ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

43

A group of three miniature votive socketed axes, from the Roman period. They all have slightly drooping blades (Robinson 1995 Type III), thought to immitate Iron Age and Romano British iron axes (Robinson 1995 WA&NHM 88). Collective weight 8.53g.Axe number 1 : 17mm long and 10.5mm wide (inclusive of loop; excluding loop 9.5mm wide). The internal dimensions of the oval socket are 7x3x5mm - the axe is solid below this point. The internal dimensions of the loop are rather square and 2x2mm. Most of this cuts into the main body of the axe although the very edge of the loop does extend slightly beyond the edge. A groove at the top of the loop suggests a mouth moulding, but it is present on this face only. A groove below the loop accentuates the drooping blade. The axe has some pitting on all surfaces and the cutting edge is slightly damaged. Weighs 3.35g.Axe number 2 : Incomplete and 17.5mm long and 9mm wide (excluding loop 9mm - axe slighlty narrower at loop and socket). The internal dimensions of the oval socket are 4x1.5x2.5mm - the axe is solid below this point. The internal dimension of the loop (which is circular) is 1mm diameter. Most of this cuts through the main body of the axe although the edge of the loop causes the edge of the body to bulge outwards slightly. Much of the axe is covered in a bluey/ green corrosion and the cutting edge is damaged (though probably did not extend more). Weighs 2.78g.Axe number 3 : 15.5mm long and 9mm wide (excluding loop 7.5mm). The dimensions of the oval socket are 3x1.5x3.5mm - the axe is solid below this point. The loop is circular with a 1mm diameter hole, most of which cuts throught the main body of the axe but the edge of the loop casues the edge of the body to bulge slightly. The axe is slightly pitted and the cutting edge very slightly damaged. Weighs 2.40g.