ANCIENT BRITISH BRONZE SOCKETED AXE WITH CHOICE PRESERVATION *OA003

Product Description

This superb ancient bronze socketed axe with loop would have been mounted on a long wooden handle with a L-shaped end on which this bronze axe would have been mounted.  It is unusual in the sense that it is smaller than typical examples.  Possibly meant for detail wood work by an ancient craftsperson.  The loop is indicative of the value placed on these earliest of ancient bronze European tools by which if the wood handle broke or the axe became separated, it would still be attached to the handle and not lost.  In this early period, bronze was very expensive and valuable and only certain individuals would have possessed such a cherished tool.  The diminutive size of this specimen would have also made it highly effective as a weapon since its small proportion would have been well suited for armor penetration and rapid swinging in combat if used as a weapon.

The preservation on this exquisite example is superb and the entire axe is complete AS MADE with an intact loop and undamaged blade.  Many ancient cast metal objects show casting flaws but this piece was very well made and is in perfect shape with no active bronze disease or corrosion.  Ribbed decoration around socket base adds beauty and also serves to strengthen against breakage during use.  Patina and original soil sediment still in place display traits ONLY found in AUTHENTIC ancient pieces like this.  

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