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Description: | Early mid-rib palstave - unlooped with a slight single median rib along each face. The rib is not defined by hollows near the stop, as on some early palstaves. The blade is relatively narrow but has a deeply curved edge. The flanges are leaf-shaped and do not extend along the blade. The stop ridge is undeveloped and is only marginally higher than the surface of the blade. The stop is concave with a shallow 'V' shaped profile. Casting problems have led to damage around the butt resulting in a 'V' shaped intrusion, which should not have effected the usefulness of the axe. The casting seams have been removed but remnants are still visible along both sides. The palstave is complete and in very good condition with a consistent light brown patina. The blade has retained its sharp edge and was probably never extensively used. This form of early palstave dates to the Middle Bronze Age c.1500-1200 BC lying in Needham's metalwork stage 5 (Needham 1997). Butler (1963) has suggested that early mid-ribbed and shield pattern palstaves originate from the initial Acton Park phase of Middle Bronze Age metalworking (Northover, forthcoming p130). The blade shape, low stop ridge and side profile (showing a distinction between flange and blade) may suggest a date towards the end of this form and prior to the introduction of the looped palstave. Length 137mm, blade width 67.9mm (at edge), 29mm (below stop), butt width 22.5mm, maximum thickness 38.3mm, stop height 9.1mm, weight 444.4 grams. | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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