Casgliadau Arlein

Upper mouth fragment of ribbed socketed axe. Three ribs extend from a narrow outsplayed mouth moulding. On one face, three ribs are convergent, whilst on the other they are near parallel, suggesting differently shaped mould pieces. High placed loop extends from mouth moulding. Four runner casting technology but runners bases and scars are ephemeral. Casting scars visible and untrimmed down sides. Mouth has irregular rectangular internal end external shape, with three runner scars visible. Axe has rectangular sectioned body, with angled side edges. Socket piece of mould was misplaced at an angle to outer mould pieces. Manifestations of this are hole in upper surface on one side and great variations in wall thickness around the axe. This fragment is a miscast and non-functional piece. Blade end was struck off, as indicated by impact mark on one face and squashing together of lower socket. Down non-loop side is a crack in the metal, the result of this blow. Green to grey-green patina.