dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Princes Risborough, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.2 mm
Height: 17.5 mm
Thickness: 7.8 mm
Weight: 20.45 g
Description: A copper-alloy casting jet or sprue dating from the Bronze Age to Roman period (c.1500 BC-AD 450). The object is roughly oval in plan and D-shape in cross-section. The edges are uneven and heavily abraded or broken in several places. An incomplete irregular and worn broken oval-sectioned spur extends from the base that is likely the lower section of two arms. All of the surfaces are pitted and have light grey patination.



The object measures 28.2mm long, 19.2mm wide and is 17.5mm high. It weighs 20.45 grams.



Casting waste is very hard to date in isolation, and piece like this could date from the Bronze Age to Roman period. The fact that this one comes to an oval broken edge may suggest that it was for casting a palstave or possibly a tool, and therefore most likely dates to the Middle Bronze Age. Such material is rare as it is was usually recycled swiftly as a bi-product of casting. The few similar objects on the Portable Antiquities Scheme include LVPL-3AAD50 and HESH-B55DB1.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chrishall, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.2 mm
Height: 17.5 mm
Thickness: 7.8 mm
Weight: 20.45 g
Description: An incomplete piece of copper-alloy casting waste of Middle Bronze Age to Roman date (c.1500 BC - 450 AD). The object has a broken, irregularly shaped, oval faced base that is triangular in cross-section and narrows towards the remains of a surviving oval-sectioned jet projecting on one side. The break is old and very worn. The jet is unevenly formed and has a broken terminal consisting of a worn break. The surfaces of the object are worn and lightly pitted in some areas: most heavily on the flat face. All the surfaces have a relatively even mid-green patina with several areas covered by blight brown deposition residue. 



The object measures 22mm in length, 16mm wide and 25.3mm high. It weighs 25.69 grams.



The object is likely to be from the neck (funnel / well) of a composite, probably two part, mould that formed when the metal was poured into the neck of the mould and shrunk upon cooling. Casting waste is very hard to date in isolation, and a piece with this patination could date from the Bronze Age to Roman period. The fact that this mould comes to an oval broken edge may suggest that it was for casting a palstave or possibly a tool, and therefore most likely dates to the Middle Bronze Age. Such material is rare as metals such as copper-alloy were usually recycled swiftly as a bi-product of casting.



Similar examples on the PAS database include LVPL-F7963B, DEV-8467F2, LVPL-3AAD50 and HESH-B55DB1.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1250 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bledlow-cum-Saunderton, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 3.89 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy awl of Middle Bronze Age to Medieval date (1250 BC to AD 1500). The awl is rectangular in cross-section and tapers to a blunt point one end and a flat chisel edge at the other. The surface has an even mid-brown patina.



It measures 52mm in length, a maximum of 3.2mm width and a maximum of 3.2mm thick at the midpoint. It weighs 3.89 grams.



Awls are difficult to date but most are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They are either circular or square in cross-section, undecorated and were used to make holes in leather and wood. Their form changes little from the Bronze Age to Medieval periods, several of which are recorded on the Portable Antiquities database: for example, HESH-1136D5, IOW-DA8A9A and WAW-8A40C7.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chenies, Chiltern, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79 mm
Diameter: 15.6 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 24.46 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy Middle Bronze Age socketed spearhead, in two conjoining pieces, dating to the period 1500-1150 BC. The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade that tapers towards the tip and bevelled wings that gradually expand from the tip before tapering inwards towards the socketed shaft. The wing edges are very worn and damaged in several places, and a circular cross-sectional rib extends from tip to base. 



The shaft is broken where it connects to the head. It is broadly sub-conical in shape, being square in cross-section beneath the head before transitioning gradually to circular in cross-section as it increases in diameter towards the open-ended terminal. There are small loops either side of the shaft, each measuring 13mm in length and with perforations 3mm long. A circular hole perforates the body of the shaft next to one of the loops and there is a parallel semi-circular notch of damage extending into the lower edge of the socketed terminal.



The spear has an even dark-brown patina with small patches of green where pitting occurs across both faces of the blade and the body of the socket.



The spear, when conjoined, measures 79mm in length. The blade is 16mm wide, a maximum of 7mm thick at the axial ridge and 1.2mm thick along the blade edge. The socketed shaft is 7.5mm wide and thick underneath the head. The socketed terminal is 15.6mm diameter and 1.8mm thick.



