Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Socketed gouge with plain circular socket mouth, which is slightly expanded and flat topped. Gouge has straight sides with no splaying at blade end. Socket base is lunate in cross section. Central part of blade edge survives, but both margins have been damaged, probably recently. Faint linear striations up blade groove and slight denting on lower blade surface, possible use wear evidence. Transverse striations around the middle and upper socket may indicate further use wear. Dark green patina with some lighter green carbonate encrustation. There is a patch of black patination beneath the socket mouth.