dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hernhill, Swale, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.7 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 9.19 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper-alloy rapier of Bronze Age date.



Description: The blade in broadly sub-triangular in plan, narrowing gradually along its length to a curved tip, the base being a diagonal break. In cross-section, the fragment is a pointed oval shape. However, the blade has a central edge running down its middle on both surfaces such that it is also broadly lozenge in shape. The object has a dark green glossy patina and is very pitted. The blade's edges have numerous chips along their length, although it is not possible to tell whether this is from use or post-depositional damage. 



Measurements: The fragment is 40.7mm long, 13.2mm wide, 4.3mm thick and weighs 9.19g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-800 to 1800)
Material: Other 
Found: Brigstock, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 41.59 mm
Thickness: 21.85 mm
Weight: 35.9 g
Description: Two pieces of Slag, Clinker or other similar industrial by-product of uncertain date (800 BC - AD 1800). The objects are rough and irregular, with bubbles and cavities, and high density. The objects are a brown/green colour with obvious metallic particles.



Length: 43.49mm, Width: 38.46mm, Thickness: 31.46mm, Weight: 90.5g



Length: 41.57mm, Width: 25.04mm, Thickness: 21.85mm, Weight: 35.9g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-800 to 1800)
Material: Other 
Found: Brigstock, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Fieldwalking
Length: 34.56 mm
Thickness: 12.4 mm
Weight: 22 g
Description: An amorphic piece of copper alloy Slag of Clinker or other similar industrial by-product of uncertain date (800 BC - AD 1800). The object is irregular and bi-convex with bubbles and cavities, and high density. The object is dark grey in colour. 



Length: 34.56mm, Width: 31.22mm, Thickness: 12.40mm, Weight: 22.0g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Offcote and Underwood, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.03 mm
Thickness: 10.06 mm
Weight: 83.51 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy long flanged axehead (developed flat axe) dating from the final phase of the Early to the earliest Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 - 1700 BC). The axehead is most probably of the axe type Arreton which is dated to Early Bronze Age III, of metalworking stage V, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 3 circa 2000 - 1700 CAL BC.



The object has straight sides, a worn butt end and a flared cutting edge with concave shoulders. The cutting edge is broad and crescentic in plan and measures 38.36mm in width. The very edge is worn and incomplete in places The axe has low raised flanges on both faces. The object has a dark brown patina with patches of bright green and light brown corrosion.



Dimensions: Length 85.03mm; width 19.18mm; thickness 10.06mm; weight 83.51g



The axehead is best described as coming from the Arreton type of long-flanged developed flat axes (cf Burgess and Schmidt: Axes of Northern Britain pp 65 - 75 specifically 415, 422 and 425). Burgess and Schmidt suggest from their study that the distribution of this Arreton type concentrates in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Their work though only looks directly at the axes of Scotland and Northern England.



Similar examples have been found at Margam, Port Talbot (Savory 1980, No. 122) and Breach Farm, Vale of Glamorgan (Savory 1980, No. 338) associated with a cremation burial recently radiocarbon dated to c.1750 - 1600 BC. A similar example which can be found on the database is NMGW-FDBB88.



Schmidt and Burgess (1981, p.59) trace the development of the flat axe in Britain and Ireland. They identify the trend, "...from broad, simple, triangular forms with splaying sides and flat, even slightly convex, unembellished faces, to increasingly narrow forms, with ever-straighter sides that diverge less and less, approaching and even attaining, the parallel sided form typical of flanged axes. The trend is towards slightly dished faces, the edges of the faces are worked up into slight flanges, and a median bevel is an increasingly common feature. Decoration...becomes a commonplace...".
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1050 to -950)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Knottingley, Wakefield, Wakefield (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 109.11 mm
Thickness: 13.99 mm
Weight: 163.22 g
Description: A very worn and incomplete cast copper alloy palstave axehead with possible side loop of middle to late Bronze Age date from the period c.1050-950 BC.



The blade of the palstave is sub-oval or tongue shaped in plan. The cutting edge measures 26.39mm in width and is 5.2mm thick. The cutting edge is blunt and damaged. In profile the blade is sub-rectangular and narrow slightly before the stop ridge. Below the stop ridge where ribs might be expected is no visible decoration. The surface of the opposite face is 'clean' and shows no indications of decoration.



The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section. The butt of the axe has been damaged and is incomplete. The butt end measures 21.46mm in width and is 3.4mm thick. The septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge) measures 45.56mm in length. For one face the septum is prominent with a wide flange. The opposit face has a flat septum and no flange. The flanges may have been misscast or more likely have been lost due to abrasion. It is unclear if a side loop is present due to extreme wear and corrosion.



