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Description: | Slender socketed axe of South Wales/Stogursey Type. The axe exhibits most of the characteristic features of its type: namely evidence for a four runner casting technology, a thin and inwards curving mouth moulding, a high placed loop extending from the moulding, and a three rib decorative motif extending from the moulding down both faces of the axe. The axe has straight but slightly divergent sides, with little expansion at the blade end. The internal socket shape is sub-rectangular, whilst the external mouth shape is sub-ovoid. Casting marks down both sides of the axe have not been completely filed down, and the loop is poorly cast, with a sharp cast mark down its outer edge. The blade surface has been damaged, both during excavation and in antiquity, making the original blade width uncertain. There are hammer marks visible on both surfaces near the blade end. Two casting imperfections take the form of irregular-shaped cavities in the moulding of the axe. The ribs on each face are discontinuous suggesting imperfections in the shape of the mould. The axe has a blue green patina, which suggests that the alloy may have a high lead composition. The soil from the socket was removed by an archaeological conservator; however no evidence for a surviving wooden haft was recovered. Date: 1020-800 Cal BC (Ewart Park Stage). Length 107.5mm, blade width 47mm, depth of socket c.71mm, internal socket dimensions 33.5mm x 25.5mm, external socket dimensions 53.5mm x 40.5mm, weight 287.0 grams. | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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