ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

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Roman copper alloy miniature object in the form of an Iron Age or Romano British socketed axehead. It is of Robinson's Type III (with a drooping blade) or IV (with parallel sides). Measures 19.17mm in length, 16.07mm in max.width (across the loop), 8.87mm in max thickness (socket end) and weighs 5.89g.The socket end is oval and measures 11.83x8.87mm and has internal dimensions of 8.18x5.68mm. It is 13.65mm deep. The axehead is parallel sided but the non-loop edge droops to the cutting edge. At this point the original patina has clearly worn away and it is uncertain if the edge originally drooped or was parallel-sided.The C-shaped loop extends from the side of the side of the axe and has a circular piercing 2.46mm in diameter. To the other edge of the axe, the blade curves inwards, 'drooping'.The cutting edge is 11.07mm wide.Reference: Robinson 1995, Wiltshire Archaeology Magazine 88, p.60-68, cf.10-12, 18. Robinson dates the majority of the miniature axeheads to the Roman period, some being from Late Roman contexts. However some are known too from the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age.