The object has a light green patina and has arough and pitted surface.



patches of a dark brown surface but most of the axe has a mid-green patina that is roughly abraded and pitted.



Dimensions: Length 109.11mm; width 24.68mm; thickness 13.99m; weight 163.22g



This object is similar to the Type Nettleham axeheads illustrated in Scmidt and Burgess, (1981), plate 67, no 902, espeically if undecorated, which fits with Wilburton and Penard assemblages of the Middle and Late Bronze Age and fits with Needham Period 5-6 Metalworking Assemblage X, dating it to the period BC 1050 - BC 950. Marking a transition between palstaves and socketed axeheads.



Similar examples on the PAS database include: LVPL-AB829B and WMID-306462
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Llanfihangel Cwmdu with Bwlch and Cathedine, Powys, Powys (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.7 mm
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Weight: 62.82 g
Description: A cast copper alloy socketed axe fragment of indeterminate type, probably of Wiburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries and of Bronze Age date (c.1150-600 BC). The axe is represented by a blade fragment only with surviving dimensions of 27.7mm long, &nbsp;max 54mm wide and 12.3mm thick and weighs 62.82g. The top of the fragment has traces of the base socket, broken in old damage. The blade faces are flat across the width and gradually convergent with no traces of ribbing surviving. The remaining portion of the surviving side of the blade is flat, creating a sub-rectangular section at the break. The blade gently flares to the slightly curved edge, which is damaged and missing its original surface.

The fragmentary nature of the axe makes typological identification indeterminate. The presence of a socket base indicates a Late Bronze Age date for the axe,&nbsp;c. 1150 &ndash; 600BC, probably of Wilburton-Wallington, Ewart Park or Llyn Fawr metalworking industries. The fragment is comparatively heavy, possibly suggesting a leaded bronze, consistent with late Bronze Age and particularly Ewart Park metalwork.

The object is a light green mottled patina with areas of bronze corrosion particularly on/near the blade edge and the break. Similar objects are recorded on the PAS database e.g. NMGW-ED6A68, NMGW-C52206, NMGW-C4D532
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Caerwent, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69.2 mm
Weight: 30.06 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy blade, probably a knife or razor of Late Bronze Age date. The cutting edge of the blade is very slightly concave in plan with rounded ends that slope from a slightly convex top edge. The overall length is 69.2mm and max width is 25.4mm. An irrelgular long notch (11.8mm long by 3.5mm thick) along the top edge may be the point at which a tang or hafted handle had attached, but is now missing in old damage. The notch is off-centre measuring 32.2mm from one end, 39.2mm from the other. (A similar notch is seen on NMGW-B18276). The blade is thickest at the centre (5.3mm thick) and thins to the edges, except at the irregular notch. The opposite face is mostly flat with a slight taper towards the cutting edge and a few striations run along the blade, possibly from sharpening. 



The object weighs 30.06g and the metal is smooth with a mid-green patina. Patches of black possible tenorite coating preserves the top edge. The reverse has some spots of bright green bronze corrosion. 



A similar razor is recorded on the PAS database, NMGW-B18276, which was also found in Caerwent and also treated with a black coating with a similar notch at the top edge.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Oving, Chichester, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.39 mm
Thickness: 9.65 mm
Weight: 27.28 g
Description: A complete cast copper-alloy tanged chisel of the Late Bronze Age period c.1000-800 BC.



The chisel is in good condition and appears undamaged, with evidence for use wear on the blade edge. The chisel has a tapering rectangular-sectioned tang (50.17mm long), which abuts the collared handle stop. The oval collar measures 12.55 mm x 9.65mm. From the collar the chisel blade, which is broadly triangular in plan, flattens in cross-section and flares in width to a thin, crescentic cutting edge 31.08 mm wide. The blade sides are slightly concave. The cutting edge is 27.5 mm wide. The object is in very good condition and has a dark brown patina across much of its surface.



Measurements: length: 82.39 mm; width of tang: 8.85 mm to 3.50mm; thickness of tang: 6.95mm to 2.05mm and weight: 27.28g.



Tanged chisels, which date from c. 1000-800 BC, are known from several hoards and as isolated finds; complete examples from such contexts are uncommon. They are one of the more commonly found woodworking or leatherworking tools alongside awls and knives (Boughton 2021:66). Other recorded examples include: BERK-4008DB; IOW-C0BF8E; and  IOW-8EDC79.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Newbold Pacey, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29.3 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight: 25 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Palstave axehead dating to Middle Bronze Age dating (1500-1150 BC).



