Examination of Bronze Implements

Abstract

THE results of modern methods of research on the constitution of metallic alloys and on the effects of varying mechanical and thermal treatment on their structure and mechanical properties have increased our knowledge of these subjects enormously. Of these methods, the use of the microscope for the examination of the micro-constitution and crystalline condition of suitably polished and etched specimens is one of the most important. This method of examination is capable of indicating not only how the component metals exist in the alloy, but also what mechanical or heat treatment the alloy has undergone. As regards constitutiOn, the microscopical examination is used in order to ascertain whether the component metals are present in the free state, in chemical combination, or mutually dissolved and retained in solution in the solid state. As regards treatment, the structure observed is used to decide whether the metal object was obtained by a casting process or was shaped by mechanical work, and is also capable of indicating whether any work has been applied to the object and also whether this work has been followed by an annealing process. Below are given some results of an examination of a chisel and a palstave of the Bronze Age found about 1898 in a brick field near the Hanwood-Shrewsbury road and supplied by Mr. F. Drinkwater of West Kirby through Miss L. F. Chitty of Yockleton, near Shrewsbury.