File:AXE (FindID 1020400).jpg

Bronze Age bronze blade fragment from an axe of indeterminate type, probably of Early or Middle Bronze Age date

The axe is fragmentary, represented by the blade end only and has broken across its width in addition to its length (with a surviving width of 51.1mm, a surviving length of 31.5mm, a maximum surviving thickness of 10.7mm and a weight of 73.0g). The break occurred in antiquity and there is no socket base evident on the sub-rectangular body section. The surviving side fragment is convex, widening to the blade tip, now truncated but indicating an expanded blade edge. The original blade edge has been lost but the current edge suggests a moderate curve (with a depth of approximately 14mm). The side is widest at the edges, possibly as a result of hammering. The blade faces have a slight convexity across both their widths and lengths but with no obvious blade facet. The original surface has been lost and the current surface is heavily-pitted and corroded with a dark-green to brown patina.

The fragment condition of the axe makes typological identification uncertain. The lack of a socket base and wider expansion that might be expected on a socketed axe may suggest a flat, developed or palstave axe, suggesting an Early to Middle Bronze Age date.