ROMAN STYLUS

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A possible copper alloy Roman stylus. The centre is square in section; at one end the shaft becomes round and tapers to a point. The other end also tapers to a point but stays square in section. It has a light green pitted patina. It is 53.2mm long and 4.5mm thick. It weighs 3.87gm. A similar example on the database is YORYM-080053. However, many styli expand into a flat eraser section at the opposite end to the point so there is some doubt that this is a stylus. It could also be a post medieval tanged awl or point from a compass or similar piece of drawing equipment.