Submitted by curator on Fri, 10/16/2015 - 13:51
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Inv. 32-21-102 Sickle fragment A cut across one corner of the fragmented broader end: magnification, 100x Etchant: Klemms III (Sn, <0.012%; As, 0.14%; Ni, <0.011%)
The microstructure consists of polyhedral grains that, in their twinning and distortion, are indicative of an annealing treatment after moderate cold-working. Clusters of inclusions occur in a quite high density, though the inclusions themselves are smaller than those in the sickle, 32-21-100. These inclusions are coarse-textured and most likely are remnants of non-metallic material (matte) that became entrapped in the copper during its original smelting.
Microhardness VHN: 115 ± 10 (n=5) Uniform; data scatter (VHN ranging 128 to 104) is most likely due to the presence of so much fine smelting debris. What microstructural evidence there might have been of deliberate working of the blades edge most likely is now lost to corrosion.
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