dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 110 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy flanged axehead of early Bronze Age date.


It has a thin, rounded butt, with almost straight sides before expanding to a flared  blade. The axe thins smoothly from the centre to the blade at one end and butt at  the other, with raised flanges on either side on both faces which are now  damaged and worn, giving an H-shaped section. One flange is more pronounced than the other. No stop bevel is apparent and there is no decoration. The surface is heavily pitted


Dimensions are length 110 mm, blade width 63 mm, and body width 23 mm at the butt where the flanges end to 31 mm at the base of the blade. Maximum thickness of the body on the side of the most pronounced flange is 13 mm.


The axhead is possibly Needham (1983) Class 5, and dates to the early Bronze Age (Arreton period), c.1700-1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.03 mm
Thickness: 15.66 mm
Weight: 56.2 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe, dating from c.1000-800 BC. The axe fragment consists of only the cutting edge, which is slightly rounded and has flared outer edges; these then taper inward and would have continued into the length of the axe head, but is now broken. A small section of the socket survives behind the cutting edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scotter, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.58 mm
Thickness: 6.64 mm
Weight: 4.14 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 BC. The fragment consists of only the very tip of the spearhead, but it is in excellent condition. It has a narrow and slender tip with a pronounced midrib on both faces which is triangular in section. The tapering wings have slight edge bevels. The wing edges are still sharp, the the rib is also angular enough to feel crisp, and to form a sharp point. The break at the wider end is patinated. The part that survives has straight sides. The patina is almost black, and is smooth and glossy with longitudinal striations. Although only a fragment of the spearhead survives, the narrowness of the blade, and the extent of the midrib (to the tip of the blade) suggest it might be classified as no earlier than Davis Group 6 (2017).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scotter, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.4 mm
Thickness: 3.06 mm
Weight: 3.95 g
Description: A copper alloy Bronze Age arrowhead which is flat and barbed and tanged. One barb is missing and the edges are damaged. It has a rib along the centre on both faces, giving it a slightly lozenge shaped section. The end of the barb is rounded, as is the end of the surviving tang, though it is not clear if it is complete. The barb is half as long as the tang. The notch between the barb and tang has straight sides and a rounded end, but overall is fairly square and narrow (3.67mm wide at the widest point). The surface has a smooth golden brown patina which is well developed. There is some pitting which is green.


There are only 4 other Bronze Age flat, barbed and tanged arrowheads on the PAS database: NMS-F982A3, WMID-CE6A76, NARC-F9B223 and SF6680.


SF6680 notes that: "Tanged (usually with barbs) copper-alloy arrowheads are known from the  late Bronze Age in Britain and western Europe (cf. Brendon O'Connor,  1980), though they are rare" and provides four parallels from Suffolk:  "tanged, from ERL 050; barbed and tanged, from LKH and MNL 333 (neither yet on SMR); and uncertain shape, from EXG Misc. (from LBA  hoard)".  The record also cites examples from Norfolk: "examples include one from  Hockwold, one from Methwold, and two of uncertain provenance."


NARC-F9B223 records that: "Dr. Colin Pendleton (SCCAS) notes that there is no reason to doubt that  these are contemporary with Early Bronze Age flint examples of similar  form."


WMID-CE6A76 cites other examples "illustrated in Watson, P, J, 1993, 'Catalogue of  British and European Prehistoric metalwork in Birmingham City Museums',  page 11, ref no 90, found in Britain but with no provenance, as well as  page 26, ref nos 328 (found at the Swiss Lakes; no provenance); 329  (found at Lake Neuchatel) and 330 (found at the Swiss Lakes: no  provenance)"


NMS-F982A3 cites Stuart Needham, who having examined a photograph, commented:




'It is interesting to learn of yet another of these arrowheads from  British soil. Many years ago I would have doubted the veracity of the  findspot, or suspected a collector's loss, However, there are now  sufficient (as well as the one secure context in the Penard hoard,  Glamorgan) to suggest some currency of the type in this country. Despite  the morphological similarity to flint versions, they by no means have  to be Early Bronze Age. Bronze barbed-and-tanged arrowheads in one guise  or another continue right through and my suspicion would be that most  finds are Middle to Late Bronze Age. The Penard example proved to have  an unusual metal composition suggestive of it being a foreigner.'
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kelfield, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Thickness: 4.85 mm
Weight: 18.14 g
Description: A fragment from the blade of a Bronze Age rapier, or possibly a dirk or dagger. The surviving fragment is rectangular in form, pointed  oval in section and terminates at both ends in old breaks. The  surfaces are extremely worn and pitted with no visible signs of use-wear  or tool marks and only traces of the original dark brown/green patina  visible. It is probably of Middle Bronze Age date, about 1,500-1,150 BC. Compare SF-D3CE33, KENT-2644F0 and KENT-258DF1.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Armlet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1900)
Material: Gold 
Found: Battlesden, Central Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.5 mm
Thickness: 0.1 mm
Weight: 1.35 g
Description: Description A crumpled and torn fragment of sheet gold with engraved geometric decoration comprising three bands of double zigzags separated by two plain zones; the zones are each bounded by three longitudinal engraved lines and the edges by four. The decoration is well executed. Two straight edges are present and these appear to be parallel.

Maximum dimensions: Length 25.5mm; Width 12.2mm; Thickness 0.1mm; Weight 1.35 grams. The width when intact would be approximately 22mm.

Analysis: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of a fragment of sheet gold ornament with incised geometric decoration carried out by the British Museum's Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, indicated a gold content of 86-88%, a silver content of approximately 10-11%, the remainder being copper. The sheet fragment weighs 1.35 grams..

Identification: The parallel edges and orientation of the decoration indicate that this is not a lunula fragment. The restored width is more in keeping with an armlet. The best analogues are all copper alloy armlets belonging to Needham's Group 1 (Needham 2000, 29). These are penannular sheet metal bands, three of which are narrow and three broad. One of the former is plain but the other five have geometric decoration; the broader examples (27, 21 and 37mm) particularly bearing zones and panels of motifs resembling decoration on Beaker pottery; one of them, from Knipton in Leicestershire, was associated with a Beaker but not with human remains. Another from a Normanton barrow (Amesbury G41) was found on the arm of a skeleton (Waterman 1948, 180) but has no other associations. The Knipton Beaker is not amongst the earliest. The number of Group 1 armlets is small, and contextual information is scanty. Needham's assessment acknowledges the difficulties involved in establishing a chronology for his Groups 1 and 2 armlets. A date in the Early Bronze Age, not before circa 2200BC, appears likeliest at present.

References: Needham, S. 2000. The gold and copper metalwork. In Hughes, G. The Lockington Gold Hoard: An Early Bronze Age barrow cemetery at Lockington, Leicestershire. Oxbow Books, Oxford, 23-46. Waterman, D. M. 1948. An Early Bronze Age bracelet from Bridlington, Yorkshire. Antiquaries Journal 28, 179-180. Gillian Varndell Curator, Department of Prehistory and Europe 26.02.13
Notes: As the object is prehistoric and contains precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Designation Order 2002.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Wedge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dummer, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.62 mm
Thickness: 11.84 mm
Weight: 60.5 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy splitting wedge of uncertain, but probably Bronze Age, date. The wedge has a rectangular section and the sides show filed seams. The top shows heavy wear from impacts and is curled over. A corner of the blade is missing. The wedge is 53.62mm long and the weight is 60.50g.


It seems more likely that weights of later date would have been made of iron.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heanton Punchardon, North Devon, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 141 mm
Description: A cast copper alloy Middle Bronze Age palstave axe, dating from c. 1400 BC to 1250 BC. The axehead measures 141mm in length. The object tapers from the wider blade end towards the butt; in section it is roughly lozenge shaped. The cutting edge has a crescentic form in plan and is lenticular in section; it measures 58.5mm in width from one end of the blade to the other. The flanges start a short way in from the butt corners, and terminate just beyond the central point where the septum meets the blade end. There is no stop ridge visible. There are slight traces of a raised central moulding running lengthways along the axehead; there are no other traces of decoration visible.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Old Basing and Lychpit, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.8 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 34.42 g
Description: A corroded and abraded cast copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date. This small example is from the earliest bronze working traditions, dating from the centuries after c. 2000 BC. The blade terminates in a rounded cutting edge. Bevelling to create the edge is gradual. Beyond the edge the object narrows to a width of 16.65mm and is at its thickest, 7.6mm.  The object remains a fairly constant width to the butt.  It narrows very gradually, and then more obviously in the quarter at the butt end. The axehead has a rectangular cross-section with no side flanges as such; the surfaces are very slightly concave, though. The artefact has corroded to dark-brown colour, pitted all over. One of the corners of the butt end is notably abraded.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kington, Wychavon, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.61 mm
Thickness: 3.79 mm
Weight: 15.6 g
Description: An incomplete or fragment of an unidentified cast copper alloy artefact. In plan the artefacts is sub-rectangular with an asymmetrical convex lower edge which tapers towards one terminal. All edges are broken and abraded edges, but this does not appear to be recent. In section the artefact is sub-rectangular with a slight convex plane on the lateral edges. The surface has pitting and a dark green heavy patina. It measures 53.61mm long, 19.89mm wide and 3.79mm thick. It weighs 15.6g.


