The mechanised testing and sequential wear‐analysis of replica Bronze Age palstave blades

Abstract There have been few attempts to conduct highly controlled laboratory experiments isolate how wear propagates on metal artefacts with differing metallurgy during simulated use. This reflects a lack of appreciation for the underlying structure materials within production reference datasets metalwork analysis. Here, we present use drop tower (Instron CEAST 9350) reconstruct replica Bronze Age palstave axes archaeologically relevant microstructures. The development, form, and properties surface at cutting edge were sequentially analysed by low‐power microscopy (digital), high‐power (Scanning Electron Microscope), microhardness indentation. Major deformations blade documented photography. intensive approach reveals impact abrasive associated sharpening use, as well frequency morphology larger generated repeated impact—all which, demonstrate, can be overtly modified subtle differences in metallurgy.