Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Blade end fragment of socketed gouge. Gouge has slightly splayed ends in relation to sides. Socket base is lunate in cross section. Virtually all of the blade edge survives, although with a slight modern nick on one edge. Bronze metal is exposed on the front and back of the blade tip. Longitudinal striations on front and back blade surfaces indicate use wear. On reverse exposed bronze surface are repeated short transverse scratches also possible evidence of use wear. Green patina with lighter carbonate concretions, where original bronze surface is not exposed.