Bronze Age Bell Pendant Set

The blade of the palstave sub-triangular in plan, with convex expanding sides, and a convex cutting edge; the cutting edge slightly asymmetrical and blunt; the blade is sub-triangular in profile with the widest section being before the stop ridge; both faces presenting a triangle below the stop ridge and at the upper portion of the blade that points towards the blade; U-shaped septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting; the butt end thins and is complete with a straight, blunt side; a single side loop on one side of the palstave; a casting seam present along both sides of the object. 319 grams, 12.7 cm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Audlem, Cheshire East, UK, in 2022. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) reference no.LVPL-4DD308.

The palstave fits within the Wilburton and Penard assemblages of the later Middle and earlier Late Bronze Age; this corresponds with Needham (1996) Period 5-6 fitting with Metalworking Assemblage X.

Earthenware vessel group comprising four with two opposed loop handles to the rim and two with a single thick loop handle; accompanied by an old collector's record card stating: 'Grave Group' of Pots. Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age (4000-2000 BC). Central or S.E. Europe. Probably made for funerary use as they are too small to have been of practical value. The contents of a single grave (or at least 2-3 adjacent graves).' 486 grams total, 49-74 mm



From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s.

Formed as a loop with one broader half, integral suspension bar with ribbed collar. 9.3 grams, 71 mm



Ex Surrey, UK, collection, 1980s.