PALSTAVE

Complete copper alloy palstave with side loop (Type Class 5/1 (Rowlands 1976:34, Site 34: pg. 231 (no.1) and plate 6 (1). The object has a short, deep U-shaped septum with stop-ridge and low, triangular-shaped flanges. Flared, triangular-shaped blade with central mid-rib. Small loop on side of the palstave next to the stop-ridge. Reddish-brown patina with green corrosion, with a large chip out of blade edge and at the top of the septum.

The object is part of a hoard of seven axes found in association. It therefore qualifies as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act.

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 two side-looped palstaves (nos. 3 and 7) belong to Rowlands' Class 5, a type of palstaves which are found concentrated in East Anglia and in hoards along the south coast. One (no. 3) is associated to Class 5 group 1, described by Rowland as 'large-looped, usually over 150mm in length with long blade in proportion to the septum length', and most closely resembles a palstave (#5) found from a Dewlish (Dorset) hoard (Rowlands 1976: 34, Site 34: pg. 231 (no.1) and plate 6 (1)).

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.