Bronze Age palstave axe, from the water off Osea Island (EHER 12050)

A Bronze palstave found in the water just off Osea Island. The findspot is of interest as it may represent a Bronze Age loss at sea or the palstave may have been recovered from a submerged land surface.

Bronze palstave found just off Osea Island (from the water). Very long narrow head, almost parallel-sided, loop and square step ridge. Affinities with transitional palstaves of the Wilburton phase of the Late Bronze Age around 900-800 BC. Mould flashes not smoothed off. Patina generally very dark green. Length 0.172 m. <1> Illustration in EHER. <2> NRHE data transfer: A narrow-bladed looped Bronze Age palstave with almost parallel sides was recovered from the coast of Osea Island by Mr D Wetton of Roxwell. The findspot is of interest as it may represent a Bronze Age loss at sea or the palstave may have been recovered from a submerged land surface. The find is in private possession. <3> The circumstances of discovery are unknown.