dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cople, Bedford, Bedford (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116 mm
Diameter: 17 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 68.76 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy Late Bronze Age socketed spear dating to the period 1150-800 BC. The spear has a leaf-shaped blade that tapers towards the tip. The blade wings are bevelled, both of which are worn and damaged in places. The blade has a circular cross-section central rib running from tip to base, and wings that gradually expand before tapering inwards to connect to the socketed shaft. The shaft, which is circular in section, increases in diameter towards the open-ended terminal and has a loop halfway along each side made of a flat rhomboidal-shaped plate that sits in line with the cutting edges of the blade. The spear measures 116mm in length. The widest section of the blade is 25mm in width and 3mm thick, while the internal diameter of the socket is a maximum of 17mm. The spear weighs 68.76 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chalgrove, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Two fragments of a cast copper-alloy Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC) socketed axe of South Eastern Class A. The larger fragment comprising roughly a quarter of the upper shaft is broadly trapezoidal in plan and wedge-shaped in profile. The axe has a double mouth moulding which is very worn. The surviving body of the axe is broadly rectangular with gently tapering sides. On one face there is a semi-circular shaped loop with an oval perforation infilled with deposition residue. The fragment is broken along the upper casting seam but unevenly along the other sections of the body. The fragment measures 40mm in length, a maximum of 26mm in width at the socket end and is 5.5mm thick. It weighs 27.80 grams.



The smaller fragment is a broken section of the axe's sub-square shaped socketed body. The fragment is sub-rectangular in plan and broadly rectangular in section, and is angled at one end. The small fragment does not attatch in any obvious way to the larger fragment but the material and composition indicate that they are both from the same object. The fragment measures 25mm in length, 20mm in width and a maximum of 5.5mm in thickness. The fragment weighs 14.08 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2050 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hawkhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.5 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Weight: 37.8 g
Description: A complete copper alloy miniature flat axe or possibly a chisel, 59.5mm in length and dating to the early to late early Bronze Age (2050 BC- 1700BC).



The axe has straight sides, expanding into a cutting edge, which is curved and 26mm across, with a cutting edge around 1mm thick. The butt end narrows to 15.1mm in width and is slightly convex. There are no flanges or other features. The profile of the axe is lenticular or an elongated pointed oval with a maximum thickness at the centre of 7.3mm. The surface is heavily pitted with the brownish-green patina of copper-alloy - suggesting a date after the very earliest period when axes were made of copper rather than bronze
Notes: This object's form is similar to full-sized, solid flat axes, resembling a smaller version of the earliest and simplest solid cast copper alloy axe-heads with tapering sides and rounded butts. It is uncertain whether it is a miniature axe or a chisel intended for fine working or was intended as a votive object; it is larger than other miniature axes (eg.HAMP-B3BE22, HAMP-657353) which have been proposed to have a votive function (Robinson, P; 1995).



Miniature flat axes such as this tend to fit in the chronology at the very end of the early Bronze Age when developed axes are starting out. It is likely that this example is dated to the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II-III), of metalworking tradition phase IV-V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2050 - 1700 CAL. BC. Axes of this size and form are difficult to parallel, Schmidt & Burgess (1981) catalogue a number of small developed flat axes as Variant Swinton (p 67-8, nos. 375-380) but all examples are between 87mm and 92mm in length. Although this example is smaller it may have been used for a similar function.



See also LANCUM-B28EB0.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Goring, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.6 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 27.5 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment (tip section) of a socketed spearhead, dating from the mid to late Bronze Age c. 1500 - 800 BC. The socket is roughly sub oval in form and stops at 4 cm from the point. The side blades have been heavily abraded in the ground, loosing much of their shape and cutting edges. Now a dark black/green surface has been 'oiled', disguising the original patina.



Probably Davis Group 11 'Generic' - Object Datasheet No.3   A Short Guide to Late Bronze Age Spearheads
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Blue Bell Hill and Walderslade, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 10.75 mm
Weight: 17.18 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy possible palstave of middle Bronze Age date (c. 1150-700 BC).



Description: The fragment, which appears to have been broken off in antiquity, consists of the extreme top piece of the implement's attachment end and appears to have been slightly twisted upon breakage. The width and thickness extend gradually from the irregular top edge to the point of the break. On both sides of the axe a ridge extends along each vertical edge, increasing in height towards the point of the break.The artefact has a mid green patina.



Measurements: The piece measures 27mm long, 13.04mm wide and 10.75mm thick. It weighs 17.18g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cotham, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.4 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy rapier or dagger blade of Bronze Age date. The fragment is rectangular in plan and eliptical to lozenge-shaped in cross-section, tapering out from a central rib. The edges are chipped and damaged but appear to have been straight. One end terminates in a diagonal break, the other in a straight break. There is green patina around the diagonal break, the rest of the object has a dark olive brown patina.



Similar objects on this database, for example WILT-9D21F1, SUR-750511, WILT-90C8FE are dated to the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1500 - 1200 BC.



The fragment is 42.4 mm long, 11.6 mm wide and 3.8 mm thick. Weight is 7.9 g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy Gold
Found: St. Loyes, Exeter, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Building work
Diameter: 24.9 mm
Weight: 5.01 g
Description: A gold-plated copper alloy penannular 'lock ring' of Late Bronze Age date. The ring consists of a central core in copper alloy covered by sheets of gold: one on the front and the back of the ring and one on the inner side. This inner sheet is now detached from the core and irregularly folded, whilst the edges of the first sheet on one side are lifted. The gold sheet is decorated on both surface with seven concentric incised lines following the shape of the ring.



The ring is C-shaped in plan with a gap of 2.7 mm. It is and triangular in cross-section, with a flat inner side, flat surfaces and a prominent external rim. It is worn with several blackened spots along the sheets of gold.



The ring measures 24.9 mm in diameter and weighs 5.01 g.



Gold or gold-on-base-metal rings and penannular rings are characteristic finds of the Middle to Late Bronze Age (1300-800 BC) and they could have been used as hair-rings or earrings and are often found in pairs. They are usually decorated with repousse' decoration or with fine concentric incised lines imitating fine wire works. More rarely, lock-rings are made from plates obtained from individual gold wires soldered together.



A close parallel is BERK-4A433E (2016 T106) dating to 1150-800 BC. Another similar parallel but without copper alloy core is no. W.20 in British Museum Collection, dating to BC 1150-750.
Notes: This item was found before 1996 and therefore as there is no evidence it was buried with the intention to recover it would not be classed as Treasure under the pre-1996 law (ie the law of Treasure Trove).



It was found in a heap of soil, some of which was brought in to make up ground during construction so it clear it originally came from the area.



Despite this uncertainty over findspot it has been recorded as this type of object is rare and it was felt important to add it to the corpus.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fiskerton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 6.2 g
Description: An incomplete lozenge-shaped portion of copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle Bronze Age, about 1550 - 1250 BC. The surviving fragment is from the area near the tip. The fragment is slightly curved, which could indicate that it was intentionally broken in antiquity.



Circa 12-15mm of the tip apears to be missing. There are three central ribs running longitudinally on both aspects. The central ribbed area is 6mm thick and 8mm wide. The blade width narrows from 15mm-11mm. Weight 6.2g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brandon and Bretford, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.39 mm
Thickness: 6.69 mm
Weight: 4.31 g
Description: A complete copper alloy probable awl dating to the Bronze Age period (c. 900-600 BC). The object is circular in section at its upper most point, widening at the middle and then narrowing to a square-sectioned and sharply pointed lower end. The circular sectioned and square sectioned ends are separated by a ridge below the widened middle.



Comparable examples can be seen in Read (2001: 91) numbers 695 and 696. 696 in particular is closer in shape and has been suggested as a possible awl or a straw-splitter.



The overall dimensions are as follows: 41.39mm in length, 6.69mm in thickness and 4.31g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Wingfield, Amber Valley, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 178 mm
Thickness: 34.1 mm
Description: Copper-alloy looped palstave dating to the middle Bronze Age (c. 1300 - 1150 BC). The object is broadly lozenge-shaped in section. It has a narrow, elongated blade which widens and narrows to the cutting edge, and a rectangular septum at the other end, with raised sides. There is a loop to one side at the juncture between blade and septum. The object has a worn, dark-brown surface with patches of green copper corrosion. It is 178.0mm in length, 53.4mm in width and 34.1mm in thickness.



This type of palstave is typically dated to the middle Bronze Age on analogy with excavated examples. Similar palstaves are recorded on the database, including: SOM-06B194.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-900 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Moulton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 111 mm
Thickness: 21.5 mm
Weight: 136 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy Cherwell variant Ewart Park sword dating to the period c. 900 - 800 BC. Octagonal-sectioned socketed handle with two rivet holes positioned on the long axis on each face, now filled with corossion product. Within the socket is a fragment of wood, traces of a white substance, possibly adhesive (or wax) and a ring of corrosion product running around the mouth. The handle tapers slightly from a width of 25.5mm to 21.5mm before expanding into the shoulders to a maximum width of 42.1mm. The junction between the integrally cast blade and the hilt is stepped on both faces, with a central U-shaped cut out in the centre of the hilt. The blade tapers in width along its length from 41.2mm to 25mm, terminating in a transverse break. It has a lenticular cross-section with a pronounced median rib on both faces. The long edges are heavily abraded. The sword exhibits a smooth dark brown patina, with green patination along the edges, around the area of the break and areas which appear to have been abraded due to movement in the plough soil.



See: Colquhoun & Burgess 1988, The Swords of Britain, pl. 90, nos. 603 & 607.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Moulton, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.9 mm
Diameter: 14.5 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 19.5 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age socketed spear of Davis' (2012) Group 6 dating to the period c. 1550 - 1250 BC. The mouth of the socket is missing. It now commences in an old break just below the side loops. One loop is incomplete due to old damage; both are now filled with brown corrosion product. The socket tapers into the blade, creating a lozengiform mid-rib which extents beyond the socket. The tip of the blade is missing due to old breaks. The edges of the blade are broken and heavily abraded. The spear exhibits a heavily pitted dark green patina with smooth dark brown patches in places.



See: Davis, R. 2012. The Early and Middle Bronze Age spearheads of Britain. PBF V.5. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hevingham, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31 mm
Height: 21 mm
Weight: 35.79 g
Description: Probable Bronze Age copper alloy casting jet. Oval, flat upper face (31mm x 25mm, height 21mm), obliquely anged lower face with the stumps of one runner. Weighs 35.79g. c.2,500-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2000 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stoke upon Tern, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 74.75 mm
Thickness: 6.93 mm
Weight: 17.4 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy awl, possibly Bronze Age - Medieval in date, 2000 B.C. - AD.1100. The object is a single cast chisel with a flat terminal that widens towards the middle of the piece before tapering down to a point. The wider end terminates in a worn break, and is slightly bent inwards. The point is likely the tang of the object to be inserted into a wooden handle, and is roughly square in section. There is a slightly thicker collar below the tang. The object is undecorated, is mid to dark green in colour and has an uneven patina. Abrasion, caused by movement within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of some original surface detail.



Small chisels and tools of this type were used for an extensive period of time, not simply in the Bronze Age, but also in later periods for jewellery making and fine work. As such dating the object is difficult.



The object is 74.75mm long, 14.11mm wide and 6.93mm thick. It weighs 17.4g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Ellingham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39 mm
Weight: 3.48 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl comprising a rectangular-sectioned tang and a round-sectioned point, the end bent. Length (unbent) 39mm, width 6mm, weight 3.48g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Potterne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 6.62 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy leaf-shaped spearhead dating from the late Middle to late Bronze Age, 43.0mm in length and 13.8 maximum width, with a dark brown patina. The blade has a prominent mid-ridge, with a rounded trapezoidal cross section. There is a void, possibly a casting flaw, within the spine revealed at the break.



The spear was probably a socketed and pegged type as per WAW-C65A09. Circa 1100-600BC,
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1200 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rockbourne, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.4 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 1.91 g
Description: A small cast copper alloy fragment of probably Prehistoric to Roman date, possibly a fragment of a Bronze Age socketed tool, probably dating to c. 1200 BC - AD 410. A sub-rectangular fragment of copper alloy, with a grey-green patina and worn breaks on all sides. The fragment has an 'L'-Shaped cross section. 



Dimensions: length 15.4mm; width 9.3mm; thickness of fragment 5.6mm; thickness of wall 2.7mm; weight 1.91g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Compton, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.83 mm
Thickness: 7.06 mm
Weight: 26.15 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy sword blade probably dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1100BC - 800BC). The fragment is sub-rectuangular in plan and elongated lozenge-shaped in cross-section. The central mid-rib is defined on either side of the rib by a vertical line, occurring on both faces, before tapering towards the cutting edges. The cutting edges show signs of wear. The fragment is terminated by worn breaks at the top and bottom of the blade. The object has a dark green patina. 



The overall dimensions are as follows: 27.83mm in length, 37.58mm in width, 7.06mm in thickness and 26.15g in weight. 



Discussion



Similar examples recorded on the PAS database include: BERK-CCF74B; NMGW-FE5523; and BERK-CF2C22. 



Owing to the size of the fragment it in unclear what type of blade this object was attributed to and how long the original item would have been. However, as Domscheit (2014) discusses, 'Although swords have origins in the later part of the Middle Bronze Age of Taunton and Penard Metalworking Industries, occurrences of the types are comparatively unusual and leaf-shaped swords of Late Bronze Age date tend to be more commonly recovered'.



Reference:



Domscheit, W (2014) NMGW-FE5523: A BRONZE AGE BLADE



Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/643045



[Accessed: 10 Oct 2018 11:00:54]
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Old Buckenham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 15.94 g
Description: Fragment of Middle Bronze Age copper alloy spearhead, point missing, thin flat sectioned blade, the edge missing, the lower end broken just beyond where the hollow cast convex-sided blade begins to narrow towards the socket. Ancient breaks. The longitidinal median rib is of lozengiform section with a sharp arris on each face. Extant length 63mm. Extant width 21mm. Extant thickness 9mm. Weight 15.94g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilmark, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.1 mm
Thickness: 12.6 mm
Weight: 12.1 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age socket and looped spear head, now in two parts (see also: WILT-E14BAE) probably dating to 1550-1250 BC. This fragment comprises of the upper socket, circular in cross section and tapering towards the point, now lost, and with the wings of the blade projecting from either side. These are relatively flat in cross section, with the more complete tapering to a point at the edge. In plan the wings appear to have been relatively elongated, with a rounded base, although they are too incomplete to be certain of their form.



Dimensions: length 34.1mm; width 25.8mm; thickness 12.6mm; weight 12.1g.



The fragment fits with another (see: WILT-E14BAE), although the relative condition of the fragments and breaks would suggest that the breaks are due to more recent damage, rather than anything prior to or during deposition; thus, the fragments are not likely to constitute a hoard and do not qualify as treasure under the terms of the treasure act of 1996. The spear head fits into Davies' (2012, in 2017) Group 6, which he suggests accounts for almost half of EBA/MBA spear heads found in Britain and dates to the Acton Park and Taunton metal working phases.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilmark, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 41.7 mm
Diameter: 16.4 mm
Weight: 18.47 g
Description: An incomplete Middle Bronze Age socket and looped spear head, now in two parts (see also: WILT-E1266C) probably dating to 1550-1250 BC. This fragment comprises of the lower socket, circular in cross section and tapering towards the point, now lost, and with flattened attachment loops projecting from either side, these are sub oval when the spear head is viewed in profile.



Dimensions: length 41.7mm; width 19.8mm; diameter of mouth 16.4mm; weight 18.47g.



The fragment fits with another (see: WILT-E1266C), although the relative condition of the fragments and breaks would suggest that the breaks are due to more recent damage, rather than anything prior to or during deposition; thus, the fragments are not likely to constitute a hoard and do not qualify as treasure under the terms of the treasure act of 1996. The spear head fits into Davies' (2012, in 2017) form 6, which he suggests accounts for almost half of EBA/MBA spear heads found in Britiain and dates to the Acton Park and Taunton metal working phases.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Gaddesden, Dacorum, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 28.32 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy fragment of a blade, possibly a rapier, dating to the Bronze Age (c. 1500-1200 BC). The fragment is rectangular in plan and lozenge-shape in cross section - this being typical of the Bronze Age. The edges of the blade are narrow, rounded slightly and uneven, with minor patches of damage in places. The corners are also rounded. The shape of the blade is not quite parallel with one end being slightly wider than the other, but overall it has a relatively even profile. Both surfaces have a mid-brown patina while the edges are a mid-green. The blade measures 56mm in length. The narrower end is 18mm in width and 5mm thick, and the wider end 19mm wide and 5.5mm thick. It weighs 28.32 grams.



Several similar blades are recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, all of which date to the Middle Bronze Age. This includes examples from Wiltshire (WILT-9D21F1, WILT-90C8FE) and West Sussex (SUR-750511).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper 
Found: Gwinear-Gwithian, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 261.15 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile. This fragment is square in plan, triangular in profile, and rectangular in section, as it comes from one edge of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted where air bubbles formed during the casting process. There are dark green and coppery brown areas and light green patches of bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers' hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar ingots with rectangular profiles from Mountbatten, Plymouth on page 451, plate 36, no.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar plano-convex ingot from Marldon in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.146a (see DEV-677584). Also see the ingots recorded in DEV-D9F1E2 (2011T441) which are dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.6 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Weight: 39.9 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed axehead (c. 1100 - 800 BC). Only the cutting edge remains. The fragment is sub-rectangular in plan, sub-rectangular in profile, and triangular in section. The fragment is hollow with an internal triangular recess tapering to a point towards the cutting edge. The edges and faces of the axehead fragment are smooth and precise. The break is uneven and runs diagonally down the body of the axehead. Unfortunately not enough remains of the axehead to be able to identify it more precisely or attribute a closer date.



The metal has a green patina. The axehead fragment is 27.6mm in length, 44.0mm in width, 12.5mm thick, and weighs 39.9g.



Similar objects have been recorded on the database as YORYM-F04668, NLM-3CB08D, LVPL-653004, and YORYM-B41E65.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Downton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.5 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 12.2 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle or late Bronze Age copper alloy spear head, probably dating to c. 1550-800 BC. The surviving fragment comprises of the mid-rib, circular in cross section and tapering from the top of the socket to the point, which is lost to abrasion. Vestigial remains of highly abraded wings project from either side of the rib.



Dimensions: length 34.5mm; width 14.4mm; thickness 9.7mm; weight 12.20g.



The presence of a midrib would suggest a date in the Middle or Late Bronze Age (Davis 2016; 2017).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1550)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Langford, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 92 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 80.8 g
Description: A cast copper alloy looped socketed spearhead dating to the Early Bronze Age, circa 1700 - 1550 BC. The blade tip is missing, the socket and base of the blade remain, the blade terminating in an old break 30.8 mm from the blade-socket junction. The midrib is lozenge-shaped in cross-section. On either side of the midrib are deep channels. The blade wings are broadly triangular in cross-section.. The ribs do not extend onto the socket. The socket is circular in cross-section, it tapers slightly from 22 mm at the base to 19 mm at the blade socket junction, where it becomes more eliptical in cross-section. Near the rim of the socket are the broken lugs for two loops placed roughly opposite each other, in line with the blade wings. The tip of the wooden shaft of the spear survives in the socket. The object has a pitted surface and a olive green/brown patina with light green and brown patches.



Overall length 92 mm, width 31 mm, thickness 10.5 mm, Weight 80.8 g.



Stylistically, the spearhead fits into Davis Group 2 Socketed Type B Looped. Richard Davis says: "The key attributes ... are the V-shaped base to the blade as it merges with the socket. The midrib does not follow the line of the socket, but is narrower than the socket as it enters the V. There is a channel each side of the midrib as it leads to the raised blade wings. The loops are low on the socket. There is a characteristic inward curve of the profile from above the socket to the blade. ... These spearheads represent the first stage of combining the blade with the socket. They are dated to the Arreton Phase 1700-1550 BC based on hoard evidence. Finds of Group 2 spearheads are rare. [Davis'] PBF catalogue comprises 8 with pegholes and 22 with loops. The only local finds from the Group are one with a peghole, dredged from the River Trent at Colwick (Castle Museum collection): and one with loops purchased from a car boot sale and believed to have come from the Trent gravels (DENO-DC4C87)." pers. comm. 31/10/2018.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hartwell, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 30.56 mm
Thickness: 7.15 mm
Weight: 21.7 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy Annular Ring of Bronze Age date (1000-800 BC). The object is circular, with a sub-circular interior, which measures approximately 16.85mm in diameter. It is covered with dark brown patina and is very smooth and shiny apart from several small areas of corrosion. Similar objects have been found in hoards with socketed axes, such as they example of Balmashanner Fort, Angus (Schmidt & Burgess 1981, plate 152), and YORYM-15AA2D TREASURE CASE : 2014 T442 and LANCUM-6F9525 TREASURE CASE : 2010 T227



Diameter: 30.56mm, Thickness: 7.15mm, Weight: 21.7g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hartwell, South Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.48 mm
Thickness: 13.11 mm
Weight: 51.7 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy Socketed Hammer, of late Bronze Age date (1000-800BC). The object is rectangular in cross-section, and a tapering sub-rectangular in plan. The sides of the object are slightly bevelled. The hammer in section waisted, expanding into a flared undecorated collar at the socketed end. The socket mouth is sub-rectangular. The hammer tapers sharply from the socket toward the mid-point, before again flaring more gently toward the hammer face. The striking face of the hammer shows evidence of use-wear.



The metal has a smooth dark green patina with areas of lighter green corrosion.



Length: 61.48mm, Width: 18.07mm, Thickness: 13.11mm, Width (of socket): 16.85mm, Weight: 51.7g.



Discussion:



The earliest bronze hammers were created in the Middle Bronze Age Taunton metalwork phase, however hammer finds are more defined in Late Bronze Age hoard discoveries. Socketed hammers became more widespread in the Penard phase (c1200-950BC), and according to Burgess this tradition lasted longer in the North of Britain whereas the characteristics of the Wilburton Phase were prominent in southern Britain during the tenth century BC. Hammers were produced in smaller numbers during the Ewart-Park Phase which is characterised by a higher volume of leaded bronze artefacts. The production of bronze and in particular tin bronze depleted after 800BC. Burgess (1968) describes two socketed hammers from the Kilnhurst hoard in Yorkshire, one short and the other long which is similar to the example here. Early examples tend to be plain with no collar, whereas later examples have collars and moulding. The example described here is more likely a later example in the Penard Phase. Burgess also parallels Penard metalwork to continental examples and in particular western France.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Gold 
Found: Swanbourne, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 17 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 9.68 g
Description: A complete gold or gold-plated cast penannular ring dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age (c. 1150 - 750 BC). The ring is in the shape of a oval-sectioned loop which tapers slightly towards the terminals. One terminal has a shallow rectangular shaped recess in the centre of its face. The obect is otherwise plain and undecorated. The ring measures 17mm in diameter, while the bar itself is a maximum of 4.5mm in thickness. The ring weighs 9.68 grams



Such objects are often termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al. 2008; O'Connor et al. 2008). Their function is uncertain but they may have been personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C / 2013 TW13; references therein).
Notes: Due to this object being of prehistoric, Bronze Age date, the presence of any precious metal would qualify this item as Treasure under the stipulations of The Treasure Act 1996. As this item is gold plated it qualifies as such under the Act.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1275 to -1020)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Gweek, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 115.55 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy side-looped Transitional Type Shelf, Plain Variant palstave, dating from the Penard (1275-1150 BC) to the Wilburton (1150-1020 BC) phases of the Middle Bronze Age. The palstave has a squared-off protruding stop ridge and rectangular aperture in plan and a narrow parallel-sided blade which is inset from the stop ridge in profile as well as plan, and starts to expand only slightly towards the blade edge after 40 mm but the rest of the blade is missing. The remains of the side loop project outwards 5 mm from the surface of one side of the palstave and the base of the other end of the loop is 2.5 mm proud of the surface. The surface of the blade is damaged and pitted but does not appear to have been decorated.



Schmidt & Burgess (1981) illustrate similar palstaves with squared-off stop ridges and narrow inset blades from Denwick and Wallington Demesne in Northumberland in plate 64, nos.880-881, which are classified as Transitional Palstaves, Type Shelf, Plain Variant and dated from the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age, and another from Keswick, Cumbria in plate 67, no.933, which is classified as a Late Palstave, Type Shelf and dated to the Wilburton phase of the Late Bronze Age.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate palstaves with side loops and narrow blades from Iwerne Minster in Dorset on p.91, pl.18, no.265 (see DOR-8D4C40) and from Christchurch, Dorset on p.93, pl.20, no.228, which are dated from the Penard phase of the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Undergoing further examination at a museum
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ickburgh, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Diameter: 3.5 mm
Weight: 3.74 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age pin. The head flares very slightly to a flat top. Immediately below the upper edge there is a band of seven incised grooves lines which almost encircle the circular to oval-sectioned shaft, leaving a narrow blank vertical band. The shank is a little irregular and tapers to a point at the lower end. Length 63mm. Diameter of head 3.5mm. Weighs 3.74g.



This small pin perhaps belongs to the 'Ornament horizon' phase of the late Taunton or early Penard phase of the later mid Bronze Age, approximately 1400-1250 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ickburgh, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 10.53 g
Description: Bronze Age penannular copper alloy ring, the outer face with an incised median line forming two ribs, the inner face is slightly flattened,. The straight ends of the band are butted together. Outer diameter 28mm. Width 6mm. 3.5mm thick. Weighs 10.53g. c.1600-1000 BC.



Gold penannular rings with c-sectioned ribs are a well-known Middle Bronze Age artefact type. For similar rings see LIN-D7E6D1 and ESS-E9CCB4 (two ribs), BERK-A5FFE5 and HER43133, Norfolk (multiple linked rings), ESS-CB3683 and IOW-0EAD26 (three ribs).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leamington Hastings, Rugby, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.56 mm
Thickness: 24.47 mm
Weight: 87.6 g
Description: A copper alloy casting jet of Late Bronze Age date (1000-800 BC). The object is composed of two conical sprues or flashes with an ovate in plan, the projections are triangular in profile.



Casting jets are waste products which form at the top of a two-piece clay mould when the molten metal has filled the object-shaped void below and around the gate piece which had two conical apertures. As they represent re-usable metal, they were often retained and regularly turn up in base metal hoards of the period; see, for example, Treasure case 2006 T36, from Devon.



Length: 36.56mm, Width: 44.19mm, Thickness: 24.47mm, Weight: 87.6g.



The metal is a dark green with some areas of pitting.



Pearce (1983) illustrates a similar casting jet with conical sprues from Lelant in Cornwall, which was found associated with swords fragments that are from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) on page 571, pl.10, no.82e.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a casting jet from Gussage All Saints in Dorset on page 82, pl.9, no.247f, which was found with a socketed axe mouth fragment.



Similar examples can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database: LVPL-0C459C, LANCUM-8A5846 and BH-8BDE6E
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradenham, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 64 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 20.64 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier or late Bronze Age riveted knife, remains of flat sides at shoulder of broken hilt,  blade with flattened lozengiform section tapers to break. Slight bend at mid-point, both ends broken in antiquity. Extant length (unbent) 64mm. Extant width 21mm. 4mm thick. Weighs 20.64g. c.1600-c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ogbourne St. George, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.1 mm
Thickness: 1.6 mm
Weight: 1.89 g
Description: A complete flat copper alloy barbed and tanged arrowhead, 37.1mm in length, with a triangular shape, a flattened but slightly lozengiform profile and low central rib. The tang is 14.7mm in length. One barb is bent. Circa Middle to Late Bronze Age (1300 BC to 800 BC).
Notes: Bronze Age flat barbed and tanged copper-alloy arrowheads are known from Britain, though they are rare finds. Other examples on the database include SWYOR-3A2CF7, NMS-B061B6, NMS-F982A3, WMID-CE6A76, NARC-F9B223, NMS-477E93 and SF6680. This appears to be the fourth recorded example from Wiltshire.



In contrast there is only example known from a secure British Bronze Age archaeological context (the Penard hoard, Archaeologica 71, page 138). At the time of its discovery it was a unique find in Britain and was presumed to be an import on the basis of a range of previous finds of bronze arrowheads recorded from Northern France. PAS recorded finds have since demonstrated that these bronze arrowheads were also a British tradition. Though the barbed and tanged form was used in flint from the Early Bronze Age, the Penard find was dated to 1275-1140 BC, suggesting at least a Middle Bronze Age date for copper alloy examples such as this one.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shepherdswell with Coldred, Dover, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.29 mm
Thickness: 4.45 mm
Weight: 4.95 g
Description: A copper alloy Bronze Age (c.1500-800 BC) spear tip.



Description: The tip of a bronze spear broken at an historic break from the main part of the spear head. It is sub-triangular in plan, with a broad flat central longtitudinal rib on both surfaces. The tip is solid.and tapers to a point, the edges are intact and sharp. The surfaces have a typical green patina.



Measurements: length: 28.29mm, width at break: 15.24mm, at tip: 2.5mm, thickness on rib: 4.45mm, along the edge: 1.36mm, weight: 4.95g.



Discussion: Type or classification as well as narrow the date is not possible due to small fragment size. See similar on the PAS database: BERK-359D1B.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (1150 to 800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70.1 mm
Diameter: 6.1 mm
Weight: 13.78 g
Description: A Bronze Age, copper-alloy awl, dating to c.1150 - 800 BC. The end that would have been inserted into a handle is rectangular in cross-section and has a flat terminal, which has possibly been truncated by a break. The other end is pointed and has a circular cross-section. The surface is covered in an even patination. Length 70.1mm; Diameter 6.1mm; Weight 13.78g;
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: St. Mary Bourne, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.7 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 19.3 g
Description: A Middle or Late Bronze Age copper alloy chisel dating to c.1600-701 BC. The blade is corroded, rectangular in section with a tapering pointed tang and bends towards the flaring sub-crescentic blade. Length 80mm. Width 22.2mm. 3.9mm thick. Cf. Inventaria Archaeologica (1954) G.B.6, no.5 and NMS-5EB338 on the database.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hormead, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 6.08 g
Description: Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe collar fragment,  22mm in length, 20mm wide and 4mm thick with a weight of 6.08grams.



The object is sub rectangular in form and cross section and has a curved profile.  Its complete edge has a rounded D shaped cross sectioned collar on the outer surface, 2mm thhick and wide. Below this is a narrow linear depression. There is a second rounded collar 4mm wide, 11mm in  from the first. To the left of the object (as shown) is a distinct casting seam running the length of the fragment.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Breage, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Height: 19 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight: 361.15 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile. This fragment is square in plan, triangular in profile, and rhomboidal in section, as it comes from one edge of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted where air bubbles formed during the casting process. There are dark green and coppery brown areas and light green patches of bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers' hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



Pearce (1983) illustrates similar ingots with rectangular profiles from Mountbatten, Plymouth on page 451, plate 36, no.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork.



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar plano-convex ingot from Marldon in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.146a (see DEV-677584). Also see the ingots recorded in DEV-D9F1E2 (2011T441) which are dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Somerby, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Description: Prehistoric or Roman? copper alloy casting sprue, 17mm long, 16mm wide and weighing 4.71g. The object has a flat urregular circular terminal 17mmx14mm which has a rough upper surface. Below this is a rectangular shaped and sub rectangular cross sectioned projection which tapers in width at its base, terminating in a point. The object is similar in form to LEIC-E3FCA7 and LVPL-F0EBE9  and WILT-EE8A7B, all undated, but it bears a resemblance to both  Bronze age and Roman examples recorded here.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Loughborough Garendon, Charnwood, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight: 8.4 g
Description: Bronze age? gold linear sheet, possibly a bracelet fragment? 27mm long, 13mm wide 8mm thick and weighing 8.40g.



The object is now sub rectangular in form and oval in cross section, it is a sheet that has been rolled around itself at least four times and appears to be incomplete. At the visible end it is 14mm wide and very thin less than 0.25mm thick. It is decorated with a series of seven raised rectangular cross sectioned ridges set within a plain flat border visible on one edge, 2mm wide. The sheet narrows and has probably been trimmed, as where it folds under itself it is 12mm wide and here it has six raised ridges present and the lower one disappears off the edge with no border.



The object is possibly a bracelet and is similar to SOM-62CE08 and SF3482 in decoration and its form is similar to IOW-8BBE91 and especially IOW-5A60F3 which has been folded as well. This record notes that sheet gold bracelets of comparable form and dimensions are found Britain and Ireland during the Late Bronze Age (1100-800 BC) as exemplified in the Saintjohns, C. Kildare and Derrinboy, Co. Offaly bracelets in Ireland (Eogan 1994, The Accomplished Art: gold and gold-working in Britain and Ireland during the Bronze Age (c. 2300-650 BC). Oxford: Oxbow Monograph 42)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure