dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Great Totham, Maldon, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59.8 mm
Thickness: 17.6 mm
Weight: 94.76 g
Description: An almost complete, copper alloy axehead dating to the Bronze Age. The axehead is broadly rectangular in plan, expanding in width at the cutting edge. The socket is rectangular and has an old, worn break. The surface is now a dark gray and has suffered loss of surface, with a bright green patina in th damaged areas.



It measures 59.8mm in length and 17.6mm in thickness. It is 38.1mm in width at the cutting edge and 28.3mm at the body. It weighs 94.76g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2200 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Westham, Wealden, East Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.7 mm
Thickness: 5.3 mm
Weight: 38.3 g
Description: A small cast copper alloy Early Bronze Age developed flat axehead, probably dating to between 2200 -1500 BC. The axehead has a narrow round-ended butt, which widens into a sub-triangular axehead in plan, with dual-facetted flanges. The blade-end is wide and convex, but not crescentic with pointed ends, like other types from the same period. The blade-end has a pointed oval cross-section, whereas the body of the blade is facetted, creating an elongated hexagonal cross-section; the butt is sub-rectangular in cross-section. The axehead has an overall dark green patina. No regular decoration is visible. Parallels for the form can be found in Schmidt & Burgess's Developed Flat Axe series (1981, 59-68).



The axehead measures 63.7 mm long, 11 mm wide (at butt-end), 28.7 mm wide (at blade-end), 3.7 mm thick (at butt-end), 5.3 mm thick (at blade-end), 6.7 mm thick (at centre); weight: 38.3 grams
Notes: Reference: Schmidt, P., and Burgess, C. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Munchen: C. H. Beck'sche, Verlagsbuchandlung
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Well, Hambleton, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 116.33 mm
Thickness: 14.59 mm
Weight: 32.8 g
Description: A complete copper alloy chisel dating to the late Bronze Age, c. 1150 to 800 BC.



The object has a curved balde which tapers before widening outwards to form a collar. From the collar projects the tang which is square-sectioned and tapers to a point.



The object is complete and in very good condition with only small sections of damage. There are similar objects recorded on the PAS database, see for example, BERK-52E8C3 and NMS-769173.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Unknown
Length: 217.25 mm
Diameter: 26.48 mm
Thickness: 25.21 mm
Weight: 160 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age copper alloy plain pegged spearhead dating to Needham's period 6-7 (1150 BC - 800 BC) and Ehrenburg's Class V (1977). It measures 217.25mm in length, 56.32mm in max.width, 25.21mm in max.thickness, 26.48mm in diameter and with a socket depth c.183mm. Weighs 160g (to the nearest 2g).


The spearhead has a leaf-shaped blade, extending from just above the two peg-holes (c.5.5mm in diameter) with a chamfered edge and pronounced central mid-rib which extends all the way to the tip. The line of the blade is smoothly curving until the tip where it angles inwards quite sharply.


All original patina has been lost and the metal is a coppery brown in colour. There are several area of bright green deposit on the surface, probably the result of corrosion.


The spear may have been a deliberate contemporary deposition in a river.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2300 to -1450)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kemsing, Sevenoaks, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.03 mm
Thickness: 8.91 mm
Weight: 20.6 g
Description: An incomplete, butt fragment, of an Early-Mid Bronze Age, cast, copper - bronze alloy, flat axe or palstave. Both terminal corners are slightly rounded while the other fractured end is irregular almost with a central notch. It has a wedge shape in side elevation but flat 'H' shape in cross-section with the edges slightly raised above the centre. There is a dark green patina but half the surface has pitted, pale green corrosion. This is likely to date to between 2300BC and 1450BC. Ref. Bronze Age metal work in the Norwich Castle Museum, Norfolk Museum Service 1977, 2nd Edition 1997, page 40-60 no. 13-22,75,96 & 97, History Beneath Our Feet, Brian Read, Anglia Publishing Ipswich 1995, page 1-3 no. 2 and Detector Finds 5, Gordon Bailey, Greenlight Publishing 2002, page 54-55 Fig. 1. The fragment has a truncated length 24.03mm, truncated width 23.12mm, truncated thickness 8.91mm and weighs 20.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1450 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leigh, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.31 mm
Thickness: 7.45 mm
Description: Bronze Age (c. 1450 BC to 600 BC) tanged chisel: The remains of the copper alloy chisel include the blade, shoulder/collar and the beginning of the tang. The tang has broken near the shoulder, and has a rectangular section. The break is not recent. The tang expands in width towards the shoulder which is a transverse ridge on all faces. The blade is a sub-triangle in plan with the sides being slightly concave and the blade is flared, incomplete on one corner, and obliquely angled (probably due to damage). The surface of the chisel has an incomplete dark brown patina. The chisel measures 36.31mm long and 15.96mm wide across the blade. It weighs 9.5g.



Tanged chisels occur from the end of the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1450 BC to 600 BC.), and remain in use until Llyn Fawr Metalwork, 750 - 500BC. The collared chisel can be paralleled with a late Middle Bronze Age example found at Rhys Flintshire (Savory, 1980; No 224).



Savory, H. N. 1980, Guide Catalogue of the Bronze Age Collections in the National Museum of Wales Cardiff
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ancaster, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.2 mm
Thickness: 6.2 mm
Weight: 4.02 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy socketed arrowhead probably dating from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, probably the Penard or Ewart Park phase, about 1300 - 800 BC.



The arrowhead is socketed and leaf shaped with a central ridge running down the length. The ridge is circular in section. Most of the socket is missing. The arrowhead has a dark green patina. It is 21.2mm long 10.9mm wide and 6.2mm thick. It weighs 4.02gm.



There are few confirmed Bronze Age socketed arrowheads found in the UK; possible examples on the PAS database include SF9209, WMID-28FC66 and SWYOR-C57356. Like the example recorded here, it is possible that all of these pieces are small spearheads rather than arrowheads - see, for example, database record BH-E94CD1. The find is from an area where mostly Roman objects are recovered, but as copper alloy Roman arrowheads are even more rare than Bronze Age ones, a Bronze Age date is tentatively suggested.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hammer (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wood Dalling, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.5 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 256 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed hammer. More than half of the surface is pitted. Length 84.5, width 27.5mm, thickness 24mm, depth of socket 50mm. Weight 256g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Miniature Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston Sandford, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25.5 mm
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 10.4 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alooy miniature object, probably a socketed axe head dating from the late Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC). The object consists of part of the open socket and one loop and part of the body of the probable axe. There is a casting seam visible that runs through and beyond the centre of the looped handle. The head-end of the object is flaring slightly, which is why it is assumed that this object represents a miniature axehead rather and any other type of tool. The patina and condition of this object suggests a Bronze Age date and although miniature objects were being made into the Roman period, full-sized axe heads of this type are known from the later Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Gwynedd ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 90.37 mm
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Weight: 110.2 g
Description: Copper alloy flanged axe (developed flat axe) dating to the early Bronze Age (c.2000 BC) The axehead is heavily patinated with a mid brown corrosion layer which is delaminating. The blade is rounded and asymmetrical and narrows moderately to meet the shaft; it is fairly sharp with no signs of impact damage. The shaft sides are slightly convex and fairly parallel. There are slight flanges visible on both faces of the axe along the edges of the shaft running from the base of the blade and reaching almost to the butt. The butt is rounded and quite sharp. There is a slight stop-ridge visible on one face. The blade is lenticular through its length, and, aside from the flanges, fairly flat across its width.



It would appear that, except for the effects of corrosion, the axe is largely intact. The asymmetrical blade may be the result of major re-sharpening after damage in antiquity.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Aston Sandford, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 34.5 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight: 37.3 g
Description: A worn fragment of a Bornze Age object, possibly a palstave of Middle Bronze Age date (1600-1001 BC). The object is now roughly oval in plan with a casting seam visible down one shorter round; the object narrows to form a broadly rectangular stem, which is now broken. The patina suggets a Bronze Age date and the form is reminiscent of the centre of some palstaves; between the blade tip and the stops.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1600 to -400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boxford, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58.53 mm
Thickness: 12.8 mm
Weight: 34.7 g
Description: An unidentified cast copper-alloy object, a 'moustache' mount, so named because of its shape being reminiscent of a moustache. The object is cast in one piece and has a swollen body which tapers towards the pointed terminals. The centre of the body is narrowed and has a uniform vertical groove running around its girth to the underside or base of the object. At this point the grooves ends and abutts a circular recess, approximately 7.3 mm in diameter. All sides of the object are decorated with alternating ridges and grooves arranged horizontally. The narrowed terminals are without the ribbed decoration and corrosion has effected the very ends. With an undecorated end, some of these objects are reminiscent of hedgehogs.