The function of the object is not known. It is not likely to be a dagger or rapier or such like as the cross section does not have a central rib or tapering cutting edges. The condition of the metal and its' surface does suggest a probable Bronze Age date (-2150 - -800).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishops Waltham, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Other chance find
Length: 19.4 mm
Height: 30 mm
Weight: 6.69 g
Description: A fragment from an unidentified cast copper-alloy object of a known type usually referred to as 'moustache-like' or 'moustache shaped'. These objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead 1998; ref. 117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are associated with Middle Bronze Age material. An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (Robin Iles pers. comm. 9th July 2012; Current Archaeology March 2012, Issue 264, 35).


The object is a hollow three-dimensional pointed oval with a bulbous upper part. It is decorated with a series of shallow longitudinal grooves which run down the exterior of the bulbous or bowl-shaped part of the item, apart from a small area on the lower surface, which come to a halt about halfway along the length of the item leaving the pointed terminal plain and undecorated. The majority of the bulbous part is hollow as can be seen from the opening at the wider end. Other hollow examples recorded on this database include: SUSS-3AEC48, WILT-0C9A63, BH-A7CCB5 and BERK-403617. The opening is a maximum of 7.9mm long.


Due to the surface corrosion it is not possible to be certain that this item is incomplete. Based on other known examples (e.g. SF-520513) it would appear that this item actually represents under half of the original. The whole should comprise of two of these pointed ovals bridged in the middle, with a hole through the centre of this bridge. This form gives the items the appearance of being shaped like a stylised moustache or pair of wings. The purpose of these items is unknown but a scabbard chape is the usual suggestion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Roman to POST MEDIEVAL ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hackleton, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 87 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 58.79 g
Notes: finders ref: AR147
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ropley, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.71 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 17.31 g
Description: 
A possible fragment of a cast copper-alloy Bronze Age axe.  The fragment is very worn and is tapering in section. It is possibly a very worn blade.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy Other
Found: Tanworth-in-Arden, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.98 mm
Thickness: 11.61 mm
Weight: 82.2 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age palstave. The blade portion of the palstave remains with the broken edge traversing the palstave. The broken edge is not too recent. The blade cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical, rounded, blunt, slightly abraded and is convex in plan. The blade has slightly flared sides. Both faces of the palstave has a slightly linear rib running along the length of the axe. The surface of the palstave is slightly abraded with only traces of a mid grey/green patina and a black deposit which is possibly carbon. From the cutting edge to the broken edge the palstave measures 35.98mm, and across the corners of the blade it measures 56.76mm wide and measures 11.61mm thick at the broken edge. It weighs 82.2g.


The palstave dates to the middle Bronze Age, c.1500 to 1300 BC.
Notes: Peter Reavill writes: MBA Palstave with central rib - not enough  survives to suggest a sub-type - but probably either Primary - Shield  shaped pattern or a low flanged / mid ribbed type. All these fit within  the Early Palstave groups (I 2 or 3 - most probably 1 or 2 as teh blade  doesn't look hugely flared) broadly dated 1500-1300 BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Easingwold, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 136.55 mm
Description: A cast copper-alloy palstave axe of the Middle Bronze Age, 1500 BC-1150 BC. The axe is worn and incomplete, there is a break at the end opposite to the blade and the surface is inconsistent in colour and pitting. The axe consists of a U-shaped septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The flanges are lozenge-shaped in profile. There is crescent shaped blade, which is 46.41mm in width and tapers towards the ridge. The patina is largely green with some green encrustations and corrosion. There is a small amount of chipping along blade edge. The object measures 136.55mm in length and 23.79mm in width.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Arlington, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.9 mm
Thickness: 9.8 mm
Weight: 173 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age flat axe. It consists of the blade edge and a small portion of the body. The axe probably dates to the early Bronze Age, c2150-1500 BC. The axe fragment is curved and wider at the blade end. It then narrows and thickens along the body. The blade end shows use of ware with pieces missing along the edge. There are no markings or fixings visible on the axe for further identification.


The fragment measures  64.9mm long, 71mm wide at the blade and 40.9mm wide athe the break end. It is 9.8mm at its thickest point and weighs 173 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-875 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Edgcott, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 26.66 mm
Thickness: 5.76 mm
Weight: 10.46 g
Description: A fragment of a late Bronze Age socketed axe. The fragments consists of only a small area of the open socket and part of a side loop. There is also a casting seam visible. It is likely that this is part of a side-looped socketed axe, dating from c. 875-700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.11 mm
Thickness: 3.27 mm
Weight: 6.08 g
Description: 
A cast copper alloy Bronze Age blade, possibly from a dagger, now extremely worn and pitted. The tang is missing.  The object is lozengiform in cross section with no clear midrib.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swallowfield, Wokingham, Wokingham (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.71 mm
Thickness: 10.92 mm
Weight: 511 g
Description: An Early Bronze Age flat axe. The axe is 114mm long and is missing the butt end. The break appears to be ancient. The blade is 84mm wide. The axe is plain with no side flanges but the sharp edges of the blade are missing due to corrosion.


The axe is of Early Bronze Age date (c. 2350 - 2050 BC). This example fits best into the earliest known copper axe and early bronze axes discovered in Britain. These are dated to the Early Bronze Age of metalworking stage II, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2 circa 2350- 2050 CAL. BC
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sherburn in Elmet, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 8.96 g
Description: An incomplete probable Middle-Late Bronze Age copper alloy small tanged chisel, with  a rectangular section (maximum dimensions 16 x 4mm) and with pitted  flat faces and sides. The tang tapers at one end with the terminal missing, and cutting-edge is incomplete. The length  of the remaining portion is 45mm. The object may date from c. 1200 - c. 1000 BC, or possibly a little later. Compare to SF-843F22 and NMS-F87702. Copper alloy woodworking tools are known from the Bronze Age but this is not one of the most common forms, and since it is incomplete, the date cannot be conclusive. Such tools continue in use to the  Post Medieval period for finer woodworking.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Healeyfield, County Durham, County Durham (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 129.37 mm
Thickness: 5.14 mm
Weight: 142.3 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy rapier (or possibly dagger) of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1500-1150 BC.



The rapier blade fragments are in two pieces that fit together and a third piece from the mid-blade, all with very abraded edges. The blade is sub-rectangular in plan and a pointed oval shape in section. One end of the blade fragment is thinner and slightly rounded in its breakage, suggesting that the surviving fragments are the base of the blade and upper handle/tang. Measurements for each section are:



L=83.69mm; W=27.49mm; Th=5.14mm.



L=45.68mm; W=24.49mm; Th=5.14mm.



L=140.15mm; W=23.08mm; Th=5.51mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stannington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.6 mm
Thickness: 8.74 mm
Weight: 352 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date, c. 2150-1500 BC.


The axehead has a very curved blade with most of the edge lost to wear and corrosion. The head has a maximum width at the tips of the blade (86.61mm) and tapers to a break before the butt (42.59mm width). Most of the surface patina has been lost, revealing a very blue-green corroded surface of uneven quality.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stannington, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.17 mm
Thickness: 4.05 mm
Weight: 92.7 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy socketed axehead of Middle Bronze Age date, c. 1000-800 BC.


The axehead is largely complete, with a section of the body missing on one face. The cutting edge of the blade is very worn and corroded and has a small notch in its center. The blade tapers slightly into the body and a sub-rectangular moulded mouth. There a three slight moulded ribs in low relief forming an E-shape on each face, extending form the mouth to the middle of the body.A loop can be found on one face of the axe, emerging just inside the mouth for a length of 19.72mm. The socket retains some soil.


