Examination of surface layer of Bronze Age pick of Hajdúsámson type

The chemical composition of the Hajdúsámson type artefacts has been determined during researches carried out for international projects, but their production technology has never been studied. During a research project on the production technology of different findings dated to the Bronze Age, initiated by the Otto Hermann Museum of Miskolc in Hungary, a pick with neck disc belonging to the Hajdúsámson type has now been studied. The pick, well ornamented by simple engraved symbols, shows a peculiar surface layer. The examination of the microstructure revealed that during the production process the object has been hammered and heat treated. The chemical analysis of the base material and the surface layer revealed a tin enrichment on the surface of the pick, but no signs of tinning could be observed. The applied heat treatment, which caused a hardness increment of the surface, has been reconstructed. The experiments have shown that a surface layer similar to that of the pick can be obtained by heat treatment.