File:Bronze age palstave axe (FindID 489554).jpg

English: Fragment of midsection of cast copper alloy palstave, including the stop-ridge dating to the Bronze Age. The object has a U-shaped septum, and triangular-shaped depression on the neck below the stop-ridge (possibly Type Class 3/1 (Rowlands 1976:32-33, Site 80: pg. 245 & plate 4 (1) and Site 82: pg. 246 & plate 10 (3-9)) Type Birchington). Possible remains of a broken side loop next to the stop-ridge. Very well preserved with original dark brown patina and some green incrustations.

The fragment is part of a hoard of seven axes found in association. It therefore qualifies as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act. It has a dark green patina.

The treasure report states: 'This hoard represents a diverse collection of palstave types typically found in Southern England during the Middle Bronze Age, with the exception of the Norman Type palstave (no. 6). Palstaves were the 'dominant tool of the later MBA in Southern Britain' (O'Connor 1980: 57). Based on the typological evidence, the overall composition of the hoard dates from the later Middle Bronze Age (c.1400-1140 BC). There are four palstaves (nos. 3,4,5,7) dating to the Penard metalwork phase (c. 1300-1140 BC).

The palstave fragment (no. 4), while it cannot be identified with complete certainty, appears to fit into the Class 3 group 1 Type Birchington because of its distinctive triangular inset ornamentation. Similar examples can be seen in one palstave found in a ploughed field near Burnham, near Canterbury (Kent) and four palstaves found in the Birchington (Kent) hoard (Rowlands 1976:32-33, Site 80: pg. 245 & plate 4: 1 and Site 82: pg. 246 & plate 10: 3-9). Class 3 palstaves may have derived from one of the broad bladed variants of the Normandy/Seine Basin region of Northern France, possible dating from the end of MBA to the beginning of the LBA (c. 1300 - 1000 BC), thinly spread throughout Southeastern England with concentrations in Hampshire, eastern Kent, and along the Sussex coast.

The overall dating of the hoard is from the MBA, originating from the end of the Taunton period through the Penard metalwork phase (c. 1400-1140 BC). The hoard represents palstave types typical of hoards from the Southern British coast, but possibly with some influence from or connection to Northern France.'

The hoard fulfils the requirements for being considered Treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act (2002 Amendment). The Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.