BLADE

Reported to the BMAPA/EH (protocol for reporting finds of archaeological interest)

Metal blade

The metal object appears to be a blade shaped iron object, measuring
approximately 18cm in length. The tip of the blade appears to have been
worn and is blunt and slightly asymmetrical in appearance. Photographs of
the object were sent to Jörn Schuster (Archaeological Artefacts Specialist,
Wessex Archaeology). Unfortunately Jörn was not able to provide a more
detailed explanation without undertaking an in-hand examination of the
blade. It has been noted that the blade shares some distinct similarities
with a blade reported through the EH/BMAPA protocol which was
discovered at Cemex's Northfleet wharf in April 2007. The blade was
slightly longer than that shown here, and had a more defined tip. Through
examining the photographs of the previous blade, Jörn suggested that it
may have been part of an agricultural tool such as a plough. It was further
suggested by Phil Andrews, Wessex Archaeology's post medieval
specialist, that the previous blade was not particularly old and appeared to
be post medieval in date. However, as the shape of farming and
agricultural tools has not evolved significantly in the last 2500 years, it is
possible that the blade was made as early as the Iron Age. It is quite
possible that this blade provided a similar agricultural function as that
suggested for the blade reported through the protocol in 2007.