A number of objects of this type have now been recovered and several are recorded on the PAS database, however this is the largest example so far recorded. A similar object was found in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117) and as such they are thought to date from the middle Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. Dr JD Hill at the British Museum suggests that they are Iron Age rather than Bronze Age, but this is yet to be confirmed by excavation of a stratified example. Their function is uncertain, although a circular recess at the bottom of this example (and in many of the others known) suggests that they were mounted on or below something. A mount for a sword or dagger handle is the most obvious function but the absence of evidence makes this conjectural.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Castleford Central and Glasshoughton, Wakefield, Wakefield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 113.8 mm
Thickness: 41.5 mm
Weight: 309 g
Description: A late Bronze Age, cast copper alloy, socketed axehead decorated with skeuemorphic wings, probably a South Eastern type, probably of the Wilburton to Ewart Park traditions, dating from about 1100 - 750 BC, Needham period 6-7, which corresponds to metalworking stages X-XII.



The axehead is wedge shaped with a sub-circular socket at the haft end that has a double mouth moulding running round it; a prominent bulbous moulding forming the rim (wide and D shaped in section), and a much less well defined lower collar. A lumpy area on the back of this rim may be the remains of a casting jet. The body is rectangular in section, tapering towards the cutting edge where it flares outwards towards the tips of a slightly curved blade. The sides of the axe are slightly hollow where they curve out to the tip of the blade. There is no obvious blade bevel. The blade edge is slightly chipped and measures 50mm in width across the tips.



On one side of the mouth, projecting from the lower collar, is a D shaped attachment loop. It is 11.4mm wide and 25mm long, starting 15mm from the end of the axe. It is a pointed oval in section. Casting flashes remain on both edges of the axe, including the loop. They seem to have been trimmed, but are only smoothed flat near the blade. The axehead has a smooth, dark green patina. The socket was filled with soil when reported. Careful removal of the soil revealed the socket to be 84mm deep, and longitudinal ridges along the inside of the cavity, in the centre of the front and back faces of the axe.



The axe is decorated with faint mouldings on the front and back forming a "moulded wing" design. The front (when viewed with the loop at the top and to the right) has a central rib along the top half of the axe. This is flanked by a curved rib on each side which enclose a recessed shape of a rectangle with concave long sides. The "back" of the axe has a similar moulding, but instead of the central rib is a short chevron near the mouth, inside the curved ribs and pointing towards the cutting edge, and a more clearly defined ridge across the middle of the axe closing the rectangle with concave long edges. The top edge of the rectangle is the lower mouth moulding.



Some axes in Schmidt and Burgess have similar moulded decoration; specifically number 1280, plate 85, from York, 1287 from Heathery Burn, and also 1270 from Westow, East Yorkshire. Similar axes are more common in the South.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1125)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Langtoft, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 124.62 mm
Thickness: 12.05 mm
Weight: 94 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed, spearhead  dating from the later Middle Bronze Age, about 1400 – 1125 BC. The main body of the spear survives but the tip and part of the blade are missing. The hollow circular socket is triangular in plan and tapers to a raised central ridges from which the blades extend to both sides. Though incomplete the blade appears to have been leaf-shaped in plan with a pointed oval section. There are two worn holes on both blades to either side of the central spines where it meets the shaft. These basal loops are indicative of spearheads of the Taunton and Penard phases, 1400 – 1125 BC (Davis, 2017), and this type corresponds with Davis Group 8.



There is a break between the blade and the socket shaft which has been glued back together post-excavation by the finder.



The object has a mid grey-green patina. It is 124.62mm long and 35.34mm wide. The socket shaft is 63.77mm long and the blade is 59.94mm long. The central ridge is 12.05mm wide and the blade is only 1.80mm thick. It weighs 94g.



This fragment is likely to be the lower portion of YORYM-17F9E2 which is from the same location.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Whitwick, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63 mm
Thickness: 21.2 mm
Description: A fragment of a late Bronze Age socketed axe dating to c.1000-800 BC.Only the blade end and part of the socket survives. The blade is expanded and strongly curved. The cutting edge is abraded and notched. Each side curves sharply inwards behind the blade before tapering more gently towards the butt. There are traces of a slight raised rib on the butt end of both sides. The surviving portion of the body is rectangular in cross-section with a hole in the centre, which is all that remains of the socket. All surfaces have a shiny green patina, which is missing in a few places. Traces of patination can also been found on the break.



Length: 63.0mm, width: 44.5mm, thickness: 21.2mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barnham Broom, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Description: Fragment of Middle Bronze Age palstave axe head. Only the damaged but-end broken across the start of the side flanges survives. Corroded surface, with granular fairly unworn breaks. Surviving length 25mm. Width 28mm. Maximum surviving thickness 13mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Woodbastwick, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 58 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 4.95 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl, rectangular-sectioned tang, one end pointed, the other a flat-sectioned blade. Length 58mm. Maximum width 6.5mm. Tang 3mm thick. Weighs 4.95g. c.1000 - c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wold Newton, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 37.1 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy axehead of Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end which is a tapering rectangle in section flaring out to a splayed blade. The cutting edge is worn with rounded corners and the object is undecorated.



It is not possible to determine which metalworking tradition this axehead fits into therefore a broad date has been ascribed.



The metal has a mid brownish-green patina and is very worn. The fragment is 30mm long, 34.7mm wide, 9mm thick and weighs 37.1g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Haveringland, Broadland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 29 g
Description: Butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave in battered condition, with an ancient break. Extant length 30mm. Width 26mm. Thickness 11.5mm. Weight 29.0g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offchurch, Warwick, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.43 mm
Thickness: 12.37 mm
Weight: 13.8 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy Bronze Age side-looped spear dating to the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1500-1100BC. The central / lower midrib, both side loops and some of the socketed mouth of the spear survive. The rest is missing due to old breaks. Originally, the spear would have had a leaf-shaped blade. In plan, the midrib is slightly wider at the base, narrowing gradually to the break. The complete, but now sealed, side loops project to either side. The midrib section is circular and hollow, although soil is now present in the cavity. Soil adheres to the surfaces of the spear, but areas of a shiny, mid green patina are visible. All surfaces of the spear are heavily abraded due to movement in the plough soil.



Length: 46.43mm. Width: 15.57mm. Thickness: 12.37mm. Weight: 13.8g.



A similar spearhead can be viewed on the database: ESS-EBFB42. Comparable side-looped spears with circular midribs are recorded in Rowlands: 1976, plates 37-38



Ref: Rowlands, M.J., The Organisation of Middle Bronze Age Metalworking. Part ii: Catalogue and Plates. British Archaeology Reports 31ii
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: North Tuddenham, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 149 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave axehead. Straight-sided, wedge-shaped butt end, with side flanges rising to form a stop-ridge with a small, narrow loop on one side. Very slightly waisted before expanding with almost straight sides to the slightly curved, damaged and corroded cutting edge. Below the stop-ridge on both faces three short, very shallow ribs merge to form a single longitudinal rib which extends almost to the cutting edge. The casting seams are just visible on each side and most of the surface is pitted and corroded.



Length 149mm. Width of cutting edge 44mm. Maximum thickness 31mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashby St. Mary, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 6.05 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl. At the junction of the broken tang and point the cross-section is rectangular. The end of the tang is missing and faces have oblique hammer marks. Surviving length 43mm. Width / thickness at the centre 6.5 x 5.5mm. Weight 6.05g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Oxborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 49 mm
Weight: 3.58 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl with sub-square to round-sectioned blade and square to rectangular-section tang. Length 49mm. Maximum width 4mm. Weight 3.58g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1600 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Middle Aston, Cherwell, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 23.71 mm
Thickness: 3.09 mm
Weight: 1.44 g
Description: A fragment of Middle Bronze Age (c.1600-1000 BC) rapier or spear, consisting of the very tip of the object only. It measures 23.71x8.22x3.09mm and weighs 1.44g.