The palstave butt end fragment consists of the butt end. It has a rectangular septum and straight-sided flanges for hafting. The flanges are triangular in profile. The object has a dark green coloured surface patina. 



The fragment measures 29.3 mm in length, 24.9 mm in width and 15 mm thick on the flanges and weighs 25 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradley, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.45 mm
Thickness: 5.48 mm
Weight: 6.79 g
Description: A complete copper-alloy awl of probable late Bronze Age date (1150-800 BC).



The awl is slightly curved and rectangular in cross-section along most of its length. It is widest at 5.43mm approximately 1/3 along its length, the shorter side narrowing to a circular cross-section and terminating in a sharp point. The longer side maintains its rectangular cross-section and curves slightly downwards, although this may be due to damage rather than design. The shorter, rounded section appears much more worn suggesting that the rectangular sectioned element may have been a tang for a handle . The surface is undecorated and has a mid-green patina.



Measurements: Length, 57.45mm; width, 5.92mm; thickness, 5.48mm and weight: 6.79g



Discussion: Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a square or chiselled edge at the other (Rowlands 1976 48). Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC). Other recorded examples include: NMS-12EC04; LEIC-711C38 and SUR-CB591E.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to 100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stapleford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17 mm
Weight: 12.63 g
Description: A cast copper alloy 'moustache-shaped' object of late Bronze Age or Iron Age date. The object has a narrowed body with two sweeping swollen drop shaped ends which taper towards pointed terminals. There are five panels of linear grooves on each rounded side, with medial bands running down the middle, flanked by two panels of oblique lines and then two outer peripheral panels of lines running roughly parallel to those along the centre. The tapering lower projections are undecorated. There is a sub rectangular hollow between the projections suggesting the object fitted to something.



A number of these so called 'moustache' shaped objects of have now been recovered, with distinct variants identifiable. They are thought to date from the middle Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. Their function is uncertain, although recess in the body of this example (and in many of the others known) suggests that they were mounted on something, possibly a dagger handle or on the end of a scabbard; however the absence of evidence makes this entirely conjectural.



One example was found in the Salisbury Hoard which contained Bronze Age material but was buried in the Iron Age (Stead, 1998, no.117). Another example was found in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (Current Archaeology March 2012, Issue 264, 35).
Notes: 
Recorded from details emailed by the finder. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Horndean Catherington and Lovedean, East Hampshire, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 46.5 mm
Thickness: 5.7 mm
Weight: 28 g
Description: 
A fragment of copper alloy socketed axehead of Late Bronze Age date. The find comprises a portion of the mouth, the complete loop, and a portion of the body with traces of three moulded ribs. The 'inside' of the axe has a rough appearance. Apart from the mouth all edges are heavily abraded and patinated in the same dark green as the other surfaces. In places this patination is now missing to reveal a paler light green surface. This is most evident on the reverse break of the body, perhaps suggesting more recent damage by plough or at the time of discovery. It is possible that this item was deliberately broken prior to deposition. 

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Caerwent, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire (Wales)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.5 mm
Thickness: 3.3 mm
Weight: 4.19 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper alloy blade tip, possibly from a rapier, of Bronze Age date (probably middle to late Bronze age, c. 1600- 800BC).



The fragment consists of only the damaged end of the blade, ending in a break further down the blade, while the very tip of the blade is also damaged and missing, leaving an uneven rounded point. Much of the blade edges are missing, particularly on one side. The blade is lenticular in section, with no bevels. The blade edges appear to taper in a convex curve to the tip.



Due to the fragmentary nature of this object, it cannot be confidently assigned to an object type or metalworking phase, although the narrow width of the blade suggests that it likely formed the tip of a rapier or dirk.



Length: 27.5 mm



Width: 13.3 mm



Thickness: 3.3 mm



Weight: 4.19 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Over Norton, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 65.4 mm
Thickness: 31.9 mm
Weight: 116.3 g
Description: A complete cast copper alloy socketed axe head of the south-eastern type (plain A1) of Late Bronze Age date (1000-800 BC).



The socketed axe is sub rectangular in shape, with a curved cutting edge. A slight horizontal collar is present on a couple of faces. There is a single loop on one side of the axehead. The loop measures 18.1 mm in length, and 6.6 mm thick. The blade is wide and crescentic with some damage to the cutting edge. The casting seam is visible down both sides externally but is not visible within. Three domed protrusions are visible inside the socket. The mouth of the socket is square. Internally the socket measures 22.8 mm by 21.8 mm.  The socket tapers down to where the crescentic edge of the blade begins. It is 52.2 mm deep.



The axehead measures 65.4 mm in length. The cutting edge is 38.6 mm wide and 4.7 mm thick. The socket is 30.4 mm wide by 31.9 mm thick. The metal is 3.3 mm thick. The axehead weighs 116.3 grams.



This axehead has suffered little damage and is in very good condition with a dark green patina. There is a wide scar across one surface, it was probably struck by the plough whilst in the plough soil.



Several similar socketed axeheads have been recorded on the PAS database. These include: LIN-C61E83; WREX-5806C1; BERK-2B2982; NMS-5A0D4E and WAW-9DBD6B.
Notes: The 3D model has been generated using the mobile phone scanning application Qlone
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradbury and the Isle, County Durham, County Durham (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.02 mm
Thickness: 6.4 mm
Weight: 56.91 g
Description: A complete copper alloy flat axehead dating to the Early Bronze Age (2500-2050BC).



The axehead is sub-triangular in plan and profile, narrowing towards the butt creating a typical lentoid shape.  The parallel sides are relatively straight, expanding towards a curved shaped blade that has a width of 32.04mm.The sides have been slightly flattened to enable the blade to be fixed to a wooden shaft. Both ends have been worked to produce a sharp cutting surface. The surafce of the metal is slightly corroded and pitted with a dull pale brown patina with some pale green patches.



The axehead is best described as coming from the first phases of the Early Bronze Age and thus one of the earliest phases of metalworking in Britain, metalworking stage I-II, corresponding to Needham's (1996)  Period 1-3 c.2500-2050 cal.BC, or slightly later.



Similar examples on the PAS database have been recorded under various types, including miniature object e.g. YORYM-CE8933 (59.01 mm), flat axe e.g. KENT-CF6F79 (80.6 mm) and YORYM-D53C89, chisel e.g. SUSS-9B7F13 (65.17 mm) and flat axehead e.g. LVPL-03D15C (61.5 mm).



Needham, S. 1996; Chronology and Periodisation in the British Bronze Age , Acta Archaeologica 67, p. 121-140
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2500 to 1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Winterbourne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 21.85 mm
Thickness: 3.04 mm
Weight: 2.28 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy blade. A probable fragment of a dagger or halberd. The tip only of the baled. It has a flat-topped tapering mid-rib on both faces. The wings of the blade taper to the cutting edges.

Date: Early Bronze Age  c. 2500 - 1600 BC

Dimensions: 21.85 mm x 13.91 mm x 3.04 mm

Weight: 2.28 g



Jason Gibbons (PAS volunteer) has suggested this may be part of and Eraly Bronze Age Ridgeway type dagger as issutrated in Gerloff, S 1975, plate 9. Peter Reavill (FLO) has suggested it could also possibly be part of a halberd is similar to Type Sluie  as well as Type Pistill Dewy publisehed in Needham, S, 2015, A Hafted Halberd Excavated at Trecastell, Powys: from Undercurrent to Uptake – the Emergence and Contextualisation of Halberds in Wales and North-west Europe in PPS 81, pp 1 - 41 see p 18, fig 23, e.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to 1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stowe-by-Chartley, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96.9 mm
Thickness: 18.8 mm
Weight: 47.5 g
Description: An incomplete cast socketed Spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age, circa 1600 BC - 1000 BC.



The spear has a lozenge shaped cross- section with a high mid-rib which tapers towards from the tip toward the break. The socket is conical and incomplete with part of the reverse section being broken (presumably in antiquity). The surviving socket depth is 67.1 mm. The socket has a circular external as well as internal section. The blade extends at the head of the socket and the overal shape is lost due to abrasion all that remains are shallow crescentic fragments. There is no evidence of side loops, although these may well have been lost through movement in the soil. The socket has two circular peg holes, with an internal diameter of 3.4 mm, one positioned on either side of the socket, beneath the blades. 



It measures 96.9 mm in length, 17.7 mm wide and is 18.8 mm thick. The metal is 2.2 mm thick. It weighs 47.5 g.



The spearhead is a mid green to brown colour. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil has resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.



The fragment is probably too damaged to be specifically attributed to a specific type - however it shares many attributes of the side looped spearheads (of the Acton Park II phase / assemblage) of the Middle Bronze Age as we as that of the pegged spearheads (Penard phases) of the early Late Bronze Age.
Notes: The 3D model has been generated using mobile phone scanning application Qlone.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Firsdown, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 51.4 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Weight: 5.33 g
Description: 
A complete copper-alloy awl of late Bronze Age date, with a rectangular cross section One end tapers gently to a point, the other abruptly to a flat chisel-like terminal. The surface has a dark-green patina, but is damaged with extensive loss in places. There is no evident decoration.

Notes: Plain copper alloy awls are hard to date precisely but examples of this form are thought to have been introduced in the Bronze Age (2150-800 BC) with most being Late Bronze Age in date (1150-800 BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stowe IX Churches, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 76.39 mm
Thickness: 6.74 mm
Weight: 77.7 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Blade, Dagger or Rapier, of Mid to Late Bronze Age date (1600-800 BC). The object is rectangular in plan and a pointed oval in cross section. It is incomplete on all sides but has some visible bevel along the left and right hand edges away from the mid-rib.



The metal is a dark green in colour with a predominantly patina.



Length: 76.39mm, Width: 35.81mm, Thickness: 6.74mm, Weight: 77.7g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stapleford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 30.14 g
Description: An extremely corroded and abraded fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axe dating to the late Bronze Age  (1100 - 800 BC), 42mm in length, comprising a side of the socket. The profile of the socket appears subrectangular and there is a portion of a thickened and rounded rim at one end. There are breaks to all sides.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Iron Age to IRON AGE (-1150 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Inkpen, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 10.5 mm
Weight: 12.43 g
Description: 
Copper alloy mount or fitting of uncertain function and date, probably of Late Bronze Age or Iron Age date and possibly a scabbard chape.



The possible cast mount is complete. The mount is of bulbous bi-lobed form with a curving point projecting from each lobe. At the centre is a shallow rounded groove, widest at the base. Both lobes are decorated with prominent ribbing defined by grooves. The lobes terminate in gently curving points of rounded D-shaped section, slightly flattened on their interiors. The points are not decorated and the interior, near the centre is less finished than the rest of the mount. At the centre is an irregular, sub-circular depression or hollowing. The interior is not finished and would not have been seen. The surface has dark green patina.

Notes: See NMGW-AF1FCC for similar. The object, often referred to as a 'moustache' is recognised object form but poorly understood in terms of its function and date. The object form is quite consistent, being bi-lobed and rounded, often with ribbed decoration and with projecting prongs. An example of the type was found with the Salisbury Hoard and indicates a Bronze or Iron Age date although the style would suggest a Late Bronze to Iron Age date. It has been suggested that the mount may have been used on Iron Age weapons and it seems possible that the pronged form may be consistent with its use as a scabbard chape, although this remains a conjectural identification.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Much Hadham, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.2 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 4.36 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy fragment of a blade dating to the Bronze Age (c. 1500-1200&nbsp;BC). The fragment is broadly rectangular and lozenge-shape in cross section - this being typical of the Bronze Age. The edges of the blade are narrow, uneven and very worn. The corners are rounded. The blade is not parallel with one end slightly wider and thinner than the other. Neither face is decorated. All surfaces have&nbsp;an uneven mid brown and mid to dark green patina.

The blade measures 32.2mm in length, 10.5mm in width, 3.1mm in thickness and weighs 4.36 grams.

Several similar slightly larger blades are recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. This includes BH-E1E7E6, WILT-9D21F1, WILT-90C8FE and SUR-750511, all of which are dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sedgehill and Semley, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.81 mm
Thickness: 14.93 mm
Weight: 78.84 g
Description: A fragment of socketed axehead. The lower blade and cutting edge only remains.  The axehead has been broken in an abraded, irregular curve just above the end of the rectangular socket. The cutting edge is curved and only very slighttly flared.The surfaces are very corroded and iron stained.

Date: Late Bronze Age - c 1000 - 800 BC 

Dimensions: 39.81 mm x 45.23 mm x 14.93 mm 

Weight: 78.84 g



A similar fragment is recorded in database record HAMP-888D78 where Rob Webley comments The axehead is most likely to date from the Ewart Park phase (1000-800 BC), a period in which scrap metal hoarding was prevalent
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Knife (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sturminster Marshall, East Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 82.54 mm
Diameter: 13.29 mm
Thickness: 1.72 mm
Description: An incomplete copper alloy probable tanged knife. The top of the rectangular tang has a transverse break with the remnant of a single, circular attachment hole in the centre. The tang has a rectangular cross section. Below the tang, the blade narrows and thickens slightly and the sides curve inwards before flaring out again to a wide, tongue-shaped terminal. The body of the blade has a wide central mid-rib on both faces. The mid-rib is parallel sided and has a ridge along each edge and one at the centre. It runs from below the rectangular top part down to the rounded end.The blade has a shallow, lentoid cross section.

