English: A hand wrought iron artefact of probably later medieval or post medieval date (1400-1800 AD). The exact nature and function of this artefact is unknown, some suggestions are made below, however the two most convincing suggestions are that it is a crude pole weapon, or that it is a functional handmade tool for agricultural or industrial working. The artefact is made from two pieces of forged iron which have been hammer-welded together. The blade is irregular in shape; it is possible that the metal was shaped to form two cutting edges. The blade is slotted into a V shaped wedge and welded. The haft and tang is rectangular formed out of a single iron bar. A stop ridge is present at the top of the tang, this is a thickened collar. It is possible that a spike arose from the top of the piece, although this would be very thin and probably not functional. It is a mineralised brown orange colour and the metal has been treated with a varnish to preserve the surface.

The style and shape of this artefact is odd, although it seems to be a pole arm / battle axe it is very light and the fact it is tanged makes it highly unusual. The findspot, which is known for its early modern industrial coal fields suggests a more likely functional tool for a specialised task. If it were meant to be a weapon then I expect it is a modern copy - possibly for display at a distance.

The artefact measures 348.8mm length, 105.4mm width, 20.1mm thickness and it weighs 500 grams.