ROMAN STYLUS

43

A cast copper alloy object, probably Roman, and possibly a tanged stylus or awl. One end of the object is circular in section and tapers to a point. At the wide end, it is rounded and tapers slightly to a central circumferential groove. The other end of the object is the tang. It is square in section, and again, tapers to a point. The wide end meets the wide end of the circular sectioned part, so the groove is the centre point of the object. The wide end of the tang is also slightly rounded and tapers slightly into the groove. The object has a smooth dark brown patina which has been damaged in places revealing a thick bright green layer beneath. It seems likely that this tool was inserted into an organic handle, and the pointed end makes writing or engraving the most likely uses. It is also possible that the object is a detachable point from a set of dividers or compasses or similar. The well developed patina suggests a Roman date, even though no close parallels have yet been found. Other objects with round and square sections include SWYOR-042123, but this example is more finely made and shorter.