PALSTAVE

Complete copper alloy cast palstave (Type Class 4/1 (Rowlands 1976:34, Site 73: pg. 243 (no.1) and plate 6 (1) variation on Type Werrar; see also Northover 2001, Fig 3a, no. 3 and 4). Ill-shaped/absent stop-ridge with U-shaped septum and straight-sided open flanges for hafting. The flanges are lozenge-shaped in profile. Broad, triangular-shaped blade with shallow mid-ridge. Brown patina with green encrustations and corrosion. Small chipping along blade edge.

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

The treasrue 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), with the earliest palstave (no. 2) belonging to Class 4 group 1 of Rowlands' typology (Rowlands 1976: 34), dating to the Taunton metalwork phase (c. 1400-1250 BC). This type has an ill-shaped stop-ridge and open flanges for hafting and is associated with the Werrar type from the Werrar (Isle of Wight) hoard, a specialised palstave form which has been found in a number of large hoards in South Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight (Northover 2001).

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.