PALSTAVE 944711

Description: Two Middle Bronze Age copper alloy Palstave axes, dating to c.1300-950 BC 1. An un-looped Palstave axe, low-flanged, broad bladed shield motif of an earlier tradition than the second one found. In plan the Palstave is sub-rectangular on the butt end, the sides of which run parallel down the body of the axe and expands into the crescentic cutting edge. In profile that butt and blade ends are sub-triangular in shape with the widest point being the expanding flanges. Down both sides in the profile are distinct casting seems, possibly indicating that this was a typical and common Palstave which are made quickly and in quantity. The stop-ridge is obliquely angled and over hangs the septum on both sides of the axe. There is a shield shaped depression after the stop ridge on both sides of the blade. The patina within this depression is distinctly darker than the rest of the axe and may be intentional. There is also a horizontal deep cut along one of the side of the axe. Measurement: Length: 105.44mm Width: 40.95mm at the cutting edge (widest section) Thickness: 20.18mm (on the thickest section on the flanges) Weight: 164.65g. 2. Is of a later design than the first and is larger, this is a looped Palstave axe head with a trident motif, unfortunately the loop has been damaged. In plan the Palstave is sub-rectangular on the butt end, the sides of which run parallel down the butt end of the axe and expand into the sub-triangular blade end with crescentic cutting edge and flaring wing tips. Unfortunately the butt end has sustained some damage, one corner has broken off, the break ends at the start of the flanges and has not damaged them. In profile the flanges are sub-triangular with a slightly protruding stop ridge. The blade tapers into the cutting edge. The stop ridge is obliquely angled and over hands the septum like the other axe. The trident motif appears after the stop ridge on both sides of the blade, traversing down the blade face and stopping at the cutting edge. In profile this axe also has pronounced casting seems, and on one side the remains of the loop. Length: 122.56mm, Width: 51.25 at the cutting edge (thickest point) Thickness: 24.92 (on the thickest section the flanges) Weight: Over 300g. Discussion: Compare to the Palstaves published by Pearce 1983, examples include Plate 10 number 83, Plate 49 number 372b and Plate 51 number 396.

Date: -1300 - -950

Object type: PALSTAVE

Last import: September 22, 2022