Find Spot record 14438 - Bronze Age Axe from Hockenhull

<1> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, LVPL-B27017 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

An incomplete copper alloy (bronze) palstave axe with side loop of Bronze Age date from the period 1050-950 BC which fits with Wilburton and Penard assemblages of the Middle and Late Bronze Age and fits with Needham Period 5-6 Metalworking Assemblage X. The blade of the palstave is sub-oval or tongue shaped in plan. The cutting edge measures 27.45mm in width and 4.29mm thick. The cutting edge is blunt. In profile the blade is sub-triangular with the widest section being before the stop ridge. The object measures 32.92mm in width (including the loop) and 26.71mm thick at the stop ridge. Below the stop three raised ribs decorate each face of the object. The ribs measure 19.44mm in length.The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile). The butt of the axe has been damaged and is incomplete. The butt end measures 13.46mm in width and 2.68mm thick. The septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge) measures 48.57mm in length and is 6.14mm deep at the stop ridge. The sides are very slightly flanged at the stop ridge end measuring 0.17mm in depth. The flanges may have been misscast or more likely have been lost due to abrasion. The side loop measures 24.33mm in length externally and is 9.37mm in length internally. A flattened casting seem is visible along both sides of the object and on the remaining patina of the loop which is damaged.The object has a dark brownish black patina and appears to have been soaked in olive oil by the finder. The surface is uneven due to abrasion. Dimensions: 117.53mm in length, 32.92mm in width, 26.71mm thick, 181.4g.

<2> The British Museum, Portable Antiquities Scheme Online Database, LVPL-B27017 (Web Site). SCH5176.