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AWL
Unique ID: BERK-9A854C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete copper alloy awl or leather working tool of uncertain date. The awl has a square-sectioned centre which tapers to a fine point at one end while the other end narrows into a flat chisel-like end. It is assumed that one of these ends would form a tang however either end would function well as a leather or possibly a woodworking tool. Most awls like this are dated to the Bronze Age however the form and function of awls changed little in 3000 years, therefore they could date to anywhere between the Bronze Age though to the medieval period. The patina on this example suggets a possible Roman or later date, however an earlier date cannot be ruled out; without contextual information these objects are very hard to date.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa 2100 BC
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 50.3 mm
Width: 5 mm
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Weight: 4.7 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Friday 1st November 2013 - Wednesday 7th May 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: 2014.117
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Oxfordshire (County)
District: West Oxfordshire (District)
Parish or ward: Spelsbury (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SP3622
Four figure Latitude: 51.89539254
Four figure longitude: -1.47824386
1:25K map: SP3622
1:10K map: SP32SE
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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