Metal detectorist finds rare Bronze Age gold ribbon near Cockermouth

David Hankin, 57, of Greysouthen, found the 3,500-year-old gold ribbon on land near Cockermouth on August 16 last year.

Mr Hankin, who only took up metal detecting three years ago, said the item, which was covered in dirt, nearly ended up in the bin.

The Gold ribbon found on land near Cockermouth is from the Bronze Age and is likely to have been used as a clothes or hair clip (Image: Submitted)

The grounds maintenance operative said: “When I dug it up, I was wearing a pair of gloves and didn’t feel the weight of it. It was bent round.

“It looked very similar to a sheep’s ear tag. I looked to see if it had a number on. I chucked it into my scrap bag, taking my rubbish home with me.

“It was covered in dirt. I couldn’t see it was gold. I then picked it up with no gloves and felt the weight of it. I thought, that’s gold. It got saved, which is the main thing.”

Mr Hankin said the gold ribbon is thought to be some sort of clip and is likely to have been used on clothes or in hair.

An inquest was held at Cockermouth Coroners Court on Thursday, where coroner Robert Cohen declared the item was treasure.

A report by The British Museum estimated that the gold ribbon dated from between 1400 and 1500BC.

The Senhouse Museum in Maryport has expressed an interest in acquiring the artefact and Mr Hankin said he is looking forward to seeing it go on display locally.

David Hankin, 57, outside Cockermouth Coroners' Court, where his find was declared as treasure (Image: Newsquest)

By law, finders of potential treasure should notify their local finds liaison officer (FLO) who will report the find to the coroner on their behalf. The coroner will then determine if the item is treasure at an inquest.

All treasure found in the UK belongs to the Crown and The Treasure Valuation Committee recommends a value for the find.

It is then offered for sale to a museum, and a reward shared between the finder and the landowner.