ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

43

A Roman (AD 43-410) copper alloy miniature object in the form of an Iron Age or Romano British socketed axehead, with a damaged cutting edge. It is of Robinson's Type IV (with parallel sides). Measures 20.14mm in length, 9.47mm in max.width (across the loop), 6.64mm in max thickness (socket end) and weighs 3.6g. The socket end is swollen and oval in shape (8.56x6.64mm, internal 4.94x3.82mm) and 4.97mm deep.The loop consists of a circular piercing c.1mm in diameter in the body of the axe with a curved swelling to the outside edge. The sides of the axe are narrower below this point (7.94x2.76mm) and only narrow a little to the cutting edge, which is curved through wear and 7.74x1.24mm.Reference: Robinson 1995, Wiltshire Archaeology Magazine 88, p.60-68, no.30. 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. Type IV miniature axeheads are frequently badly made and unfinished, although this example is not.