Found Over 120 Years Ago, But Still News!
Axe hammer found at Colmonell. Image copyright Alan McFarlane, Stranraer Museum
In the 1880s a Bronze Age axe-hammer was found close to Craigneil Castle by Mr Ross, a local game keeper. The artefact has been retained in the finder's family and in September 2010 it was brought to Stranraer Museum for identification.
Axe hammer found at Colmonell, slight flake damage at butt visible. Image copyright Alan McFarlane, Stranraer Museum
The axe-hammer is complete and has been fashioned on a cobble of greywacke sandstone (length 260mm; width 105mm; height 85mm; shaft hole diameter 55mm). The butt and sides are curved and the blade has a gentle convex profile. One face is flat and the other is slightly concave. There is some flake damage at the blade and close to the butt.
Axe hammer found at Colmonell. Image copyright Alan McFarlane, Stranraer Museum