Bronze Age knife discovered on beach by tourists

Bronze Age knife discovered on beach by tourists: 3,000-year-old leather-working tool found hidden beneath the sand

* Couple used a metal detector to hunt for metal objects on Sandown Beach
* They found the knife or leather working tool beneath a stone slab
* Experts confirmed the tool is 3,000-years-old and made of copper alloy
* Find is now on display at Newport Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight

A 3,000-year-old Bronze Age knife has been discovered on a popular beach by two curious holidaymakers.

Christopher and June Preece came across the ancient artefact hidden beneath a stone slab while visiting Sandown Beach on the Isle of Wight.

Experts believe it would probably have been used as a leather working tool, rather than as a weapon.

While most people would be content sunbathing or collecting shells, the couple from Banbury, Oxfordshire, used a metal detector to hunt for historical objects and were surprised to find such an old tool.

They took it to the Isle of Wight Council's finds liaison officer, Frank Basford, who confirmed the knife was made in 1,000BC.

He told them the object is a small knife from the Bronze Age made from copper alloy.

Mr Preece, an artist said: ‘June and I love searching for items with our metal detectors.

‘We were enjoying a one-week holiday and were walking on Sandown Beach when the detector buzzed and we noticed that the objects looked unusual.

‘I have a keen interest in history and immediately thought they were very old, because the knife has a green colour which is often found on old copper.

‘The shape also gave me an indication it was an historical artefact. ‘

He said it was an ‘unbelievable feeling’ when they found out the knife is 3,000 years old.

‘It's amazing someone made that 3,000 years ago to use - I couldn't even make one now even with all of the latest technology available.

‘It is remarkable the knife is still here and it's a great feeling that I was able to save it before it got washed away.’

June added: ‘To be told the knife is several thousand years old is just incredible. We never thought what we found was so old.'

The Bronze Age knife is now on display at Newport Roman Villa on the island, along with a button the couple found that dates to the 17th century.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Isle of Wight Council Executive member for tourism, said: ‘This is a wonderful discovery for the Isle of Wight.

‘I want to personally thank Christopher and June for not only making the finds but also kindly donating them to us so that people can enjoy them.’

(pics & source at: www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3183881/Bronze-Age-knife-discovered-beach-tourists-3-000-year-old-leather-working-tool-hidden-beneath-sand.html )