This looped spearhead is part of the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions and is dated to the Middle Bronze Age between c. 1500 - 1150BC. The several similar spearheads of this type recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database includes IOW-E56A3F from Calbourne on the Isle of Wight, and BH-FB08EE from Cople, Bedford.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2400 to -2200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.4 mm
Thickness: 8.8 mm
Weight: 160.6 g
Description: Early Bronze Age copper flat axehead, c. 2400 – 2200BC



The cast flat axe is fragmentary, represented by a butt fragment (with a surviving length of 63.4mm and a weight of 160.6g) and would have been from a large axe. The butt is wide and straight (with a width of 50.3mm and a thickness of 4mm). The sides of the axe were near-straight as far as the break and are gradually divergent (with a maximum width at the break of 58.7mm where the axe has a maximum thickness of 8.8mm). The sides are slightly rounded across their depths, producing a sub-rectangular body section. The axe faces are flat across both their lengths and widths, gradually becoming thicker but with no suggestion of a median bevel or similar feature. 



The surface has a mid-dark brown coarse corrosion with some pale-green corrosion products, possibly indicating copper rather than bronze. 



The axe form is broad butted and is likely to have been a large example. The axe has few developed features but the thinned butt would perhaps suggest an axe of Type Growtown, as defined by Schmidt & Burgess (1981, p. 23). The fragmentary condition of the axe makes its exact typological identification using Needham’s (2017) classification uncertain. However the suggested copper metallurgy and wide but thinned butt would suggest a lenticular long-profile and indicate a Class 2 axe and the wide, straight butt would indicate a Class 2A or 2B axe. Chalcolithic axes of Class 2 A / B can be dated to Period 1, c. 2400 – 2200BC and are amongst some of the earliest metal objects recorded from Wales.  



A study by Needham (2017) listed four axes of Class 2A or B from Wales and the marches, from Shropshire, Flintshire and Powys. This example represents the most south-westerly of the small number of recorded finds.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -1800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kinver, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.9 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 10.8 g
Description: A Bronze age possible blade probably dating to the early Bronze Age, circa 2300 – 1800 BC.



The object is broadly an inverted triangle in form with a narrowed and rounded point. The object is lozenge shaped in profile. The upper terminal is broken. The object has a very pitted and worn dark green coloured patina. 



The object is similar in form to WMID-7F26FA which was discovered in Shropshire. 



The object measures 48.9 mm in length, 12.4 mm in width, 4.8 mm in thickness and weighs 10.8 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Votive Model (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kintbury, West Berkshire, West Berkshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.3 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 2.37 g
Description: A complete Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age copper alloy votive model of a miniature wheel dated to c. 1000-500 BC.



The wheel is circular in plan and D-shaped in cross section with each elements of the wheel (its spokes, rim and centre) being convex on the front and flat on the back. The wheel has a trapezoidal shaped 'axel' from which four spokes radiate, narrowing as they do, before joining the outer rim. The holes between each of the axel are sub-oval, almost pointed ovals. There is a circular perforation in the centre of the axle (c.3.0mm diameter) this shows little sign of ware.



The wheel has a dark brown patina with some thicker patches of dark green patina.



The wheel is 20.3mm in diameter, 2.0mm thick and weighs 2.37 grams



There are a growing number of examples of votive wheels on the database. Particularly similar examples to this object include GLO-E82DE1, KENT-9348EE, KENT-70F063, SF-987EE3 and NMS-1CDC66. However,  SWYOR-0B3992, whose additional hole may suggest it was a pastry jigger, and NLM-B563BC, which has an Iron axel suggesting it is the wheel for a toy cannon, demonstrate that such a form is shared by artefacts of other dates and purposes. Later Prehistoric examples can also take different forms including three spokes (e.g. SOM-C30265) or be more bulbous (e.g. HESH-C53CF4).  



A tin example of a wheel, not dissimilar to this example, has been found at Flag Fen (Pryor 2001: 272-273, No.154) which cites parallels found in Late Bronze Age contexts in Switzerland (Pryor 2001: 291). A further example of this type is held by the British Museum (accession No. 1989,0601.21) found in an Iron Age Hoard while a more bulbous example is held by the British Museum (Accession NO. 1864,0501.11). This is part of the Hounslow Hoard – (which may be two separate hoards) which also contained Late Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horspath, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 35.39 g
Description: A heavily worn fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead dating to c.1300-700 cal BC.C.



The fragment is the blade end of a socketed axehead. In plan the fragment is almost D-shaped with a curved blade edge and sides which narrow slightly from this before ending at a very worn transverse break. The cross section at this  break is rectangular, bulging slightly at the waist. while in profile the axehead is more triangular, it narrowing evenly from the break to the blade edge. There is no trace of the socket at the broken end.



The metal has a pale green patina for the internal metal; at the surface it is a darker green-brown in colour and is delaminating.



The fragment is 34mm long, 33mm wide, 11mm thick and weighs 35.39 grams.



The fragment represents part of the blade end of a rectangular bodied socketed axe. The lack of diagnostic features prevents a more exact type or parallel for the its form being cited however Socketed Bronze Age Axe are believed to date from the middle of the Middle Bronze Age (c.1300 cal BC) to the Earliest Iron Age (c.700/600cal BC) This has been found c.250m from another fragment of a socketed axehead OXON-02FD97.
Notes: 
This find was recorded by images and information provided by the finder, not seen by the FLO.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bidford-on-Avon, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.5 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 34 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy axehead, of Mid to Late Bronze Age dating (1600 BC to 800 BC).



Less than 25% of the axehead is present, consisting of the base of the socket and the blade edge. The fragment is sub rectangular in shape, and triangular in cross section. The socket is rectangular in shape. Casting ridges are present along one of the sides. The blade edge is rounded and expands out at the sides. The blade edge is damaged.



The axehead fragment measures 23.5 mm in length, 34.8 mm wide (at the blade), 31.2 mm wide (at the body), 10.5 mm thick (at the body), 3.6 mm thick (at the blade edge). It weighs 34.0 g.



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



Not enough of the axehead is present to determine whether it is the tip of a socketed axehead, a palstave or a flat axehead. Therefore a broad date range has been suggested.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.8 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 9.67 g
Description: An incomplete, copper alloy barbed and tanged arrowhead, probably of middle or late Bronze Age date, about 1300 BC -  1100 BC. The blade is lozenge shaped in cross-section with a prominent midrib on one side: the midrib on the other side is less prominent. Both taper towards the point, which has broken away and is missing. The broken end at the point is lozenge shaped in cross-section and the tang is rectangular in cross-section and flat. The tip of one of the barbs is also missing. The surviving barb has a curved outer edge. The arrowhead is 54.8mm long, 25.4mm wide and3.9mm thick. It weighs9.67g.



Compare NMS-105598 which notes that: "A bronze arrowhead from the Penard hoard (a secure Bronze Age of c. 1275-1140 BC), was discussed in Archaeologica 71 (p. 138), where it was suggested that although the barbed and tanged form was used in flint from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Bronze Age, copper alloy arrowheads did not come into fashion until later in the Middle Bronze Age." Compare also WILT-807272 and DOR-969968.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bishops Waltham, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 70.7 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment comprising the butt end of a side-looped palstave axehead dating to the middle Bronze Age (1500-1100 BC). The fragment is 54mm in length, with a flat central section, flanked with tapering parallel ridges along each side which give it an H-shaped cross section. Part of the tapering end of an integrally cast side loop remains at the break on one side.
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Burnham, South Bucks, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 20 g
Description: 
An incomplete and heavily abraded copper alloy Thorndon type socketed knife dating to the late Bronze Age. The socket has a flattened oval cross section and has broken across the central part, probably around a pair of opposed rivet holes. The blade tapers from the socket and has a lenticular cross section. The tip is missing.

Notes: The form of this knife fits with the Thorndon-type which were first classified by Hodges (1956) and can be broadly dated to the Ewart Park metalworking phase (c.900-800 BC). These knives are often found in Late Bronze Age hoards associated with a variety of material and have a wide distribution across Britain. See SUR-5680D4 for a more complete example.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shouldham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.5 mm
Thickness: 8.2 mm
Weight: 38 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age sword blade broken, not recently, at both ends. The midribs are strongly convex and delineated by grooves. Extant length 36.5. Width 36.6mm. Thickness 8.2mm. Weight 38g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horspath, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 6.59 g
Description: An small fragment from the socket of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, dating c. 1150 to  750 cal BC. Less than 25% of the socketed axehead is present, and consists of part of the mouth. The rest is missing, presumed lost in antiquity,



The mouth has a rolled rim followed by a transverse collar made of two concave depressed region divided by a slightly expanded collar.  The fragment is very work on all ages suggesting it was broken in antiquity. The inside of the socket has several linear scratches and the entire object has a light green patina.



The fragment is 30mm long, 23mm wide, 6.5mm thick and weighs 14.38 grams.



Too little is present of this socketed axehead to determine what type it was, but it is definitely of Late Bronze Age dating c. 1150 cal BC to c. 750 BC. This has been found c.250m from another fragment of an axehead OXON-9D6AC3.
Notes: 
This find was recorded by images and information provided by the finder, not seen by the FLO.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Pont-y-Clun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 97 mm
Weight: 261.8 g
Description: Late Bronze Age bronze socketed axe of South Wales (Stogursey) type and of Ewart Park Metalworking Industry, dated to c. 1000-700BC

The axehead is complete (with an overall length of 97.0mm and a weight of 261.8g). The mouth is sub-rectangular (52.3mm long and 43.7 wide) and the four casting runner stubs are evident and raised, positioned on the inner lip of the mouth. There is some damage around one of the runner stubs, with a crack which extends down the face (for 17mm). The socket is rectangular (34.3mm x 30.5.0mm and 71.3mm deep).&nbsp; The mouth moulding has a rounded step (6mm &ndash; 7mm long) well-defined on one face, with a prominent step to the face. The oval sectioned loop springs from the moulding (5mm wide, 6mm thick and 35mm long), enclosing a D-shaped loop (15.9mm x 6.5mm). The sides are gently concave with a minimum width below the loop (40.0mm) before widening to a moderately expanded blade edge (52.3mm wide). The blade edge survives and is gently curved at the centre before curving out to the blade tips. There are a series of nicks at the blade edge, mostly in the central area and appear to be beneath the patina. One side has some damage, which has cut through the patina. The casting seams are prominent and raised (up to 2mm high) but have been neatly finished. The sides are slightly bevelled towards the central seam but are comparatively straight for the type, producing a near-rectangular body section. Both faces are decorated with three near-parallel ribs, which extend a little over half the length of the face (for 55mm). The ribs on one face are interrupted and poorly cast. The edges of the faces appear slightly developed to resemble weak ribs. The faces are gently convex across both their lengths and widths, with one face being more convex in both plains than the other and there are no blade facets. There is the suggestion of sharpening striations running off the blade. The blades on both faces have a marked colour difference to the remainder of the faces (12mm from the edge). The axe has a black patination, probably of tenorite, as observed on other contemporary axes. The pale-green patination on the blade end, suggests that the tenorite was removed during the axe finishing. The probable tenorite is also evident over the top of the runner stubs. Numerous small hammer facets are also evident on the blades, below the ends of the ribs. 

The socketed axe is typical of the South Wales (Stogursey) Type, although the near-rectangular body section is a little unusual. The clear patination difference on the end of the blade is of interest to the research informing the deliberate colouring of Late Bronze Age metalwork.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2150 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tichborne, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 63.4 mm
Thickness: 6.3 mm
Weight: 19.29 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy bracelet or arm ring, of late Prehistoric date (Bronze Age to Roman period) and with an internal diameter of 51.6mm. Around half of the bracelet remains; this has a sub-triangular cross section of 6.3mm by 5.7mm with a rounded interior surface and bevelled sides. Both ends of the fragment have old breaks.
Subsequent action: Acquired by a museum - not a Treasure case
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Portesham, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.24 mm
Thickness: 2.98 mm
Weight: 12.23 g
Description: An incomplete, small, copper alloy blade. Possibly cut down from a larger blade such as a dirk. The blade is tapering and rounded at both ends. It has flattened cutting edges along both sides and a low central ridge. The hilt is missing and the end has been re-shaped.

Date: Middle to Late Bronze Age 0 c. 1400 to 750 BC

Dimensions: 84.24 mm x 12.66 mm x 2.98 mm

Weight: 12.23 g



Peter Reavill (2020 pers com) suggestes this may be a dirk blade, perhaps repurposed as a knife.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sutton Mandeville, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.7 mm
Thickness: 23.46 mm
Weight: 161.65 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy palstave axehead. The object is adze-like, with a sloping blade. The hafting end is missing leaving only a crudely cast and unfinished flaring blade. The cutting edge is blunt and damaged at the corners. The remainder of the butt end tapers to a square cross-sectioned break with traces of indentations forming stop lines on both faces.