Total length=67.17mm; Blade w=35.84mm; width at mouth=33.98mm; thickness at mouth=4.05mm; depth of socket=39.79mm; weight=92.7g.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Gwynedd ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.23 mm
Thickness: 11.97 mm
Weight: 151.6 g
Description: I am grateful for the following description which was produced by John Llywellyn Williams.



The axe was discovered in 2012 and is an interesting example of a Bandon type Developed axe displaying some atypical features. Bandon axes are distinguished by their small size, a rectangular, slightly tapering parallel sided body, convex sides developing into low hammered side flanges, a faintly defined proto stop ridge and a sharp lower body flare expanding into a deep crescentic blade with pointed blade tips. This specimen corresponds in most of the listed attributes but differs in the following manner. A very faint outline of a stop ridge can be discerned on one face but, most importantly, the side flanges were formed on this same single face. The obverse face is featureless and therefore defeats the object of creating an efficient hafting facility on the axe. In this capacity the specimen may be considered as an unfinished object which leads to the question why it was discarded rather than being recycled. Although not analysed the most likely composition of the axe is bronze. The object was discovered during metal detecting by an employee of the landowner and the context of burial is therefore not known.



In the Welsh corpus of Developed axes there are nine Bandon and Bandon affiliated examples from Wales with four representatives from northern Wales, respectively Crug (Bethel), Caerwys (Flintshire), Overton, (Wrexham) and Rhuallt (Denbigh). The Crug axe, the nearest geographically to Llanfaglan, is closely similar but has an extended body and is characterised by panelling on the face a feature unique to this axe. The closest parallels to the Llanfaglan axe are two axes from south Wales, namely the small, slightly damaged example from Llanfabon (Nelson - Caerphilly) and the example from Penllyn near Bridgend, one of a small group which appear to be associated with the location of a former lake.



The dimensions of the axe are - length 81.23mm; blade width 48.60mm; butt width 21.87mm; maximum body thickness 11.97mm, weight 151.6 gms.



Developed flat axes belong to metalworking assemblage IV, corresponding to the earlier part of Needham's (1996) Period 3 and can probably be dated to the interval between circa 2000 and 1750BC. (John Llywelyn Williams, Bangor 2012)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Woodhouse, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 6.06 g
Description: Bronze Age gold penannular ring. The object has a slightly tapering sub- circular section and is turned inwards to form an open loop. The object has flat terminals which are aligned almost parallel, tapering inwards slightly at their inner edge and are set 4mm apart.


Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of the penannular ring carried out by the British Museum's Department of Conservation and Scientific Research indicated a gold content of 82-85%, silver content of 12-14%, the remainder being copper. The ring weighs 6.06 grams and the specific gravity measurement of 17.49 indicates that it is gold alloy throughout, not plated.


It is 22mm long, 15mm wide, 5mm thick and weighs 6.06g.
Notes: As the object is made of over 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old, it constitutes Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Dumbleton, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.7 mm
Thickness: 8.7 mm
Weight: 8.99 g
Description: The tip of a cast copper alloy spear of late  or possibly mid, Bronze Age date, 40.70mm in length. The object is very worn and the edges of the blade do not survive.There may be indications of the tip of a socket but this is not clear.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cliffe and Cliffe Woods, Medway, Medway (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.16 mm
Weight: 13.6 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age spearhead comprising the lower part of one blade edge together with the internal socket. The socket measures c8.5mm in diameter.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2350 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kings Somborne, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.6 mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Weight: 0.79 g
Description: 
A fragment from a bladed object of Bronze Age date. The object consists of the abraded blade tip, that tapers to a broadly rounded point. All of the edges have been abraded and broken to a greater or lesser extent. The break is broadly straight. The blade is broadly oval in cross section. Where it survives the metal has a dark-brown patina; underlying this it is a corroded mid-green colour.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kings Somborne, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 7.5 mm
Thickness: 3.3 mm
Weight: 1.66 g
Description: A fragment possibly from a cast copper-alloy axehead of Bronze Age date. The fragment consists of a fragment of the blade and includes an abraded, expanded cutting edge. The axehead has been broken approximately 7.5mm from the cutting edge which is distorted; the 'cutting edge' is also notably blunt. At the break the object has a pointed oval cross-section. The object is highly corroded and is largely a mid grey colour, but with some patches of mid green corrosion.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Manuden, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64.5 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 7.23 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of possible Bronze Age date.


The awl is of rectangular section, its widest point being one third of the way along, from where it tapers in both directions. The shorter end is probably incomplete, whereas the other side appears to be intact, tapering to a wedge-shaped end. The object has a dark greenish-brown patina and is corroded in places.


Dimensions: 64.5mm long, 5.8mm high, 4.5mm thick. Weight: 7.23g.


There is some debate as to the date of such awls, which probably first appeared in the Late Bronze Age but could conceivably have continued to have been made until much later. The patination of this piece does suggest a possible prehistoric date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ugley, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.6 mm
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 5.26 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl of possible Bronze Age date.


The widest point of the awl is a short distance past its halfway point, from where it tapers in both directions. One side is of rectangular section, bent and incomplete; the intact side is of circular section, its diameter declining towards the point. The corroded surface retains patches of a dull green patination.


Dimensions: 58.6mm long, 5mm high, 4.7mm thick. Weight: 5.26g.


There is some debate as to the date of such awls, which probably first appeared in the Late Bronze Age but could conceivably have continued to have been made until much later. The patination of this piece does suggest a possible prehistoric date.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Manuden, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.4 mm
Weight: 3.91 g
Description: Part of a copper-alloy socket, probably from a Mid to Late Bronze Age spearhead.


The remaining portion represents the bottom part of the socket, including its opening, under half of the original circumference surviving. On the outer surface, immediately adjacent to the opening, there is a pair of grooves. The artefact has a dull brownish-green patina and is corroded in places.


Dimensions: 29.4mm long, 15.3mm wide. Weight: 3.91g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pendant (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-2000 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Manuden, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.3 mm
Thickness: 3.6 mm
Weight: 5.41 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy artefact of uncertain date and function.


The object has a straight 'arm' of flattened-oval section, broken at one end, the other end extending into a wider, roughly circular, 'loop'.


Dimensions: 37.3mm long, 12.7mm wide (including loop), 3.6mm thick. Weight: 5.41g.


The patination and form of this piece are consistent with a Bronze Age to Iron Age date. It is suggested that it may be part of a pendant.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Scabbard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1000 to 1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.37 mm
Height: 18.03 mm
Weight: 8.41 g
Description: 
A copper alloy apparent scabbard chape of uncertain date.



Dot Boughton comments: The patina and shape doesn't quite fit in with Late Bronze Age bag-shaped chapes and is more likely a chape of unknown or post-med date. Other Bronze Age bag-shaped chapes are just a bit more pointed at the top and they are often decorated with a groove or moulding or mouth moulding or even punched circlets, but this example is very plain.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Chislet, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.93 mm
Thickness: 4.4 mm
Weight: 2.26 g
Description: A folded gold strip comprising eleven gold wires joined side by side by soldering.



Max. length 15.93mm; max. width 8.14mm; max. thickness 4.4mm; thickness of wire approx.. 0.62mm; weight 2.26 grams.



Both manufacturing technique and composition are consistent with a Bronze Age date, although precise analogues for the type are presently lacking. Gold ribbon ornaments are known from the Middle Bronze Age, c. 1300-1100 BC, but the ribbed effect is achieved here by grooving (cf the piece from Ilam, Staffs. (Treasure Annual Report 2005/6, 20, no.14). Solder is used at this date in the manufacture of other gold ornament types such as (probably) the pendant from Burton, where circular-sectioned wire has been spiralled to form the biconical element (Treasure Annual Report 2004, 198, no.485). In the same hoard was an unusual bracelet; the wires were here twisted and fixed at each end by flat rectangular terminals but also at intervals by solder. Solder was also frequently used in the making of Middle Bronze Age composite rings. Later during the Bronze Age the face-plates of lock rings were sometimes made from individual wires soldered together, a technique which may have originated in Ireland.



As the object is prehistoric and contains precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Designation Order 2002.



Gillian Varndell



Curator, Department of Prehistory and Europe.
Notes: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of a folded gold strip from Chislet, Kent, indicated a gold content of approximately 87-90%, a silver content of approximately 9-11% with approximately 1% copper. The strip is formed from gold wires joined side by side by soldering, a technique used in the Bronze Age to produce this reeded effect. The object weighs 2.26 grams.



