Casgliadau Arlein

Complete three ribbed socketed axe with long slender form. Thin and prominent outsplayed mouth moulding, with loop extending from underside of moulding. Three near parallel longitudinal ribs extend 40-45mm down the upper faces of the axe, however are placed at a slight diagonal angle to the long axis of the axe. External mouth shape is ovoid, however interior shape is sub-rectangular. Evidence for four runners on mouth top: two projecting and two scars. Base of socket is evenly shaped. Axe has rectangular shaped body with angular side edges. Sides of axe divergent and concave, flaring outwards with no recurving of blade edges. Casting flashes down both sides visible and appear untrimmed. On lower loop side is a bulging of the axe sides, the result of an imperfection in the mould shape, whilst on mouth moulding underside above loop is a small casting bubble. Blade edge well preserved, no nicks evident. Blade end nearly straight in shape (slight convex). Striations parallel to blade edge on blade bevel indicate sharpening of blade. Patina dark grey overlain by areas of green patina with light green carbonate encrustations. Some bronze metal surface also visible.