Bronze Age Socketted Axehead Fragment

Bronze sword or rapier with gently tapering cutting edges, thick midrib with lateral beading for most of the blade's length; flared plate to the hilt with two holes at the end to accept attachment rivets; substantially complete; mounted on a custom-made stand. 918 grams total, 57 cm high including stand



Reputedly found in the River Blackwater, Bradwell, Essex. with Christie's, South Kensington, 13 May 2003, lot 259. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11881-207821.

In the terminology of Bronze Age studies, a weapon of this type less than 30 cm in length is called a 'dirk' and beyond that length it is classified as a 'rapier'. The longer examples are sometimes considered to have been impractical for use as weapons due to the limitations of the casting process making the blade brittle; however, the evidence for repairs and modifications indicates that they were frequently retained in active use for some time.

Complete and one of the best examples in the hoard; triangular flanges rise from the butt to the stop bar; below the septum a hollow to both faces; narrow body expanding to a wide triangular blade with slight flare at the tips; a rare opportunity to acquire a British Bronze Age axe from a recorded treasure hoard. 480 grams, 18 cm



Found near Manston, Kent, UK, 2016. Accompanied by copies of the British Museum's portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-495597 and disclaimed as Treasure with reference no.2016 T618.

With round-section shank and butted joint. 4.22 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 20.54 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Ex Alexander Cotton collection, Brockenhurst, UK, 1970s. Private collection Surrey, UK, 2000s.