ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

A Roman copper alloy miniature sword. The model is flat, and comprises a rectangular handle with an oval pommel and guard. The blade is also rectangular, though slightly wider than the grip. The blade maintains the same width along most of its length. The terminal is pointed. The object has been bent back on itself two thirds of the way along the blade. It is unclear whether this was an intentional act done just before deposition, or whether it is post-deposition damage. There is green-red patina on the surface.Kiernan lists several swords in his study of Roman miniature objects (Kiernan 2009: 53ff). Two of these had been intentionally bent in the middle (ibid. p.54). Kiernon notes that the relationship between model swords and real weapons is difficult to assess owing to the fact that the models did not adhere to a consistent ratio of reduction. He further notes that it is unclear how accurately certain diagnostic elements of Roman and Celtic swords were copied (ibid. 55). A broad date of Late Iron Age to Roman is therefore assigned to the present example.