File:Lithic , Palaeolithic (FindID 573145).jpg

English: A complete flint biface handaxe of lower to upper Palaeolithic date (500,000-40,000 BC). The lithic is a regular sided sub-ovate in profile. The upper surface is slightly convex hand has been flaked across the entire surface with only an extremely minor amount of cortex retained along the left hand proximal edge. The negative scars vary in depth from shallow to two deep hinged flake removals situated at the proximal end of the lithic. The distal, left and right hand edges have semi-abrupt retouch around which is some shallow stepped flaking. Some of the peripheral negative scars appear to be comparatively fresh and may have been caused by post depositional processes. The lower surface is slightly convex and had been comprehensively flaked with one predominant negative scar resulting from a hinged flake removal situated along the mesial left hand side.

The flint is a light brown covered by a dark orangey brown patination. The cortex is cream in colour.

This lithic was recovered from a gravel pit from which several other chert implements including a large Levallois flake. The deposit from which the object was recovered is situated on a terrace of the Axe Valley gravels.