Code: 2769
Description: An unlooped mid-rib copper alloy palstave with a dark green-brown patina. The well defined mid-rib runs from the central transverse stop-ridge to approximately 20 mm/0.8 in. from the blade edge, and there are shorter ridges on each side of the mid-rib extending approximately 20 mm/0.8 in. from the stop-ridge. The palstave shows well-defined casting seams on both sides. Despite some small chips and possible abrasion to the cutting edge, this example appears to be straight from the mould with some sprue remaining along the seams which has not been cleaned off as usually seen, some minor encrustation, but a very nice example in an excellent state of preservation.
Size: 158 mm/6.2 ins. in length
Culture: Middle Bronze Age
Date: c. 1500-1200 B.C.
Provenance: Ex Richard and Molly Alexander Collection, Seaford, East Sussex.
Background: Molly Alexander and her husband Richard shared a passion for art and antiquities and established their own antique and fine art shops in The Lanes, Brighton, in the 1960’s. Richard was a recognised expert in Roman and Greek antiquities and coins having worked at Spink’s in London after World War II. Molly specialised in fine art and chinese pottery. They closed their respective shops in Brighton in the late 1970’s but they kept their unsold stock. The most valuable items were kept in a secret cupboard in their home at Seaford, East Sussex, where they remained for over 40 years.
Reference: Compare B01-0204, p. 47 in Hammond, B. 2014, Benet’s Artefacts of England & The United Kingdom Current Values, Greenlight Publishing, Witham, for a similar example.
