CHISEL

Probably a chisel of Bronze Age date weighing 18.2g. This artefact has a sub-triangular shape, its thin leading edge having a width of 32.1mm and a rectangular cross-section. As the sides taper in the artefact increases in thickness. This sub-triangular plate or blade has a length of 31.8mm and at the apex the thickness has expanded to a maximum 6.4mm. The artefact has a total length of 39.3mm. Above and to the side of the apex the artefact expands and takes on a lozenge shaped cross-section of 7.7mm width and 7.5mm thickness. This part of the artefact has a transverse butt-end. It is uncertain whether this is the extent of the artefact as it would have been used or whether it is a blunt-ended tang which would originally have had a handle attached. Normally tangs are more pointed, to aid insertion into a handle. If this item was used as a chisel a hammer might have been hit directly onto the butt-end and thus explain the transverse solid appearance of this part of the artefact. As this is a small item it might be quite difficult to hold and use as a chisel if a handle was not additionally attached. It would need to be held by finger and thumb, rather than grasped in the hand, either at the top of the apex of the plate/blade or just above while trying to keep the hand out of the way of the striking plate form (transverse butt-ended terminal). This might therefore suggest that it was used for more detailed work or on more delicate items.

Compare with the example shown in Watson, P.J. Catalogue of British and European Prehistoric Metalwork in Birmingham City Museums 1993 BAR British Series 233, p.9, no71.

Also see PAS record LANCUM-0788A0.