Susan La Niece



Department of Conservation and Scientific Research



The British Museum
Subsequent action: Declared Treasure but returned to Finder as Museum unable to acquire
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stowting, Shepway, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 103.25 mm
Thickness: 5.51 mm
Weight: 36.9 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper-alloy (Bronze) Rapier Blade. The blade fragment is rectangular in plan, with parallel long edges, that narrow to terminate in a blunted point. It has a lozenge shaped (lentoid) cross section with a raised central rib that tapers slightly in width and terminates at the tip of the blade. The remainder of the rapier (upper blade and hilt) is now missing. The surfaces have a dark green coloured polished patina which is abraded in places. The blade fragment has been bent midway though its length; the lack of stress fractures in the surface patina suggest this could be post depositional deliberate damage. c. 1500 - 1150 BC.



The rapier fragment measures 103.25mm in length, 21.01mm in maximum width, 5.51mm in thickness, and weighs 36.90g.
Notes: 
Finder/recorder name obfuscated and shown as Kent FLO for site security.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Vessel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: GRAVESEND, Gravesham, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.57 mm
Thickness: 13.36 mm
Weight: 24.19 g
Description: A fragment from a cast copper alloy ribbed lug handle from a late Bronze Age bucket.



Dot Bruns comments:



"This is a fragment from either an Atlantic bucket, Danubian style series, Type Nannau-Dowris or a Hiberno-British bucket like the ones from Dowalton and Duddingston Loch, both in the National Museum in Edinburgh. These are nos 166 and 167 in Gerloff's catalogue respectively and the date is c. late Wilburton-Ewart Park metalwork tradition, that is c. 1100-800BC. Gerloff does date the buckets into the Llyn Fawr period, but I am not sure what her evidence is - I certainly haven't seen any bucket fragments from EIA hoards or contexts and I have seen them if not all, then most of them I would say."



"The loop on this example is not complete, i.e. 360 degrees. It is usually around 180-190 degrees and ridged like this example. The ridging derives from separately cast rings that were soldered together somehow - the later ones, like this example, only have ridges left. The ends of the 180/190 degree circle are attached to a staple/clamp which in turn clamps around the vessel opening/rim. The rim is usually rolled up or folded or strengthened with a rod (like in the example above) because usually, the handles were too fragile to lift a bronze bucket or cauldron, especially when it was filled/full. The sheet metal would rip and I think this is probably what happened in this example from Dowalton. There are other handles with handle attachments from hoards and buckets/cauldrons are incredibly rare."
Notes: Gerloff, S. 2010. 'Atlantic cauldrons and buckets. Studies in typology, origin and function of multi-sheet vessels of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age in Western Europe. With a contribution on their construction and metallurgy by P. Northover.' Prähistorische Bronzefunde II, 18. Stuttgart.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Liddington, Swindon, Swindon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 95.84 mm
Thickness: 4.63 mm
Weight: 31.53 g
Description: An incomplete late Middle to early Late Bronze Age (1400 - 1100 BC) copper alloy notched-butt type rapier, missing its tip and with a worn butt end. The break is old and the blade is bent a little (horizontally) just before the break. Measures 95.84mm in length and weighs 31.53g.


The butt end has recent damage to the top edge, with loss of patina, and two notches just above the shoulders (the widest point, which measures 29.27x3.38mm).


The narrowing blade extends from the shoulders with a broad flat mid-rib. It is thickest (4.63mm) just below the shoulders. The blade measures 8.44x3.22mm at the break, which is rather more pointed-oval in cross-section.


Dot Boughton comments:  I would tentatively suggest this belongs to Gerloff and Burgess Group IV dating from the late Middle Bronze Age to the early Late Bronze Age, that is somewhere between the Taunton and Penard metalwork assemblages. The rapiers from the Appleby hoard (in Cumbria) look similar and there is an entire Type Appleby in Group IV dating between c. 1200-1100 BC (early Penard metalwork assemblage).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold Copper alloy
Found: Steyning, Horsham, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 18 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 5.66 g
Description: Description



Half of a penannular ring of circular cross-section comprising gold foil covering a base metal (copper alloy) core. The exposed core and outer surface of the gold are iron-stained, probably from the burial environment. The fragment appears to have been quite neatly cut from the direction of the gap as the inner edge of the cross-section is flattened over the edge of the core and the outer edge is more ragged.



