Rare 2,000-year-old brooch unearthed by detectorist in Puddletown

A metal detectorist who unearthed a rare 2,000-year-old brooch said he initially thought it was only “a kid’s toy”.

Martin Turner made the discovery in fields near his home in Puddletown, Dorset, and said after he washed it he noticed it had “bronze disease” and thought it must be old.

He sent it to his local finds liaison officer, who confirmed its age and would now like to document it.

If it does not get claimed then it will be given back to Mr Turner, who said he might donate it to a local museum.

He said in the three years he and his son had been taking part in detecting they had found hundreds of items.

“Every field I go in I find stuff,” he said. “I must have 13 Chinese tubs full of antiquities.”

He said they were inspired to take it up as a hobby when they moved down to the area.

Mr Turner said one of their best finds was 14 Bronze Age axe heads, which they described as “unreal”.

These were sent to the British Museum in London.

To be classed as treasure in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland under the Treasure Act 1996, an object generally needs to be at least 300 years old.

Also, if it is not a coin, it must contain at least 10% precious metal (gold or silver) by weight.

Changes in 2023 mean that objects that are more than 200 years old and deemed to be of outstanding historical, archaeological or cultural importance are also classed as treasure.

If the item is deemed to be a treasure and is acquired by a museum then the finder will be given a financial reward as a finder’s fee.