Find Spot record MDO47724 - Axe mould, Milton Abbas

A mould for socketed axes. Found in the Milton Abbas area. This may be the same find as one reported from Ansty which is in Hilton parish.

Half of a stone mould used for casting celts was found in the parish of Milton by a bricklayer while preparing foundations for a stable. <1> A mould for casting celts was found c.1839 near Anstey not far from Milton Abbas, and was in May 1839 in the possession of C.Hull [sic], a gentleman farmer. <2> A mould for socketed celts and having "several holes on the face of the slab, as if for the reception of dowels on which the outer half of the mould would fit". Authorities 1 and 2 are quoted as referring to the same object, and its location is given as Dorchester Museum. <3> A stone mould, the same as depicted in "The Barrow Diggers" and referred to by Sir J.Evans, has been lent to the Dorset Museum not the Dorchester Museum. <4> From Melcombe Horsey. <5> No further information was obtained during field investigation regarding the find spot of the mould. No evidence is offered by authorities 1,2, and 5 to support their sitings. Authority 1 is however a contemporary report and has the most detail concerning the discovery. Milton parish is therefore considered the most likely provenance. <6>

Record last edited

Jan 11 2024 3:54PM