RAZOR

A probable knife, razor or other cosmetic item of probable Late iron Age or Roman date, c. 100 BC - AD 410. The object consists of a sub-circular sectioned loop of copper alloy; originating in a collared terminal, the object then curves around to meet, but is not cast integrally with this terminal, closing the loop. This portion of the loop expands outwards into a sub-rectangular projection with a simple pad-like terminal, with an incised transverse band along the top of the inside edge. The reverse of this projection (the lateral edge opposite to the projection of the terminal) features a deep longitudinal groove, containing substantial iron corrosion. A series of parallel transverse incised lines run along this groove, with it bordered on one broad face by a single longitudinal incised line. The remains of two separately made copper alloy rivets survive in situ. On the lateral edge of the loop in line with the iron filled-groove runs a shallow incised groove, this progresses around the outside of the loop eventually bifurcating to define a shallow rib which is continuous with the projection.

Dimensions: length 41.3mm; width 24.8mm; thickness 7.0mm; weight 12.47g.

No exact parallel for this object has been ideintified, however the patina and the overwhelming amount of Roman material found in the vicitinity would suggest a Roman, or possibly a late Iron age, date. In its form the object appears comparable to contemporary cosmetic mortars, whilst composite folding knives with iron blades are known in a variety of forms from the Roman period, although the presence of a second rivet suggests the blade could not pivot.