ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

1

A cast copper alloy miniature socketed bronze axe, dating from the Late Iron Age to Roman period. The axe is of a type which resembles the Bronze Age axe that were later copied in the Roman period. The object has a small, socketed mouth, with a single rounded mouth moulding. The mouth measures 7.3mm x 9.3mm externally. Just below the mouth, on one side there is a relatively large loop, which is circular. The upper body is flat and rectangular in section. No casting seams are visible. The body then widens out to form a pelta shape blade. The blade tips flare upwards and outwards. The blade tips measure 13.3mm tip to tip. The cutting edge does not appear bevelled. The metal survives in a pitted condition and has a mid greyish-green patina. Some similar miniature axes were found in Wiltshire and have been published by Robinson (see reference below).