At the flat, old break the cross-section is diamond-shaped. The surface of the metal has a smooth brown patina with pitting marks. The object is slightly bent in profile and has a prominent mid-rib.


Peter Reavill comments "I think I prefer this as a rapier as the central rib shouldn't go to the tip - unless there is an oval in the bottom of the section which would be the tip of the socket" (March 2014 pers.comm.).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winteringham, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.9 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 21.39 g
Description: Copper alloy probable razor. Cast U-shaped plate with a cutting edge which runs along one long edge and continuing along the short straight side; the other long side and the U shaped end are flattened. The section is of extremely flattened lentoid form, a point which is only apparent if it is viewed against a straight edge.This object was initially considered as a sword blade fragment, but it lacks any convincing strengthening of the middle part of the blade, and a single sided form would be unusual for a rapier. This object appears to have been robustly cleaned by the finder. Suggested date: possibly Late Bronze Age, 1000-800.



Length: 50.9mm, Width: 26.7mm, Thickness: 3mm, Weight: 21.39gms.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Forncett, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.1 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 14.51 g
Description: Butt end fragment of a small Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axehead or chisel in quite worn condition, with an ancient break. Extant length 21.1mm, width 15.3mm, and thickness 9mm. Weight 14.51g. c.2350 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Twyning, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.76 mm
Thickness: 33.79 mm
Weight: 110.2 g
Description: Bronze Age date (1150 - 800 BC) socketed axe: The copper alloy axe is a sub-trapezoid in plan. The mouth of the axe is sub square in plan with rounded corners, and on the mouth there is evidence of two casting jets, one on each side edge. The mouth, on the outer faces appears to be semi-circular in section and is slightly wider than the body of the axe itself. The surface of the socket is rough and is encrusted. There are also traces of what may be the casting residue. In profile the axe is triangular with a casting seam visible on both sides. There are no traces of a side loop. The body faces are undecorated and are trapezoidal in plan. The cutting edge is slightly convex, but it has the remains of the casting seam along it. The surface of the axe has traces of active corrosion, pitting and a well developed patina, but the majority of the surface is abraded and perhaps over cleaned revealing traces of fresh metal. It measures 57.76mm long, 36.32mm wide, 33.79mm thick and weighs 110.2g. The depth of the socket is 40.96mm deep.



Peter Reavill and Phil Watson comment the mouth of the axe is unusually wide, and that the shape is oddly 'stubby'. The blade has never been sharpened, and that in combination with the shape suggests it may have been made for use as a votive offering rather than a functional axe. It is probably dated to the late Bronze Age.



As a note a similar shaped axe was recorded from the same parish which has similar dimensions, but does appear to be a functioning axe.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.58 mm
Thickness: 2.79 mm
Weight: 4.43 g
Description: 
A fragment of a possibly cylindrical object. The copper alloy has a high tin component and coould just possibly be of Bronze Age date, though this is far from certain.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2250 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Egton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.1 mm
Thickness: 9.9 mm
Weight: 123 g
Description: A complete copper alloy flat axehead of early Bronze Age date. The axehead is sub-trapezoidal with a curved blade tapering to a rounded cutting edge. The axehead is extremely worn and undecorated and is likely to relate to the Migdale metalworking tradition as defined by Needham et al (1985) circa 2250 BC - 1900 BC.



The metal has a mid brownish-green patina. The axehead is 109.1mm long, 35.9mm tapering to 17.8mm wide, 9.9mm thick and weighs 123g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tilford, Waverley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 61.69 mm
Thickness: 4.78 mm
Weight: 14.55 g
Description: A fragment of a Middle Bronze Age Dagger or Knife dating to c1500-1300 BC. What survives is the upper part of the blade with attachments for the handle. Two rivet holes partially survive as well as a central rivet aligned with the mid-rib of the blade. The fragment is very worn, so much so that the orignal width of this piece may have been double its present size.



Peter Reavill comments: This example is best compared with plate 35, Luce Bay (Plate 35) Ipswich, or cat. no. 1157 from Teddington - river Thames - not illustrated - (Rowlands BAR no.31, vol 2 p357) described as having a notch-hilted tang - one rivet hole, and a flat mid rib. Like the Teddington example - I would describe this example as notch-hilted with a single central rivet hole, flat-sectioned blade with a low central mid-rib that extends above the two notched rivet holes. The rivet through the tang seems to have a domed head and circular section. All edges are heavily abraded and original surfaces lost.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hinstock, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 79.4 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 88.2 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy (bronze) flat axe of Early Bronze Age dating (c. 2350 BC to c. 2050 BC).



The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in shape with a splayed crescent shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with slight tapering edges. The butt is relatively thin having a narrow rounded profile; the width at the butt is 15.3 mm (thickness: 2.0 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are relatively curved. The axe is thickest at the mid point (11.5 mm), with traces of a proto stop ridge present. The sides of the blade expand to produce a crescentic blade edge with an abraded width of 36.2 mm. The tips of the crescent shaped blade have been damaged through either abrasion or wear, as has the blade edge itself. Casting 'flaws' or air bubbles are present over most of the surface of the flat axehead.



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



It measures 79.4 mm in length, maximum width at the blade is 36.2 mm, width at the butt is 15.3 mm and it has a maximum thickness of 11.5 mm. It weighs 88.2 grams.



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



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



Reference:



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



Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. 1981. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England. Prahistorische Bronzefunde. Abteilung IX. Band 7. C.H. Beck'Sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Munchen. p.46-47.
Notes: The surface of the flat axehead was analysed using an Mistral tabletop XRF machine to determine the surface composition The results are as follows:



Bare metal: Cu 81.74% +/- 0.35; Fe 0.98% +/- 0.07; Sn 16.91% +/- 0.22; Pb 0.37% +/- 0.04

Surface 1: Cu 54.68% +/- 0.34; Fe 5.23% +/- 0.15; Sn 34.15% +/- 0.34; Pb 1.01% +/- 0.06

Surface 2: Cu 63.81% +/- 0.33; Fe 1.47% +/- 0.1; Sn 26.20% +/- 0.28; Pb 0.44% +/- 0.06
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Swallowfield, Wokingham, Wokingham (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 99.96 mm
Weight: 320 g
Description: A fragment of a circular plano-convex bun ingot of Bronze Age date. The ingot weighs 320g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2350 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Sennen, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.7 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 10.34 g
Description: Fragment of a gold ingot or bar which has been folded over and over again from a larger piece of sheet in order to make it thicker and perhaps to beat out any impurities. There are evident layers in section but these have been heat welded together by forging the gold when hot. The fragment has been hammered to thin out the piece at one end and then either snapped or chiselled off in two areas, perhaps to make it into a more rectangular shape, before it was reworked. There are patches of reddish patina, which have also been seen on a strip of gold (2014 T39) that has already undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis, at the British Museum, which indicated a surface composition of 86-88% gold, 11-13% silver and less than 1% copper which is most consistent with a Bronze Age attribution (report by Susan La Niece).



There are also similar hammered bar fragments that have been found in Bronze Age hoards such as the hoard from Cirencester, Gloucestershire (2004 T416) illustrated in the Treasure Annual Report 2004 on pages 232-3, Fig.17.3 & 17.5 and dated on page 26 to c.1300-1100 BC.



Although similar examples have been found in Bronze Age hoards it is not possible to assign the bar fragment to particular period or cultural context, as it is an undiagnostic fragment (Gill Varndell pers comm).
Subsequent action: Returned landowner after being declared not Treasure
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: High Easter, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 31 mm
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy socketed axehead of Late Bronze Age date. Only the blade part survives intact. It is triangular in profile, rectangular in form with a crescentic blade that expands beyond the sides of the axe. It measures 31mm.
Notes: 
Record created by images and information supplied by finder. Artefact/coin not seen by FLO

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1300)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , East Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 155 mm
Thickness: 25.8 mm
Weight: 459.73 g
Description: A copper-alloy flanged palstave with slight central rib. The blade is flared and the extreme edge and corners are missing due to damage and corrosion.



The palstave weighs 459.73g in its present condition. It has a length of 155.0mm, width of 25.1mm that increases to the maximum (but incomplete due to damage) width across the flaring blade of 64.0mm and maximum thickness of 25.8mm. See blue lines on the annotated image.



The artefact has a single shield shaped decoration positioned below the fused stop, and a subtle lateral single mid-rib below the shield. The cast side flanges are fused to the stop ridge and do not continue beyond the stop ridge. The blade is a crescentic or splayed fan shape. Some of these features are obscured from view by the presence of a concretion product that is present within the depressed areas to either side of and also covering the stop. See yellow dashed lines on the annotated image. Use wear is present on the blade.



Discussion: This form of axe fits into the primary, or early phase, palstaves being specifically of group III c.1500-1300 BC, which corresponds with Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - and with Burgess's Metal Working Stage VIII and IX.



Similar to Watson, P.J. Catalogue of British and European Prehistoric Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums. 1993. BAR British series 233, p.7, no.41-43.



Also compare with CAM-0880B9.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Littlehempston, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 
A Bronze Age copper-alloy axehead fragment. The fragment consists of the blade end of a palstave or socketed axe. The cutting edge is crescentic in shape and both ends protrude outwards slightly from the body of the axe. In section, the item is rectangular. The patina is a mid-green colour.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Littlehempston, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 
A fragment of a copper-alloy sword, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age.



The surviving part of the hilt retains possible traces of two rivet holes. The sides of the hilt converge, extending into a parallel-sided blade with lenticular cross section. The blade has a squared-off end which is the result of a break.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -801)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Littlehempston, South Hams, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 
A fragment of a copper-alloy sword or dagger, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age. The remaining piece comes from the distal end of the blade and is sub-triangular in plan, having lost its tip. A rounded ridge extends longitudinally down the centre of each face, tapering towards the tip end.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Earsham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.5 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Weight: 27.12 g
Description: Butt end fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave. The main break is ancient, but on one face most of a flange has been lost recently. Recent scuffing has removed some brown patination. Extant length 26.5mm, width 27mm, and thickness 13.5mm. Weight 27.12g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-2350 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 53.68 mm
Weight: 14.53 g
Description: A copper-alloy small or miniature flat axehead or chisel of Early Bronze Age date (2350-1600 BC). The axehead is broadly rectangular in shape but is expanded toward the blade and both the blade edge and butt end are rounded. The axe is very worn and pitted and has a dark green patina. It is 53.68mm long, 15.37mm wide, 4.22mm thick and weighs 14.53g.
Notes: 
Please note this record was made at a rally and therefore may fall below our usual standard.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ewell, Epsom and Ewell, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 4.41 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Description: 
A small fragment comprising part of the socket rim of a Late Bronze Age cast copper alloy socketed axe. Part of the casting seam survives.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chelsfield and Pratts Bottom, Bromley, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.58 mm
Thickness: 4.77 mm
Weight: 10.28 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy probable awl, possibly dating to the Bronze Age, but could be Roman. The awl has a tapering blade of sub-rectangular section turning circular near the point, and a sub-rectangular sectioned tang. Although probably cast, on the reverse of the object the copper alloy appears folded.



It measures 57.58mm in length, 8.97mm in width, and has a thickness of 4.77mm. It weighs 10.28g.



See GLO-20E027 and SF-295DE8.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Loversall, Doncaster, Doncaster (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 75.9 mm
Thickness: 2.6 mm
Weight: 21.24 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy leaf shaped razor of the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1500 BC - 800 BC.



The razor is incomplete, but what remains indicates the object was leaf-shaped in plan and a very thin pointed oval in section. The tip of the blade is missing, as is most of the tang. The edges of the blade have chipped and corroded away, leaving an irregular, jagged edge to both sides of the blade. Compare NCL-71EF23, DUR-E58572 and BH-EBD380. The metal has a well developed dark green patina with some pitting. The breaks are also patinated.



The razor is 75.9mm long, 25.8mm wide and 2.6mm thick. It weighs 21.24g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morley, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.4 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 6.17 g
Description: Incomplete Middle to Late Bronze Age copper alloy two-edged knife with the butt of the tang and the distal end of the blade missing, a very slender example in quite fresh condition. The breaks are not recent. Extant length 52.4mm. Width 13.8mm. Thickness 2mm. Weight 6.17g. c.1300 - c. 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1300 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Morley, South Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 3.8 mm
Weight: 7.99 g
Description: Fragment of the blade of a Middle to Late Bronze Age copper alloy two-edged knife in rather worn condition with ancient breaks. Extant length 27mm. Width 17.1mm. Thickness 3.8mm. Weight 7.99g. c.1300 - c. 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight: 118.46 g
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead in fresh condition with a sharp cutting edge. The surfaces are predominantly brown, and there are patches of verdigris and rust coloured material adhering to the surface. Peaty material found with the socket and retained reflects the burial conditions. Length 70mm. Width 39.5mm. Thickness 31mm. Weight 118.46g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 237 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 107.31 g
Description: Middle Bronze Age copper alloy rapier in two pieces, with a recent break across the blade, complete apart from a small piece of the blade edge lost recently when the object was bent, and one corner of the hilt, where the break is not recent. The condition is quite fresh, with sharp cutting edges. Most of both surfaces are stained brown. Organic material stained green and brown adhers to one side of the hilt. Length 237mm. Width 40mm. Thickness 4.1mm. Length of rivet 13mm. Weight 107.31g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bracelet (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Gold 
Found: Asfordby, Melton, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 13.95 g
Description: Late Bronze Age gold bracelet fragment, 45 mm long 11mm wide and 1mm thick. The object is in fair condition and weighs 13.95 grams. The object consists of a solid sub-circular terminal 9.5mm long and 8mm wide. Below this the object has a rectangular form which widens and flattens sharply out to a terminal which appears to have been broken, as though ripped. The fragment begins with a width of 8mm and widens and flattens to 11mm where it has broken. The underside of the shaft is concave, which is most pronounced near the terminal and its upper side remains slightly rounded.



Discussion: The object is very similar to NMGW-E48854 and PAS-B9D6E5 both dated to the Late Bronze Age. Similar bracelets, and their wider context, are discussed by Eogan (1994, 80-108).
Notes: As the object is made of gold and is over 300 years old, it constitutes potential Treasure under the stipulations of The Treasure Act 1996.



Eogan, G. 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: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1200 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.41 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 8.85 g
Description: 
A small fragment comprising the tip of a copper alloy spearhead of Mid to Late Bronze Age date. The fragment has a pronounced rounded spine with no trace of the socket.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 39.13 mm
Thickness: 5.48 mm
Weight: 6.29 g
Description: A Middle/Late Bronze Age (1500-800 BC) copper alloy rapier blade or spearhead  fragment, which tapers down in width from an old break to the tip of the blade. The fragment is lozengiform in cross section with a prominent rib on either side and old breaks. The fragment measures 39.13mm in length, 11.78mm wide at the break, 1.95mm wide at the tip, 5.48mm at its thickest, and weighs 6.29g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Knook, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 19.33 mm
Thickness: 4.85 mm
Weight: 7.57 g
Description: A Middle/Late Bronze Age (1500-800 BC) copper alloy rapier blade fragment. The fragment is lozengiform in cross section with a prominent rib on either side. The breaks are old. The fragment measures 19.33mm in length, 18.91mm in width, 4.85mm thick, and weighs 7.57g.



Very similar to WILT-524387
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Pin (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-900 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Baydon, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96 mm
Weight: 5.33 g
Description: A late Bronze Age cast copper alloy disc-headed pin, now slightly distorted. The head of the pin is 16.3mm in diameter and is slightly dished or concave. The head curves gently into the shaft whose sides run parallel until just above the point. The shaft measures c2.75mm at a point 10mm below the head. The pin is in good condition with a blue/green patina. There is a small amount of post-depositional damage around the head of the pin.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder