing line 12.7-11.9mm below the blade base respectively. The smaller hole enters the socket at an oblique angle and is partially covered by flashing. The size and positioning make it likely that these holes are chaplet holes, remnants of the casting process. 



The socket tapers into the blade until at c.26.5mm above the bade base becomes a lozenge sectioned midrib that continues as far as the tip. Damage to the blade edges has made it hard to ascertain the blade shape, which is best described as transitional between leaf and flame shaped. It has a blade length of 68.8mm and a 35.4mm wide PMW (Point of Maximum Width) at 32.84% up the full blade length (22.6mm from the blade base). The width of the blade as a percentage of its length is 51.45%. The blade is broad based and curves smoothly from the base to the blade edge. The single intact blade has a small concave “step” from the PMW to the blade edge, after which the blade runs straight to the tip. It is unclear if this is merely damage, or is reworking during the spears’ lifetime. The other blade edge is badly damaged, with 36mm of blade edge destroyed above the PMW and a large chunk 12.7mm long by 8.3mm deep gouged out of the blade just prior to or during recovery. The blades are flat and slightly beveled at the edges.



The identification of this spearhead as Davis’ (2012) Group 5 A (Wide Blade) is not certain, but is most likely based on general morphology, especially width of the blade being equivalent to 51.45% of blade length.



Length: 119.5mm



Width: 35.4mm



Thickness: 21mm



Weight: 75.12 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Coombes, Adur, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.6 mm
Thickness: 6.04 mm
Weight: 7.26 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed spearhead dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.1500 BC to 800 BC).



The triangular fragment comprises the tip of the spearhead. It is lozengiform in cross section with a large circular midrib and short side wings to the blade. The tip is missing and the interior of the body forms a concave hollow which represents the end of the socket. The edges of the blade are worn and abraded and there are multiple, fine, longitudal striations down both surfaces of both wings.



Measurements: length: 41.60mm; width: 16.53mm; max. thickness of midrib: 6.04mm and weight: 7.26g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loxwood, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.86 mm
Thickness: 9.61 mm
Weight: 92.41 g
Description: A fragment of an Early Bronze copper-alloy flat axehead of Needham's Class 2D & 3C, dating c. 2300 BC - 2050 cal BC.



The lower half of the axehead survives with a worn, patinated concave transverse break revealing a sub-rectangular cross-section. The axehead has trapezoidal sides and in profile, the fragment tapers to the crescentic cutting edge which is complete and very worn. The object has a heavily pitted green and mottled brown patinated surface.



Measurements: length: 47.86mm; width at cutting edge: 48.36mm; thickness at break: 9.61mm and weight: 92.41g. 



The missing butt makes the axeheads's type ambiguous. It may be a flat axe, missing only a small part of its length or a Palstave missing a large part of its blade and then the entire haft and flanges. The thinness of the blade suggests it is probably a flat axe and the relatively straight sides and only minor blade expansion best fits Needham's (1996) type 2D and 3C axeheads dating 2300-2050 cal BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishops Waltham, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.2 mm
Thickness: 12.2 mm
Weight: 8.81 g
Description: A fragment of the socket from a cast copper alloy socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age  (1100 BC -800 BC), 26.2mm in length, comprising a corner of the socket. The profile of the socket appears hexagonal. There are breaks to all sides of the fragment, so nothing from the rim or blade remains.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Denmead, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.64 mm
Thickness: 3.26 mm
Weight: 14.05 g
Description: A copper alloy blade tip fragment probably from a dirk or rapier dating to the middle Bronze Age c.1450-1150 BC.



The triangular tip of the blade remains and has a flat spine running down the centre, flanked by bevelled edges on both sides. The blade is lenticular in cross-section with a worn break and edges. It is pale green in colour, with brown patches.



Length 31.64mm; width 12.80mm; thickness: 3.26mm weight: 14.05g.



Similar examples recorded on the database include: HAMP-16A314 and SUSS-0E2C6A.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weeting-with-Broomhill, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 78.3 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 6.4 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl comprising a square- to rectangular-sectioned tang and a sub-circular-sectioned blade. Slight seam is from being hammered to shape from a rough cast ingot. Length 78.3mm. Maximum width / thickness 3.5mm. Weight 6.4g. c.1000 to c.700&nbsp;BC.

Field JBu16
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -1400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Burghwallis, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.8 mm
Thickness: 9.9 mm
Weight: 37.1 g
Description: A highly worn fragment of copper-alloy axehead, probably a flat axehead, of Early to Middle Bronze Age date about 2400 BC - 1400 BC.



The axehead survives as part of the splayed crescent blade and part of the body of the axe including one curved side where it flares to the cutting edge. The blade is very worn and only part of the cutting edge survives. In profile the fragment tapers to the cutting edge. The breaks are uneven and patinated, but not worn. The object has a heavily pitted green and mottled brown patinated surface. It is 33.8mm long, 37.1mm wide and 9.9mm thick. 37.1g.



Compare KENT-A1066C, SUR-0A7938 and SUR-E28B29. This axehead resembles those that date  from the Early to Middle Bronze Age. There is no evidence of a socket.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weeting-with-Broomhill, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77 mm
Thickness: 33.8 mm
Weight: 135 g
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead, with the lower part of the socket and all of the cutting edge missing below a non-recent break. A casting seam runs the full length of the sides from the almost circular mouth over a double collar to the break&nbsp;(that on one side over the side loop as well). All four corners below the lower collar are chamfered so that the cross-section is octagonal. Each chamfer, running between two&nbsp;ribs, narrows and curves outwards as it descends. At the break there is a strong difference in the thickness of the metal, between 2mm on one side and 4.5mm on the other. In quite fresh condition with a few thin patches of grey chalky soil adhering. Weight 135g. Extant length 77mm. Width at loop 40.7mm. Thickness at mouth 33.8mm. c.1000 - c.700&nbsp;BC.

Field WE3
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1500 to 1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shotteswell, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.2 mm
Thickness: 18.4 mm
Weight: 154.1 g
Description: An incomplete small axehead or a large chisel dated to the&nbsp;Middle BA 1500-1150

If&nbsp;an axe then it could be either a short flanged axehead or more likely a palstave.&nbsp;If it were a chisel then Middle - Late BA 1500-750. Looking at the blade - it seems more axe like and it has wear from being used and sharpened - one blade tip is lower than the other - the casting seams on the edges have also been hammered flat and finished - suggesting that this was an object that had a life prior to being broken. Patina&nbsp;would suggest damage prior to deposition. The&nbsp;orange on the metalwork suggests that the environment could well be seasonally wet - or it is from pasture that has a developed iron pan.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1600 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Hagbourne, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.6 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 5.92 g
Description: A broken blade fragment probably of a Bronze Age weapon, most likely a rapier dating to the Middle Bronze Age c. 1600-800 cal BC. Only a portion of the blade remains.



The large fragment is from the body of the blade. It has a hexagonal shaped cross section with wide flat faces and then bevelled blades edges which have been abraded and chipped. A thick dark green patina covers the majority of the fragment although it is chipped away in places revealing a green patina below. The small fragment is the tip of the blade. It is also abraded, chipped and rounded at the end.



While a more recent Roman or Medieval date should not be excluded the form of this fragment is consistent with many other rapier fragments recorded by the PAS including NMGW-587A08, SUR-BCF0BA and DENO-0EAF9



Part 1



Length: 24.6 mm

Width: 19.2 mm

Thickness: 2.5 mm

Weight: 4.84 g



Part 2:



Length: 11.2mm

Width: 16.4 mm

Thickness: 1.5 mm

Weight: 1.08 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brixton Deverill, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.6 mm
Weight: 116 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy miniature palstave axehead of probable Middle Bronze Age date (c. 1500-1300 cal BC, Acton Park). It is most similar to a primary shield type and the form is similar on both faces of the axehead. The rounded butt is incomplete with one side more rounded the other indicating an area of loss. It widens to form the septum (23mm at widest point). The flanges are high (c.10mm) and rise steeply from part away (approx. 8.5mm) along the septum before terminating at a prominent stop ridge (19.6mm wide, 21mm thick). From the abrupt slope stop the blade narrows slightly (18.5mm) before broadening outwards to the blade tip (32.9mm), and then turns downwards and curves to form the blade which has a rounded cutting edge. The sides of the flanges are plain and without evidence for side loops. The whole surface is corroded and much of the original surface is missing, but it is possible to see the remains of a shield beneath the stop ridge. The top of one flange is torn with a portion pushed inwards and a small area of loss, most likely caused by plough damage.



This is a rare item with only one other comparable find recorded in the PAS database (WMID-EFD2EE). Both examples have clear stop ridges, visible cutting edges, and no evidence for side loops. Other miniature palstaves recorded with the PAS are of different form or material including BERK-602025, HAMP-0FD867 (copper alloy side loop) and SUR-1C249A (lead side loop). This latter is recorded as an Iron Age or Roman item, which accords with the likely date of the many miniature socketed axeheads recorded with the PAS. For an extensive discussion and typology of these miniature socketed axeheads please see Bliss 2020. For this find, the precision of the form and the condition of the metal suggests it is of Bronze Age date rather than a later imitation, which accords with the tentative dating of WMID-EFD2EE. These miniature palstaves merit further research to identify their likely date and use.  



Length: 95.6mm



Length (haft): 40.7mm



Width (blade, widest point) 32.8mm



Width (at stop ridge): 19.6mm



Thickness (at stop ridge): 21.3mm



Height of stop ridge (c.7mm)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Upton Grey, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 18.04 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy tanged dagger or knife dating to the middle to late Bronze Age (c.1300-900 BC).





The object is comprised of a sub-rectangular tang (28mm long) with notched terminal and single circular rivet hole (6mm in diameter) placed in the centre. The base of the tang widens producing sloped shoulders that have a width of 22mm which then narrow to form the blade. The blade has bevelled edges, creating a lentoid cross-section, that taper to the tip which is now rounded bat would probably have has a finer point in antiquity.  



That artefact is now bent in the middle at about an 80 degree angle. It is unlikely that this could have happened post-deposition or as a result of agricultural machine activity, but rather could be a deliberate act of deforming this object at deposition. 





Dr Dot Boughton has commented that Burgess and Gerloff include a blade of similar shape and size in their Group II (Damaged Blades Modified for Rehafting), p. 36ff. Its their no. 248 from Marston Trussel, Northamptonshire which is c. 12.6cm long and 2.1cm wide. It is described as "Tanged blade, either a knife made in this form or possibly a dirk with butt cut down for rehafting, in which case the torn rivet hole would have been secondary; rather won brown green surfaces with some patches of bright green corrosion; edges worn and chipped." Plate 32, no 248.





Similar examples on the PAS database include LVPL-0B2D08; DUR-F9F5D4; DOR-FAC625 and BERK-302CB3
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clapton-in-Gordano, North Somerset, North Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Description: A copper alloy palstave axe that has a wide curved blade. The ends of the blade extend either side of the axe, curving sharply behind to the main body of the object. The stop ridge is positioned halfway down the length of the axe, to the front is a small transverse recessed panel with the central raised ridge; behind the stop ridge the sides are raised with a deep convex panel that extends to the rear of the axe which has a convex terminal. 





Middle Bronze Age 1500 BC – 1150
Notes: 
Recorded from images emailed by the finder

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1900 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Runcton Holme, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.2 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 5.21 g
Description: Corroded and worn copper alloy axehead-shaped object. Sub-triangular in plan with the corners of the widest end radiused to a curve, with the opposite end terminating in a sharp point. The mid-section of the sides are symmetrically chamfered. Two thirds of the way towards the pointed end, on one face only, is a blind circular hole. It is unclear if this is by design or a defect from the casting process. The form is very reminiscent of a miniature un-hafted axehead coping an early Bronze Age flat axe. However, the sharp point, chamfered sides and rounded coroners at the blade end are atypical, but the cross-section is classically lenticular for an axehead and the degree of corrosion and patination are commensurate with an early date. Miniature axeheads similar to this object can be seen at NARC-B0797B and YORYM-F02231 on the PAS database. However, on account of the aforementioned atypical features the identity is not conclusive. For example if the sharp end of this object was a worn break it could have originally continued to a loop and perhaps functioned as a hanger in a harness pendant. There is scant evidence for being more definitive.  Diminutive axeheads are often assigned a Roman date, but those copying earlier Bronze Age types are also thought by some scholars to be of their own period.  



A record of a miniature axehead that also has a Bronze Age form (see ESS-819206), when contrasting them with diminutive axeheads found in the Roman period, concludes a preference for the BA type having a ritual use in the Bronze Age, and mentions that other examples of diminutive axes "can also be seen in Needham (unpublished; figures 77, 82 and 91). Other examples can also be seen in Needham 1988, 'Selective deposition in the British Early Bronze Age', World Archaeology, volume 20, number 2, figure 4. These all illustrate the range in size and form of Bronze Age diminutive axes, enhancing the possibility that these objects are in fact of Bronze Age date." :



On the tentative assumption that this object is a miniature axehead a date range of Circa 1900BC-AD100 is suggested, to encompass both schools of thought.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alderbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.45 mm
Thickness: 7.12 mm
Weight: 13.12 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy sword blade of Late Bronze Age date c. 1000-800 BC.



A short section of blade survives with a broad, convex-surfaced mid-rib on either face, flanked by a pair of vertical grooves. Either side of the mid-rib the bladed thickness gradually tapers towards each cutting edge. Both cutting edges are worn and incomplete and the breaks are worn and abraded. 



Measurements: length:17.45mm, width: 33.73mm, Thickness: 7.12mm, and weight: 13.12 g



This is probably a fragment from a 'Carp's tongue' type sword and probably dates to between c. 1000 and c. 800 BC (Ewart Park Metalwork phase, Needham's Period 7 (Metalworking stage XII)).



Other similar examples include: BERK-CCF74B; ESS-3BF240 and BH-9CC7C7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Oving, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.04 mm
Thickness: 6.04 mm
Weight: 15.09 g
Description: A blade fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy dirk or rapier dating c. 1550 – 1125 BC.



A short section of blade survives with a lentoid cross-section. The blade edges are worn and abraded. The surface is dark brown in colour with a mid-green core. 



Measurements: length: 37.04mm; width: 21.41mm to 14.77mm; thickness: 6.04mm to 4.82mm and weight: 15.09g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2500 to -43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fawley, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.4 mm
Thickness: 6.9 mm
Weight: 14.53 g
Description: 
An unidentified copper-alloy fragment, probably of Bronze Age date. The fragment is undiagnostic but the patina suggests a pre-historic date. The object is curved on both sides and is concave on one face. One side has a slot along the length.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder