A relatively heavy bronze socketed axe with convex cutting edge; the rectangular socket decorated with linear ornament of five ribs running both sides and lip to socket mouth, with an integral side loop for attachment.
 
Circa 1000-750 BC
 
Fine condition.
Length 10.8 cms (4.25 ins).
Weight 302 g.
 
Property of a Kent gentleman; acquired UK market, 2015.
 
See Evans, J., The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881, figs.124-125 and especially 129, for similar examples.
 
Specimens with five ribs are rare, with a one known English example from a hoard in Martlesham, Suffolk. Axe heads closely resembling our axe head can also be seen in France, in the Museums of Narbonne and Nantes.
 
NB: An export licence will be needed to export this item if you are purchasing from outside the UK. We are happy to arrange an export licence for you. There is no extra cost but it would delay the shipment until we received the permission. This process will normally take approximately four weeks and we will dispatch your order as soon as we receive the permit.