Record ID: SUSS-686F77 - ROMAN nail cleaner

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NAIL CLEANER

Unique ID: SUSS-686F77

Object type certainty: Probably

A resized image of Nail Scraper Fragment

A fragment of a cast copper alloy implement with suspension loop, most likely a Roman nail cleaner or similar toilet implement. It is probable that this nail cleaner dates to the c. late 3rd-c. late 4th century AD; however, due to its fragmented state specific dating is uncertain. The fragment consists of a circular integrally-cast suspension loop oriented parallel to the blade. Below the suspension loop, crudely incised horizontal lines run at either side of a long, narrow neck, which is attached to a very narrow leaf-shaped, flat-sectioned blade. The blade seems to taper towards the nail cleaner end but approximately one-third to one-half of the blade and cleaner end are missing. The remains of the blade are decorated with incised lines running the perimeter of the blade and a third line running vertically down the centre of the blade. The colour of the metal is an even reddish-brown colour and there is a higher degree of corrosion on the reverse side; however, it is clear that the material is copper alloy. The object measures 22.65 mm long, 5.59 mm wide (max), 3.37 mm thick and weighs 1.13 grams.

Although very similar in style to some of the 'Baldock Type' nail cleaners mentioned in Nina Crummy's report in Lucerna 2001 (pp2-6), the suspension loop's orientation as parallel to the blade, the narrowness and general shape of the blade itself and its decoration suggest that this example dates to the late Roman period, as discussed by Crummy (Lucerna 2001, p6). However, a similar example from the PAS database has been listed as the former type:LEIC-31C2E2.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Period to: ROMAN [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: Circa AD 250
Date to: Circa AD 400

Dimensions and weight

Length: 22.65 mm
Width: 5.59 mm
Thickness: 3.37 mm
Weight: 1.13 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Fragment [scope notes | view all attributed records]

Spatial data

Region: South East And London
County: Kent
District: Ashford
To be known as: Near Ashford

Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Personal details

Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Mr Toby Bowman - [ view all attributed records]
Identified by: Miss Stephanie Smith - [view all attributed records]

Other reference numbers

References cited

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