Be first, pre-order your signed copy now (available July 2010): First Edition, signed by the author Brett Hammond. A4, 148 pages, soft covers. British Artefacts is an ideal reference work for detectorists, archaeologists, museum staff, collectors and anyone with a serious interest in the Middle Anglo-Saxon & Viking years. The book contains 20 maps showing the distribution throughout Britain of various classes of objects and kingdoms and has over 270 beautiful illustrations. [UK orders: use the drop down menu at check out to select the £3.00 postage]

This second volume covers the Middle Saxon material, including the impact that the Vikings had on Anglo-Saxon life during the period of the Great Army, the resistance of King Alfred, the Danelaw and its reconquest by Edward the Elder, the Kingdom of York and the formation of England under King Athelstan. This is of course a rich period with influences coming into the country from Ireland, Carolingian France and Scandinavia. In this period Anglo-Saxon chiefdoms became kingdoms, fought each other, fought the Vikings and eventually became a single state under the West Saxon dynasty. The book contains an outline of the history of the period and summaries of the kings-and-dates of the major kingdoms. Maps show the areas of the kingdoms, the Danelaw and some of the neighbouring states help to explain the changing politics of the period.

The major benefit of this book is the high-quality images of artefacts, some taken from two or more angles, which help the reader to visualise the details of the design and the fineness of the craftsmanship. In these pages, Brett Hammond has gathered some fine examples of Anglo-Saxon, Hiberno-Saxon, Hiberno-Norse and Viking workmanship. The book is laid out logically with preliminary discussions of the history, and of manufacturing and distribution as well advice for collectors and finders; there follows a brief outline of the scripts, Roman and runic, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian. The art styles are discussed in some detail, then follow the metal artefacts by type, followed by the non-metallic material such as glass, amber, bone and horn. The burial traditions – inhumation and cremation, Viking and Anglo-Saxon – are handled succinctly in a few pages with typical grave plans. Scandinavian settlement is dealt with as well as the Middle Saxon and Viking kingdoms. Finally the summary data for the images are tabulated, followed by a glossary, bibliography and index.

The book covers the subject well in so few pages, offers a great breadth of material and manages to spring a few surprises – it includes a unique gold finger ring bearing the name Cynefrid, a gilded Irish mount and some spectacular swords.

The contents show the breadth of coverage of the title: Intro to the Series, Glossary, Introduction to the Early Anglo-Saxon Period, Advice for Collectors, Valuations, Runes, Advice for Finders, Outline of the Early Anglo-Saxon Period, Art styles, Artefacts production & distribution, Ceramic production and Metal Artefacts. The “Metal Artefacts” covered include: Brooches, Buckles & Belt Fittings, Clasps, Weapons & Fittings, Bowls & Vessels, Pendants, Belt Rings, Bracelets & Arm-rings, Chatelaines, Latch-lifters & Girdle-Hangers, Keys, Combs, Earrings, Finger rings, Harness & Bridle Mounts, Neck-rings, Padlocks, Pins, Purse Mounts & Fire-steels, Pyxides, Spoons, Spurs, Tags, Metallic Threads, Toilet Sets, Tools and Weaving Equipment. The Non-Metallic Artefacts include Amber, Antler, Bone, Ceramics, Gemstones, Glassware, Horn, Ivory and Stone.

Available now for immediate dispatch: First Edition, signed by the author Brett Hammond, A4, 132+ pages. British Artefacts is an ideal reference work for detectorists, archaeologists, museum staff, collectors and anyone with a serious interest in the early Anglo-Saxon years. The book contains 23 maps showing the distribution throughout Britain of various classes of objects and has over 230 beautiful illustrations. [UK orders: use the drop down menu at check out to select the £3.00 postage]

The early Anglo-Saxon period is of immense importance to the later history of Britain. It saw the changeover from British-speaking provinces dominated by Roman power and culture to English-speaking kingdoms interacting within a European network of kings, nobles and chiefs. The two centuries from AD 400 onwards in lowland Britain were witness to huge changes in social structure, settlement pattern, political ideology, language and religion. In this important new book, Brett Hammond has drawn together images, distribution maps and descriptions of some important pieces of jewellery, wargear and feasting equipment from the period alongside representative examples of objects which were in daily use. The book covers a vast range of object types – from the rare and the exotic to the everyday – offering a thorough coverage of the fascinating material which survives from this period. In addition to the outline history, the book features detailed descriptions of many important new finds which shed light into the gloomier corners of the period: the links between the Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian worlds.

The contents show the breadth of coverage of the title: Intro to the Series, Glossary, Introduction to the Early Anglo-Saxon Period, Advice for Collectors, Valuations, Runes, Advice for Finders, Outline of the Early Anglo-Saxon Period, Art styles, Artefacts production & distribution, Ceramic production and Metal Artefacts. The “Metal Artefacts” covered include: Brooches, Buckles & Belt Fittings, Clasps, Weapons & Fittings, Bowls & Vessels, Pendants, Belt Rings, Bracelets & Arm-rings, Chatelaines, Latch-lifters & Girdle-Hangers, Keys, Combs, Earrings, Finger rings, Harness & Bridle Mounts, Neck-rings, Padlocks, Pins, Purse Mounts & Fire-steels, Pyxides, Spoons, Spurs, Tags, Metallic Threads, Toilet Sets, Tools and Weaving Equipment. The Non-Metallic Artefacts include Amber, Antler, Bone, Ceramics, Gemstones, Glassware, Horn, Ivory and Stone.

The only fully illustrated guide and reference to the dating of seal matrices from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian Periods. An guide to identification of all types of seal matrix through the ages. Paperback, 188 pages, 350 line drawings.

Sponsored by TimeLine Originals. A Classification and Catalogue of Sharp- or Blunt-Hooked Clasps and Miscellaneous Hooks, Eyes, Loops, Rings or Toggles. Soft back, 238 pages, 831 objects described and illustrated by colour photos and/ or archaeological drawings, 43 other illustrations, signed by the author Brian Read. Foreword by Dr Geoff Egan from Museum of London. This book draws together an extensive range of small metal artefacture with one or more sharp- or blunt-hooks and variously known as dress-hooks, dress- fasteners, hooked- tags and –fasteners, cloak-fasteners, cloak-clasps, hooks and eyes and scarf-hooks, among others. These terms are sometimes inappropriate or at least misleading, because there is little evidence for some forms being worn on personal dress- especially specific apparel such as cloaks. This book explains both textually and illustratively what is currently known about when, where and how these objects were used and their manufacture. Also covered are miscellaneous objects with hooks, eyes, rings, loops or toggles, for example hat-hooks, nummular brooches, collar-clasps, toggle-clasps, havettes and sword-belt fittings, some as yet unclassified. Periods covered include Roman, early medieval, late medieval, early post medieval and late post medieval. Information of this book is essential for archaeologists, museum curators, metal- detectorists, trade dealers, dress historians or anyone with an interest in small metalwork. Signed by the author.

Soft back, 105 pages, 15 coloured figures and 405 examples of buttons and button-like objects in photo or line illustration, signed by the author Brian Read. Foreword by Dr Geoff Egan from Museum of London. In this book metal button-like and buttons dating between circa 900 BC – circa AD 1700 are subjected to a detailed manufactory analysis, each being described both textually and illustratively. Contents of the book: Late Bronze Age Buttons; Early Iron Age Buttons; Late Iron Age and Roman Period Toggle Fasteners; Roman Period Button-and-Loop Fasteners; Roman Period Buttons; Medieval Buttons; Post-Medieval Buttons and Post-Medieval Cuff Links. Apart from one outstanding scholarly work, which deals with medieval metal types only, buttons are not well documented. Although not foolproof, information of this book is essential for button collectors, archaeologists, museum curators, metal-detectorists, dealers, dress historians or for anyone with an interest, seeking to gauge the age of any particular button. Signed by the author.

1994. Anglia Publishing, hardcover, 175 pages, over 190 illustrations. This book is a catalogue of the Ancient British and foreign- related collections which were on display at the British Museum in 1925 and represent the period from circa 500 B.C. to well beyond the invasion of Britain by the legions under Claudius. The book is divided into two sections; first section considers all the evidence from continental Europe with particular attention paid to the La Te´ne and Hallstatt cultures. The second part of the book is devoted to the evolution of native British art and antiquities with much cross-referencing to their European counterparts. This book is a compact and well-illustrated volume and is reproduced complete with its original four colour plates.

Anglia Publishing, 1993, hardcover, 319 pages, XCVI plates and 90 figures. This catalogue has become a standard reference work for anyone working on medieval finds from archaeological excavations or in museum collections, as well as for those wishing to know the range of the London Museum’s collection 1940. It is a cross-section of the things in everyday use in Medieval England, sufficiently rich and varied to be fully representative but not so rich as to be divorced from common practice. It has been a book for those seeking to identify a medieval object, whether in a museum collection, from an archaeological excavation, or a single find made by a metal detectorist; for those who are interested in the practical reconstruction of medieval life and technology it presents a wide range of models and of inspiration.

John Lynn, better known as the "Norfolk Wolf", has become one of the country's leading authorities on metal detecting. His many years experience and no-nonsense style of field testing many different metal detectors, coupled with his ability to explain in simple terms the less understood principles involved in metal detecting, has lead to him being a sought after detecting "guru" by many people, most of who had considered themselves experienced detectorists. It was with these people in mind that John has written Advanced Detecting. Thought provoking and at times hard hitting, this book is a must have for the thinking detectorist wishing to improve his or her skills, no matter what their level. Whilst many words have been written for the beginner or those contemplating getting started in the hobby, this is the first book that explains, in an easy to read style, every problem or situation that a detectorist will encounter, what causes it and how to overcome it. Dealing with mineralization and understanding signals are just a couple of the intriguing and often misunderstood topics that John discusses. The fourteen chapters in this book, each one with many photographs and illustrations, give hard learnt advice and tips that will ensure that this book will become the bible for those genuinely interested in improving and understanding the more advanced principles involved in metal detecting. Chapter titles are: Understanding your Detector - Mineralisation & Ground Effect - Meters Or Audio - Discrimination and the Conductivity of Metals - The Functions of Sensitivity & All Metal - Mindset, Experience, Confidence & Concentration - Starting From Scratch On A New Field - Time-Out But Not To Smell The Flowers - Sweep, Stem Lengths & Pace Lengths - Signals - The Best & Worst Times To Detect & Different Surfaces - Identifying Pottery - Recovery & Response Speed - Bits & Pieces

Buttons are now part of our daily lives, but few people realise they have a history stretching back over 2,500 years with buttons being used in the late Bronze Age and the Celts using bronze cloak toggles even before the Roman Invasion of Britain in AD 43. Produced in a myriad of diverse forms and designs - and made from a variety of materials - buttons are popular with collectors the world over, not least in that they give a glimpse of the clothing fashions adopted and worn by our ancestors. Containing over 1,000 high quality colour photographs, this book allows the identification and dating of metal buttons through many periods of history. Many of the buttons covered are excavated examples, and quite a number are rare and previously unrecorded varieties. This book will find a place on the bookshelves of archaeologists, museum curators, historians, and - of course - the many people who are already involved in this interesting field of collecting. While most of the book centres on buttons, it also contains special illustrated supplements covering Iron Age toggles, Saxon-Tudor hook fasteners, and ring brooches. The author, Gordon Bailey, is a detectorist and amateur historian with over 30 years of experience, and has five previously published popular books to his credit in the Detector Finds series. CONTENTS: Excavated Metal Buttons - Bronze Age - Iron Age - Roman - Saxon & Viking - Medieval (11th & 12th Centuries) - Medieval (13th-15th Centuries) - Late 15th-16th Centuries - 17th Century - 18th-Early 19th Century - Celtic Toggles - Saxon, Viking & Tudor Hook Fasteners - Ring Brooches.

Everything you need to know to get the best out of this fascinating hobby. Over 90 pages with dozens of colour illustrations. Set out in thirteen chapters for easy reference: The Different Types Of Detectors Available; Detecting Accessories; Where To Detect; Researching Potential Sites; Gaining Search Permission; Field walking and What To Look For; Search Techniques and Methods; Examples of Detector Found Artefacts; A positive Attitude From Archaeology; Identifying, Recording, Cleaning and Displaying Finds; Making A Connection With Your Finds and Creating Time Lines; Further Reading and Assistance; Further Information and Glossary Of Terms.

This superb artefact identifyer and price guide ranges from the Stone age through to the Tudor period. Over 1000 "new" artefacts have been added to the 1000 in the first edition and the prices have been updated. This hardback book is produced in full colour throughout. Benet's is not an academic study nor an archaeological report of objects discovered and this is reflected in the brief verbal descriptions. Benet's is, however, a visual guide for identification purposes and to market prices. It is hoped that such a visual aid to identification will encourage finders in particular to undertake further research into the class of item which they have found. The prices quoted are based upon first hand knowledge and experience of the antiquities market as well as knowledge of the actual prices obtained on many of the items shown. This knowledge has been combined with consultation with other experienced and respected dealers in antiquities.

4000BC to AD1900. This book aims to provide an introductory guide to identifying some of the basic types of pottery that may be found by accident, in systematic fieldwalking, and in archaeological excavation.Clay is an exceptionally versatile material. It can be made into many useful and beautiful objects, decorated in a splendid variety of ways, and, if exposed to high temperatures, made into pottery. Both rich and poor have used pottery since the Stone Age, so the way the craft developed gives unusually clear insights into intimate details of lifestyle and outlooks in even remote periods.It has been said that "archaeology is built on a foundation of potsherds". Some archaeological sites have produced over a million sherds, so, as a result of several centuries of highly complex logical reasoning, scientific analysis and cross-referencing with other material, pottery has become invaluable for making inferences about ancient societies. Although pottery is easily broken, the individual sherds are remarkably resilient. Sherds are therefore the most frequent types of find on archaeological sites and their presence in the soil can lead to the discovery of new sites. While many people can distinguish porcelain from earthenware, not everyone can tell the difference between stoneware and tin glaze or a Bronze Age urn from a modern flowerpot. Many sites, seen in retrospect as important, have been destroyed or overlooked because pottery lying on the surface was not recognised for what it was.A general knowledge of ancient pottery is not difficult to acquire, although, as in many other walks of life, the study is very complex on a professional level. Since whole pots are very rare finds the emphasis is on sherds rather than museum or collectors' pieces. For reasons of space it has been impossible to do more than outline the main types (out of many thousands) of pottery vessel that might be found. Local and national museums and art galleries are the first places to visit in order to become familiar with pottery in particular areas.The book deals mostly with pottery made in Britain, though at all times it must be borne in mind that any pottery found could have come from any period or any location in the world. As a rule of thumb, lowland areas have tended to produce more ancient pottery than highland, presumably due to a combination of lifestyle and availability of raw materials.The book contains 178 illustrations, mainly in colour, and is divided into the following sections:* The potter's craft * The study of pottery * Prehistoric pottery- the Neolithic Period circa 4000-2000 BC * The Bronze Age circa 2000-700 BC * The Iron Age circa 700/600 BC-43 AD * The Iron Age circa 700/600 BC-43 AD * The Dark Ages & Early Medieval Period * The Medieval Period - 11th-15th Centuries * The 16th & 17th Centuries * The 18th & 19th Centuries * Glossary of terminology. Over 100 pages (250mm x190mm).

72 pp, 52 ills. Roman sites in Britain produce huge quantities of pottery, often overwhelming the archaeologist. Despite the problems involved in processing it, pottery can provide a vast amount of information about technology, trade, communications, wealth, industry and lifestyle. This book looks at how pottery was made and circulated and how pottery can be useful to archaeologists. It goes on to look at the different types of wares that existed in the four centuries of Roman Britain. The wide range of illustrations makes the book invaluable to students and to archaeologists.

64 pp, 44 ills. The period from 1650 to 1800 is the most interesting and complex time in the development of English ceramics, with new types of pottery being developed all through that period, and with porcelain being made in Britain for the first time. Wares ranged from the simple, everyday earthenwares of the local potters up to the sophisticated products of Staffordshire and the porcelain factories. This book combines the art-historical or collector’s approach with archaeologically excavated material. Methods of production and decoration are explained, and contemporary imports discussed. Over a hundred pots are illustrated, and a further reading list is included. Jo Draper was born in Hampshire. She has published many archaeological reports, and an even larger number of pottery reports. Archaeologically excavated pottery led her to an interest in all ceramics, especially those of the post-medieval period. Her work includes archaeology, museums, creating exhibitions and writing.

56 pp, 14 colour and 32 b/w ills. This book provides an introduction to Roman dress accessories – defined here as what would today be called costume jewellery (non-precious metal jewellery). Items such as bracelets and pins are widely found in the Roman period in copper alloy, bone, glass, jet, shale and other materials. Completely new objects were introduced by the Romans, spread rapidly in each area of the Empire and were adopted by local populations. Using new evidence from finds, production areas, distribution patterns and the locations of workshops are examined. The interpretation of dress accessories is introduced, with reference to the depiction of objects in Roman art. Brooches, bracelets, beads, necklaces, rings, earrings, pins and belt sets are explained in detail, and the most popular types are described and illustrated, enabling the reader to identify common objects that might be found on an archaeological site or in a museum. Ellen Swift studied archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, and her PhD was awarded in 1999. She is currently Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Kent.

72 pp, 51 b/w ills. This book is a concise introduction to the floor mosaics of Roman Britain. It first chronicles the history of mosaic discovery in Britain and discusses the changing attitudes towards mosaics, no longer considered merely art objects but social documents. It deals with the different periods of mosaic laying from the first-century pavements at Fishbourne, of Italian craftsmanship, to the Hadrianic and Antonine periods, when mosaic was first established in the towns. It traces the apparent collapse of the craft in the third century and the remarkable fourth-century revival, when many villas were decorated with sophisticated mosaics, and it examines the probable techniques of the Roman mosaicist by reference to both literary and archaeological evidence. A chapter deals with the recording, conservation and research of mosaics, and a list of sites where mosaics can be seen includes comments on items of outstanding interest. Mosaics are illustrated by photographs and distribution maps show the fourth-century schools of mosaic. There is a glossary of technical terms. Peter Johnson has written and presented numerous papers on Roman mosaics, notably at successive International Colloquia on Ancient Mosaics at Ravenna and Trier. He organised the fifth International Colloquium on Ancient Mosaics held at Bath in 1987 and co-edited the papers published in 1994. In 1978 he co-founded ASPROM, the Association for the Study and Preservation of Roman Mosaics, of which he is Vice-Chairman.

64 pp, 38 ills. This book looks at the products of the Roman glass industry found in Britain, describing the vessels used in the province during four chronological periods. Techniques of manufacture and decoration, trade with other provinces, and the evidence for British production are also explored. In addition there is a brief guide as to where the best examples of Roman glass can be seen in museums in Britain. Denise Allen works with the collections of the Hampshire County Council Museum Service and lectures both locally and on archaeological and classical study tours around the Mediterranean.

40 pages, 39 colour and 29 b/w illustrations. This book shows the charm of the humble thimble in all its variety, from simple workaday types to rarer and more exquisite examples that gave scope for artists and craftsmen, and indeed still do. It shows possibilities that exist for the collector, including the parallel subject of thimble holders. Previously published as a Shire Album, this new edition has been updated and illustrated throughout with new colour and black and white photographs.

40 pp, 72 colour and 10 b/w ills. During the Middle Ages decorative floor tiles were used in abbey churches, royal palaces, parish churches and the homes of wealthy citizens. Tiles were durable and hygienic and added a new decorative element to the interior. Many medieval tiles disappeared during nineteenth-century restorations but the designs lived on in the copies made by Victorian tile manufacturers. Throughout Britain, tiles can still be seen in situ on the sites of former abbeys as well as in medieval cathedrals and parish churches, and the British Museum has an extensive and important collection. Hans van Lemmen is an established author on the history of tiles and has lectured on the subject. He is a founder member and presently publications editor of the British Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society.

96 pp, 64 b/w ills. Heraldry's unfamiliar terminology tends to discourage people from learning more about this fascinating subject. But heraldic language is essential for the precise description of a coat of arms and is soon learned with a little practice. This book provides a gentle introduction, explaining each term with illustrations and text and expounding the basic principles so the reader will understand what a coat of arms consists of and the rules that govern its arrangement. Heraldry is an intriguing study as a colourful art in its own right as well as for its relevance to genealogy and other subjects.

A guide to sites, monuments and artefacts in the countryside and museums.With 268 pictures, mainly in colour, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages and the Roman period. An understanding of where and how these ancient people lived, besides being a fascinating study in itself, will provide an insight into how later societies evolved. Exploring Prehistoric & Roman England is intended to assist all who wish to seek out English field monuments for themselves as well as supplying a wealth of information to the armchair enthusiast. Details and illustrations are provided in abundance on artefacts, and guidance is given to museums containing material from these eras.Landscapes have, of course, changed immeasurably since the time the sites were in use, and imagination has to supply the detail now lacking. Nevertheless, a variety of earthworks and other structures still survive in the landscape, and visits to locate them, followed by time spent in appropriate museums will help you to relate excavated objects to their sources, and place tools, weapons, pottery, and religious and decorative items in their proper context.By recognising and understanding how the landscape tells its story you may be able to discover further sites and by seeing the artefacts in the context of where they were found can offer you valuable knowledge when interpreting future discoveries.Exploring Prehistoric & Roman England shows you just some of the monuments that have survived around the country, as well as providing details of the museum that houses the artefacts related to each site.144 pages (250mmx190mm).

This is the first of a series of books by the ever popular Gordon Bailey, and contains over 1,000 illustrations. It is designed to help detectorists identify finds. The contents cover Buckles, Clog & Shoe Clasps, Buttons, Hook Fasteners, Gun Money, Crotal and Rumbler Bells, Love Tokens, Ring Brooches, Lead Artefacts, Hawking Bells and Whistles, Pipe Tampers, Candle Snuffers, Hasps and Clasps, Copper Nails, Horse Decorations, Pomanders, Spurs and Pastry Jiggers.

The second volume of finds, again with hundreds of illustrations, forms an additional invaluable aid to identifying finds. The contents, completely different form 1 or 3 includes: Purse Frames, Pocket Sundials, Medieval Handles, Thimbles, Furniture Fittings, Sentimental Brooches, Baldrick Buckles, Watch Keys, Lead Weights, Cased Mirrors, Toy Cannons, Cuff Links, Nut Crackers, Petronels, Sword Belt Fitments, Scissors, Horse Pendants, Foot Pattens, Wine Labels, Barrel Locks and Keys, Palm Guards, Button Hooks, Dividers, Sword and Dagger Chapes, Brass Horse Bells, Jaws Harps, Hatpins, Lead "Bells", Spoons, Scabbard Fitments, Sheet Metal Bells, Miniature Domestic Utensils and Jettons.

The third and final part of this series covers objects found in the UK from Roman to Modern times. The clear line drawings and colour pictures again help the finder with identification. The contents are: Casket, Chest & Door Keys, Medieval Purse Holders, Brass Lettering From Tombs, Pilgrims Ampullae, Pewter Medical Syringes, Snake Form Belt Hooks, Luggage & Dog Collar Name Plates, Finger Rings, Roman & Saxon Pins, Walking Stick Tops & Ferrules, Bronze Pot Legs, Decorative Lead Discs, Chess Pieces, Horseshoes, Medieval Barrel Locks & Keys, Medieval Candle Holders, Clay Tobacco Pipes, Belt Decorations, Decorative Pouring Spouts, Saddle Pommels, Bayonet Scabbard Hooks, Lace Tags, Door & Window Latches, Medieval Pins, Posy & Mourning Rings, Silver Pins & Bodkins, Cosmetic Implements, Clothing Accessories.