Bronze Age Socketted Axehead

A group of two spectacle pendants, each composed of two coiled wire circles joined by a loop. 18.1 grams total, 55-57 mm



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.

A substantial bronze palstave axehead from the Manston hoard pit deposit, triangular flanges rise from the butt to the stop bar; a hollow to both faces below the septum; narrow body expanding to a wide triangular blade with slight flare at the tips. 505 grams, 18.5 cm

Fine condition.

Found near Manston, Kent, UK, 2016. Accompanied by copies of the British Museum PAS report number KENT-495597. Accompanied by a copy of a Treasure Act documentation under Treasure Reference 2016 T618.

At Manston was found a hoard of ten copper-alloy palstave axeheads, in one spot, described as 'one hole' and therefore possibly a pit deposit from the Middle-Late Bronze Age. A similar hoard of palstaves was also found in the immediate vicinity by the same finder at a later date, see PAS KENT-593613. These palstaves are comparable to those placed within Rowlands 'class 3 group 1', characterised by a U-shaped septum profile, low triangular or slightly convex flanges, a straight sided triangular or crinoline blade and a triangular depression or ribbed motif beneath the stop bar (Rowlands 1976, pp.32-33). Group 1 and 2 within class 3 are divided based on blade width, being 7-8cm and 5-6cm respectively, placing the above axes between the two, but probably within group 1.

A large bronze bow brooch of Ringkopffibel type with shallow segmented bow, double-loop to each end, spring with integral pin at on end and large spiral head with catch at the other. 65 grams, 11.5 cm



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.