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HOARD
Unique ID: ESS-EECB15
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
Five fragments of 'bun' ingots were discovered in September 2013. The fragments were discovered in the course of metal detecting.
A fragment of a copper-alloy 'Knee' Brooch of Late Iron Age or Roman in date was also discovered by the finders but does not form part of the Treasure case. It is recorded below as a non-associated find.
Description
1. Fragment of 'bun' ingot
A large fragment of copper alloy 'bun' ingot approx. pyramid in form with darker patches of green copper corrosion.
Dimensions: Height: 34.7mm; Width: 67.8mm; Max thickness: 35.5mm; Weight: 218.2g
2. Fragment of 'bun' ingot
A small fragment of copper alloy 'bun' ingot that has been folded over on itself. The fragment has patches of green copper corrosion.
Dimensions: 21.8mm x 25.2mm x 21.7mm; Weight: 59.1g
3. Fragment of 'bun' ingot
A small fragment of copper alloy 'bun' ingot, irregular in form with patches of dark green copper corrosion.
Dimensions: 36.9mm x 31.4mm x 31.3mm; Weight 99.7g
4. Fragment of 'bun' ingot
A fragment of copper alloy 'bun' ingot approximately rectangular in form with patches of dark green copper corrosion.
Dimensions: Height: 30.8mm; Width: 42.9mm; Max thickness: 23.12mm; Weight: 119.8g
5. Fragment of 'bun' ingot
A large fragment of copper alloy 'bun' ingot irregular in form with patches of dark green copper corrosion.
Dimensions: 72.8mm x 37.2mm x 37.8mm; Weight: 287.6g
Non-associated finds
6. Late Iron Age or Roman brooch
The most part of an incomplete Late Iron Age or Roman copper-alloy 'knee' brooch, missing the catch plate and hinge. The brooch is decorated with light green spirals, most likely enamelled. The brooch appears to belong to Mackreth's (2011, vol. 1, 192 & pl. 23) KNEE type, Continental sub-type 5. It bears particularly close comparisons to Mackreth's No.11798 (2011, vol. 2, pl. 23, 135).
Dimensions: Height: 27.7mm; Width: 9.4mm; Max thickness: 4mm; Weight: 7.2g
Discussion
Due to the similarities of the condition of the fragments, it is likely that they were deposited as separate fragments at the same time, representing a single find of five objects.
A common feature of 'bun' ingots is the shape; they are rounded on one side and almost flat on the other. They are the most common type of ingot that can be found in Britain and are often broken into a number of uneven fragments which can be seen in this case. These objects are most likely to date to the Late Bronze Age (c.1100-800/700 BC), and are regularly found in hoards of this period and region.
Comparative examples can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database (http://finds.org.uk) and include numbers: PAS-SUSS-ADE0A8; PAS-SUSS-1B0387.
Notes:
As a single find of five base-metal objects of prehistoric date. The fragments of 'bun' ingot (No. 1-5) qualify as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) (Designation Order 2002). The non-associated find of a Late Iron Age/Roman brooch (No. 6) does not qualify as Treasure and can be disclaimed.
Author: Jasmine Johnson, University of Durham/Volunteer for Department of Britain, Europe & Prehistory, The British Museum.
Checked and edited: Neil Wilkin, Curator of the European Bronze Age, The British Museum.
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2013T946
Chronology
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Circa 1150 BC
Date to: Circa 800 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 6
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st September 2013 - Monday 30th September 2013
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: CIMS OEF 7215
Treasure case number: 2013T946
Materials and construction
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mackreth, D.F. | 2011 | Brooches in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain | Oxford | Oxbow Books | vol. 2, pl. 23, | 135 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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