HOARD

Circumstances: Found while searching with a metal detector, one socketed axehead (No. 1) and the unidentified copper alloy 'cube' (No. 3) on one occasion and the second axehead (No. 2) on a separate occasion.

Description: Dispersed hoard of copper alloy objects consisting of:

1. Socketed axehead. Broken/flaked cutting edge and several scuffs and breaks to the faces. Green/brown patina. This axehead is of Needham's (1990, 32-8) Class B and has a moulding to the mouth and a second positioned between the first and the start of the loop. There are four lines of decoration but these are concave rather than the usual ribbed form.

Dimensions: Length: 13.5mm; Width (cutting blade): 48mm; Socket mouth: 42mm by 39mm; Loop: 29mm by 12mm (thickness: 7.5mm); Weight: 224.97g

2. Socketed axehead. Broken/flaked cutting edge, several sections have peeled from the surfaces of the axehead. This axehead is of Needham's (1990, 32-8) Class B and has three ribs of decoration on both faces.

Dimensions: Length: 72mm; Width (blade, cutting edge): 41mm; Socket: 39.5mm by 31.5mm; Loop: 26mm by 9.55 mm (loop thickness: 5mm); Weight: 132g

3. Undiagnostic trapezoidal 'cube'. This unidentified copper alloy find is square at top and bottom and has four trapezoidal sides.

Dimensions: Square top/bottom: 14.5mm by 14.5mm and 12mm by 12mm; Height: 15.5mm; Weight: 16.71g

Discussion: These finds were made in close proximity and are likely to form a dispersed hoard. The two socketed axeheads are typical of the Late Bronze Age, Ewart Park phase, in England. The copper alloy 'cube' object is difficult to parallel but a prehistoric date should not be ruled out.

Conclusion: As a dispersed hoard of two or more copper alloy finds of prehistoric date, this find qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act (1996) Designation order 2002.

Bibliography

Needham, S. 1990. The Petters Late Bronze Age Metalwork. An analytical study of Thames Valley metalworking in its settlement context, London: British Museum Occasional Paper No 70

Neil Wilkin

The British Museum

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