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One of a Hoard of nine bronze axes and one possible casting jet.

This is a South Wales Type Collared Variant socketed axe, bronze – complete

This is a complete socketed axe of slender form with a concave profile and a flaring form. It is notable by having rounded surfaces and edges and with a deep and flat collar, which is straight but slightly everted in profile. The sub-oval shaped mouth has no visible runner stubs or scars, although excess bronze slightly projects around the inner rim. A loop of medium width descends from the lower collar area. Three well-defined and converging ribs descend three quarters of the way down each axe face. The side casting seams are visible but have been carefully hammered or filed down. The blade edge is slightly curved and slightly expanded. On the lower face and blade bevel there are striations, visible both parallel with the blade-edge and at right angles, indicating the blade was prepared for use. The axe has a grey-green patina with small dots of green, bronze concretion in places

The 9 axes were recovered from the same pit at depths between 15-45cm. They were placed haphazardly with rocks buried between them.

The 9 axes of this hoard group are remarkably homogenous. 2025.80H/2-9 are all socketed axes identifiable as South Wales Type, 2025.80H/1 is a Collard Variant. They all date to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age (1000-800 BC). Of the group, only this axe and No.2 show clear evidence of being worked and prepared for use. Nos 5 and 9 show significant casting flaws and are in their 'as cast in the mould' state, never having been prepared for use. Similarly, nos 7 and 8 were never prepared for use. For axes 3, 4 and 6 the evidence is less clear either way.

The fragment of casting jet was discovered approximately 30 metres away. Leaded bronze casting jets are often found with Late Bronze Age hoards making it likely that this object was originally buried with the axes and disturbed later due to ploughing.