Maximum diameter 18mm; width 7.0 x 6.5mm. Weight 5.67 grams.



Composition



Appended report below.



Identification



A well known later Bronze Age type, decorative in character, c.1150-750 BC.
Notes: As the piece is ancient and contains a minimum of 10% gold, it qualifies as Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.



Gillian Varndell



Curator, Department of Prehistory and Europe



27.03.2013



--



Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface of a fragment of a penannular ring from Steyning, West Sussex, indicated a gold content of approximately 77-80%, a silver content of 16-18%, the remainder being copper. The analysis of one broken end detected mostly iron but with copper and tin. Iron is detected on this core and on the outer surface of the gold which would support the view that it is the result of contamination from the burial environment and that the core metal was copper alloy. The ring weighs 5.67 grams.



Department of Conservation and Scientific Research



The British Museum



File No. 7506-30



4 February 2013
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Little Dunmow, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.82 mm
Thickness: 7.82 mm
Weight: 8.74 g
Description: A late Bronze Age copper alloy fragment from a spear dating c. 1150 - 700BC.  This fragment comprises the tip of the spear head.  It has a large, rounded midrib which extends to the tip.  There is some edge damage but this appears to be caused after deposition.  The break is diagonally across the spear head and it has the same dark green patina as on the rest of the surface.  


Dimensions: length:  38.82mm; width: 15.42mm; thickness: 7.82mm; weight: 8.74g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Weekley, Kettering, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 18.24 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment of a Bronze Age axe. The breaks are uneven and show signs of wear, suggesting ancient breaks. This fragment is the curved section of the blade, which is blunt.


This fragment is quite un-daignostic, and so closer dating and classification is difficult.


Axes begin as flat axes at the start of the Bronze Age period and then develop into palstaves and then to  socketed axes. Many axes would have been used as modern axes are used as  a tool for chopping wood and organic materials. Some however have been  described as ingots and as votive offerings. They can be found as single  finds or in vast hoards of bronze Bronze Age objects.


The axe is 35mm long, 25mm wide and 5.mm thick.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishop Burton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.49 mm
Thickness: 5.83 mm
Weight: 14.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy chisel of mid-Bronze Age date (1500-1150 BC). The chisel has an offset handle which is rectangular in section and a flared blade, the cutting edge is broken due to an old break.


The blade tapers in thickness from 6.02-3.05mm.

The handle is 6.7mm by 5.5mm.


The metal is a mid green to brown in colour.


Length: 52.49mm

Width: 18.97mm

Thickness: 5.5mm

Weight: 14.8g


Moore and Rowlands, Plate XII, No 67.
Notes: The initial records and photographic images were taken at Bishop Burton 2011 Rally. We understand that the images fall below our usual standards, this however is due to the difficult conditions (predominantly the lack of ideal lighting conditions) under which they were taken. The recorder has done what is possible to raise the quality of the images before attaching them to the records.

As these finds were recorded at the Bishop Burton 2011 Rally, the individual recording them onto the PAS Database has not seen them and was not the primary identifier. Therefore for more in-depth, secondary identification, only the paper records written at the Rally and the photographic images were available to assist.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishop Burton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.44 mm
Thickness: 13.86 mm
Weight: 12.4 g
Description: An unidentified cast copper-alloy object of uncertain date, suggested by the primary identifier to be between Bronze Age and Roman date (1150 BC - AD 410). The object is broadly square in profile with two integrally cast recessed lines running longitudinally, no other decoration is visible.


The metal is a light green in colour.
Notes: The initial records and photographic images were taken at Bishop Burton 2011 Rally. We understand that the images fall below our usual standards, this however is due to the difficult conditions (predominantly the lack of ideal lighting conditions) under which they were taken. The recorder has done what is possible to raise the quality of the images before attaching them to the records.

As these finds were recorded at the Bishop Burton 2011 Rally, the individual recording them onto the PAS Database has not seen them and was not the primary identifier. Therefore for more in-depth, secondary identification, only the paper records written at the Rally and the photographic images were available to assist.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder