Bronze Age Gold from Wales

An unusual hybrid type of palstave, with the flanges above the stop-ridge bridged together to form a socket on each side of the tang. The greater part of one socket has been torn away, probably in antiquity, and the tang pierced by a blow with a pointed instrument, the tip of which also penetrated the outer wall of the other socket. The flanges continue below the stop-ridge and there is a strong mid-rib. Only the stumps of a single loop remain. The blade is well splayed. The patina is a dull green to brown, with the surface pitted.