Bronze Age Palstave Axe Head c.1300 BC

[DavidBeard]

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:















[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:

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.


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

 

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[{Sentinel}]

That Axe Head is terrific!

 

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[LGS]

Once again wondering how something of this magnitude doesn't make the banner. Makes the gold coins and Roman finds pale in comparison. You have my banner vote!!!!!

 

[Silver Searcher]

One of the Best Bronze Axes I have seen...and I have seen a few in the hand I was wondering how far apart from your outher Bronze finds was this made, if its close, say plough spread, you might have a smelters hoard

SS

 

[DavidBeard]

One of the Best Bronze Axes I have seen...and I have seen a few in the hand I was wondering how far apart from your outher Bronze finds was this made, if its close, say plough spread, you might have a smelters hoard

SS

Very close to the 'Dirk' but a few fields away from the other 2 Axes. There's about a thousand years difference between this Axe and the other 2 also.

 

[Goldiver]

Super nice find!!

Steve

 

[Bavaria Mike]

You filled my wish list in one year, LOL, congrats! HH, Mike

 

[BuckleBoy]

I can't believe this hasn't made the banner. I hope that everyone who replied "Banner!" actually took the time to Nominate it!


Congratulations again! I couldn't even imagine the rush that must come from digging something like this. If these are the types of finds that your area has to offer, then you are a Very lucky detectorist. Hunt hard, my friend. I think we'll be seeing more great finds from you in the future.

Cheers,


Buckles

 

[DavidBeard]

I can't believe this hasn't made the banner. I hope that everyone who replied "Banner!" actually took the time to Nominate it!
Congratulations again! I couldn't even imagine the rush that must come from digging something like this. If these are the types of finds that your area has to offer, then you are a Very lucky detectorist. Hunt hard, my friend. I think we'll be seeing more great finds from you in the future.
Cheers,
Buckles

Thanks Buckles,
Your best wishes and 'banner nomination' are most appreciated - thanks.
The Museum are quite excited and have suggested that if another item of similar age comes from near to this find they may consider getting the archeologists in - (even though the plough has been here in the past) - The farmer isn't too keen on the idea though as it may interfere with his routine. I'll keep you informed, got another visit planned on this farm for next week.
David.

 

[CRUSADER]

I can't believe this hasn't made the banner. I hope that everyone who replied "Banner!" actually took the time to Nominate it!
Congratulations again! I couldn't even imagine the rush that must come from digging something like this. If these are the types of finds that your area has to offer, then you are a Very lucky detectorist. Hunt hard, my friend. I think we'll be seeing more great finds from you in the future.
Cheers,
Buckles

Thanks Buckles,
Your best wishes and 'banner nomination' are most appreciated - thanks.
The Museum are quite excited and have suggested that if another item of similar age comes from near to this find they may consider getting the archeologists in - (even though the plough has been here in the past) - The farmer isn't too keen on the idea though as it may interfere with his routine. I'll keep you informed, got another visit planned on this farm for next week.
David.

at all costs keep the farmer happy, the Archies have other sites, you may loss yours & word gets around the other farmers.

 

[lidigger]

I have been humbled.