dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Arrowhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (2500 to 1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Clipston, Daventry, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.02 mm
Thickness: 6.03 mm
Weight: 3.6 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy arrowhead or spearhead of the Bronze Age date (2500-1200 BC).  The tip and socket of the object are missing and the retained portion consists of the central body. There is a central ventral and dorsal rib. An insufficient portion of the arrowhead/spear remains to prove diagnostic, therefore a specific type cannot be attributed.





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





Length: 15.02mm, Width: 13.78mm, Thickness: 6.03mm, Weight: 3.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Iron Age to IRON AGE (-1500 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Selling, Swale, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.63 mm
Thickness: 10.58 mm
Weight: 10.2 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy rounded moustache-shaped object of late Bronze Age or Iron Age date.



Description: The object is cast in one piece comprising a narrowed body with two sweeping swollen drop shaped arms which tapers towards pointed terminals. The upper centre of the body has a recess.  The object is decorated with grooves, running top to botom of each arm creating a ribbed effect. It has a mottled light grey brown and light green patination. Part of the central body has some advanced green verdigris.



Measurements: 20.63mm long, 18.23mm wide, 10.58mm thick and 10.2g in weight.



Discussion: A number of these so called 'moustache' shaped objects of have now been recovered, with distinct variants identifiable. Examples with a shape very similar to this example have been recorded on the PAS at NARC-39B60B, NARC-2C32D7 and BERK-C3E5A3, with One example was found in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117).



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 or below something. This was possibly something such as a dagger handle, although the absence of evidence makes this conjectural. Another suggestion has been a Scabbard Chape, in which case the object would be the other way up. Dr JD Hill formerly of 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.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-800 to 1550)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Leckhampstead, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 44.14 mm
Thickness: 5.22 mm
Weight: 7.2 g
Description: A complete copper alloy Awl or Chisel of Bronze Age to Medieval date (800 BC - AD 1550). The object is sub-rectangular in section and tapers in toward the flattened end. The upper end has a transverse abraded break.



From the PAS website: (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/awl) Awls are difficult to date but most copper-alloy examples are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections and are generally undecorated. They would have been used to make holes in leather or wood and many were probably were inserted into a handle made from organic materials. 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). 'Awl' is often used to refer to any number of small, pointed instruments. Referred to as "pointed punches" by Coles (1963-64 117).



The metal is dark green in colour with a slightly pitted patina.



Length: 44.14mm, Width: 5.52mm, Thickness: 5.22mm, Weight: 7.2g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Westcott, Mole Valley, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 26.5 mm
Thickness: 5.1 mm
Weight: 11.58 g
Description: A copper alloy fragment from the central part of the blade of a dirk or rapier of Middle Bronze Age (c 1500-1100 BC) date. The fragment is 26.5mm in length and 21.7mm in width, with a lenticular cross section with a slightly thicker centre to give strength, but no central rib or any decoration on the blade. The edges of the blade have been lost to post depositional abrasion; the remaining surface has an even green patina.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Perrott, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 93.09 mm
Thickness: 5.56 mm
Weight: 35.6 g
Description: A section of copper alloy rapier or dirk blade. The object appears broken at both ends. The breaks are abraded and probably old. The blade is parallel sided with a tapered cutting edge on both sides. There is a high central rib on both faces giving a shallow lozengiform cross section.

Date: Middle bronze Age - c. 1500 - 1150 BC

Dimensions: 93.09 mm x 16.87 mm x 5.56 mm

Weight: 35.60 g



Peter Reavill (pers comm) has dated this to  c 1500 - 1150 BC and suggests that it is from the lower part of the blade where the lozengiform cross section would give greater strength and rigidity.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirkbymoorside, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.5 mm
Thickness: 15.4 mm
Weight: 57.3 g
Description: A fragment of a copper-alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date, c. 1000 - 800 BC. The fragment is the blade end of the axehead which is trapezoidal in shape with a worn cutting edge and rounded corners. The cross-section is rectangular and the breaks are old and worn. The interior is hollow.



The metal has a dark green delaminated patina and is worn. The fragment is 47.5mm long, 37.2mm wide, 15.4mm thick and weighs 57.3g.



