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SPEARHEAD
Unique ID: WAW-1669B1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete copper alloy spearhead dating to the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1550-1250 BC). The spearhead is broadly sub-triangular in plan and profile with a sub-oval/leaf-shaped blade, with a pronounced mid-rib on both faces. The mid-rib is lozenge shaped and tapers from the tip of the spearhead into the socket of the spear. The socket is hollow and has cast side loops roughly half way up the socketed end on opposing sides. The socketed end is slightly chipped but overall the object shows few signs of wear. The object has a smooth dark brown to dark green patina, which is pitted in places.
This form of spearhead can be classified as Davis Group 6 (Davis 2017). Davis (2017) suggests that 'spearheads from the earlier MBA [Middle Bronze Age] were those with sockets extending into the blade, and with loops on the side of the socket'. He thus dates these types to the Acton Park and Taunton phases, circa 1550-1250 BC. As such this example has been similarly dated.
Comparable objects recorded on the PAS database include: SWYOR-A609BB; LIN-0DDC06; and LANCUM-D63A53.
The object measures 109mm in length, 19mm in width and 14mm in depth.
Notes:
Photographs and dimensions kindly supplied by the finder during the third Covid-19 lockdown period.
Class:
Side-looped
Sub class: Davis (2012) Group 6
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Circa 1550 BC
Date to: Circa 1250 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 109 mm
Width: 19 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Worcestershire (County)
District: Malvern Hills (District)
Parish or ward: Malvern (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SO7648
Four figure Latitude: 52.12977927
Four figure longitude: -2.35201698
1:25K map: SO7648
1:10K map: SO74NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davis, R. | 2017 | Object Datasheet no.5: A Short Guide to Early and Middle Bronze Age Spearheads | Online | The Later Prehistoric Finds Group |
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Timeline of associated dates
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