24937
Title Of Article Chaper
Anglo-Saxon copper alloys from Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Title Of Journal Book
Oxford journal of archaeology
Volume
7
Issue
2
Pages
227-233
Collation
figs.
Reference Bibliography
refs.
ISSN
0262-5253
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
A range of copper-alloy artifacts from the early Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Lechlade were analyzed using x-ray fluorescence. There were few pure bronzes or brasses in the assemblage and most alloys contained significant amounts of zinc, tin, and lead in variable ratios. In view of the current theory that supplies of new metals and ores were limited and Anglo-Saxon metalworkers normally used scrap metal, the compositions were used to assess the techniques of the craftsmen supplying this community. It is concluded that reuse of copper alloys was prevalent but that metals were selected quite carefully for particular applications, with regard to the metallurgical characteristics required.
Keywords
Anglo-Saxon;copper alloy;England (Gloucestershire); x-ray fluorescence; bronze;brass;zinc;tin;lead;recycling;metal;ore
pub_id
24937