Dorset Museum appeal to buy Bronze Age bracelet
The gold item is described as a 'rarity' found near Blandford
Dorset Museum's launched an appeal to buy a rare gold bracelet from the Late Bronze Age, and keep it for future generations to see.
The charity say they need to raise £1,200 to acquire the item - and have around £480 left towards their target.
The bracelet was found in Hilton, near Blandford, and is described as a rarity for the county.
It dates back to between 950 to 750 BC, with an expanded terminal, which has been deliberately cut and folded around itself.
Dorset Museum has said:
"Whilst Bronze Age gold objects are by their nature rare, those known from Dorset and dating to the Late Bronze Age only comprise a limited number of forms, and gold items are vastly outweighed by finds of base metal objects.
"This item provides an indication that the deliberate modification of gold objects prior to their deposition continued into the Late Bronze Age in Dorset."
It's also said to be significant for the location where it was found, as the majority of Bronze Age gold and bronze objects have been recovered from the area around Cranborne Chase.
The charity say the bracelet would 'strengthen our ability to explain aspects of Late Bronze Age society' leading to public displays and learning programmes.
If they can't buy it, it's likely it'll be sold off privately out of the country.
The Museum's appealing for the public's help in raising the money needed.