Find Spot record 15363 - Roman Finds from Land North-west of Walton Lea

<1> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, LVPL-4980D0 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

A cast copper alloy probable cosmetic implement dating to the Roman period. The object is flat and curved along one edge while the opposite edge is straight. At the top of the object is a circular suspension loop. The internal diameter of the perforation measures 4.5mm. The loop would have enabled the object to be suspended from a belt and possibly worn with other cosmetic implements. The opposite end terminates with a rounded point which is incomplete. Each face is undecorated and has a worn dark brown patina. The exact function of the object is uncertain.

<2> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, LVPL-495BD3 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

A cast copper alloy nail cleaner, dating to the Roman period, between AD 43 - 410. The object is incomplete and the attachment loop is missing due to an ancient break. The nail cleaner is sub-ovid, or 'fish' shaped in plan, which tapers to a point at one end where the suspension loop would have attached. The loop would have enabled the nail cleaner to be probably suspended from a belt and possibly worn with other cosmetic implements. The main body (shaft) of the nail cleaner expands outwards slightly across its width, measuring 9mm at its widest point, towards the centre, tapers inwards again before expanding outwards to form the complete forked 'V' shaped terminal at the opposing end. The object has a dark brown patina and is in fair condition. A similar example can be found in Crummy (see 3).

<3> Crummy, N., 1983, Colchester Archaeological Report 2: The Post Roman Small Finds From Excavations in Colchester 1971-9, p58, no.1872 & 1874 (Monograph). SCH8226.

<4> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, LVPL-4927E2 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

A cast copper alloy possible brooch dating to the Roman period. The object is incomplete with the rounded head, and incomplete wings and bow remaining. The head is D-shaped in cross-section and is corroded. The wings project from either side of the head and are D-shaped in cross-section with a moulded decorative ridge where they join the head. 5mm of the bow is present, which terminates with an ancient break which is rounded. The rear of the head is concave where the spring would have been housed. The object has a dark brown patina and is in poor condition.

This is possibly a Polden Hill type brooch, dated to the late 1st or early 2nd century AD. This brooch type has its spring carried in a cross bar which has closed ends to carry the axial rod. See Hattatt (5).

<5> Hattatt, R, 2000, A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, p.300, fig.159 (Book). SCH7016.

<6> The British Museum, Portable Antiquities Scheme Online Database, LVPL-4980D0, LVPL-495BD3 & LVPL-4927E2 (Web Site). SCH5176.