File:2011 T210 Bronze Age Hoard (socketed axe) (FindID 436774-328884).jpg

The previous parts of this hoard (2006 T606) are recorded as PAS-840704.

Date of Discovery: Various - in date order:

1) 24/11/2004 casting waste

2) 19/9/2004 casting waste

3) 21/06/2006 blade fragment (reported as 2006 T606)

4) 21/06/2006 non Bronze Age fragment (reported as 2006 T606)

5) 14/09/2009 socketed axe fragment

6) 07/09/2010 socketed axe fragment

Circumstances of discovery: Whilst searching with a metal detector on an amateur archaeological investigation

Date: Late Bronze Age (1150BC - 800BC)

Description: Metal work listed in order of discovery date

1) Fragment of copper alloy casting waste. Measuring 50.82mm by 30.37mm by 14.84mm. Weight 84.05 grams.

2) Fragment of copper alloy casting waste. Measuring 37.11mm by 30.45mm by 11.80mm. Weight 45.89 grams.

3) See report for 2006 T606

4) See report for 2006 T606

5) Blade end of a socketed axehead. There is an irregular break across the body. The fragment is trapezoid in plan with a rectangular cross section. The fragment is 37.44mm long, 26.07mm wide across the cutting edge. 19.59mm wide, 9.94mm wide across the body (at the broken point), the body walls are 1.76mm thick. Weight 14.86 grams.

6) Lower blade end of a socketed axehead. The fragment is trapezoid in plan with a break across the body and a further oblique break across the blade end, removing most of the cutting edge. The fragment is 48.49mm long, 40.13mm, 28.87mm wide and 9.03mm thick across the body, had has a maximum width of 40.17mm towards the cutting edge. It weighs 41.08 grams.

Discussion: The two fragments of metalwork submitted as Treasure Case 2006 T606 were declared 'Not Treasure' as metal analysis found the second fragment to not be Bronze Age in date. The fragments of casting waste (found in 2004) and the two socketed axe fragments (found in 2009 & 2010 respectively) are being considered under case number 2011 T210. The two fragments of casting waste were not realised to be of likely Bronze Age date until other metal work in the area had come to light.

The five fragments of metalwork in this hoard (only four now being considered under 2011 T210) were likely to have been deposited at the same time and have become dispersed in the plough soil, and as such qualify as Treasure under the 2003 amendments to the Treasure Act (1996).

Disposition: The finders and the landowner have both waived their reward, with the understanding that the finds will form part of the site archive at Chelmsford Museum; this includes the blade fragment previously reported as 2006 T606.

Report by: Laura McLean Finds Liaison Officer, Essex Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service May 2011