Record ID: PUBLIC-E2E61D
Object type: BLADE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A possible fragment of a cast copper alloy Bronze Age blade. The fragment consists of a short tapering full-width segment, broken transversely at either end. There is no mid-rib and its small size is more suggestive of a smaller weapon such as a dagger, but this does rather depend on how far down the blade the section belongs. Other than its classic lenticular cross-section, and patina commensurate with the possible age, it lacks all of its diagnostic features; consequently, the classification cannot be further confirmed or refined. Rough mi…
Created on: Wednesday 23rd November 2022
Last updated: Monday 12th December 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: PUBLIC-6DF96B
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of middle Bronze Age side-looped socketed spearhead. The object was discovered in three fragments, relatively close together in the same field, by separate finders. It has broken in the ground, post-deposition; as a result of corrosion and cultivation damage. The major fragment and adjoining blade fragment are recorded here, however, the blade point was discovered by another finder and is recorded as NMS-62FDF7.  The missing mid-ribbed blade-tip has broken transversely, whilst the remainder has fractured longitudinally along its length expos…
Created on: Monday 24th October 2022
Last updated: Wednesday 21st June 2023
Spatial data recorded.

• 

  Image not taken

Record ID: NMS-F4E336
Object type: AWL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Short copper alloy awl of uncertain date. Square in cross-section throughout its length it tapers from its greatest thickness at the mid-point, to a moderately sharp point at one end, and to a chisel edge at the other. The object may have had a handle with one end functioning as the tang, but the consistent dark brown patina and hand-worn appearance probably suggest otherwise. Additionally, there is no evidence of hammering at either end; and no stop, and therefore the object was probably intended for light hand-work. Such objects are found in Bronze Age hoards- see WAW-C63EB7, but si…
Created on: Thursday 26th May 2022
Last updated: Tuesday 5th July 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-D35ADB
Object type: PALSTAVE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy single looped (84mm long) Middle Bronze Age palstave. The hafting end of the tool has a squared butt-end to the flat septum which is bounded on either side by tapering slightly convex (in plan view) ridges that increase in depth towards the tool end, curving-in to join and form a semi-circular stop ridge. On one side where the stop ridge meets the septum there is a round deep blind hole penetrating into the head, probably a casting defect caused by trapped air during the casting process. The shoulders forward of the stop ri…
Created on: Monday 28th February 2022
Last updated: Monday 16th January 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-F76975
Object type: MINIATURE OBJECT
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Corroded and worn copper alloy axehead-shaped object. Sub-triangular in plan with the corners of the widest end radiused to a curve, with the opposite end terminating in a sharp point. The mid-section of the sides are symmetrically chamfered. Two thirds of the way towards the pointed end, on one face only, is a blind circular hole. It is unclear if this is by design or a defect from the casting process. The form is very reminiscent of a miniature un-hafted axehead coping an early Bronze Age flat axe. However, the sharp point, chamfered sides and rounded coroners at the blade end are a…
Created on: Friday 18th February 2022
Last updated: Sunday 27th February 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-81CA76
Object type: RIBBON
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Description: Rectangular piece of gold sheet with repoussé and punched decoration, of early to middle Bronze Age date. The decoration consists of three longitudinal panels, each one made from a pair of relief lines or creases with  corresponding grooves on the reverse, so either pushed out from the reverse (the repoussé technique) or hammered over a shaped former or patrix. The effect is to give the two undecorated strips a slightly raised feel. Each of the three decorated panels is filled with two longitudinal rows of pun…
Created on: Sunday 7th November 2021
Last updated: Monday 4th December 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'near Reepham', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NMS-C8BC70
Object type: PALSTAVE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper alloy (bronze) early / primary looped palstave, group I - shield patterned type - of Middle Bronze Age date (1500-1300 BC). This palstave axe fits best within the Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - both of which conform to Burgess's Metal Working Stage VIII and IX. The palstave is incomplete (recovered in two pieces); when recombined the overall length of the axehead is approximately 160mm. Width is 66.2mm measured across the blade tips and 22.3mm at the butt-end. The width measured across the upper and&nb…
Created on: Tuesday 6th April 2021
Last updated: Saturday 9th September 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-AC6F22
Object type: AWL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Complete copper alloy awl or chisel possibly of Bronze Age date. The object is 72mm long and circular in cross-section. It tapers over its length from 11mm in diameter at the striking end to 6mm at the working end. The last 7mm is bevelled from opposite sides to form a chisel point. The upper striking end of the tool is slightly upset, presumably from hammering. According to the PAS website (https://finds.org.uk/guides/bronzeage/objects/awl) awls are difficult to date but most copper-alloy examples are probably from the Late Bronze Age. They can have circular or square cross sections …
Created on: Tuesday 10th November 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 11th November 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-C792E9
Object type: WINGED AXEHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Fragment of late Middle to Early late Bronze Age winged axehead with side loop. Only the central section survives with a loop on the underside of the flanged body and old brittle fractures at either end where the butt end and majority of the remarkably thin axe blade have broken away. The wings are long with the ends turning sharply inwards towards each other to secure the original haft. No stop ridges. Dark brown water patina with casting seams largely removed. Penard to Ewart park metalwork phases circa 1300-800 BC. A similar and more complete axe can be seen at BH-BE3C94 on the Por…
Created on: Tuesday 6th October 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 4th May 2022
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-327D03
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Copper alloy tip of a Bronze Age spearhead. Approximately 35mm of the triangular-shaped tip survives extending back to the extremity of the internal socket, as the central depression from this is extant in the transverse fracture face. In section the much eroded narrow blade wings flank a pronounced circular midrib. The surface of the spear tip has a dark brown to green patina, heavily pock-marked by corrosion pits. Where the patina survives it is marked by parallel longitudinal surface striations, which given their regular nature are most likely from the origi…
Created on: Thursday 17th September 2020
Last updated: Thursday 1st June 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-B36E56
Object type: SOCKETED AXEHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Corroded fragment of copper alloy late Bronze Age looped socketed axehead. The probable oval-shaped mouth is missing, as is one face almost to the base of the socket. Approximately half of a loop survives on the lower side. The body has slight traces of casting flash and some post-removal witness marks survive. The nominally 23mm wide parallel shape of the body flares at it's lower end to form the blade and cutting edge which estimates to 33mm wide. The surface is pock-marked with evidence of a rich brown patina breaking down to active blue-green corrosion.…
Created on: Thursday 6th August 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 30th August 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-7DE817
Object type: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Incomplete copper alloy fragment of an unidentified object. The form is sub-triangular in cross-section and in plan. One side of the triangular cross-section curves inwards and the other two are slightly convex creating a broadly central arris along its length. There is a break at the wider end that to one side curves into a slight flange, with another break at the narrow apex end. The shape is reminiscent of Medieval to Post Medieval cooking vessel handles or legs but the light green matt patina is more suggestive of Bronze Age artefacts, albeit the precise nature of the object rema…
Created on: Thursday 27th February 2020
Last updated: Tuesday 3rd March 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-7D35CC
Object type: HAMMER
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Copper alloy late Bronze Age socketed hammer head. The socketed end has a single raised collar with broadly square-shaped (externally 23.7mm x 23.3mm) socket and tapers slightly to a more rectangular shaped head (17.7mm x 21.7mm) which has been slightly upset through use. The overall length of the head is 64 mm with a socket depth of approximately 44 mm providing a 20 mm long solid bronze striking section. Both casting seams have been removed and only a scant trace on one side is evident. The dark green to brown patina is largely complete save small eroded areas around the mouth of th…
Created on: Thursday 27th February 2020
Last updated: Friday 28th February 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-7BD914
Object type: SOCKETED AXEHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of copper alloy late Bronze Age socketed axehead. The fragment comprises the transversely-fractured cutting edge of the blade with just enough of the length surviving to indicate its socketed nature and betray the slightly flaring exterior profile towards the end of the blade. The inside of the socket is bright green with bronze disease whilst the exterior has surviving dark brown patina with underlying green corrosion where the patination has eroded. Circa 1300-700 BC.
Created on: Thursday 27th February 2020
Last updated: Thursday 27th February 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-5DADFB
Object type: HOARD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Description: Hoard consisting of two copper-alloy Middle Bronze Age palstave axeheads. One is complete, the other is missing the blade end. Both are pitted and corroded. Palstave 1 - complete. This palstave is corroded, but retains areas of shiny dark olive green surface. One face has a reasonably clear grooved shield shape, but this appears to have been worn away on the other face. The sides are smooth and featureless, and at the blade end curve out to a narrow cutting edge. The flanges are very low, perhaps worn down. Dimensions: Length 108.7mm, maximum width (at cutting …
Created on: Friday 27th December 2019
Last updated: Thursday 28th April 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Sustead area', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: NMS-83DDD4
Object type: SCRAPER (TOOL)
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Late Neolithic to early Bronze Age end-scraper, struck on an oval shaped tertiary flake. One facet on the dorsal face has re-patinated and shows evidence of old scuffing damage. The striking platform survives with bulbar scar and bulb of percussion tailing in conchoidal ripples to the distal end of the flint. The rounded distal end has coarse scalar semi-abrupt retouch, as does a small area of one mesal edge, although the more acute form of the latter suggest this was probably done to shape the flint rather than create a working edge. Circa 3000-1500 BC.
Created on: Friday 22nd November 2019
Last updated: Sunday 1st December 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-B456A1
Object type: HOARD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Late Bronze Age hoard consisting of 40 copper-alloy items, with 12 fragments of pottery storage vessel. Catalogue: 1. FACETED SOCKETED AXE, complete, with one circular-sectioned loop. Sub-circular mouth with rectangular opening with radiused edges, an internal remnant of one side of the casting sprue partially obstructing the mouth. Faceted body expanding to a sharpened, rounded cutting edge. Single shallow internal vertical rib behind each face, starting immediately below the top of the socket, blending into the side walls approximately halfway down the socket (Ehrenb…
Created on: Thursday 31st October 2019
Last updated: Friday 31st March 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-833D15
Object type: HOARD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Description: A group of four Bronze Age copper-alloy tool fragments all found within a small area over a period of several months. Two additional amorphous copper-alloy fragments were also found in the immediate vicinity. Total weight 125g. 1. Small butt-end fragment of a flanged palstave. Oblique brittle fracture, pitted dark brown patination with green around eroded edges. Extant length 35mm, width 18mm, weight 35g. 2. Triangular tip fragment of a spearhead. Sharp midrib giving a star-like cross section. Transverse brittle fracture. Dark brown patination. Length 41mm, widt…
Created on: Tuesday 30th April 2019
Last updated: Thursday 18th November 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-71B5E0
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Fragment of a copper-alloy Bronze Age socketed spearhead. The handle socket is entirely missing from an old brittle-break at the point where it would have originally joined the blade. The pronounced midrib continues for the full length of the blade with an internally round socket extending just over halfway towards the tip. Externally the midrib contours smoothly to form the wings of the spearhead blade, the profile of which has a sub-lozengiform shape, reaching a maximum width at the approximate halfway point. The profile of the blade wings from the socket to the widest point has a s…
Created on: Monday 29th April 2019
Last updated: Tuesday 28th April 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NMS-4436A4
Object type: MINIATURE OBJECT
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Norfolk
Workflow stage: Published
Complete copper-alloy miniature developed flat axe dating to the late Early/early Middle Bronze Age. The axe has a narrow butt with moderately concave sides. Initially the sides are only slightly flaring but in the last 20% of its length the width increases by another 50% to form the curved cutting edge. In profile, the axe is lenticular with the maximum thickness at the centre of its length. Dimensions: 34.4mm in length, 12.0mm in max.width, 4.2mm in max.thickness and weighs 4.97g. The axe appears to be modelled on the Class 3 non-flanged axe types of Period 2 circa 2100-1900 B…
Created on: Friday 14th December 2018
Last updated: Tuesday 26th February 2019
Spatial data recorded.