Half of mould for casting axes [See 1884.119.206 for other half].

Collection type: Object
Description: Half of mould for casting axes [See 1884.119.206 for other half].
Geographical reference: France
Europe > Western Europe > France; Bourgogne Saône-et-Loire Mâcon
Person: Maker Unknown Maker; Field collector Unknown Collector; PRM source Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers founding collection
Date / Period: Archaeological period: Bronze Age, uncertain
Date collected: ?By 1872
Acquisition information: Donated: 1884
Materials and processes: Material Bronze Metal, Material Copper Alloy Metal, Process Cast, Process Moulded
Dimensions: Length: max 209 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1884.119.207 PR Cat other PR nos: 2310
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, Pb (leaded bronze). A copy of the analysis and report is held in conservation [GB 23/8/2007; MN 27/10/2009]
In 2024 archaeologist and experimental replica maker James Dilley (Ancient Craft UK) made a silicon mould of this mould as part of the Making the Museum project's 'Makers and Fakers' workshop. He will use the mould to develop new replicas in the future [BH MtM Project, 29/08/2025]
Associated publications: Balfour, Henry, Ancient double hooks of Bronze, Reliquary and Illustrated Archaeologist, 1 (1895:Jan.) pp.38-41. Published in Coghlan, H.H. 1951, 'Notes on Prehistoric Metallurgy of Copper and Bronze in the Old World', Occassional Paper on Technology 4 , Oxford University Press, Oxford. pp 59-60, Pl. IX. [El.B 06/11/2007, CMP 09/08/2010]

Search terms: Tool, Technique, Mould

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