TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

A complete copper alloy probable 'tile comb' of Roman date. The shaft is is circular in cross-section at the apex and sub-triangular in cross-section where it joins the head. It swells gradually away from the head, reaching its maximum diameter at a point just below the apex. The head is flat. The upper edge of the head curves upwards, then downwards to either side of the shaft, creating a symmetrical, wavy effect. The lower edge of the head has 'V' shaped teeth cut on either side. The metal has a shiny, dark green patina in most places, though this is pitted and corroded in a few areas.

Several similar combs can be seen on the PAS database, including a very close parallel from Lincolnshire: NLM-53B5C4. De la Bedoyere (1989, pp 58-59) describes the object as a tool for decorating tiles. However, more than one function is of course possible. Other PAS records of these objects have speculated that they may be pastry jiggers of a modern date. However, this is unlikely given the object's patina and the fact that it was found on a site producing a range of objects of Roman date.

Length: 43.57mm, Width: 40.35mm, Thickness of handle: 5.45mm, Weight: 6.35g