Accession No
2017.43
Description
A fragment of the tip of a weapon, possibly a leaf-shaped spearhead. It has a central rounded midrib which extends to the tip; the blade edges curve widely. Smooth surface with a green patina.
Place
Europe; British Isles; England; Cambridgeshire; Huntingdon; Bythorn
Period
Late Bronze Age c. 920-800 BC
Source
British Museum Treasure Trove
Department
Arch
Reference Numbers
2017.43; MAA: MN0144; 2014 T140 [Treasure no.]; NARC-2DA441 [PAS no.]
Cultural Affliation
Material
Metal; Copper alloy; Bronze
Local Term
Measurements
27mm x 5mm x 31mm Weight 0.0106kg
Events
Context (Found together / assemblage)
This is one of 21 objects (2017.29-46) discovered in February 2014 by two metal detectors in the parish of Bythorn. In their report to H.M. Coroner, Neil Wilkin, Curator, European Bronze Age Collection at the British Museum, and Caroline Chestnutt, volunteer for the British Museum, noted that: 'The nature of this group of objects (ingot pieces and fragmentary objects) implies that they were deposited together and are related to the metalworking process, as they are typical of material which would be melted down and recycled. The two socketed axe fragments [2017.44 and 2017.49] are both likely to belong to the South-Eastern Type, Class A... and these objects can therefore be used to date the group to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age (c 920-800 BC). Parallel fragmentary examples have been found across Southern England, for example, as part of the Petters metalwork hoard.' They conclude that this is a single deposit, a Late Bronze Age Founders hoard.
Event Date 2/2014
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)
Description (Physical description)
Portable Antiquities Scheme (2014): 'A tip fragment of a potential leaf-shaped spearhead; the fragmentary nature of the object makes it difficult to identify with certainty. The object has a central rounded midrib which extends to the blade tip and the sides curve widely, indicting the overall leaf-shaped nature of the spearhead. The cross-section is lozenge shaped. The object has a smooth surface and is covered with green patina.'
Event Date 26/6/2014
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)
Context (Auction / Sale)
The Late Bronze Age Founders hoard (2017.29-2017.49) was declared Treasure and acquired by the museum through the Treasure Act on 25 July 2017.
Event Date 25/7/2017
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)
Description (Physical description)
A fragment of the tip of a weapon, possibly a leaf-shaped spearhead. It has a central rounded midrib which extends to the tip; the blade edges curve widely. Smooth surface with a green patina.
Event Date 6/2/2019
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)
FM:282801
Images (Click to view full size):