IRON AGE MINIATURE OBJECT

-800

A copper alloy miniature socketed axehead of probable Iron Age to Roman date (c. 800 BC - AD 410). It is of Robinson's Type IV with parallel vertical sides, although the blade is slightly expanded. The mouth is ovular in shape and slightly expanded with an irregular lip which may be the result of miscasting. It has a side loop set just below the lip which extends for 11.93mm along the length of the body. The body tapers from a thickness of 12.21mm to a thickness of 3.08mm.The miniature axehead measures 28.87mm in length, 22.36mm maximum width, 17.23mm minimum width, 12.21mm maximum thickness, 3.08mm minimum thickness and weighs 22.64g.Cf: Robinson, 1995, pp. 64 - 65, nos. 16, 18 & 20. Although Robinson attributes most miniature axe heads to the late Iron Age and Roman periods, they can date to anywhere between the Late Bronze Age and late Roman period.