ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

1

An incomplete Roman (AD 1-410) 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 IVc (elongated, with parallel sides). Measures 25.98mm in length, 8.80mm in max.width (across the loop), 5.45mm in max thickness (socket end) and weighs 3.5g. The socket end is circular in shape (c.5m diameter, with internal dimensions c.3mm diameter) and 3.77mm deep.The axehead is parallel sided, narrowing slightly at the socket (6.52mm). The loop consists of an irregular piercing 2.51mm in diameter in the body of the axe with a swelling to the outside edge. The cutting edge is 7.12mm wide and 1.25mm thick.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.