Date: Middle Bronze Age - c. 1400 - 750 BC

Dimensions: 77.70 mm x 40.99 mm x 23.45 mm

Weight: 161.65 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bremhill, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.8 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 15.9 g
Description: Bronze Age tanged chisel of Late Bronze Age date, probably of Wilburton or Ewart Park metalworking industry, corresponding with Needham’s (1996) Periods 6-7, dated to c. 1150 – 750BC



The cast chisel is near-complete with a slightly distorted tang (with a length of 50.8mm and a weight of 15.9g). The tang (32.6mm long) is square to rectangular sectioned gradually narrowing to the end (6mm square at the collar and 3.0mm x 1.4mm at the end). There is a perpendicular step to the collar (2mm deep) of sub-oval form (11.1mm long and 9.3mm wide) and narrows below the flanged shoulder (with a minimum width of 7.8mm). The sides of the blade are curved and divergent to the slightly damaged blade tips and the blade edge is near-straight, curved at the ends (giving a blade width of 20.5mm). The original blade edge has been lost with no definite evidence for differential wear across the blade edge. The blade faces are near-flat and thin gradually towards the edge (with a thickness of 7mm below the shoulder and 0.8mm above the edge) and with no evidence for blade facets. There are striations beneath the patina on both faces, running both along the blade and up the blade. The surface is pitted with a mid-green patina and areas of surface loss. 



Tanged and collared chisels typically date from the Late Bronze Age to Earliest Iron Age. An example dating to the Wilburton/Wallington phase is known from Doncaster, Yorkshire (Burgess 1968, 19, fig 7,2; Burgess, Coombs and Davies, 1972, 217), though the many may be dated to the Ewart Park phase (c.950-700 BC) and into the subsequent Llyn Fawr period (c.700-600 BC).



Tanged and collared chisels have a broad distribution across northern France, Britain and Ireland (see Coffyn et al. 1981, 202-203, Carte 7), though there are relatively few examples from western England and Wales. A very similar example with a thick collar and triangular blade can be seen in the large Ewart Park phase Nottingham Hill hoard, Gloucestershire (Gingell 1974, 308, fig 4,22), as well as a single find from Leigh Woods, Bristol (MacGregor 1987, 109, 11.65). Another example was found at Brogyntyn, Shropshire (Savory 1980, No 288.3) associated with a socketed gouge and a fragmentary Hallstatt 'C' sword.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, the Vale of Glamorgan (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 102.6 mm
Weight: 242.2 g
Description: Middle to Late Bronze Age socketed axehead of uncertain type, possibly related to Type Wallington (Schmidt &amp; Burgess, 1980, p. 175-6)[1] of Wilburton Wallington metalworking dated to c. 1300 &ndash; 1000BC

The cast axehead is complete (with a length of 102.6mm and a weight of 242.2g). The interior of the mouth is oval (27.2mm x 190mm) and the top irregular with the suggestion of four-runner casting. The exterior of the mouth is sub-rectangular (39.6mm x 27.5mm) with a prominent rounded mouth moulding or collar (3mm &ndash; 6mm thick and 10mm -13mm long) and has a noticeable shelf on the sides. The corners of the moulding are noticeably angular. The loop (19.4mm long, 11.0mm high and 7.0mm wide) springs from the base of the moulding. The sides of the axe are straight and near-parallel on their upper half and flat across the depths, producing a rectangular body section to the axe. The lower half of the axe sides are divergent, with the unlooped side being near-straight and the looped side gently concave. The flattened casting seams are evident on both sides and are both off-centre. The axe is widest across the expanded blade (with a blade width of 46.8mm) and has a moderate curvature (6mm deep).&nbsp; The faces are near-flat across their widths and convergent but convex across their lengths with no blade facets or ribs present. The surface is corroded with a rough corrosion product and dark-green patina. There is a clear discernible black surface beneath the corrosion on the upper two-thirds of the axe, probably tenorite.

The interior of the socket has at least two small fragments of copper alloy wedged at its base. One fragment appears to be plate bronze and may be an axe wall fragment or similar, the other fragment below is thicker with a right-angled corner, possibly a blade.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The axe appears to share some characteristics of early socketed axes, principally it&rsquo;s slender rectangular body section, mouth moulding and parallel sides. This axe also has some more developed features, such as the expanded blade with divergent sides above the blade. The angular corners of the moulding may be seen as similar to Amorican axes of Llyn Fawr metalworking but the mouth is clearly not of front-back form. An early, Wallington is possible but a later Ewart Park (c. 1000 &ndash; 700BC) date is perhaps more likely. 


[1] Schmidt, P.K. &amp; Burgess, C. 1981; The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Pra&auml;historische Bronzefunde Abteilung IX, 7. Band 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bramley, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.1 mm
Thickness: 17.2 mm
Weight: 71.45 g
Description: 
A highly corroded cast copper alloy object of hemi-spherical shape. The alloy appears to have a high lead content. The shape suggests an origin in an open crucible rather than a mould.



Possibly a small late Bronze Age bun ingot - alternatively, a piece of casting waste of potentially later date. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dirk (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cheriton, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.9 mm
Thickness: 3.7 mm
Weight: 9.7 g
Description: A tip of a copper alloy blade, probably from a dirk or sword of middle to late Bronze Age date (c 1500 - 800 BC). The fragment is 47.9 mm in length and triangular in shape. The blade has a flat cross-section with only a small rounded midrib evident. Corrosion has caused surface loss across both sides.
Subsequent action: Acquired by a museum - not a Treasure case
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Frisby on the Wreake, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 2.61 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy awl. It has an elongated eliptical shape, and consists of a square-sectioned, copper alloy spike which tapers at both ends. Both ends are slightly damaged.  It may be the blade of a hand tool (missing its handle).  The object is in fair condition, is 41mm long, 4mm wide, 4mm thick and weighs 2.61g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Sturry, Canterbury, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.8 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 3.75 g
Description: A complete late Bronze Age gold plated penannular ring, dating to 1150 - 800BC. The ring is circular in shape and in cross section, with two flat terminals. Between the terminals is copper alloy corrosion, suggesting that the main body of the ring is copper alloy plated with gold. One of the terminals is damaged, with the surface cracked and partly missing showing the inside of the ring.  The surface of the ring is a light yellow gold colour, with slightly darker stripes running across the ring in bands. 



Dimensions:

Length: 15.8 mm

Width: 15.2 mm

Thickness: 5.2 mm

Weight: 3.75 g



Discussion: Penannular rings are not uncommon finds reported Treasure and recorded on the PAS database. Other examples featuring similar ‘tiger striped’ decoration include: 2019 T1091 (HAMP-BE4072) and 2020 T780 (NLM-59A99B). The report and PAS database record for 2020 T77 (OXON-FFD016) notes that ring “appears similar to a class of artefact which have in the past been given various terms such as 'hair-rings' (Eogan 1997) and other monikers such as ‘Ring Money’ (Green 1988) which are now no longer supported (Taylor 1980, 65; Varndell 2001). Their function remains uncertain (Varndell 2001, 516), although it is likely that they were personal adornments (Hobbs 2003 opinion cited, 102-107), possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange”.
Notes: In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.



Author: Arwen Wood, Finds Liaison Officer for Buckinghamshire

Contribution by: Ian Richardson, Senior Treasure Registrar, British Museum             



References: 

Eogan, G. 1997. ‘Hair-rings’ and European Late Bronze Age society. Antiquity, 71(272), 308-320.

Green, H. S., 1988. A find of Bronze Age" ring-money" from Graianog, Llanllyfni, Gwynedd. The bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies 35, 87-91

Hobbs, R. 2003. Treasure: finding our past. London: The British Museum Press.

Taylor, J.J. 1980. Bronze Age Goldwork of the British Isles. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Varndell, G. 2001. Ringing the Changes: when terminology matters. Antiquity 75,  515-516.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Caistor St. Edmund, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Weight: 63.4 g
Description: Corroded fragment of copper alloy late Bronze Age looped socketed axehead. The probable oval-shaped mouth is missing, as is one face almost to the base of the socket. Approximately half of a loop survives on the lower side. The body has slight traces of casting flash and some post-removal witness marks survive. The nominally 23mm wide parallel shape of the body flares at it's lower end to form the blade and cutting edge which estimates to 33mm wide. The surface is pock-marked with evidence of a rich brown patina breaking down to active blue-green corrosion. Probably a plain South-Eastern type class A1 and dateable to the Ewart Park phase circa 1000-800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1150 to 801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 91.94 mm
Thickness: 3.85 mm
Weight: 7.31 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date (c. 1150-800 BC). The awl is square in cross section along most of its length, and tapers to a circular cross-sectioned point at one terminal. At the other terminal it flattens to become rectangular in cross-section, before ending in a chisel-shaped terminal. This end exhibits pitted corrosion, whilst the rest of the awl has a smooth green patina on the surface. It is undecorated.



The awl measures 91.94mm in length, 3.85mm in thickness at its mid-point, 1mm in thickness at its chisel-shaped terminal and weighs 7.31g.



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: Ribbon (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Tangley, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.7 mm
Thickness: 0.3 mm
Weight: 3.5 g
Description: A complete gold artefact of Bronze Age date. It comprises a crumpled strip of sheet or ribbon gold around 63.7mm in length, decorated with around 10 parallel ridges running along its length across one side; the reverse is undecorated. There is a partial tear across the mid section, probably from post depositional damage. The object has a rounded terminal with a ragged pierced oval hole. The other end of the object tapers into a narrow square-sectioned hook which curves under the plate and ends up 2mm wide. The surface of this terminal is smooth and undecorated, with the ridged decoration stopping short of it.  



Length: 63.7mm; Width: 9.8mm; Thickness: 0.3mm; Weight: 3.5g.
Notes: This appears to be a flattened item of personal adornment, originally secured in a loop using the hook and piercing and perhaps used as an earring, or finger ring. The presence of these features places this example into a less common group of Bronze Age ribbon gold artefacts found with fittings. Eogan (1994) has categorised these objects as ‘Tress’-rings, including them in his discussion of gold working in the mid to late Bronze Age. More generally, there are a range of comparable ribbon gold ornaments known from the duration of the Bronze Age, particularly from the 'ornament horizon' of the Taunton and Penard phases of the Middle Bronze Age (Roberts 2007).  This object also however finds parallels in its form within the earlier Bronze Age sheet gold tradition and an excavated example found in Oxford in a sealed alluvial deposit along with a Beaker period flint scraper and pottery (Palmer 1980) suggests that an early Bronze Age date for this type of artefact is entirely possible. A number of similar objects have been reported as potential Treasure and are recorded on the PAS database, including HAMP-B9814B (2018T700), SUR-DE6DF2 (2017T644) and BH-1BE953 (2014T901).
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -750)
Material: Gold 
Found: Quainton, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.5 mm
Weight: 113.4 g
Description: A complete gold penannular bar bracelet, dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (1400BC-750BC).

Description:&nbsp;The bracelet is composed of a cylindrical bar, curved to create a sub-oval shape in plan. The terminals of the bar are slightly expanded and, from the photograph,&nbsp;appear sub-circular in section with short, incised linear decoration.

Dimensions: length: 101.5mm, width: 58mm, weight:113.4g (dimensions approximate and taken from photograph, weight provided by the finder).

Discussion: &nbsp;At the time of recording, this object appears to be the first Bronze Age gold bar bracelet, from Buckinghamshire, to be reported to the PAS scheme.&nbsp; Three comparable bracelets, but with slightly more expanded terminals, were discovered as part of a hoard (PAS-833958) in Milton Keynes, which was Late Bronze Age&nbsp;(c.1150BC-800BC).&nbsp; This hoard was processed as treasure and acquired by the British Museum (Treasure No.: PEE69; accession no.: 2002,0701).&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comparable examples recorded on the database, including: NARC-10B4B1 (2019 T1165; Late Bronze Age, c.1150BC-800BC) and three further bracelets found as part of a hoard (BERK-6870F5/6863E4/6863E4; 2004T348; Middle Bronze Age, c.1300BC-1100BC).&nbsp; Two similar bracelets can also be seen in the&nbsp;British Museum&#39;s collection: 1824,K/Armilla.17 (East Sussex, Middle to Late Bronze Age c.1400BC-750BC) and 1857,0627.4 (Ireland, Late Bronze Age c. 1150BC-750BC).

Conclusion:&nbsp;Consequently, in terms of age and the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Notes: Photographs kindly provided by the finder due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stinchcombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 9.34 g
Description: 
Copper alloy socketed spearhead fragment that dates to the middle to late Bronze Age. This is the tip of the spearhead and has a pronounced spine running down its centre that is circular in cross-section, this is flanked by thin blades that taper to a fine point, but which are both heavily damaged. The rear of the spear is truncated resulting in the loss of the socket and rear section of the blades.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Goathland, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 30.13 g
Description: 
A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe that consists of the blade and the base of the socket. The blade has a very low curved forward edge which is heavily corroded and truncated at one end. Behind the blade the surface of the axe is heavily pitted with corrosion and leads to the base of the socket which is surrounded by an ancient and irregular break.  

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2200 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stoughton, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 94.3 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Weight: 100.57 g
Description: A cast copper alloy Bronze Age axehead, of flat type, dating from the Early Bronze Age (c. 2200-1700 BC). The axehead is 94.3mm in length and flares into a curved and splayed cutting edge 42.5mm wide which has some areas of recent damage. The axe has a rectangular cross section and a slightly lenticular side profile. There is no surface decoration.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilcomb, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56 mm
Weight: 7.7 g
Description: A copper alloy tool, possibly an awl, scriber or a stylus. The tool is 56mm in length, with a flat wedge-shaped terminal and square sectioned body with lenticular side profile. The body tapers along its length into a pointed terminal with circular cross section, which has been bent.
Notes: Plain copper alloy awls and scribing tools are hard to date precisely but are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most examples being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC). The combination of a pointed tip and a spatulate terminal on this object suggests that it could alternatively be a stylus of Roman date.



Recorded from details emailed by the finder.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Drayton, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.52 mm
Thickness: 7.01 mm
Weight: 10.14 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy axe blade fragment of unknown type, dating to the Bronze Age (2350-800BC). 



The fragment is sub-triangular in plan and cross-section.  There is a faint casting line on the side of the fragment and the remains of the cutting edge is gently curved with a slightly splayed outer edge.  Overall, the fragment is dark green with patches of lighter green patina and surface pitting. 



Broadly comparable to GLO-822C7A.



Dimensions: length: 17.52mm, width: 28.11mm, maximum thickness: 7.01mm, thickness at blade: 1.77mm, weight: 10.14g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -850)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eythorne, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 100.82 mm
Thickness: 27.3 mm
Weight: 178.88 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy / bronze ribbed socketed axe of later Bronze Age / Ewart Park date (c. 950-800 BC). 



Description: The axehead is relatively robust with a square shaped mouth and relatively straight sides which expand at each end. The blade ends expands to a short cutting edge. The mouth of the axehead is fairly worn but appears to be poorly finished with casting flash seam lines still prominent along the sides and continuing down the body of the axehead towards the blade edge. The mouth moulding / collar around the mouth is swollen with a prominent bulbous or convex external ridge. Beneath this is a slight transverse moulded rib which extends across both faces and sides and is aligned with the upper edge of the side loop. The side loop is relatively small and wide being set in a tight position beneath the collar in line with this horizontal rib. The loop is D shaped in cross section.



On the front and rear faces of the axe, six parallel longitudinal ribs descend from the lower edge horizontal rib. The ribs are complete on one side and terminate in blunt points halfway along thebody. One wide face near the socket is incomplete having been broken in antiquity. The external edges of the axe are also slightly raised giving the impression of six descending ribs. The cutting edge is also straight and may have been heavily reworked. Overall the axehead has a mid-green patina towards the blade and dark grey-green towards the socket particularly on the sides. Most damage seems to have been heavily patinated indicating it occurred in antiquity. 



Measurements: 100.82mm long, 43.75mm wide (including loop, collared mouth 39.53mm wide), 27.3mm thick and 178.88g in weight. 



Discussion: The axehead dates to the Ewart Park phase of the late Bronze Age 950 - 750 BC and due to the straight sides the date range may also fit with Bronze - Iron Age transition period known as Llyn Fawr which extends the date range to c. 650 BC. Needham (1996) period 7-8 Metalworking stage XII - XIII.  The form roughly fits the South-Eastern types illustrated in Schmidt & Burgess (1981). However the ribbed decoration, a feature of the later types of socketed axehead mark it out as a ribbed variant. See: PUBLIC-CEED5D for a similar type.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Faringdon, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 66.77 mm
Thickness: 3.34 mm
Weight: 12.8 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Dagger or Dirk of Middle Bronze Age date (1500-1300 BC) Group II dirk. The object is composed of a triangular blade which tapers to a point and is lenticular in cross sections due to a broad mid-rib. The butt end is flat D-shaped butt-end with a crescentic notch to either side - the result of worn-through rivet holes. The butt-end also has a crescentic notch which appears intentional, also to accommodate a rivet



Length: 66.77mm, Width: 20.76mm, Thickness: 3.34mm, Weight: 12.8g



This example falls into Burgess and Gerloff's group II, 'dirks with damaged or ill-formed blades modified for rehafting'



The metal is dark green in colour with a slightly pitted patina and areas of lighter green corrosion. 



Similar examples of group II dirks have been recorded on the PAS database as WILT-B91985, BH-C79921, SF-E9C52D and WILT-530139. See also examples published in formal literature (Burgess, C. and Gerloff, S. 1981. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland. Praehistorische Bronzefunde, IV, 7. Muenchen). The short nature of many dirks belonging to this group suggests that they were manufactured from fragments of larger blades.



Reference: Burgess, C. and Gerloff, S. 1981. The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland. Praehistorische Bronzefunde, IV, 7. Muenchen.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder