A Bronze Age dagger more than 3,000 years old has been donated to the Isle of Wight Council's Museum of Island History. The dagger was found by Dave Clark, a member of the Past Finders metal detecting club, who discovered it while using his metal detector in a field in West Wight. He donated the dagger to the museum, with the permission of the landowner. The piece will now be conserved before going on display at the museum, which is based at Newport Guildhall in the High Street. It is hoped it will be available for public viewing by February.
     The council's deputy leader, Cllr George Brown, said: "I want to thank Mr Clark and the landowner for donating the dagger. Its historical importance, having lain buried for over 3,000 years, cannot be overstated. It is very important we preserve the history of the Isle of Wight and there are many items on display at the Museum of Island History which show how the Island has changed through the ages. It is very much appreciated when items are donated to the museum as this helps protect the finds as well as allowing the council to secure and preserve other finds, which may otherwise go off-Island."
     Anyone who makes archaeological finds can take them for identification and recording to Frank Basford, finds liaison officer with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The scheme is a voluntary scheme for the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. It was established to promote the recording of chance finds and broaden public awareness of the importance of such objects.

Source: Isle of Wight County Press (23 December 2009)