Date: Late Bronze Age c. 1000 - 800 BC

Dimensions: 82.54 mm x 17.71 mm x 1.72 mm

Weight: 13.29 g



Perter Reavill (2022 pers comm) suggests this is a Late  Bronze Age tanged knife made from an earlier, possible Middle Bronze Age (c. 1600 - 1000 BC) dirk or rapier blade.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cranford, Kettering, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.51 mm
Diameter: 10.15 mm
Thickness: 4.92 mm
Weight: 12.8 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy Socketed Spearhead of Bronze Age date (1800-900 BC). The object is composed of a tapering plan with a lozenge cross section. There is an upper and lower mid-rib with small sections of blade edges retained flanking the mid-rib. The socketed end is circular and incomplete due to old, abraded break. 



The metal is dark brown/green in colour with a heavily pitted patina. 



Length: 62.51mm, Width (broadest): 12.48mm, Width: (narrowest): 6.00mm, Thickness: 4.92mm, Diameter (socket): 10.15mm, Weight: 12.8g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Alderbury, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28.6 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 4 g
Description: A fragment of the tip of a Bronze Age spearhead, probably dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, c.1550 &ndash; 800 BC.&nbsp;The fragment is narrow and triangular, tapering to the point. It has a pronounced oval&nbsp;midrib that is solid and runs&nbsp;to the point of the spear with narrow wings of the blade to either side. The break is ancient and highly abraded.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barnwell, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 32.63 mm
Thickness: 14.15 mm
Weight: 66.3 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy socketed Axehead of Middle to late Bronze Age date (1500-800 BC). The object comprised the blade end of a socketed axehead. The blade tip is hollow and flares at the edges. A casting seam is visible around the upper and lower edged. The blade end in worn and chipped. The object terminates at the opposing end in a transverse break. 



Length: 32.63mm, Width (blade): 48.26mm, Thickness (body): 14.15mm, Thickness (blade): 2.89mm, Weight: 66.3g



The metal has a dark green predominantly smooth patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bullington, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 94.8 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 21.03 g
Description: A complete copper alloy dagger or small dirk, 94.8mm in length and of early to middle Bronze Age date. The blade is triangular and tapers to a point. The rear edge is rounded with a pair of flanking rivet holes on the rear edge. The blade has a flat lenticular cross section with a low wide mid-rib which has bevelled sides and a slight ridge at the break in angle to the edges of the blade. The blade is otherwise undecorated and slightly bent.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1750 to 43)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bisham, Windsor and Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 87.6 mm
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Weight: 9.64 g
Description: 
A copper-alloy possible chisel of possible Bronze Age date. The object is flat copper-alloy rod with a rectangular cross section. One end tapers to a rounded point. The other end flares to a flanged chisel end. The cross section is unusual for a chisel of the Bronze Age, which are usually lentoid in section. Apart from the general shape the object is rather undiagnostic and a general date of Middle Bronze Age to Iron Age is suggested. Along the length of the object are small, circular depressions which might be the result of shaping the object.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tarrant Launceston, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52.47 mm
Thickness: 3.49 mm
Weight: 9.89 g
Description: An incomplete small copper alloy chisel or possibly a miniature flat axe. There is a break at the butt. The object has a tapered butt and a flaring blade with a convex cutting edge. It is thinned from the butt to the cutting edge giving it a wedge shaped longitudinal profile. It is rectangular in its transverse cross section.

Date: Bronze Age - c. 1100 - 800 BC

Dimensions: 52.47 mm x13.63 mm x 3.49 mm

Weight: 9.89 g



Similar to SF-81B0CD
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tarrant Hinton, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 56.08 mm
Thickness: 17.45 mm
Weight: 21.49 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy socketed gouge. The remaining portion is a short length of the socket with a tapered U-shaped blade. The socket is oval in cross section with projecting ridges running down each side which are the remains of casting flashes. The object tapers in width and thickness from its socket to a rounded cutting/gouging edge which is concave on one of its surfaces. The gouging edge has worn well rounded chips at its tip. The casting lines are visible for the whole length of the object on both sides. The surface is greyish green, indicating a probable high tin alloy.

Date: Bronze Age - corresponding to Needham's (1996) Period 7, and dated to c. 950 - 750BC

Dimensions: 56.08 mm x c18.45 mm x 17.45 mm

Weight: 21.49 g



Comparable socketed gouges have been recorded on the PAS database. For examples see: SOM-D46055, YORYM-316F81, YORYM-CD7FFB, SWYOR-FCB525, NMGW-62C84F, DUR-06F0E8, IOW-EC25A7 and SUR-7898C5.



In database record SOM-D46055 Ed Caswell comments: The missing mouth makes typological identification difficult, Savory (1980, p 55) suggests that the earliest socketed gouges such as those that occur in the Guilsfield hoard have multiple mouth mouldings, whereas later gouges tend to have a broad flat collar. According to Pearce in the 1983 publication 'The Bronze Age Metalwork of South Western Britain Part I', page 43, socketed gouges 'appear to have begun in the Wilburton phase, and continued as part of the tool repertoire until the end of the Bronze Age', although she suggests that most socketed gouges can be dated to the Ewart phase between c. 1000 - c. 800 BC. Needham et al's (1997) recent study of Bronze Age chronology dated a collared socketed gouge from the Bodwrog Hoard, Anglesey to 2720 +- 45 BP (DoB No 3, OxA-4652, p68). This gouge is most likely of Ewart Park metalworking, phases which correspond to Needham's (1996) Period 7
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Spetisbury, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.05 mm
Thickness: 30.1 mm
Weight: 107.21 g
Description: An complete cast copper alloy socketed axehead. The mouth of the socket is square with a thick exterior beaded collar around it. The body of the blade tapers from the mouth towards the blade in one plane, whilst it flares in the other into a curved, crescentic cutting edge. At one side, below the collar, is a large side loop on the longitudinal axis. The loop is D-shaped with an oval aperture. There are clear casting lines along the sides of the axehead. The sides of the body have two longitudinal facets flanking the casting ridges, giving the body an irregular hexagonal exterior profile. On one side (the one without the loop) there is pitting on the surface, perhaps as the result of slight mis-casting.

Date: Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age - c. 1000 - 700 BC

Dimensions: 81.05 mm x 47.98 mm x 30.10 mm

Socket dimensions: external 30.10 mm x 31.99 mm, internal 23.41 mm x 22.73 mm

Weight: 107.21 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Roxby cum Risby, North Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.6 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 0.95 g
Description: Copper alloy possible spearhead fragment. Cast ogival lentoid-section tip from a blade; here considered as possibly broken from a light spearhead. Suggested date: Late Bronze Age, 1000-800BC



Length: 17.6mm, Width: 8.4mm, Thickness: 1.8mm, Weight: 0.95gms
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Votive Model (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1000 to -500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bradley, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 20.48 mm
Thickness: 2.23 mm
Weight: 2.17 g
Description: A copper-alloy wheel probaby a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age votive model of a miniature wheel dating c. 1000-500 BC.



The openwork wheel is circular in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. The wheel has a trapezoidal shaped 'axel' from which four spokes radiate, narrowing as they do, before flaring slightly where they join the outer rim. The apertures between each spoke are sub-oval and slightly pointed. There is a circular perforation in the centre of the axle (c.1.0mm diameter) this shows signs of ware on one face. The wheel has a dark green surface with red areas. 



Measurements: external diameter: 20.48mm; thickness: 2.23mm and weight: 2.17g. 



There are many similar examples recorded on the database which are recorded as late Bronze Age or early Iron Age/Roman votive wheels e.g. OXON-5C8F8B; GLO-E82DE1, KENT-70F063, SF-987EE3; NMS-1CDC66. However, this example has a very small central perforation and rectangular cross-section more akin to NLM-B563BC, which suggests it is the wheel for an 18/19th century toy cannon.  An example of an 18th century toy cannon with its wheeled carriage in (Forsyth and Egan 2005, page 85 no. 1.17); has similar wheels but notably with only three spokes rather than four. SUR-A965C0 is another example recorded as a toy on the PAS database, but again with three spokes. Therefore, on balance, based on its form a prehistoric date is suggested for this object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Powick, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.61 mm
Thickness: 2.1 mm
Weight: 5.45 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy razor dating to the late Bronze Age period (c. 1000-800 BC). The object is sub-diamond shaped with a tapered points and straight sides that widen leading to a worn break at the opposing end. The object is flat and undecorated. The object has a mid-green patina.



