dejp3/bronze-age-objects-pas huggingface dataset:
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Barton Bendish, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35 mm
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Weight: 12.29 g
Description: Fragment of cutting edge of Early or Middle Bronze axe, i.e. flat, flanged, or a palstave. The breaks are ancient and the blade is sharp. Thickness 5.2mm. Extant length and width 35 and 17mm. c.2350 -c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period:  to IRON AGE (-1500 to -100)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ewelme, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 22.93 mm
Weight: 6.34 g
Description: A fragment from an unidentified cast copper-alloy object of a known type  usually referred to as 'moustache-like' or 'moustache shaped'. These  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; ref.  117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are associated with Middle Bronze Age material.They may be sword scabbard chapes. This object is hollow and has a series of deep grooves along its length.



See NMS-F2BA41 for a complete object.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Sword (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Beachamwell, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 11.75 g
Description: Fragment of the grip of a Late Bronze Age sword, probably of Ewart Park type, both ends broken across a rivet hole. The sides have begun to curve inwards below the upper break. Extant length 25mm. Width 22.5mm. Thickness 3.5 - 2.5mm. c.1000 - c.800 BC.


Finder's no. 23, see annotated map in file.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Heaton, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 149.45 mm
Thickness: 25.72 mm
Weight: 262.3 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy looped palstave with central rib and raised flange facets dating from the Middle Bronze Age (1500 BC - 1150 BC).


The blade of the palstave is sub-triangular in plan with convex expanding sides and an incomplete convex cutting edge. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The sides of the blade are convex in shape. The blade (measured from the cutting edge to the stop ridge) is 88.35 mm long and the width of cutting edge is 40.27 mm. The thickness of the blade tip is 2.93 mm. The maximum thickness of the blade is 16.68 mm (measured at thickest part below the stop ridge, the width at this point is 24.46 mm).


Beneath the stop-ridge, on both sides of the palstave, is a tapering central rib. This rib extends approximately half way down the length of the blade. The rib itself, although present on both sides, is crisper and less eroded on one of the two faces.


The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile) with the widest part at the stop ridge. The septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge) is 62.63 mm long, 17.55 mm wide, and 8.13 mm thick. The butt of the axe has been slightly damaged leaving one corner rounded. The butt is 19.25 mm wide and 3.09 mm thick. The loop is 26.42 mm long, by 8.83 mm wide and projects 9 mm.


The flange facets are fused to the stop ridge forming two sub-rectangular raised elements to haft the axe by. The facets on each side of the axe differ from one another. On one side the flange facets are convex and curve over to almost form an open socket. Whereas the other side has less pronounced or developed facets.


In total the palstave measures 149.45 mm in length, 40.33 mm wide (maximum) and 25.72 mm thick. It weighs 262.3 g.


Several casting flaws in the form of air bubbles are present on the septum. The poor quality of the casting is confirmed by an xray of the palstave which demostrated several large air bubbles within the internal structure of the palstave.


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


Similar examples to this palstave can be seen in Savory, 1980; catalogue entries 171, 172, 175, and 263 (the Mynydd Ta-y-glannau, Cemmaes Hoard). All of these examples fit into the middle phase of the Middle Bronze Age (MBA II).


Reference:

Savory, H. N., 1980. Guide Catalogue to the Bronze Age Collections Cardiff : National Museum of Wales, pp46-47, 106-107, 170-171 and 179
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Kelling, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Description: Fragment of Late Bronze Age copper alloy socketed axe, part of mouth  with part of one face and one side. The edges have  been broken in antiquity. Surviving length 25mm. Surviving width 28mm. Weighs 16.91g.  c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Socketed Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1100 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Chilmark, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 18.95 mm
Thickness: 6.75 mm
Weight: 6.71 g
Description: A fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead with rib decoration. The fragment is broadly square in plan with a central casting ridge. Late Bronze Age socketed axeheads are c.1100 BC to c.700 BC in date.



The fragment is 18.95mm in length, 18.65mm wide, 6.75mm thick and weighs 6.71 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Metal Working Debris (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to MEDIEVAL (-1100 to 1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stockton, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 23.8 mm
Weight: 39.99 g
Description: Corroded cast copper alloy casting sprue/jet of Bronze Age or later  date. A truncated cone shaped body with two curved prongs projecting  from the narrow end. The shape reflects the funnel shaped casting gate  and two projecting feeders into the casting mould. The base of the cone  would have in fact been the upper side into which the metal was poured  and the odd protrusion on one side may reflect the metal cooling as it  was poured into the mould. The metal is dark green with patches of mid  yellow green and pale green corrosion.


