Rights Holder: National Museums Liverpool
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Unique ID: LVPL-061903
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An almost complete cast copper alloy socketed axe of Late Bronze Age date (1000 - 800 BC). The object can be classified as the Ewart Park phase of metalwork.
The object is sub-rectangular in plan with the cutting edge expanding outwards to form a convex cutting edge. The cutting edge is damaged and worn which occurred both in recent and ancient times. The cutting edge measures 46mm in width and is 3mm thick.
The socket has a sub square mouth (internal width 27mm, internal length 25mm, external width 38mm, external length 34mm and the wall of the mouth is 4-5mm thick). The top of the socket shows evidence of recent damage, probably due to the plough. The socket is 49mm deep and the insides are smooth. Around the mouth of the socket is a moulded collar.
On the front and back of the axe, is a single central rib which extends along the socket towards the blade. The ribs are worn and fade out before the sides of the axe start to expand to form the cutting edge. The front and back faces of the axe are very slightly faceted at the socket end.
Along the centre of each side of the axe is a pronounced casting seam. The seams have not been filed and one shows recent damage. One side of the axe has a semi circular moulded side loop. The loop measures 8mm in width, 19mm in length and is 4mm thick. It is D-shaped in cross-section. The casting seam runs over the side loop.
The object has a dark brown patina and is in good condition. The object can be classified as the Ewart park phase of metal work which corresponds with metalworking phases X - XII, or Needham Periods 6-7, dating from about 1150-750 CAL BC. This axe is likely to date from about 1000 - 800 BC.
Class: Ewart park
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Circa 1000 BC
Date to: Circa 800 BC
Quantity: 1
Length: 80 mm
Width: 46 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight: 168.2 g
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st July 2012
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rohl, B. and Needham, S.P. | 1998 | The Circulation of Metal in the British Bronze Age: The Application of Lead Isotope Analysis | London | British Museum Press |