UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A copper alloy object of unknown function. The object is approximately half of a hollow sphere with a wall thickness varying from 2.7mm to 4.8mm, and is c50mm high by 48mm wide at the mid point. It has integrally cast c13mm diameter perforations at either end, both of which are surrounded by a slightly upstanding lip which projects by around 6mm at the 'complete' end but only 2mm at the other, which terminates in an old break. The shorter end has a groove on the internal face which might be part of a screw thread, although too little remains to be sure, but the longer end is smooth on the inside. The object has been broken with an irregular fracture joining the two perforations.

There is a third perforation at the mid point on one side which appears to have been caused by a blow from a pointed object. This presumably is why only half of the object is now extant, as the fracture emanates from this point, and the object is distorted where the blow was applied.

There are several marks to the external face, but these appear to be evidence of plough damage and not decoration. The internal faces are quite rough and unfinished, possibly evidence that the item was cast in sand?

I have been unable to find a parallel for this object, but it is of good quality bronze, with a deep green patina suggestive of considerable age, and could conceivably be Roman.

A fragment of copper metal working debris was found adjacent to this object, so it may have been intended for recycling.