Due to the incomplete nature of the axehead it is not possible to ascribe it to a particular type series and it has therefore been dated broadly as late Bronze Age in date circa 1000 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Scabbard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rotherfield Peppard, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 30.84 mm
Thickness: 0.54 mm
Weight: 6.6 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy Late Bronze Age 'bag-shaped' dagger scabbard chape associated with the Carp's Tongue complex. On close examination, the chape is formed from a single sheet of copper alloy, beaten and folded over to form the bulbus crescent shape. A section of the back has been lost in antiquity, the front, which remains intact, has three rivet fixing holes. There is the remnant of one hole, to the broken rear of the chape. The surface has a mid-green roughened patina.



Dimensions. 30.84mm wide, 20.39mm deep and the metal is 0.54mm thick, weighing 6.6gm.



Similar bag-shaped chapes on the database include: NARC-5DEF37, NMS-99FB70, HAMP-095061, WILT-D4F151, SUSS-C65251, and DOR-BD9AED. The latter example explains:



A similar, although undecorated, chape is recorded in WILT-D4F151 and another in a Bronze Age Hoard (SUSS-C65251) where Neil Wilkin notes The two bag-shaped chapes (Nos. 3-4) are of a type present in several hoards in South-east England. They are primarily distributed in South-east England and in Northern France, with a small number of outliers in Ireland (O'Connor 1980: 190; List 161; Gerloff 2004, fig. 17.9, 3). Parallels for the bag-shaped chapes can be found in the Mininis Bay hoard, Kent (Ibid., fig.59, no. 12), and a similar bag-shaped chape with two peg holes is part of the Salisbury hoard (British Museum: 1961,006.7; 1998,0901.149). Bag-shaped chapes are often associated with the Carp's Tongue (CT) complex/horizon (O'Connor 1980, 190-91), although Gerloff (2004, 146) notes that their distribution is somewhat peripheral to their principal distribution areas. It is possible that the blade tip (No. 5) belongs to either a Ewart Park or a Carp's Tongue sword, both are types that are closely associated with hoards and deposits that also include bag-shaped chapes (Ibid.).



Thanks to Peter Reavill for providing more information on this type of chape.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -2050)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eccleshall, Stafford, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 80.7 mm
Thickness: 8.6 mm
Weight: 77.7 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 17.1 mm (thickness: 2.0 mm). The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the butt to the blade; in shape they are gently curved. The axe is thickest at the mid point (8.6 mm), with no traces of a proto stop ridge present. Potential decoration is present on one side as four circular depressions around the mid point. The sides of the blade expand to produce a crescentic blade edge with an abraded width of 34.3 mm (2.6 mm thick). The tips of the crescent shaped blade have been damaged through either abrasion or wear, as has the blade edge itself. 



It measures 80.7 mm in length, maximum width at the blade is 34.3 mm, width at the butt is 17.1 mm and it has a maximum thickness of 8.6 mm. It weighs 77.7 grams.



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.



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.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Turf, North Norfolk, Norfolk ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68 mm
Thickness: 20.5 mm
Weight: 135.13 g
Description: Fragment of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy non-looped palstave in very poor condition, with surfaces badly pockmaked and blistered by bronze disease. The breaks are ancient. Almost all of the blade is missing with just a short length beyond the stop ridge present. The side flanges are largely intact but the butt end is damaged. Extant length and width 68 and 26mm. Thickness 20.5mm. Weight 135.13g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lindsell, Uttlesford, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 73.8 mm
Thickness: 34.16 mm
Weight: 131.34 g
Description: complete cast copper-alloy, plain socketed axe of the late Bronze Age (Wilburton/Ewart Park phase) dating c.1100-800BC.



Description: The axehead has a narrow sub-rectangular body, slightly narrower in the middle, with two concave faces flaring towards the blade end and slightly towards the haft end. In plan the blade is wide and flaring creating a crescentic cutting edge. The socket of the axehead is sub-rectangular with curving corners. It is proceed by a double raised collar. The casting seams on the sides of the axehead have not been worked down and remain fairly prominent, particularly towards the collar end. The blade edge has some wear but remains in good conditions. The side loop remains on one side. The axehead has a dark greenish well formed patina with some slightly lighter mottling in places, but is fairly restricted although may be areas where corrosion has begun to effect the axehead.



Measurements: Length of 73.84mm, with a width (at widest including loop) 42.65mm wide, thickness 34.16mm and a weight: 131.34g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2250 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chitterne, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 96.4 mm
Thickness: 8.5 mm
Weight: 84.55 g
Description: An Early Bronze Age (c. 2250 - c. 1900 BC) copper alloy developed flat axe of Type Aylesford with a slight stop ridge on both faces. It has a lenticular longitudinal cross-section and rectangular horizontal cross-section. The tang end is flat and measures 13.5x1.7mm. It expands to 18.7mm wide (and 8.5mm thick) at the stop-ridge, beyond which the edges of the blade below flare to a cutting edge 29.9mm wide (and 2.3mm thick). The cutting edge is slightly curved and the very edge is chamfered to both faces. Otherwise the edges of the object are sharp and c.90 degrees.

The patina is bluey-green in colour and smooth to touch. The chisel measures 96.4mm in length, 29.9mm in max.width, 8.5mm in max.thickness and weighs 84.55g.
Notes: Dr Dot Boughton comments, 'Developed flat axes .... are very early - Migdale and Aylesford metalworking tradition, that is Early Bronze Age period, probably dating from c. BC 2250 - c. BC 1900. This fits with Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II / III), of metalworking stage IV-VI, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2-3 circa 2250 - 1900 CAL. BC. There are parallels on the database:  WMID-4175F6; and possibly  NMGW-4FCA62 There are parallels in Schmidt and Burgess: nos. 312A and 312B (plates 26 and 27). These are plain - most other developed flat axes seem to be decorated' (pers. comm. July 2019).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Buckden, Craven, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 57.9 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm
Weight: 24 g
Description: An incomplete copper-alloy socketed spearhead probably dating from the late Bronze Age, about 1100 – 800 BC. Only the tip of the spear remains which is triangular in plan and lozenge in section. The base of the socket can be seen at the broken end of the spear.



The metal has a dark green/brown patina and is worn. The spear is 57.9mm long, 22.7mm wide, 9.7mm thick and weighs 24g.



As this object represents only a small fragment of the spearhead it is not possible to classify the form of the complete object with complete confidence. However, the object's apparent lack of a pronounced midrib might be indicative of the 'hollow blade' type, Davis Group 12, and it is this classification which is tentatively suggested.



Similar objects have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database including NARC-8E2968, IOW-F3883D, and SUR-BB2595.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Torc (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE ( to )
Material: Gold 
Found: St. Bees, Copeland, Cumbria (North West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Solid gold armring with punched decoration. The armring is circular in section and curves in an oval shape, with overlapping terminals. Shallow punched dots cover the outer three quarters of the object. These measure approximately 1.44mm in diameter and are tightly clustered, with some overlap. There is noticeable wear to the outer edge of the object as the surface is smoother and the punched dots are much shallower.



Length: 82.09mm



Width: 68.57mm



Diameter: 11.55mm



Weight: 311g





Discussion:



The armring is similar in form to those of the Tullydonnell hoard from County Donegal, which were dated to c. 1200 - 800 BC. A direct parallel with punched decoration is known from Trimblestown Castle, County Meath, which is now in the collections of the National Museum of Ireland (Armstrong, E. C. R. (1920) Guide to the Collection of Irish Antiquities, p. 94, no. 412, pl. XVIII, no. 392). This was dated to c. 800 - 700 BC. The object is also paralleled by a larger example from The Lee, Buckinghamshire, recorded as a bracelet (Treasure Trove case no. 315 from 199/4, now in Buckinghamshire County Museum, Wendover). A small scale excavation at the findspot of the bracelet recovered no evidence of a feature or container but it was noted that the object came from the ploughsoil and may have been disturbed (Treasure Trove file, British Museum archive). Unlike the object under discussion, the punched dotted decoration on The Leeexample extended across the terminals. Similar punched decoration also appears on gold plated base metal late Bronze Age penannular rings (sometimes called bullae) of Lough Gara type (Ibid., p. 93, nos 404 - 406). Given the paucity of examples known, it is unclear whether this armring is an Irish or British type.





Authors:                                                                                                         



Lydia Prosser

FLO for Lancashire and Cumbria



Neil Wilkin

The British Museum



Mary Cahill​​​​​​​

National Museum of Ireland Galway
Notes: In terms of the date and precious metal content of this object, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2050 to -1700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eagle and Swinethorpe, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.2 mm
Thickness: 13.2 mm
Weight: 130.45 g
Description: A complete copper alloy miniature flat axe or possibly a chisel, 67.2 mm in length and dating to the early to late early Bronze Age (2050 BC- 1700BC).



The axe has straight sides, expanding into a cutting edge, which is curved and 36.6 mm across, with a cutting edge around 3 mm thick. The butt end narrows to 26.9 mm in width and is slightly convex. There are flanges on both sides of the shaft. The profile of the axe is lenticular or an elongated pointed oval with a maximum thickness at the centre of 13.2 mm. Weight 130.45 gsm



The surface is heavily pitted with the brownish-green patina of copper-alloy.



Notes:



This object's form is similar to full-sized, solid flat axes, resembling a smaller version of the earliest and simplest solid cast copper alloy axe-heads with tapering sides and rounded butts. It is uncertain whether it is a miniature axe or a chisel intended for fine working or was intended as a votive object; it is larger than other miniature axes (eg.HAMP-B3BE22, HAMP-657353) which have been proposed to have a votive function (Robinson, P; 1995).



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



See also LANCUM-B28EB0.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Dagger (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Patching, Arun, West Sussex (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.2 mm
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight: 12.3 g
Description: A fragment of a Bronze Age dagger blade, (1150-700 BC.) The object is a sub-rectangular fragment of copper alloy, with a straight, horizontal break or cut at both the top and bottom ends. The blade has a convex-surfaced on either face which gradually tappers towards the cutting edges. It has a mid green patina.



The fragment measures 18.2mm long, 29.3mm wide, 5.6mm thick and weighs 12.3 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Montford, Shropshire, Shropshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 85.5 mm
Thickness: 8.7 mm
Weight: 65.9 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy tanged chisel of Middle to Late Bronze Age dating (1600 BC to 900 BC).



Around 50% of the tanged chisel is present, consisting of the top part of the chisel blade and most of the tang. The tang is rectangular in shape, with a rectangular cross section. The top displays an old patinated break. The sides taper down to a point. No stop ridge is present at the junction between the tang and the chisel. The top of the chisel blade is present, with a narrow edge, but incomplete. Stamped circular hammer marks are present as decoration on the front of the tanged chisel.



It measures 85.5 mm in length, 18.3 mm wide at the top of the tang, 18.9 mm wide at the chisel end. 8.7 mm thick at the top of the tang, 6.4 mm thick at the centre point between tang and chisel and 1.8 mm thick at the chisel end. It weighs 65.9 g.



The tanged chisel is dark green colour with an even surface patina. The surface is slightly pitted, due to soil conditions.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: South Wraxall, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Controlled archaeological investigation (unstratified)
Length: 15.7 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 3.16 g
Description: A fragment of Bronze Age axehead dating to c. 2350-800 BC. The find is the tip of the corner of a blade. It is sub-triangular in plan and triangular in cross section. The extant edge comes around in a right angle, which ends in an old break.



Length: 15.70mm; width: 12.20mm; thickness: 5.0mm; weight: 3.16g.
Notes: 
Found by eye during geophysical survey of possible Roman site

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Finger Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1500 to 180)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Lyford, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 29.3 mm
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Weight: 3.4 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy spiral finger-ring. It is circular and formed by two coils of an oval cross-sectioned metal wire; both ends taper and flatten slightly. The patina is corroded in patches of dark and pale green. The outside surface is very abraded and heavily pitted, while the inside of the ring is smoother.



It is difficult or impossible to tell Bronze Age from Iron Age from Roman spiral finger-rings. It is possible that earlier examples of prehistoric finger-rings may have more turns around the finger and be thicker than later examples. It is therefore a possibility that this finger-ring can be dated to the Bronze Age period.



Similar objects has been recorded on the PAS database as HAMP-7556B3, SF-4497E7 and SF-761FF6 , see also examples of spiral finger-rings in the Near Lewes hoard (SUSS-C5D042) and the Ockham hoard (SUR-B41DB6), both Middle Bronze Age in date.



Diameter: 29.37 mm, Thickness: 2.5mm, Weight: 3.4g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Bead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to POST MEDIEVAL (-1000 to 1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Haversham-cum-Little Linford, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Diameter: 11.2 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 1.08 g
Description: A Cast copper alloy bead, dating from the Bronze Age to Post medieval period.  The bead is circular and D shaped in cross section, with a raised ridge running around the centre of the outer bead hoop. It has a mid green patina and measures 11.2mm in external diameter, 7.4mm internally, 7.5mm wide, 1.0mm thick and weighs 1.08g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Gouge (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sheldwich, Swale, Kent (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33.95 mm
Thickness: 12.13 mm
Weight: 23.57 g
Description: A fragment of cast and decorated possible socket gouge, dating Middle - Late Bronze Age, possibly Wilburton-Ewart Park phase c.1000-800BC.



Description: The fragment is irregularly shaped heavily worn and patinated. It represents part of the body and socket of the object and is crescentic in cross-section. The rim is raised and triangular in cross-section, it has incised herringbone decoration. The breaks are relatively worn likely indicating archaic damage. It has an even bright green patination.



Measurements: 33.95mm long, 27.3mm wide, 12.13mm thick and 23.57g in weight.



Discussion: This fragment is very limited in size and makes exact identification difficult. From the form of the fragment it seems likely that the object is a socket gauge of some description although this would make a very large example. In regards size it seems more in line with socketed axes but the only group with similar, albeit cast decoration are Axes with Rope Moulded Mouth type which are known from Scotland (Schmidt and Burgess 1981, nos. 1033-1037) with one known from Northern England LANCUM-D99FD1 so this link is tenuous.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wylye, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.8 mm
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 21.01 g
Description: A fragment of Late Bronze Age (1150-800 BC) socketed axehead, consisting of the cutting edge only and broken possibly at the very end of the socket. The cutting edge has a pronounced curve and both faces retain much of the dark, smooth original patina. One face shows numerous light tooling marks. The break is worn and has a lentoid or pointed-oval cross-section, measuring 54.2x7.9mm. The fragment is 18.8mm long, 54.2mm in max.width, 7.9mm in max.thickness, 1.2mm in min.thickness (at the cutting edge) and weighs 21.01g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Penannular Ring (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Houghton, Test Valley, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 16.6 mm
Thickness: 5.4 mm
Weight: 5.01 g
Description: A Late Bronze Age (1150-750 BC) copper alloy penannular ring, or core of a penannular ring. The object is circular in cross-section (c.5.4mm diameter) with abutting terminals, a 0.9mm wide gap between. The cross section narrows at the terminals to c.4.4mm in diameter. The surface of the metal is very pitted and no original patina remains.

The ring measures 16.6mm in length, 14.9mm in height, 5.4mm in max.thickness and weighs 5.01g. The circular opening at the centre measures c.5.7mm in diameter.
Notes: 'The penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; 1997; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange' (Mark Lodwick and Mary Davis in record NMGW-04216C; references therein).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hinton St. Mary, North Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 54.33 mm
Thickness: 3.71 mm
Weight: 3.24 g
Description: A complete Late Bronze Age (c.1150-800 BC) copper alloy probable awl, with a square cross-section tapering into a flat rectangular sectioned tang at one end, and an oval cross section tapering to a rounded point at the other. The point has been bent out of shape.

Date: Late Bronze Age  - AD 1150 - 800 BC

Dimensions: 54.33 mm x 4.13 mm x 3.71 mm

Weight: 3.24 g



Similar to database record HAMP-10928A and DOR-AD77774
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-950 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , Braintree, Essex (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 101.2 mm
Weight: 307 g
Description: Complete copper-alloy Late Bronze Age (c. 950-800 BC) socketed axehead. The axe is sub rectangular in plan and has a flared crescent shaped cutting blade edge. The sides are triangular in shape. The socket is sub-square in section.



The axe is 101.2mm in length. The blade is 44.4mm wide. The internal wall of the axe is approx 6.4mm thick. The external width of the socket is 40.7mm, whilst the internal width is 30.6mm. The width of the axe inclusing the loop is 40.6mm. The weight is 307.0g



The socket features a moulded bevelled collar which is immediately above a similar moulded band of lower relief. It is from this band that the top of the loop emerges. The loop has an external diameter of 22.7mm and in internal diameter of 10.6mm. It extends approx. 11.7mm from the side of the axe.



Both triangular shaped sides of the axe have the remains of a prominent casting seam still visible. The sub-rectangular faces of the axe are plan and undecorated. The axe widens towards the curving blade edge.



The axe is a dark green colour and the surface patina is relatively intact; being smooth with some abrasion, particular on the blade edge.



The diagnostic feature of this axe are prominent collar above a rib and plain decoration on the axe's body. This is characteristic of South-Eastern type socketed axeheads first defined by Butler (1963: 82-3). O’Connor (1980: 161) and Schmidt and Burgess (1981: 212, 216-7) date these to Ewart Park phase (950-800 cal BC following Roberts et al 2013)
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Breage, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 60 mm
Height: 29 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight: 296.25 g
Description: Incomplete cast copper alloy ingot which would have originally been circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this ingot is sub-rectangular in plan, triangular in profile, and square in section, as it comes from one edge of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1000-700 BC. The surface of the ingot is pitted where air bubbles formed during the casting process and the sides of the fragment have cavities typically seen in these bun ingots. There is a large rectangular rim and recess at the outer edge which could potentially represent a socket from a socketed tool that has been melted into the ingot. There are dark green and coppery brown areas and light green patches of bronze disease. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers hoards in Cornwall dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2016 T20) from St Levan (CORN-E8DF11) and in another hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), which were found with socketed axes that date from the Ewart Park phase (c.950-850 BC) of the Late Bronze Age.



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



Knight, Ormrod & Pearce (2015) illustrate a similar plano-convex ingot from Churston Ferrers in Devon on page 79, pl.6, no.123b recorded in DEV-D9F1E2 (2011T441) which are dated from the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1450 to 80)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eardisland, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 17.36 mm
Thickness: 8.36 mm
Weight: 4.6 g
Description: An incomplete fragment most probably part of a copper alloy "Moustache-shaped" object probably of Middle Bronze Age to Middle Iron Age date (1500-300 BC). The artefact is heavily rolled resulting in abrasion to all surfaces. What remains is globular in form (teardrop shaped) with an oval cross section. It is probably one of a pair of pointed drop-shaped elements conjoined by an integrally cast bar. The remains of a heavily eroded rectangular bar is present on one side of the droplet. The external edges are all decorated with multiple longitudinal grooves The metal is a mid-green in colour with a smooth patina.



Notes:

These moustache-like objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117). An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (Current Archaeology March 2012, Issue 264, 35). Some are 'single' examples while others are 'double' like this example, the drop-shaped elements often extending downwards rather more than outwards, for example YORYM-1AA0C5, SF-520513, HAMP-6F4C45, BERK-C3E5A3 and BH-AA1CBE. Descriptions of other moustache-like objects with similar perforations describe iron corrosion or wood mineralisation around the perforation. Although very similar to wing-shaped chapes, it seems unlikely they had a similar function, as the perforation (and size of the object) is comparably small.



The object measures: 8.36mm thick, 17.36mm in length, 10.76mm in width and weighs 4.6 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eardisland, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 40.36 mm
Thickness: 7.93 mm
Weight: 30.9 g
Description: A cast copper alloy fragment from the mouth and corner of a late Bronze Age (1150-750 BC) socketed axehead. There is little or no decoration present although one edge is thickened as it rises to form the mouth of the axe. The fragment is a mid grey green colour with a well formed surface patina. A direct parallel or sub-type is difficult to provide due to the small nature of the artefact.



The axe fragment measures:



40.36mm in length, the width ranges from 28.38 to 9.60, 7.93 in thickness and weighs 30.9 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -750)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Eardisland, County of Herefordshire, County of Herefordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 36.97 mm
Thickness: 8.55 mm
Weight: 27.6 g
Description: A small fragment from the body of a late bronze age socketed axehead. The fragment is a mid-grey green colour with a well formed surface patina. A direct parallel or sub-type has not been found due to the small nature of the surviving fragment 



The object measures:



36.97mm in length, the width is 31.72, the thickness is 8.55mm and weighs 27.6 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Appleby Magna, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37.2 mm
Thickness: 6.6 mm
Weight: 7.7 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy, tip from a spearhead, probably of Middle Bronze Age period, dating from c. BC 1500 to c. BC 1150.



The object is broadly triangular in plan and broadly lozenge shaped in cross section. The object has a rounded point at the top, which seems to have sustained some damage. From the point the sides of the object taper out, ensuring the object is wider at the base. There is a central raised ridge running vertically down the middle of the spear head, this appears on both sides. There is an old horizontal break at the base of the object, probably indicating the spear was broken in antiquity. There is damage to both edges of the blade.



It measures 37.2 mm in length, 12.5 mm wide (base), 7.2 mm wide (tip) and 6.6 mm thick. It weighs 7.7 g.



The spear head is a mid green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail. This object has lost most of it's diagnostic features and as a result further classification is difficult. However similar spearhead fragments have been recorded on the database, including SWYOR-1F74C1, SF-C557DC and WMID-270D2F. All have been dated to the Middle Bronze Age.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-2350 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 45.7 mm
Height: 15.2 mm
Weight: 87.67 g
Description: A copper alloy casting sprue, probably dating to 2000 BC - AD 1500. The waste is sub-hemispherical in form, oval in plan and with three sprues projecting from the rounded apex of the hemisphere.



The waste measures 15.2mm in height - the three "fingers" project about 7 mm above this height, the length is 45.7 mm and the width is 35.5 mm. The waste weighs 87.69 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1800 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Portesham, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.19 mm
Diameter: 103.77 mm
Thickness: 11.37 mm
Description: A copper alloy long flanged axehead /developed flat axe.



This axehead has a rounded arched butt and slightly diverging sides that abruptly expand to a broad crescentic blade and cutting edge, with the blade tips at right angles to the sides, but not recurving. Cast flanges extend along the sides, rising very gradually from the butt towards the middle of the axe and sloping down again to the blade expansion. This gives the axe a very shallow lenticular side profile. The flanges are slightly triple-faceted, so are slightly angled inwards on both face.



The axe has a very low ridge about two thirds of the way along the septum (c.45 mm from the butt), which may indicate the beginnings of stop ridge technology as is seen on later flanged axes and palstaves. A second curved ridge has been hammered into both faces at the blade expansion, . The blade is18.66 mm deep and has an even crescentic cutting edge,.

The surface is slightly pitted in some areas, but otherwise quite smooth and an even dark green-brown



Date: Early Bronze Age to Middle Bronze Age - c. 1800 - 1500 BC



Peter Reavill suggests that the axe dates to an Aylesford or Arreton metal working phase with a date in the final early Bronze age (EBA III) or the first part of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA I).



Dimensions: 84.19 mm x 42.45 mm x 11.50 mm

Weight: 103.77 mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Portesham, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 84.52 mm
Thickness: 3.29 mm
Weight: 12.35 g
Description: A section of copper alloy rapier or dirk blade. The object appears broken at both ends. The breaks are abraded and probably old. The blade tapers to a broken tip and has a tapered cutting edge on both sides. There is a high central rib on both faces for much of the length of the rermaining blade, giving a shallow lozengiform cross section. The break on the upper part of the blade appears to have been flattened and shaped into a curve and also lacks the midrib present lower down. possibly in reuse of the broken blade. 

Date: Middle Bronze Age - c. 1500 - 1150 BC

Dimensions: 84.52 mm x 12.41 mm x 3.29 mm

Weight: 12.35 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Razor (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kirkbymoorside, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 81.5 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 8.5 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy leaf shaped razor of the Middle or Late Bronze Age, dating to c. 1500 BC - 800 BC. The razor is near complete, retaining the leaf-shape blade and a narrow, rectangular tang; at the edge of which it is broken. The edges of the blade are chipped and corroded away, leaving an irregular, jagged edge to both sides of the blade.



The metal has a well developed dark green patina, abraded on all surfaces. It has a prominent bend laterally across the blade, at approximately the mid-point. 



Length: 81.5mm, width (at blade): 22.2mm, width (at tang): 6.5mm, thickness: 1.5mm, weight: 8.5g.  



For other examples recorded by the PAS, see SWYOR-A48EE1 and NCL-71EF23.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Plymstock Dunstone, City of Plymouth, City of Plymouth ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 107.5 mm
Thickness: 36.4 mm
Description: A cast copper alloy palstave of South Western type dating to the Taunton/Penard phase (c. 1400 - 1100 BC).



The palstave is in good condition, with the copper alloy surface faded to a dark brown-ish orange with small patches of green patinisation and even smaller patches where the original shiny golden colour of the copper alloy persists. This survival, even to a small extent, is probably due to its deposition in a semi-waterlogged context. The butt is broad and the septum is relatively thick at 9.7mm. On either side of the septem the outer edges gradually rise upwards, creating a symmetrical curve on each side when viewed from above. The single loop, which is flattened in cross section. extends for 21mm on the upper surface, and there is a suggestion of a decorative cast line directly above this, extending along the side of the septum on this surface only. These broad edges narrow to the stop, which is rectilinear and measures 36.4 x 24.9mm. The blade extends in a linear fashion, only very gradually widening to the flared cutting edge. There is a central midrib on both sides of the blade, and it is further decorated with three deliberately incised grooves on the lower surface. The flared cutting edge remains relatively sharp, and measures 45.3mm in width and is 1.7mm thick at the cutting edge.



Matt Knight has commented on a similar example: "Palstaves of this type are typically found across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, as well as further eastwards in Dorset and Wiltshire. Pearce (1983: 450 no. 279b, see also Plate 34) presents a very similar example from North Bovey. DEV-01DDC5 is a not dissimilar example from further east in the county.



Measurements: 107.5mm length, 24.9mm width, 36.4mm thick and weight over 200g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Hurstbourne Priors, Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.7 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Weight: 12.11 g
Description: A possible fragment of a cast copper alloy blade of Bronze Age date (2500-700 BC), only a small part of the object remains. The fragment has lost all its diagnostic features and so the classification cannot be further refined. The fragment consists of the body of the blade with a rounded circular midrib ridge which narrows either side to form the blade. The ridge measures 9.8mm in width and 10.2mm in thickness. The edges of the blade are worn and broken, and it is unclear what the shape the original blade would have been. The piece is lozenge in cross section and has a shiny mid green patina. The fragment is 24.7mm in width, 20.7mm in length, and is 5.5mm thick. The fragment weighs 12.11g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1100 to -600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ashover, North East Derbyshire, Derbyshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 69 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight: 73.3 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age to early Iron Age date. (c 1100 - 600 BC)



The blade, cutting edge and part of the body survive. The blade is a shallow crescent slightly flared from the body, the socket is rectangular, and the body walls are thin cast (1.8 mm). The side view shows a wedge-shaped profile with a casting seam. There is a blunt projecting spur on one side 55 mm from the blade; this could be an abraded stump of a loop or casting flash.



The obverse shows the beginning of three ribs, without pellets, at 47 mm from the blade. The body terminates in jagged breaks 62 mm to 69 mm from the blade.



The axehead bears some resemblance to transitional and early Iron Age axes illustrated in Fig 4, Object Datasheet 2 of the LPFG, but due to the break, the collar, loop and final form of the socket cannot be identified.



Overall length is 69 mm, width at cutting edge 36 mm, 28 mm at break. Weight: 73.3 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spearhead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brigstock, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 47.5 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 12.89 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper-alloy spearhead dating to the late Bronze Age (1500-800 BC). The spearhead is sub-rectangular in shape and lozenge in cross-section with a thickened longitudinal axial ridge from which the surfaces slope and narrow to form the edges. The tip is broken and missing. The opposite unevenly rounded terminal is intact but very corroded. The surfaces are heavily pitted and abraded with a mottled light to mid green patina, occasionally with brownish patches.



The spearhead measures 47.5mm in length, 16.5mm in width, a maximum of 6mm thick at the ridge and 3.5mm thick at the edges, and weighs 12.89 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Steeple Langford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 33 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 46.9 g
Description: A fragment of copper alloy Bronze Age palstave dating to 1500-1100BC. The fragment consists of the butt end only. The fragment is sub-rectangualr in plan and triangular in profile, with the flanges tapering into the butt. There is a casting flaw below the butt on one face. truncated by an old break.



Maximum dimensions 33mm x 26.6mm x 9mm; weight: 46.9g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder