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Nick-flanged axe
Original
| Found: Drouwen, Drenthe, Netherlands
Age: 1700 BC This axe is found in one of the richest graves from the Dutch bronze age. From this grave also comes the oldest sword found in the Netherlands, as well as a bronze razor, two golden spirals, nine flint arrowheads, a flint fire striker and a wetstone. |
The model
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The model used to make the moulds is made from clay and sand. |
The mould
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The mould is made from clay and sand, and fired after it was dried. Here the mould can be seen before firing. |
Casting result
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The casting result is quite good, aside from a small charcoal inclusion. |
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The mould was still intact, so I've been able to cast two more axes. |
Finished axehead
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The best of the three axes I've chosen to finish further. Here the finished result can be seen. To remove the casting feed, I first cut a grove with flint, and then broke it off. The flash I'd beaten flat, and then I ground it away using a piece of sandstone. The cutting edge was hammered thin, which also served to harden the metal. It was then ground further sharp. I then use a piece of dried clay with sand for overal polishing. |