Record ID: BH-2D2468
Object type: AWL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy awl probably of Later Bronze Age date (c.1500-800 BC). The awl is divided into two halves separated by the widest mid-point that is 5.2mm wide and 4.6mm thick. One half is square in cross section and narrows to a point. The other half is rectangular in cross-section and thins to a flat rounded chisel edge that is 3.4mm wide and 1.2mm thick. The awl has dark brown patination with a few areas of lamination which are light brown. The awl is 53.3mm long, 4.6mm wide, 4.3mm thick and weighs 4.12 grams. See BH-FEABA1 and OXON-774622 for simi…
Created on: Tuesday 26th March 2024
Last updated: Wednesday 27th March 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-A0B960
Object type: BARBED AND TANGED ARROWHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete worked flint barbed and tanged arrowhead of Bronze Age date (c.1500-1100 BC). The object is triangular in plan with two notches in the base between the central tang and a barb to either side. One of these barbs is almost completely missing and the other is broken across the end. It is formed from a tertiary flake of translucent grey-brown flint which is bifacially worked with covering, scaled, low angle removals.  Measurements: Length: 21.6mm; Width: 17.8mm; Thickness: 3.1mm; Weight: 0.95g.
Created on: Monday 12th February 2024
Last updated: Friday 19th April 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-BE8817
Object type: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy unidentified object of Bronze Age to post-medieval date (1300BC-AD1800) Description: The object is broadly cylindrical. One face is flat and is slightly indented, the other face is slightly angled and on the lower side of this there is a line which extends around half of the circumference creating an inner circle. The object has a rough, pitted texture and the surface is slightly faceted indicating hammering. The item has a green patina, with patches of grey over the whole surface. Measurements: Length: 79.1mm, Diameter:…
Created on: Monday 8th January 2024
Last updated: Wednesday 17th January 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-1BC38B
Object type: CASTING WASTE
Broad period: UNKNOWN
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A piece of cast copper-alloy casting waste, of Bronze Age to post-medieval date, c.2350BC-AD1800. Description: The object is elongated oval in plan and D-shaped in cross-section. One end is roughly broken. It was possibly cast in a U-shaped channel as the curved face is smooth and the flat face shows tiny ripples. The surface is medium green and brown. Measurements: length 39.81mm; width 12.4mm; height 6.94mm; weight 13.33g Discussion: Similar to LANCUM-53BBB4
Created on: Tuesday 19th December 2023
Last updated: Monday 29th January 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-EFFF96
Object type: CHISEL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper-alloy chisel of possible Bronze Age date (c.2350-800 BC). Description: The object is rectangular in plan and in cross-section at one end. It tapers in thickness to a flat blade at the other while maintaining its width. The blade has a crescentic cutting edge. The object has a light green patina.  Measurements: length 67.38mm; width 10.28mm; thickness 9.63mm; weight 40.92g Discussion: Similar examples of block chisels have been found in the Glentrool Hoard (Burgess and Gerloff 1975: pl. 127) and Allerston hoard (Jessop 2004) so there…
Created on: Tuesday 5th December 2023
Last updated: Thursday 21st December 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-5FC08B
Object type: FLAT AXEHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete and very worn copper-alloy flat axehead of Early Bronze Age date (c.2350-1600BC). Description: The axehead remains as the blade end and the lower half of the body. The body is narrow and waisted, gradually widening to the blade where it sharply flares to the blade's corners. The blade edge is curved and worn. The butt end ends in a transverse break. The axehead is very worn and pitted with a orange-brown uneven surface, with areas of a medium to light blue-green colour.  Measurements: length: 57.9mm; width: 51.2; thickness: 10mm; weight: 88g
Created on: Tuesday 28th November 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 7th February 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-4C9031
Object type: WEIGHT
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy probable weight of probable Bronze Age date. Description: The object is rectangular in plan and cross-section with worn edges. One face has tool marks radiating from the corner, covering the surface. Measurements: length: 44.2mm width: 22.2mm; thickness: 6.2mm; weight: 36.46g Discussion: The object hold some similarities with a decorated copper-alloy weight from Kent recorded on the database (KENT-115078) but does not have the distinctive wavy decoration that this and parallels found on the continent do (see Rahmstorf 2019). Rahmstorf (pers. comm.) …
Created on: Monday 27th November 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 7th February 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-602663
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of cast copper-alloy spearhead of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (c.1600-800 BC). Description: The object remains as the mid section of the spearhead which sub-rectangular in plan with slightly tapering sides towards the pointed end of the spearhead, which is now missing due to a worn transverse break. The opposite end has a circular socket, the edges of which are also worn. The object has a wide, pronounced midrib, taking the shape of the length of the socket. All edge of the spearhead are very worn. The oxidisation of the copper has created a…
Created on: Thursday 16th November 2023
Last updated: Friday 5th January 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-273BE3
Object type: CHISEL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
 An incomplete copper alloy socketed probable chisel of late bronze age date (c. 1000BC - 800BC). Description: The socket is circular in cross section, narrowing at the the blade which sub-triangular in plan, and rectangular in cross section with worn and broken edges. The blade tapers in width and thickness to an almost pointed end, missing its tip. It is also broken at the socket edge, and any possible collar is now missing. The edge of the break is very uneven and slightly frayed. Measurements: Length: 71.9mm, Width (on the blade section): 14.2mm Thic…
Created on: Wednesday 1st November 2023
Last updated: Thursday 16th November 2023
Spatial data recorded.

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Record ID: SF-9166C8
Object type: FLAKE
Broad period: NEOLITHIC
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A Neolithic to Early Bronze Age secondary flint flake dating to circa 4000-1600 BC. 
Created on: Wednesday 25th October 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 25th October 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Bulmer', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: SF-9148D5
Object type: SWORD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a Late Bronze Age copper-alloy sword dating 1000-800 BC. It consists of a fragment of the blade. It is sub-rectangular in plan and lenticular in section. One end contains a fairly recent break, tapering inwards into a fairly old break. The edges are bevelled. The faces of the blade are plain. The fragmentary remains preclude typological designation so it is broadly dated to the Late Bronze Age.
Created on: Wednesday 25th October 2023
Last updated: Friday 8th December 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Bulmer', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-17EAA0
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
A fragment from a cast copper alloy spearhead, or possibly arrowhead, of Bronze Age date (c.1500-800 cal BC). The fragment is made of part of the blade that has been truncated by a transverse break just before its spear tip and another ragged break further down its body. The blade edge is pitted and corroded with breaks so that it is not possible to determine its original dimensions. The fragment has a circular mid rib that is hollow down its centre. It has a medium green patina. The fragment is 38.5mm long, 21.9mm wide, 9.84mm thick and weighs 16.6 grams This fragment is too incomp…
Created on: Thursday 19th October 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 1st November 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'East of Colchester', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-E99504
Object type: SCABBARD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper alloy scabbard chape of Bronze Age date (c.1050-800BC) Description:  The object is broadly rectangular in plan and lozengiform in cross-section. It is hollow with a diagonal break at one end,leaving only parts of two of the four sides, and complete at the other with a knop at the terminal. It has a light to medium green patina.   Measurements: Length 41.3m, Width: 11.6mm, Thickness: 8.8 mm, Weight: 9.06 g Discussion: Compare with WILT-37F8E1. 
Created on: Tuesday 17th October 2023
Last updated: Thursday 26th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-E97221
Object type: VESSEL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of vessel of probable Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age date (c.1000 - c. 600 BC).  Description:  The sherd is a body sherd, sub-rectangular in plan and slightly curved in profile. It is of a handmade grey, soft fabric. It is well fired, and is tempered with angular, poorly sorted, flint inclusions.  Measurements: Length: 27.1mm, Width: 21.5mm, Thickness: 10.3 mm, Weight: 6.17 g
Created on: Tuesday 17th October 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 18th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-807BE0
Object type: AWL
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A near complete cast copper-alloy awl of probable of Bronze Age date (c.1600-800 cal BC). Description: The object is hexagonal in cross section, slightly thicker at approximatley two thirds along its length. From here, the awl bends at an approximate 20 degree angle. Both ends are pointed.  It has a light green and brown patchy patina. Measurements: length: 58.2mm; width and thickness: 4.5mm; weight: 4.94g Discussion: Awls were a range of rod-like tools that were usually round sectioned and pointed at one end, and rectangular sectioned with a …
Created on: Thursday 12th October 2023
Last updated: Wednesday 18th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

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Record ID: SF-AC554A
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete stone whetstone possibly of Bronze Age date. The whetstone is made from a fine-grained grey stone. It is rectangular-sectioned with with worn broadly rounded terminals. The piece is heavily worn.   It is extremely difficult to date whetstones accurately without any supporting contextual evidence. This object was found in an area of known Bronze Age activity, a similar date therefore cannot be ruled out.
Created on: Monday 2nd October 2023
Last updated: Monday 2nd October 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Dedham', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: SF-AC2A1B
Object type: WHETSTONE
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete stone whetstone possibly of Bronze Age date. The whetstone is made from a fine-grained grey stone. It is rectangular-sectioned with with worn broadly rounded terminals. The piece is heavily worn.   It is extremely difficult to date whetstones accurately without any supporting contextual evidence. This object was found in an area of known Bronze Age activity, a similar date therefore cannot be ruled out.
Created on: Monday 2nd October 2023
Last updated: Monday 2nd October 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Dedham', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-85A955
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper-alloy spearhead and associated sheet metal fragments of Middle to Late Bronze Age date (c.1600-800 BC). Description: The object remains as the mid-section of the spearhead, missing its tip and broken at the top of the socket where there are the remains of two loops. It and sub-lozenge in cross-section having a very pronounced rounded midrib which runs towards the tip. Either side of the midrib are wings which are now broken and worn. The socket is circular. The object has a light green patina with medium brown patching.  Measurm…
Created on: Monday 18th September 2023
Last updated: Thursday 29th February 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: BH-4EB584
Object type: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete cast copper-alloy moustache-shaped object, dating to the Middle Bronze Age to Middle Iron Age (c. 1600-400 BC).  Description: The object is cast in a single piece and is shaped like one half of a moustache.  It is sub-oval in cross-section and in plan, with one end broken and the apruptly other tapering to a point.  The broken end has an oval recess on the underneath, which is circumvented by the remains of an undecorated band (highly comparable to BERK-719DA8) on the top and two sides; the base remains open.&nb…
Created on: Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Last updated: Monday 2nd October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: BH-CBB117
Object type: SPEARHEAD
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A probable fragment of a copper-alloy socketed spearhead, dating to the late Bronze Age to Iron Age period (c. 1500 BC - 800 BC). The fragment is formed of a single piece of cast copper-alloy. This is sub-rectanglar in plan and narrow triangle in cross-section.  The thicker edge, likely part of the central mid-rib, is concave, creating a longitudinal groove. The tapering thinner part of the object comprises part of the blade faces and worn rounded edge. One of the faces is smooth and plainly finished. The opposite face is more worn and abraded. The surfaces of the …
Created on: Wednesday 16th August 2023
Last updated: Monday 9th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.