Comparable examples recorded on the PAS database include  NMS-44D5CC and NLM-8C28E5, which have been categorised as Piggott Type 1. 



The overall dimensions are as follows: 42.61mm in length, 22.34mm in width, 2.10mm in thickness and 5.45g in weight.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Mattishall, Breckland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.5 mm
Thickness: 15.2 mm
Weight: 80 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead, part of the socket and all of the crescentic cutting edge. The two broad faces are distorted at the old break. All of the patination has been lost except for a patch behind both ends of the blade. Weight 80g. Extant length 42.5mm. Width 46mm. Thickness 15.2mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Postwick with Witton, Broadland, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.5 mm
Thickness: 14.5 mm
Weight: 93 g
Description: Fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axehead, the crescentic cutting edge and the very end of the socket. The break is old but there is recent scuffing damage, especially to the cutting edge. Weight 93g. Extant length 31.5mm. Width 62.7mm. Thickness 14.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bledlow-cum-Saunderton, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 43.7 mm
Thickness: 3.2 mm
Weight: 6.8 g
Description: A complete miniature flax axehead or chisel dating to the Late Bronze Age c.1150-800 cal BC.



The object has a very narrow butt that is slightly rounded, 3.7mm wide and 1.5mm thick. From this point it widens in a smooth concave curve down its length to reach it maximum width of 23.7mm at the blade's corners. The blade corners are damaged such that it is not possible to say it they were rounded or out-turned. The blade is a shallow crescent shape and is bevelled possibly suggesting it has been sharpened although the edge now is abraded and chipped. The axe is lenticular (a pointed oval) in cross section reaching it maximum thickness (3.1mm) approximately half way along its length. It's sides are very slightly upturned into almost imperceptible flanges. There is a casting floor close to its centre which exaggerates their size.



The object has a dark green patina which is chipped in pieces where it has a medium green patina.



The object is 43.7mm long, 23.7mm wide, 3.1mm thick and weighs 6.8 grams.



There are several very similar objects recorded on the database described as either chisels or miniature axeheads (LIN-9CD5CA, LEIC-90F47D,  BH-5D8656, WAW-353C3E, IOW-C695CB, SOM-589161). Many Late Bronze Age chisels share a similar form to this example although these often have projecting collars at their midpoint which this lacks however an example of a chisel from Netherhampton in the British Museum Collection (1998,0901.172) shows how these need not always be present. A similar find is also illustrated from Priory Farm Cave (Savory 1980, p.179, 265 nr. 2). As such a Late Bronze Age date and suggested use as a chisel is appropriate for this object. It should be noted however that while copper alloy woodworking tools are known from the Bronze Age such tools continue in use to the Post Medieval period for finer woodworking.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1550 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bledlow-cum-Saunderton, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24.2 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 5.1 g
Description: A fragment from a cast copper alloy spearhead dating from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, about 1550 – 800 cal BC. Only the tip of the spear remains.



The fragment is triangular in plan, tapering to the spear's point. It has a lozenge shaped midrib that is solid and runs to the point of the spear from which the flat blade edges of the spear extend these narrow in width to meeting the point. The fragment has a dark green patina that is chipped away in places. 



The fragment is 24.2mm long, 14mm wide, 8.5mm thick and weighs 5.1 grams.



 Not enough of the spearhead has remained to be able to date this fragment to a more precise range, although the circular section, the angle of the blade, and the midrib extending to the to the tip suggest comparisons with spearheads in Davis Groups 6-11.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1500 to 1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hellidon, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.5 mm
Thickness: 12.48 mm
Weight: 168 g
Description: A fragment of cast copper-alloy Casting Waste of Bronze Age to Post Medieval date (1500 BC-AD 1700). The object is broadly trapezoidal in shape and rectangular in cross section. The outer surface comprises s flat base and angled side.  All of the fragment's edges are worn with the exception of the long edge which has a modern break. 



The metal is dark green in colour with an uneven patina. 



Length: 77.50mm, Width: 51.00mm, Thickness: 12.48mm, Weight: 168.00g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Shrewton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.98 mm
Weight: 3.1 g
Description: A copper alloy awl of possible Bronze Age to Roman date, c. 1500 BC - AD 410. The object consists of a rod of copper alloy, sub-square in cross section at one end, tapering into a point, whilst the other end only tapers in a single plane, forming a flat chisel-like terminal. 



Dimensions: 42.98mm in length; 3.99mm in width/thick; 3.1g in weight.



cf. similar objects recorded on this database: SWYOR-472835, WMID-7999D4.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder