ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

43

A complete copper alloy probable miniature sword, probably of Roman dating (AD 43 to AD 410).The probable miniature sword probably imitates that of a gladius and can be described like a sword. The pommel is sub oval in shape, with bevelled edges top and bottom. The handle is sub triangular, with a V shaped groove positioned near the top on both the front and back. The blade is sub triangular in shape, with a square cross section. It gradually tapers to a blunt point. It measures 34.1 mm in length, 6.7 mm wide and 4.5 mm thick. It weighs 2.2 g.The sword is a mid green to brown colour, with an even surface patina. Several similar miniature swords have been recorded on the PAS database, including: LEIC-7B9381; WAW-869A75; NMS-F2D1B2; SWYOR-5B6555; GLO-F52980 and LIN-BFF2F2. It is probable that this miniature sword is of similar dating. Miniature artefacts are often thought be votive in nature.