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STEELYARD WEIGHT
Unique ID: NLM-AC3CB8
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Lead and copper alloy probable steelyard weight. Cast conical weight with an embedded apical suspension loop of drawn copper alloy wire. Patinated overall. This would only be useful with a small steelyard rather than the larger fixed apparatus used for weighing bulk goods such as lead or wool. The object is assigned to the Roman period by the kind advice of Helen Geake. Suggested date: Roman, 43-410
Diameter (long axis): 21.4mm, Height (excluding loop): 16.5mm, Weight: 28.33gms.
Notes:
The mass indicates this object could have represented one averdepois ounce were it to be used as a standing weight - the use of a steelyard poise does not require weights to respect a particular system as they are slid along the beam when the balance is used. The steelyard was used by the Romans, but was then forgotten in England until the later Middle Ages
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 16.5 mm
Weight: 28.33 g
Diameter: 21.4 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 8th June 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: NLM25557a
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Secondary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Lincolnshire (County)
District: West Lindsey (District)
To be known as: near Gainsborough
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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