WMID-53A437: Late Iron Age to Early Medieval: Rod of uncertain function

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ROD

Unique ID: WMID-53A437

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

A complete cast copper alloy 'rod' or dowel, of uncertain function and dating. It is probably Roman in dating (AD 43 to AD 410).

The rod is circular sectioned, and gradually tapers down its length. Both ends are intact. The top is slightly flared outwards, possibly the result of being hammered multiple times. No decoration is present along the length of the shaft. Several longitudinal scars are present, probably the result of abrasion.

The rod measures 155.02 mm in length, has a maximum diameter of 11.63 mm and a minimum of 6.93 mm. It weighs 79.0 g.

The rod is a mid to dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Several similar circular sectioned cast copper alloy 'rods' or dowels have been recorded on the PAS database. Some have been identified as Linch pins (DENO-7ED404), some as divining rods (IOW-1ED8D7), some as ingots (IOW-F20670), some as pins (NARC-27Bf73; NARC-2785D1; NARC-EfEED2) and some are just classified as a plain rod (NCL-D6A761).

Find of note status

This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 155.02 mm
Weight: 79 g
Diameter: 11.63 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Monday 1st October 2012 - Wednesday 31st October 2012

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: West Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Staffordshire (County)
District: Lichfield (District)
Parish or ward: Longdon (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: SK0713
Four figure Latitude: 52.714615
Four figure longitude: -1.897817
1:25K map: SK0713
1:10K map: SK01SE
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
Discovery circumstances: Found whilst metal detecting
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: WMID
Created: 11 years ago
Updated: 11 years ago

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