SOCKETED AXEHEAD

A complete cast copper alloy (bronze) socketed axe dating from the Early Iron Age, that is c. 800-600BC. The axe is of Type Sompting, Variant Cardiff II Type.

The axe is sub-rectangular in plan with a flared convex cutting edge and the socket is sub square in cross section. The socket of the axe is sub-rectangular, with an irregular mouth. The top edge of the socket shows little evidence of casting jets that have been trimmed flush with the socket mouth. The mould has slipped slightly during the casting process. The swollen moulded collar of the socket is relatively wide and varies in thickness along its length. At the base of the collar a small swollen rib extends. The loop is well preserved and relatively small and wide with a irregular lentoid shaped cross section. It is set in a low position on the axe being set beneath the collar in line with the horizontal moulding.The horizontal cast moulding is present on both faces and the edges of the axe; however this is better preserved on one face. From this moulding, on each face, three parallel longitudinal ribs descend. The ribs are complete and taper along their length terminating approximately two thirds of the length of the axe. Two of the ribs terminate with a pellet.. The two long sides of the axe expand slightly along the length of the socket and terminate with an expanded blade.The blade edge is still present. Mineralised plant material is present in the base of the socket.

The socketed axe head is a mid brown colour with an even, well formed patina which covers most surfaces. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

The axe measures 120.4 mm in length, 61.2 mm wide (blade), 42.0 mm wide (socket), is 42.9 mm thick (socket), 1.45 mm thick (blade). and weighs 414.7 grams. The current depth of the socket is 53.5 mm.