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PALSTAVE
Unique ID: WMID-6DBF62
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
An incomplete cast copper alloy palstave (axe), of Middle Bronze Age dating (1450 to 1250 BC). Approximately 50% of the palstave is present, consisting of the blade and part of the socket. The blade is sub triangular in plan, with convex expanding sides and a probable convex cutting edge. A central rib runs from the stop ridge towards the start of the cutting edge. The rear part of the axe is incomplete, with only a small amount of the septum (the area between the flange facets and the stop ridge) surviving.
The palstave measures 104.94 mm in length, a maximum width of 46.24 mm and a maximum thickness of 16.62 mm and it weighs 145.9 grams.
The palstave is mid green with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the ploughsoil, has resulting in a loss of the original surface and detail over the majority of the palstave.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: BRONZE AGE
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: BRONZE AGE
Date from: Circa 1450 BC
Date to: Circa 1250 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 104.94 mm
Width: 46.24 mm
Thickness: 16.62 mm
Weight: 145.9 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 16th September 2012
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Staffordshire (County)
District: Cannock Chase (District)
To be known as: Rugeley
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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