Comparable examples on the PAS database include IOW-CE75F0, SF-9FFB87, WMID-67D243


The casting sprue is 23.8mm in height, 28.55mm wide and weighs 39.99grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: JERSEY, ,  ()
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 48.52 mm
Thickness: 15.15 mm
Weight: 42.68 g
Description: An incomplete and rather small Late Bronze Age (1000-800 BC) palstave axehead, with damage to the butt end (all original edge missing) and the stop ridge and flanges on one side. It measures 48.52mm in length, 27.29mm in max.width (from loop to opposite edge) and 15.15mm in max. thickness (stop ridge to stop ridge). It weighs 42.68g.


The width at the broken butt end is 19.43mm, where it is I-shaped in cross-section (with a cross bar at either end), max. 8.88mm thick and min. 5.68mm thick. It widens a little at the stop ridge to 20.35mm wide. Inclusive of the single loop to one side, it measures 27.29mm (max. width). On one face, with loop to the left (and blade pointing downwards), there is considerable damage to the stop ridge and flanges, possibly recent (plough) damage. Almost all the flanges on this face are missing. There is only a little damage to the flanges and stop ridge on the opposite face.


The casting flash is visible on the loop, which appears worn, but otherwise all casting flashes have been smoothed down. The loop measures 15.57mm long (internal 5.92mm) and 3.89mm thick.


Below the stop ridge the blade is waisted, min. 19.08mm wide (x 9.40mm thick). It then flares to the cutting edge (21.58mm), which is curved and the corners a little damaged. It is 1.95mm thick at the edge.


Brendan O'Connor writes: This is a miniature palstave based on a full-size model of narrow-bladed Late Bronze Age type, not a broad-bladed Middle Bronze Age type.  The only close comparison I know is also from the Channel Islands, found on Sark as part of Barry Cunliffe's work there (pers. comm. May 2013).


Ritual deposition is only one of several explanations for this find, especially when so few comparisons are available.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Flitcham with Appleton, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 35.5 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Description: Incomplete Late Bronze Age awl, most of the rectangular-sectioned tang missing. There is a strong offset or stop ridge at the junction of tang and blade, the cross-section of the latter turning circular before the point. Extant length 35.5mm (length of blade 31.5mm). Width / thickness 6 x 4.5mm. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Blade (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 62.34 mm
Thickness: 2.82 mm
Weight: 11.6 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy blade, of Middle Bronze Age dating (1500 CAL BC to 1150 CAL BC - Needham's Period 5).


The blade fragment is sub trapezoidal in plan, and lentoid in cross section. The blade tapers towards either edge. The edges to the top and bottom are old, pre depostional breaks. No evidence of rivet holes are present at the top of the blade fragment. No decoration is present on either the front or back of the blade.


It measures 62.34 mm in length, has a maximum width of 22.69 mm and a minimum of 14.43 mm. It is 2.82 mm thick in the centre of the blade and 1.06 mm thick along the blade edges. It weighs 11.6 g.


The blade fragment is a mid to dark brown colour, with an even surface patina. The patina has been removed in a couple of areas, leaving a lighter green colour. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion (bronze diseases) occurring. This would be a bright green powdery residue. To reduce the risk of this happening, the blade should be stored in a sealed air tight dry box, such as a tupperware box with a liquid seal, lined with acid free tissue and silica gel.
Notes: Comment from Peter Reavill (Herefordshire & Shropshire FLO): As for the blade fragment - from the  size I think you are looking at either a large dagger or probably more likely a rapier fragment. The hilt would have been trapezoidal - and it has lost its rivets and upper part - it has also lost the shoulders but you can then see the blade thickening away from the hilt to for the mid rib. I expect the other end continued for maybe 1/3 again as the rib is parallel even if the sides aren't due to plough roll. 


Similar rapiers have been dated to the later Middle Bronze Age (MBA III - specifically the Penard phase / industry) - Rowlands 1976 p68-70) which corresponds with Needham's Period 5 (1500-1150 CAL BC).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 13 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight: 10.82 g
Description: Probable Bronze Age copper alloy casting jet. Oval, flat upper face (19mm x 17mm, height 13mm), convex lower face with the stumps of two runners. Weighs 10.82g. c.2,350-701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Height: 21 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 7.38 g
Description: A probable Middle Bronze Age copper alloy 'moustache-shaped' unidentified object. Longitudinal rib on upper edge with possible traces of transverse nicks, transverse median rib flanked by two smaller ribs also with possible traces of transverse nicks, upper edge and midpoint obscured by iron corrosion, remainder of object corroded, surface missing. Height 21mm. Width 41mm. Thickness 7mm. Weight 7.38g. The date of this enigmatic object is uncertain. Examples occurred in the Salisbury Hoard, which contained Bronze Age material but was buried in the Iron Age (Stead 1998). An example was found recently in a Middle Bronze Age context at Clay Farm, Cambridgeshire (see entry for HAMP-C04CC3). Other Norfolk examples have been found in Attleborough (HER 56965, NMS-IF5E55), Barton Bendish (HER 17600), Gayton (HER 16121), Methwold (HER 5235), Runcton Holme (HER 33872), Shernborne (HER 24431), Shouldham Thorpe (HER 39265), Snettisham (HER 24432), Swaffham (HER 29208), see Rogerson and Ashley (2009), 556-7, figs.1-3.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 25 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 48.68 g
Description: Fragment of Early or Middle Bronze axe, i.e. flat,  flanged or palstave, cutting edge, ancient irregular transverse break.  Thickness 11mm. Extant length 25mm. Width 49mm. Weighs 48.68g. c.2350 -c.1001 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1150 to 410)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Boxford, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 38.25 mm
Diameter: 0.51 mm
Weight: 5.3 g
Description: 
A complete cast copper alloy awl, possibly dating to the later Bronze Age but more possibly as late as the early Roman period. The awl has a sub-rectangular cross section at one end that may have originally terminated in a flattened wedge-shape, as other examples recorded on this database do. This terminal widens to become more rounded in the centre of the awl with the opposing end tapering to a point. There is some pitting on the surface of the awl which suggests some age, however there is some debate as to the date of such awls, which probably first appeared in the Late Bronze Age but could conceivably have continued to have been made until much later; here the patina does suggests a later prehistoric date.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Edgware, Barnet, Greater London Authority (London)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Weight: 191.96 g
Description: Four copper alloy ingots and fragments of probable Late Bronze Age date c.1100-800 cal BC. This assemblage includes one fragment of a plano-convex ingot, two irregularly shaped fragments and one piece of plate scrap with a central ridge.



Similar pieces of copper alloy are a well-known feature of Late Bronze Age ('scrap') hoards from Southern England.



Conclusion As the objects are, on the balance of probabilities, of prehistoric date and more than two were found together in a single find, this find fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.



Dimensions:



fragment 1: length: 39.73mm; width: 31.84mm; thickness: 7.78mm; weight: 30.98g.



fragment 2: length: 41.11mm; width: 34.47mm; thickness: 10.38mm; weight: 27.18g.



fragment 3: length: 39.26mm; width: 32.69mm; thickness: 6.32mm; weight: 31.54g.



fragment 4: length: 47.74mm; width: 33.80mm; thickness: 21.45mm; weight: 102.26g.



Identification by Jon Cotton, Specialist in Prehistoric London.



Kate Sumnall



Finds Liaison Officer for Greater London



Museum of London



11.12.13



Amended: Neil Wilkin



Bronze Age curator



The British Museum



21.1.14
Subsequent action: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Antingham, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 71 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight: 146.69 g
Description: Incomplete Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axehead with broken  butt-end, sides expanding and flaring slightly to damaged cutting edge, one angle missing (surviving width 45mm). Body rectangular in section and thickened  at mid-point (10mm), thinning to butt-end and cutting edge. Surface  corroded. Length 71mm. Weighs 146.69g. c.2350 - c.1501 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Chisel (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Durnford, Wiltshire, Wiltshire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 42.2 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.92 g
Description: A copper-alloy Bronze Age chisel, with a cutting edge at one end and a hilt at the other. The chisel is broadly triangular in plan and rectangular in cross section. The hilt is sub-square in cross-section and tapers to a point. The blade narrows  from 4.00mm thick to 0.65mm thick at the cutting edge.


The chisel measures 42.20mm long, 9.82mm wide and 4.00mm thick and weighs 4.92 grams.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Tanworth-in-Arden, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 15.92 mm
Thickness: 8.08 mm
Weight: 9.4 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age palstave. The portion which remains is the butt. The butt is a sub-trapezoid in plan, with one broken edge, the longer edge, which is not a recent break. The section is a sub-rectangle with concave lateral sides. The fragment is in fair condition with patches a heavily developed brown/green patina which has some pitting. It measures 15.92mm long, 22.33mm wide and 8.08mm thick. It weighs 9.4g.


