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1884.119.38

Bronze axe

1884.119.38

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Collection type
Object
Description
Bronze axe
Long description
Bronze flat axe with a thin butt, a convex outline and convex sides in cross-section. Samples removed. [MN 30/01/2009]
Date / Period
Archaeological period: Early Bronze Age
Date collected
By 1874
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Copper Alloy Metal, Material Bronze Metal, Process Cast, Process Forged (Metal)
Dimensions
Length: max 126 mm, Length x Width: max 65 x 9 mm, Weight 231 g
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.119.38 Other numbers: 20 PR Cat other PR nos: 2300 PR no.: 1437?
Research and responses

Between 2005 - 2007 a survey of metalwork in the PRM was undertaken by Gali Beiner, a conservator in the Museum. As part of this study 77 objects were analysed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) providing a qualitative non destructive analysis of the alloy composition. This object was one of those analysed, the results showed the presence of Cu, Sn (bronze). A copy of the analysis and report is held in conservation [GB 23/8/2007; MN 27/10/2009]

In the late 1940s or 1950s, a drilling was taken from this object for elemental analysis and a sample removed for metallographic examination as part of the work of the Ancient Mining and Metallurgy Committee of the Royal Anthropological Institute. For the results of the analysis, see under 'Publications'. [MN 30/03/2009]

Associated publications
Published under catalogue number 20 on pages 80-81 of Allen, I.M., Britton, D., and Coghlan, H.H., 1970, 'Metallurgical Reports on British and Irish Bronze Age Implements in the Pitt Rivers Museum', Occasional Papers on Technology 10, Oxford University Press, Oxford: Flat and Flanged Axes; Description Flat axe. Butt thin, expanded, and convex in outline. Cutting-edge sharpened. Sides convex in cross-section, in places with a hint of three longitudinal facets. Surfaces smooth except for slight corrosion [Drawing] Analysis Chemical: Sn 9.25% Spectrographic: Pb 0.022%, As 0.15%, Ni 0.024%, Bi<0.004%, Fe<0.006%, Ag 0.18%, Mg<0.005% [confirmed bronze copper alloy] Metallographic examination Examination showed recrystallized twinned grains superimposed on a cored structure with sparsely scattered pools of the αδ eutectoid. The grains exhibited numerous strain markings, proving cold-hammering. The cold-hammering had increased the hardness to 119 HB.'. [AP Leverhulme project on founding collection 1995-1998, GB 20/5/2005, MN 30/01/2009, CMP 09/08/2010]

Search terms: Tool, Weapon, Axe

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