2nd millennium B.C. A copper-alloy axeheadposed of a tubular socket with keeled ridge to the reverse, V-shaped ribs to the centre and upper and lower necks; narrow cheeks with convex cutting edge. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S., Catalogue of the ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, pl.1, items 4 and 5; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.7, subtypes H2Ca and H2Cb, for the type. 229 grams, 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.). Acquired before 1972. Formerly with a central London gallery. Property of a London gentleman. This is an example of socketted axes with plano-convex blade, variants H2Ca or H2Cb of Gernez classification. Many examples of bronze axeheads are attributed to Luristan people and various shapes have been discussed by different scholars. Moorey (1971, pp.39-41) shows similar axeheads, stating that the tests executed on some specimens have shown them made of arsenical bronze, and attributes them to the late 3rd millennium B.C. or 2nd millennium B.C., period in which this alloy was abundantly used. They were widespread and used by the Akkadian and Ur cultures during the same period.