File:Bronze Age, Palstave (FindID 1012511-1118213).jpg

English: A cast copper alloy (bronze) early palstave / primary Group III - trident patterned palstave of Middle Bronze Age date (1500-1300 BC) - most probably associated with the Acton Park II and Taunton metalworking assemblages (Needham Period 5) - both assemblages fit within Burgess Metal Working Stage VIII and IX.

This find has been recorded from images provided by the finder - it is hoped that it will be brought to the museum for further study after the pandemic

The palstave measures approximately 155mm in length and is 50mm wide across the blade and 30mm wide across the hafting flange. It weighs 329 grams

The palstave has a narrow rounded butt, the sides are relatively parallel but taper slightly on the upper blade before expanding to form a crescentic broad fan-like blade with a distinct prepared cutting edge / blade facet. The tips of the blade are fared and pointed. The casting flashes on the long sides have been trimmed and hammered flat - this along with the well defined cutting edge suggests the axe was functional and used.  The rear part of the axe (from the stop ridge to the butt) is sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in section (profile) with the widest part behind the stop ridge. The flange facets are fused to the stop ridge forming two raised elements to haft the axe by. Beneath the stop-ridge, on both sides of the palstave, is a raised tapering central rib. This rib extends to just above the blade facet and is D shaped in cross section - the terminal of the rib is eroded but probably ends in a rounded point. Flanking either side of the central rib are a pair of double ribs forming a double trident shape. This double V is very unusual as usually only a single rib is present. The side loop is D shaped in cross section and positioned so that he mid-point is in line withe the stop-ridge. 

The palstave is a mid brown colour  with a well formed thick polished surface patina