ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

-800

A copper alloy miniature axe head of probable Iron Age or Roman date (c. 800 BC - AD 410). The miniature is sub-rectangular in plan and broadly triangular in profile. It is a Robinson Type I with a concave profile. The thickness of the miniature tapers from 10.09mm to 1.87mm. The axe head is socketed and features a complete semi-circular suspension loop. The loop extends from the lip of the axe 9.36mm along the length of the body. The socket hole is broadly rectangular in shape and 6.79mm deep. The lip of the socket is slightly irregular. The miniature features casting flaws directly below the suspension loop and along the opposide side of the miniature. The blade is slightly curved.The miniature measures 23.14mm in length, 18.57mm maximum width (including suspension loop), 14.05mm minimum width, 10.09mm maximum thickness (socket end), 1.87mm minimum width (blade end) and weighs 9.75g.Cf: Robinson, 1995, pp. 61 - 65. Although Robinson attributes most miniature axe heads to the late Iron Age and Roman periods, they can date to anywhere between the Late Bronze Age and late Roman period.