Rights Holder: Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
KNIFE
Unique ID: ESS-192EC9
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Cast copper-alloy and iron knife handle dating to the Roman period, c. 43 - 410 AD.
The item is cylindrical with flared terminals. One terminal features a flattened globular lobe whilst the other flares out to create a pointed oval shape (viewed side-on) at the end, on the perpendicular plane to the cylindrical shaft.
The cross section is circular in shape. There appears to be a thinner cylindrical iron core within the outer copper-alloy surface. Much of the surface is now iron stained.
The patina is green and dark brown/red where the iron staining occurs.
Dimensions: weight: 47.98g, length: 62mm, width at widest point: 22mm, thickness of shaft: 11mm
Class: Handle
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: 62 mm
Width: 22 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 47.98 g
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Secondary material: Iron
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Essex (County)
District: Tendring (District)
Parish or ward: Elmstead (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TM0525
Four figure Latitude: 51.88585181
Four figure longitude: 0.97739227
1:25K map: TM0525
1:10K map: TM02NE
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: ESS-618DF2
Object type: BOOK FITTING
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Copper-alloy Post Medieval book clasp dating from c. 1500 to 1700.
The item is an elongated rectangular shape with widened flares and sca…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: LIN-871E06
Object type: KNIFE
Broadperiod: ROMAN
Fragment of a Roman enamelled copper alloy terminal, possibly from a knife. The terminal is cylindrical and expands to a bulbous head. The ba…
Workflow: Published
Find number: PUBLIC-4D4867
Object type: BUCKLE
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A complete single looped cast copper-alloy buckle of Medieval date, dating c. 1250-1500. The buckle is broadly 'D' shaped in plan view and pl…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618