Preserving old bronze

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Jon in Norfolk, Aug 5, 2016.

  1. Jon in Norfolk

    Jon in Norfolk New Member

    Hi all

    I dug this up last week, it's a Bronze age palstave axe head. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's middle BA.

    My friend tells me it has 'bronze disease' whatever that may be, and that I'll need to treat it to preserve it. Would anyone be able to advise?

    Many thanks in advance

    Jon

    IMG_2078.JPG IMG_2086.JPG
     
    Jon in Norfolk, Aug 5, 2016
    #1
    johnnycb09 likes this.
  2. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Im currently reading a book titled " Sarum " by Edward Rutherford about the development of England and it just talked about the bronze age , so I find this awesome !
     
    johnnycb09, Aug 5, 2016
    #2
  3. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    Bronze disease is basically corrosion because the item has come into contact with air, it oxidizes.
    You cannot cure it but you can prevent further damage.
    There are many differing treatments available on the web.
    I`ve had many ancient coins with BD and verdigris and in the past I`ve soaked them for upto 6 months in virgin olive oil and they have looked far better after a soaking.
     
    daveydempsey, Aug 5, 2016
    #3
  4. Jon in Norfolk

    Jon in Norfolk New Member

    Thanks both. It's now sitting in a bowl of olive oil :)

    It's the second one I've found this year (metal detecting), the other was a fragment which I gave to the farmer. This is the first complete axe head I've found, I was very pleased with it!

    A Henry II Tealby penny popped up today in great condition, so it looks like it will be a productive season.

    Best regards

    Jon
     
    Jon in Norfolk, Aug 5, 2016
    #4
    cxgirl, Houseful and daveydempsey like this.
  5. Houseful

    Houseful Well-Known Member

    Good find. I'm in Norfolk too. My Dad used to find a lot of things mainly hammered silver coins, jettons, crotal bells and holy water ampullae around Burnham Market.
     
    Houseful, Aug 5, 2016
    #5
  6. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I found this 1st century Celtic dagger pommel down my lane, I detected a trench before water pipes were laid.
    Its made of lead with an iron neck.

    IMG_6291.jpg

    IMG_6293.jpg

    IMG_6297.jpg
    IMG_6298.jpg
     
    daveydempsey, Aug 5, 2016
    #6
    cxgirl, johnnycb09 and Houseful like this.
  7. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Smart move Davey....let em dig for you....then nose around !!!

    Is that old enough or unique enough for a museum to be interested ?

    It sure as hell is creepy enough !!! :hilarious:
     
    komokwa, Aug 7, 2016
    #7
  8. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I found a long cross silver penny 1000 years younger than the pommel about 12 inches away from it, Edward I, dated about 1307.
    It was the county archaeologist that identified it as Celtic.
    I never offered them it, I still have it.
     
    daveydempsey, Aug 7, 2016
    #8
  9. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Dass some pretty old stuff !!!
    Almost as old as some members here !! :hilarious:
     
    komokwa, Aug 7, 2016
    #9
  10. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi komo,
    What the hell does that mean???? I am the second oldest person here. Don't make me come up there to fight.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
    greg
     
    gregsglass, Aug 7, 2016
    #10
    daveydempsey likes this.
  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Hi Greg:

    If you were as old as that coin ...you'd have to come UP ..out of the ground before any fisticuffs would ensue !! :hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:

    ( oh....& I'd be waitin for ya !!! ) :woot::woot::woot:
     
    komokwa, Aug 7, 2016
    #11
    daveydempsey likes this.
Similar Threads: Preserving bronze
Forum Title Date
Metalware Signed Japanese ? bronze with bird Today at 5:42 PM
Metalware Small Marine Bronze Block & 90 Deg Shackle; Cryptic Logo Nov 14, 2025
Metalware Two bronze ladies Nov 6, 2025
Metalware Point me in the right direction with this bronze or Brass sculpture/figure? Nov 2, 2025
Metalware Bronze bear maker assistance Oct 6, 2025

Share This Page