The fragment is probably dated to the late Bronze Age (-1150 to -800).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2000 to -1600)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: , , Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 117.99 mm
Thickness: 8.08 mm
Weight: 182 g
Description: The axehead is made from cast copper alloy. The axe is complete, but one corner has been recently broken, but is not missing. In plan the axe is a sub elongated triangle. The butt is rounded, and in profile slightly tapers to a rounded edge. The sides are straight with no flaring outwards of the blade tip. The blade cutting edge is slightly asymmetrical suggesting the axe was functional rather than votive. In profile, lengthways, the axehead curves slightly. The surface of the axehead has an abraded surface with patches of blue corrosion and a large area of encrustation. The patina is a mottled mid grey/green colour. The axe measures 117.99mm long from the butt to the apex of the cutting edge. It is 55.95mm wide from blade tip to blade it, and is 8.08mm thick at its thickest point on the body. It weighs 182g.



The nature of the corrosion, with blue patches and analysis of past flat axes suggest the material is more likely to be copper rather than copper alloy or has a particularly high copper content. The axe is a flat axe, which dates to the early Bronze Age, c. 2000 to 1600 BC. Watson (1993 Catalogue of British and European Prehistoric Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums BAR British Series 233) illustrates similar flat axes, Nos. 115 and 116, but these have slightly more flared blade tips.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Ingot (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1150 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sennen, Cornwall, Cornwall (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 37 mm
Height: 30 mm
Weight: 96.65 g
Description: Fragment of a cast copper alloy ingot, probably originally circular in plan and plano-convex in profile, but this fragment is rectangular in plan, square in profile and triangular in section, as it likely comes from the centre of the original ingot. Plano-convex ingots like this one were used during the Late Bronze Age, c.1150-700 BC. The upper face and base of the ingot are smooth with some dark green patches of patina, and the sides of the fragment have ridges and cavities typically seen in the sections of these bun ingots. Similar ingot fragments have been found in metalworkers hoards dating from the Late Bronze Age, most recently in a hoard (2012 T570) from St Buryan (CORN-37D710), the neighbouring parish, which was 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, Nos.281t, which were found with other Late Bronze Age metalwork, and an ingot fragment from Churston Ferrers, Torbay on page 457, Plate 40, No.306b, which was found with a larger plano-convex ingot.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-1000 to 410)
Material: Copper 
Found: Beedon, West Berkshire, West Berkshire (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: 11 pieces of copper metal working waste of uncertain date, probably from Bronze Age to Roman. The presence of this material suggests that bronze objects have been manufactured here and possibly broken copper alloy items were being recycled. Sadly no precise findspot was recorded. One piece displays a bright blue deposit whilst the rest are more turqouise. Two pieces (bottom right and one above that) appear to be casting sprues suggesting items were being manufactured on site.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flanged Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1700 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Rushwick, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 147.36 mm
Thickness: 24.06 mm
Weight: 471.4 g
Description: A complete Early Bronze Age cast copper-alloy late flanged axe (c. 1700-1500 BC). The blade of the axe is slightly flared to the blade tips, and the blade cutting edge is a deep symmetrical convex shape. The cutting edge is rounded due to abrasion. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the flange facets. Body and haft end of the axe has almost straight sides which taper slightly at the butt, which is straight at the terminal. One face is possibly decorated at the junction of the body and blade, just within the facets, in the form on at least three short linear notches. However, there is a possibility this is damage from antiquity. The body of the axe has shallow (2.92mm deep) rounded flange facets, therefore in profile the facet sides are a pointed oval and taper down at the butt. The flange top/crests are in-turned therefore the width between the crests is narrower than the base. The surface has large patches of a green/brown coloured patina with areas of the surface missing, but not recently, and one patch of active corrosion. It is in a fair condition. The axe measures 147.36mm long, 53.71mm wide from one blade tip to the other, and 24.06mm thick across the apex of the facets. It weighs 471.4g.



Ben Roberts (University of Durham) comments that the axe is a 'late flanged axe rather than a palstave which would date it to the latter part of the Early Bronze Age (c. 1700- 1500 BC)'. (pers comm). This type of axes are distributed across Britain, and few have been found in a datable context, therefore making it difficult to date them with accuracy (late flanged axe rather than a palstave which would date it to the latter part of the Early Bronze Age (http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/axes).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1150)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Irthlingborough, East Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.36 mm
Thickness: 16.29 mm
Weight: 112.4 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy (bronze) axe most probably from a palstave of Middle Bronze Age date, circa 1500-1150 BC.   The blade is broken below the stop ridge and there is no evidence to suggest whether this fragment is from a looped - or unlooped palstave variant. The break is worn and patinated suggesting that it has been damaged in antiquity; only the lower blade of the axehead survives.  A casting error is present on one flange. The edge of one of the flanges has been flattened with the re-set copper alloy forming a lip.  The fragment has an irregular form in plan with the sides gently widening away from the slightly concave broken edge and terminating in asymmetrical flares due to the manufacturing error.  The cutting edge is lost but retains its convex form.  The fragment is sub-triangular in section.  The section at the break is sub-rectangular.  The surface of the fragment is heavily abraded with pitting and patches of light green patina.   There is no evidence of rib decoration.  Overall, the fragment has a mid green / brown colour. Length: 50.56mm.  Width: 43.82mm.  Thickness at broken end: 16.29mm.  Weight: 112.4g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Narborough, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 70.5 mm
Diameter: 5 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Description: Late Bronze Age copper alloy awl, round-sectioned (5mm) pointed end and narrowed and tapering rectangular-sectioned tang. Length 70.5mm. Tang 3.5mm x 3mm in section. Weighs 5.34g. c.1000 - c.700 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Hoard (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: West Acre, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: Beads, ingots and molten fragments which may, on the balance of probabilities, be considered as an addendum to an earlier find (2008 T454), which included copper alloy objects from the same area as a scattered Late Bronze Age hoard found before 7 July 2008 (PAS-9474B1, 2008 T454).



1. Awl, incomplete, with most of the tang absent, perhaps through miscasting. The cross-section of the pointed part is sub-square at the start, becoming round before the point. Weight 2.68g. Length 35mm. Width 4.5mm.



2. Awl, incomplete, with most of the tang absent. The cross-section of the pointed part is sub-square at the start, becoming round before the point. Weight 3.63g. Length 28mm. Width 5.5mm.



3. Awl, with tang of irregular hexagonal cross-section and very short round-sectioned point. The tang is at its widest at its hollow end (4 x 2mm) .Weight 2.09g. Weight 3.84g. Length 31mm, of which the point comprises only 8mm.



4. Awl, rectangular-sectioned tang only. Weight 3.85g. Length 31mm. Width 5.7mm.



5. Fragment of a socketed tool with a moulded groove on the exterior below the mount. Weight 9.15g. Length 29mm.



6. Lower part of a socketed chisel with curved cutting edge. There is much distortion around the break. Weight 35.97g. Length 44mm. Width 37mm.



7. Fragment of two-edged knife, both ends broken. Weight 8.94g. Length 36mm. Width 4 - 6.3mm. Thickness 3.8mm.



8. Bead, annular with off-centre aperture and very fine encircling rib or casting seam. Weight 2.16g. Diameter 12mm. Thickness 3.4 - 4.3mm. Hole diameter 6mm.



9. Bead, annular, bi-convex, with rib or casting seam around one third of the exterior and a groove around one quarter, the two separated by plain areas. Weight 2.37g. Diameter 10 - 11.5mm. Thickness 5.3mm. Hole diameter 5.5mm.



10. Incomplete ingot, sub-rectangular, one edge broken, flat-sectioned, one face covered with irregular moulded striations. Weight 18.83g. Length 37.5mm. Width 29mm. Thickness 2.5mm.



11. End fragment of rectangular sectioned ingot. The end is convex and there are hammer marks on one broad face. Length 14.5mm. Width 23.3mm. Thickness 8.5mm.



12. Ingot of irregular cross-section narrowing towards both ends. There are hammered facets overall apart from a shallow concavity running the full length. Weight 16.56g. length 42.5mm. Width 10mm. Thickness 7.2mm.



13. Ingot, a slightly curving bar of triangular cross-section. Weight 10.18g. Length 33.5mm. Width 11.5mm. Thickness 6mm.



14. Twenty-three fragments of solidified molten copper alloy, ranging in weight from 0.69 to 26.72g. Combined weight 120.90g.



Discussion: The combination of (socketed) tools, awls and ingot fragments suggests that this represents a Late Bronze Age (c.1000 - 700 BC) hoard. It shares some features in common with a previous hoard of Late Bronze Age metalwork (2008 T454), including the presence of socketed tools and ingot fragments.
Subsequent action: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period:  to  (-1600 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Churston-with-Galmpton, Torbay, Torbay (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: An Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axe head. In section, the axe head is lenticular in shape. In plan, the axe head is roughly triangular in shape; the butt end is narrow and has a rounded end, and the sides flare out towards the cutting edge. The cutting edge is cresentic in shape. There are signs of wear on the cutting edge, suggesting it has been used. There are also file marks visible on the surface of both faces, suggesting that the blade has been re-sharpened on the surface. Overall, the surface patina is smooth and dark green. A similar example, found in Dorset, can be seen on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database (DOR-422514), this example was compared to the Arreton Park metalwork assemblage by Kevin Leahy, and dated to 1600 to 1500 BC. As the Devon example has a similar form, it may be attributed to a similar date. Length: 155mm; Width of blade: 80mm; Width of butt end: 23mm; Thickness (at thickest point in middle): 10mm.
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sutton Cheney, Hinckley and Bosworth, Leicestershire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 52 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight: 14.13 g
Description: Bronze age copper alloy small spearhead, 52mm long, 12mm wide and 9mm thick. The object is in fair condition and weighs 14.13grams. The spearhead has a conical open shaft, (9mm in diameter)  which very gently tapers into an integral wide central mid rib running down a leaf shaped blade. This then drops sharply near the upper end to accommodate the thin blade. The edges of the blade and rib are damaged but are largely intact. The shaft is damaged, missing most of its length including the fixing hole. The section that remains has two sub-linear depressions, aligned parallel to the base, sitting on each side of the shaft, below the blade, possibly to aid fixing?  The object has an unusually short profile and wide shaft/ridge.


Dr Richard Davis has examined this object and has provided the following information,

This spearhead has a number of  interesting and rare attributes.
 
Firstly the decorative cuts on  the side of the socket. A number of side looped spearheads from the MBA have  such cuts. Drawings of these can be seen in my volume in the PBF series (Davis, R.  2012. The Early and Middle  Bronze Age spearheads of Britain. [PBF V.5]. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner).    These are no. 227 Rossington, no 276 Matlock Bath, no 307 Irlam, no 347  Waddingham, no 381 Malham Dale, no 413 Cressbrook, no 629 Eyemouth.   No 594  Harpur Hill has crosses rather than horizontal cuts. You can see that  distribution of this attribute is centred on the Peak District.
 
A couple of other points are of  interest. The midrib ends shortly below the tip, and the blade flattens at this  point. This is characteristic of the kite blade, side looped spearheads (my  Group 3) and the spearheads with wide blade, side loops and shortened midrib (my  Group 5). Both of these groups are dated to the Acton Park phase.
 
The spearhead is very short at   52mm remaining, possibly around 70mm when complete. There were some short  spearheads in the MBA, and they had rounded kite shaped blades. Examples are my  no. 151 from Nottingham at 78mm in length and no. 153 Swindon at 68mm in length.  Again these can be dated to the Acton Park phase.
 
In summary it is possible that  this spearhead originally had side loops on the lower part of the socket, which  have now broken off. This would be dated to the Acton Park and early Taunton  phases of the MBA.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -1000)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Welton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 24 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 12.31 g
Description: 
Fragment of a middle to late Bronze Age copper-alloy palstave. Only the butt remains. The fragment is triangular in profile and has a curved butt. The edges extend to form a narrow ledge at the top and bottom. The break exposes two circular indentations that appear to have been caused by air bubbles formed during the casting process. The presence of these indentations may have caused this area of the axe to have been particularly weak, thus causing the break. The break is roughly straight, but irregular enough to suggest it is not an intentional cut.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Spear (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1500 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Cheselbourne, West Dorset, Dorset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 67.87 mm
Thickness: 14.59 mm
Weight: 25.98 g
Description: An incomplete copper alloy side looped socketed spearhead. The tip and upper part of the spear only. There is a broken side loop on either side of the flared, oval sectioned socket. It is not possible to say what shape the loops were originally. The socket continues to taper to the solid, pionted tip, maintaining the oval cross section to form a prominent mid rib. Flanking the mid rib are two small, outcurving wings. These are very thin.  

Date: Middle to Late Bronze Age - c. 1500 - 800 BC

Dimensions: 67.87 mm x 22.05 mm x 14.59 mm

Weight: 25.98 g
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Casting Waste (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Westbury-on-Severn, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 31.39 mm
Thickness: 17.02 mm
Weight: 31.7 g
Description: Copper alloy casting waste; sprue or jet. The sprue is an inverted conical which is sub-oval in section and has a concave upper edge with a few burst air bubbles on the surface. The tip is elongated and tapers to a blunt broken edge. The sprue has a heavy light green coloured patina. It measures 31.39mm long, 21.03mm wide, 17.02mm thick and weighs 31.7g.


The sprue probably dates to the Bronze Age (-2150 - -800).
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2350 to -1501)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wighton, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 29 mm
Thickness: 9.5 mm
Weight: 21.04 g
Description: Fragment of the miscast butt end of an Early Bronze Age copper alloy flat axe. Very small parts of the three edges are present, and at the break there are two very large blow holes. Weight 21.04g. Extant length 29mm. Width 24mm. Thickness 9.5mm. c.2350 - c.1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stixwould and Woodhall, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (East Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 63.38 mm
Thickness: 11.45 mm
Weight: 110.29 g
Description: A worn and corroded early Bronze Age flat axe. The surface is extensively corroded and pitted. The axe flares to the blade. The axe is rectangular in cross-section at the centre.



Length: 63.38 mm; Width: 38.88 mm; Thickness: 11.45 mm; Weight: 110.29g
Subsequent action: Donated to a museum
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1100 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wycliffe with Thorpe, County Durham, County Durham (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 28 mm
Thickness: 8.3 mm
Weight: 14.6 g
Description: An incomplete cast copper alloy socketed axehead of late Bronze Age date - circa 1100 - 800 BC. Only the tip of the axe survives consisting of a curved cutting edge with prominently flared sides. The base of the socket is visible where the body of the axe is broken and taper sin width towards the cutting edge. The remaining portion of the axehead is undecorated and the breaks are worn.

The metal has a dark reddish-brown patina and is worn. The axehead is 28mm long, 41.6mm wide, 8.3mm thick and weighs 14.6g.



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 1100 - 800 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period:  to BRONZE AGE (-2150 to -1500)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Bridford, Teignbridge, Devon (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Description: A copper alloy Early Bronze Age flat axehead, possibly of the Migdale tradition. The axehead is flat on both faces, and both faces show signs of re-sharpening at the blade end. One face has a scar running roughly diagonally across the axehead; this may be a casting mark, or possibly occurs due to later damage. The blade is crescentic in shape. In profile, the butt end of the axe is rectangular with rounded edges. It is not clear if there is a break at the butt end (now worn very smooth), however it is likely that the original overall length was at least a little longer in order for it to be attached securely to a handle. Overall length: 52mm; cutting blade length: 50mm; butt end length: 26mm; butt end thickness: 8mm. The axehead can be approximately dated between 2150 BC to 1500 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -1001)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Ringstead, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 14 mm
Thickness: 6.7 mm
Weight: 10.9 g
Description: Butt end of a Middle Bronze Age copper alloy palstave. Ancient break. Extant length 14mm. Width 22.5mm. Thickness 6.7mm. Weight 10.9g. c.1600 - c.1000 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1400 to -1200)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sculthorpe, North Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 139 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight: 390 g
Description: Incomplete Middle Bronze Age copper alloy looped palstave with a broad, almost fan-shaped blade. Part of the loop, and part of the haft including the butt end are missing. A casting seam runs the full length of both sides. On both faces below the stop ridge there is a shield-shaped depression from below the top of which a median rib extends as far as the start of the cutting edge. The latter is unsharpened. This complete bluntness aa well as the rounded and smooth quality of the "breaks" indicate that this is a casting reject. The angle of the breaks suggests that the mould may have toppled over before the metal had cooled. Extant length 139mm. Width 63.5mm. Thickness 32mm. Weight 390g. c.1400 - c.1200 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axe (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1500 to -700)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Wisley, Guildford, Surrey (South East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.56 mm
Weight: 3.31 g
Description: 
A fragment of the tip of a blade of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age axe of uncertain type. The fragment has a bright green patina.

Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Palstave (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1400 to -1250)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Selwood, Mendip, Somerset (South West)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 142.3 mm
Thickness: 30.28 mm
Description: A copper alloy palstave of Middle Bronze Age date.


The socket is formed by a set of right angled flanges which flank the flat central area and increase in height towards the centre of the blade where they are joined by a horizontal stop ridge. The flanges are slightly damaged along the topmost edge on both sides, with heavy pitting on the outward facing sides of each flange. Immediately below the stop ridge is a shield shaped depression. The blade has inward-bowing sides which flare towards the bottom, the thickness tapering to the point where it terminates in a convex cutting edge. There is evidence of a vertical casting seam along the narrower surfaces of the object with tool-marks indicating that this was filed down during finishing. The presence of a casting seam indicates the use of a two-piece mould in production. The flanges and the shield shaped depression also carry tool marks.


Much of the palstave is heavily corroded and carries a green colouring with patches of bright blue discolouration.


Length: 142.3mm


Maximum width of blade: 61.68mm


Minimum width: 25.08


Maximum thickness: 30.28


Minimum thickness: 3.73mm
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to  (-1000 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Sarratt, Three Rivers, Hertfordshire (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 68.4 mm
Weight: 7.95 g
Description: A copper-alloy awl, probably dating from the Late Bronze Age.


The widest part of the awl is roughly at the centre, from where it tapers in both directions. One side is of subcircular section, tapering to point at the distal end; the other side, which may be a tang, is of rectangular section, bent, and terminates in a wedge-shaped end.


Dimensions: length: 68.4mm; maximum width: 5.2mm. Weight: 7.95g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Flat Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-2100 to -1900)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Stamfordham, Northumberland, Northumberland (North East)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 50.13 mm
Thickness: 15.36 mm
Weight: 82.6 g
Description: A cast copper-alloy flat axehead of the early Bronze Age, dating c. 2000 BC.


The axe is incomplete, consisting of a slightly ribbed blade, with a break removing much of the edge, as well as the base or butt of the axe. The axe flares evenly to the blade, and it is nearly hexagonal in section. The surface has an even pitting.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to ROMAN (-2350 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Fincham, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 10.3 g
Description: Sub-rectangular fragment of a possibly Bronze Age unidentified object, rectangular-sectioned. One original surviving chamfered short edge with broad bordering groove on one face. Surviving length 27mm. Surviving width 17mm. 5mm thick. Weighs 10.30g. c.2350- c.701 BC.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Awl (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1250 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 77.99 mm
Thickness: 5.38 mm
Weight: 9.3 g
Description: A copper alloy Bronze Age awl: The awl is sub-square in section and elongated rectangle in plan which is bent at c. 45° just below the approximate midpoint. One terminal gradually tapers to a blunt point. The other terminal expands slightly in width and flattens in depth forming a rectangular sectioned blade/chisel. This terminal is abraded and is rounded. The surface has an incomplete heavy dark brown otherwise it is abraded. In length the awl is 77.99mm, 5.94mm wide and 5.38mm thick. It weighs 9.3g.


From the PAS website: http://finds.org.uk/bronzeage/objects/awl Awls are difficult to date but most 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 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). They were presumably used for perforating leather, but it was once suggested that they were used for tattooing human skin. Dating and areas of discovery 


Date: most probably 1250-800 BC

Distribution: All over Britain and Ireland


References 



Coles,      J M (1964) 'Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 97      (1963-4)

    
Rowlands,      M.J. (1976) 'The Production and Distribution of Metalwork in the Middle      Bronze Age in Southern Britain: Part ii'. Oxford: British Archaeological      Reports.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Rapier (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1600 to -701)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Scarning, Breckland, Norfolk (Eastern)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 59 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Description: Incomplete Middle or Late Bronze Age blade, perhaps from rapier. Pointed oval section with barely defined central rib which flattens at the thicker end. Broken at both ends. Surviving length 59mm. Maximum width 20mm. Maximum thickness 3mm.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Axehead (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to BRONZE AGE (-1200 to -800)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Appleton-le-Street with Easthorpe, Ryedale, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 27.8 mm
Thickness: 11.1 mm
Weight: 43.6 g
Description: A fragment of a cast copper alloy socketed axehead of Bronze Age date. The fragment is the blade end including the base of the socketed area. It is a tapering rectangle in section in plan and trapezoidal in plan with a worn cutting edge and rounded corners. The breaks at the socketed end are old and worn.

The metal has a dark reddish-brown patina and is very worn. The fragment is 27.8mm long, 44.6mm wide, 11.1mm thick and weighs 43.6g.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder
Object: Unidentified Object (Bronze Age)
Period: Bronze Age to IRON AGE (-1600 to -400)
Material: Copper alloy 
Found: Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (West Midlands)
Discovery method: Metal detector
Length: 20.2 mm
Thickness: 7.34 mm
Weight: 2.8 g
Description: A fragment of a copper alloy Bronze Age or early Iron Age unidentified 'moustache-like' object. In plan the object is a drop shape, and in section it is sub- semi circular which is domed on the outer face. The reverse is hollow. The lower half of the outer face is decorated with fine linear grooves and ridges. The upper edge of the object has a broken edge. The object has a dark brown shiny patina which is slightly abraded at the edges on the reverse. It measures 20.2mm long, 11.08mm wide, 7.34mm thick and weighs 2.8g.


These unidentified objects are referred to as 'moustache-like' or 'moustache shaped' objects which are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, I. M, 1998. The Salisbury Hoard : Tempus ref. 117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are associated with Middle Bronze Age material. Dr JD Hill (British Museum) feels these objects date to the Iron Age rather than the Bronze Age. Other examples on the PAS database at time of recording are NMS-1F5E55, NMS-F2BA41, SUR-FFD972, NMS-6B7128, SUSS-3AEC48, NMS-00A898, HAMP-C04CC3, WILT-361573, SUSS-3AEC48, DENO-688BF1, WILT-616785, BERK-2DE004, YORYM-1AA0C5, DENO-0E9FA1, BERK-403617, SF9183, BH-A7C6B5, SF-520513, NMS-BAA821, NARC-925E14, BERK-3F46D5, PUBLIC-E9E1C5, and WILT-616785.
Subsequent action: Returned to finder