Bronze Age Palstave Axe Head c.1300 BC

DavidBeard

Hero Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2008
Messages
507
Reaction score
44
Golden Thread
1
Location
Derbyshire
🥇 Banner finds
1
Detector(s) used
Minelab Etrac / Garrett Pro-Pointer
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Hi All,
I went back to my 'Bronze Age' farm again and guess what! Another Axe Head - about a 1000 years younger than the other 2 - This one is only just over 3000 years old! And what a beauty!
It was only about 8" deep - gave a lovely strong signal - I dug VERY wide from the central point and lifted the plug out by hands as I thought it just might be something big (and precious).
Have a look:

Palstave-1.webp

Palstave-2.webp

Palstave-3.webp

Palstave-side-1.webp

Palstave-4.webp

Palstave-side-2.webp

Palstave-5.webp

[youtube=425,350]ApKRFE9e12s[/youtube]
I've read that the Palstave Axe gained the addition of a side loop for binding the axe to its haft more securely. The cutting edge is spread out (splayed) with curved bevelled edges, the vertical rib on each face as decoration.
163mm long, 434g in weight.

I didn't dig many holes in the few hours I was there (so quiet) but found this lovely old bell - still with its 'clanger' intact:
Iron-Bell.webp
Usually I wouldn't have dug a signal with such a high 'Iron' content - but this one wasn't too high. I thought it was a Cow Bell at first (probably still is) but all the Cow Bells I've seen so far are flattened. This is perfectly round 7cm diameter and stands around 11cm tall - there is sign of 'greening' on the surface within the bell so I think there is copper in the metal too - any ideas of age would be truly appreciated.

Other few finds included a 1862 Halfpenny, 1971 Penny >:( a few buttons, etc.
Vic1862-Liz1971-3buttons.webp

A nice cup of tea with the Farmer's wife afterwards! Can't wait to get back up there.
 

Upvote 0
Now that is one beautiful bronze axe head :notworthy: you keep finding them rare history Great find,s !! :thumbsup: without question BANNER !! Jim
 

WOW :o, superb find David, definitely banner worthy. Well done mate :icon_thumleft:.


hammered
 

Awesome :icon_king:

Banner all the way :hello2:
 

Why do I live in the US?

BANNER!!!
 

Wow. Great find :o
 

Great find, my votes in for banner. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 

Yep...that's a banner find for sure! Nice!
 

"A nice cup of tea with the Farmer's wife afterwards!"

quite a different culture than I'm used to :D


banner for the axe!
 

umrgolf2010 said:
"A nice cup of tea with the Farmer's wife afterwards!"

quite a different culture than I'm used to :D

banner for the axe!
Don't you have a drink with the farmers afterwards where you are? - Its lovely :D

Thanks for all the 'Congrats' so far - still can't get over how well-preserved it is.
 

epic find!!!!!!!!! its cool that it is in really good shape for being the age it is!! :headbang:
 

colorado14ers said:
epic find!!!!!!!!! its cool that it is in really good shape for being the age it is!! :headbang:
Better shape than the 1971 penny! :D
 

That is an amazing looking piece in great condition, wish I had a site like yours :o

Was it deep?
 

Wonderful finds ! :icon_thumleft:

I voted BANNER for the axe ! :headbang:
 

BANNER nomination sent.

It's nice that you take the time to get to know your property owners. I do the same, helping them when I can with whatever they need, having a cold drink with them, and talking a bit.

Cheers,


Buckles
 

CRUSADER said:
That is an amazing looking piece in great condition, wish I had a site like yours :o

Was it deep?
About 8" that's all - but so was that 1971 penny.
Funny site really - Bronze Age or 19th/20th century - nothing in between as yet.
 

DavidBeard said:
CRUSADER said:
That is an amazing looking piece in great condition, wish I had a site like yours :o

Was it deep?
About 8" that's all - but so was that 1971 penny.
Funny site really - Bronze Age or 19th/20th century - nothing in between as yet.

I have a few Roman Sites, where its practically Roman or nothing. I don't know of any Bronze Age sites (that I can detect), although they must be similar to Iron Age, all or nothing... (your lucky as you have it ALL!)
 

BuckleBoy said:
BANNER nomination sent.

It's nice that you take the time to get to know your property owners. I do the same, helping them when I can with whatever they need, having a cold drink with them, and talking a bit.

Cheers,


Buckles
I think getting to know the farmers is the least we can do - I sell as many eggs I can and meat for some other farmers too. Most are very busy nearly all of the time, all year round, but it feels so wrong to go digging on their land all day then getting into the car and driving off. I've made some great relationships here lately - nearly all will be long-lasting and it wasn't planned, but some farms have now become 'exclusive' and have also led to other site permissions. I love it up here, just wish the Romans had been a bit more careless with their possessions when passing through though!
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom