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 IIa with an expanding straight-sided profile and long blade. Measures 18.40mm in length, 10.55mm in max.width (across the loop), 3.83 in max thickness (socket end) and weighs 2.02g.The socket end is rectangular in shape and measures 6.43x3.83mm and has internal dimensions of 3.19x1.39mm. It is 1.82mm deep though the socket is irregularly shaped and set off-centre. The axehead is wedge-shaped in profile and narrows from the socketed end to the cutting edge. The loop is set to the side of the axehead and D-shaped (6.74x4.48mm) with a central circular piercing 2.41mm in diameter.The edge with the loop extends at a slight diagonal. The other edge curves slightly inwards from the socket and outwards again to the cutting edge, which is 8.18mm wide (and 0.94mm thick). It is slightly worn at one corner.This miniature axehead is unusual in that its condition is fresh, and its edges (except for the cutting edge) unworn. It has slight pitting and the patina is smooth, shiny and light green. It was probably lost/ ?deposited shortly after its manufacture.Reference: Robinson 1995, Wiltshire Archaeology Magazine 88, p.60-68. 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.Robinson comments on this particular object, that it looks Roman in date and has not been subjected to fertilizers in the soil.