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LOT 1270
Bronze Age 'The Manston Hoard' Palstave Axehead
MIDDLE BRONZE AGE, 1400-1150 B.C.
7 1/8 in. (480 grams, 18 cm).
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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound 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.
See Portable Antiquities Scheme, reference PAS KENT-495597 (this find).
LiteratureSee Evans, J., The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, pp.76-84, and figs.56-68, for similar types.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Bronze Age Socketted Axehead Fragment
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Comprising the mid-section and partial socket of an axehead with loop to one edge. 193 grams, 67 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Bronze Age Sacrificed British Long Sword
1500-1100 B.C.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
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. -
Bronze Age Gold Torc-Shaped Bracelet
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,050
Of solid heavy penannular form, round in section with clubbed terminals. 173 grams, 93 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11879-200623.