Metal detecting holidays in England

Twinned with Midwest Historical Research Society USA
 
 

 

Romano/British Artefacts

In 55 B.C. the Roman general Julius Caesar conquered France (At the time the country was called Gaul, and the Romans called it Gallia). The Gauls fought hard against the Romans and had been helped by their friends in Britain. Caesar was upset by their assistance and decided to teach the Britons a lesson.

Julius Caesar made two attempts to invade Britain, first in 55 B.C. and then again in 54 B.C. Both times the British warriors and the rotten British weather made his army give up and return to Gallia.

Nearly a hundred years later in 43 A.D. the Emperor Claudius sent another army to invade Britain. This time the Romans were successful, Roman Britain had begun!

Romano British finds

Roman coins page click here

 

Possible Romano/British silver handle - reported as treasure to Colchester museum

11.84g, 33.36mm w x 41.46mm H x 7.24mm T

 

Stunningly beautiful - Romano/British bronze razor back pig/hog offering ? red enamelled eyes - 65.56mm L x 39.9mm H 148g

Late Roman early Saxon padlock

3 cut outs to rear

38mm L x 27.8mm H - 10.06g

 

 

Stunning find - Celtic dragon headed toggle clothing fastener - 42.55mm L x 36.99mm H 27.37g

 

Fantastic find 1stC BC Celtic bucket mount - The bird probably a raven would be one of a series used as decoration around the top of the bucket. The bucket was used in sacrifial or religious ceremonies

In Celtic mythology birds were represented as the messengers of the gods

 

34.02mm L, 5.28g

 

Full size Roman stone phallic ornament, George III sixpence for size - 72.5 mm L x 30.71mm W

 

1stC AD Weisenau type helmet - they have the distinctive carrying handle on the neck guard

Roman helmet handle 14.08g, 87.42mm L

Romano/British bronze widget - not sure of use yet

 

Roman protected loop terret -(reigns guide)

Roman bracelet

 

Roman bracelet

Huge Roman bronze animal head mount - possible bucket or pot mount - looks like it is a bird with a hooked beak but it could also be an elephant

80.24g, 29.32mm L x 28.5mm dia

 

 

 

ESS-F7E490 Roman military buckle

An early Roman cast copper alloy buckle. A 'pelta' style buckle associated with the military equipment of the 1st and 2nd century AD, typically used on sword belts. The buckle frame is oval (30.43mm wide), with the terminals curving back in on themselves forming a decorative swirl. The bar is obscured by the pin which is iron and has rusted onto the bar. The remainder of pin has broken off. Attached to the oval frame is a smaller (20.17mm wide) rectangular frame with a grooved pin rest. The colour of the buckle is dark green with rusting around the pin. Cuddeford pages 8 and 9 has parallels, the closest of which is no. 4 on page 9.

 
 

Benets Artefact book page 171 .Roman Eagle, spread wings with feathers, mount perhaps from a military standard
Roman 1st to 4thC lead dice(b)

1st to 4thC C Bronze Roman bird mount

  
Roman bucket loop

Late Iron Age/ early Roman bronze strap divider (terret)found by Texas Rechey

Terrets were used in paired draught to guide the reins from the horse’s mouths to the hands of the driver. In total, five terrets form a complete set. All five were placed along the yoke, with the central terret being larger than the other four. Probably first century AD.

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Roman lock pin 1st to 4thC.
Silver Ear wax scraper - donated to Colchester museum
Roman ear scraper 30mm long

2 - Roman ear scrapers
Roman 1st to 4thC dagger handle

Romano/British decorated tweezers 7.54g, 57.57mm L x 11.96mm w found by Nova Scotia Andy
Celtic brooch
Roman Apothecary weight
Roman lead 3oz weight, 49.12 mm with III mark ref N.Biggs

Celtic Woad cosmetic grinder - boat shaped with suspension loop 14.5g - 45.12mm L x 9.88mm T found by Mass Linda
Roman bronze lynch pin
Roman bronze pin head
Benets Artefact book page 171 .Roman Eagle, spread wings with feathers, mount perhaps from a military standard
Roman bronze closed loop buckle fragment

Just cleaned up an earlier ring find by Boston Bud

to reveal the initial 'Pvke' - possibly Roman from the area that produced the XIX legion ring
1st/2nd C Roman latch key

A fragment of a Romano-Britsh protected loop terret. The loop through which the reins would have passed is missing and only the base of the object remains. This consists of a sub-circular sectioned D-shaped attachment loop that is situated beneath a triangular ‘skirt’ that comes down over the loop to the front and back. At each side the skirt ‘flicks-up’ rather like a jesters hat. There are a number of these types of terrets known from Norfolk including the examples from Beighton and Tatterset (31569 and HER 33975).

 

Protected loop terrets are usually considered to be Roman and dating to the late first and second centuries AD
8 Scripila coin weight
Roman key fragment

Huge Roman bronze key 56.66mm L35.47 mm w 11.73mm t, 55.86g
Huge Roman bronze key 41.19g, 55.95mm L,
Roman bronze escution 24.8g, 56.63mm L x 26.25mm w (possibly Bronze Age)
Roman bronze lock pin fragment
Very early bronze bead

1stC Celtic bronze animal head mount
2nd C Roman bronze statue in uniform (possibly military) with toga over arm - some red enameling remaining 28.87g, 52.25mm H
Roman decorated stylus - loop missing 7.99g, 42.68mm L,8.05mm dia
Roman ear scoop
Roman bronze pin 65.15mm L
Roman ear scoop
Roman gilded fruit spoon - note the latch for hanging it on the side of the bowl
Roman clothing fastener ?
Roman Centurian standard eagle

Ear scraper shape with bowl end - could be Roman but looks later possibly medieval 42.02mm L
1stC BC Celtic bronze wode grinder - suspension loop type worn around the neck 11.09g, 41.56mm L

Celtic looking lead medallion - horse has distinct Celtic syle legs with ball joints
Very early bronze Romano/British dagger quillion- one for the museum
Roman bronze closed loop buckle fragment
Possible Bronze age Terret ring

 
Bronze age casting plug 54.75g, 31.09L x 27.77mm Wx 22.00mm H

Fragment of a closed loop Roman dolphin buckle

18.42g, 45.34mm L x9.17mm Thickest , tapering to 5.79mm dia

Roman centurion standard eagle mount
Gold nugget probably Celtic Circa 1stC - reported as treasure to Colchester museum and will be tested by British museum 2.17g,6.73mm

Roman bronze decorated latch key with suspension hole 48.26mm L x 8.83mm x T x 12.45mm H, 17.62g
Roman bronze dagger quillion 28.79mm dia,5.12g
Possible Roman Twisted wire ring, copper alloy with traces of gilding remaining - one for the museum
36.44mm W

Huge bronze 1st to 4thC Roman key 48.36g, 54.94mm L x 34.45mm W x 10.33mm T

Romano/British mount
38.68g, 55.64mm L x 15.43mm W x33.39mm H
Celtic harness bridal cheek piece
Romano/British bronze dog mount - 2.87g, 22.91mm H x 11.48mm W

A complete Romano-Britsh protected loop terret. The loop through which the reins would have passed remains. This consists of a sub-circular sectioned D-shaped attachment loop that is situated beneath a triangular ‘skirt’ that comes down over the loop to the front and back. At each side the skirt ‘flicks-up’ rather like a jesters hat. There are a number of these types of terrets known from Norfolk including the examples from Beighton and Tatterset (31569 and HER 33975). 44.61g, 45.75mm L x 32.50mm H x 28.28mm H

Protected loop terrets are usually considered to be Roman and dating to the late first and second centuries A

 

Very unusual Romano/British bronze key with rounded finial handle - one for the museum

10.56g, 31.30mm L x 12.00mm dia

Bronze piece decorated on all 4 sides - possible Roman writing stylus

It's a wrist Torc but what time period ?? 23.19g, 81.95mm W x 3.80mm dia

Initial feedback is it could be Roman - reported as treasure and will go for examination by the museum - returned as modern copy

Roman military suspension loop with 2 rivet fixing
Roman Military piece - Lugged baldric mount
   
   

1stC BC to 1stC AD Celtic bronze cosmetic wode grinder (used to make blue dye) - side suspension loop type (missing) 3.78g, 33.57mm L x 10.67mm w
Roman miiltary mount with red enamelling remaining single integral fixing
Roman miiltary mount with single integral fixing
Roman bronze helmet trim
Roman bronze helmet trim
Roman bronze dagger pomel
Roman bronze dagger guard or quillion 24.27g, 36.91mm L x 13.41mm W x 12.72 H

 

Previously thought to be 10thC Saxon with the classic circle decoration - currently with Colchester museum - ID'd as Roman period

Roman strap fitting (with ring-and-dot decoration)

4.73g, 26.71mm L x 12.57mm W

Roman - Cast copper alloy buckle tongue with half of it's loop broken. File marks are evident on the sides and underside. Three incised lines decorate a raised rectangle at the base of the loop - Ref Bishop 186
Small 1st to 4th C Roman bronze knife quillion - 14.35mm W 13.66mm H x 10.26mm T
3rd C Roman spear butt – Osterburken type Ref Coulston - Drawing Roman 3rdC spear butts
Roman 'heart' mount Ref Laycock
Roman Open looped dolphin buckle Ref Laycock
Roman prick spur fragment
Roman Baldric phalerae
Roman military Pelta mount
Roman bronze artefact 35.8g, 36.46mm W x 14.73mm H - votive offering pots
Roman bronze clevis pin ? 30.82mm L x 6.68mm dia 12.98g
Roman harness loop junction - 2 rivet fixing
Roman 'Delos' buckle frame
3rd C Roman 'Newstead' type lorica tie loop
Fragment of a Romano-British protected loop terret.22.99g, 38.53mm W x 34.56mm H x 15.78 mm T
Roman bronze pot fragment
Huge Roman bronze pot foot
Roman prick spur fragment
Fragment of a Romano-British protected loop terret.
Bronze age harness ring

 
Roman oval mount with suspension loop

1stC BC Celtic bronze wode grinder - suspension loop type worn around the neck

51.56mm L x 10.13mm W , 12.27g

Roman rolled lead curse ?

Roman bronze pot foot
Romano/British bronze bead
Roman bronze buckle tongue
2nd C Roman dolphin closed loop buckle fragment

Roman 1st/2ndC copper alloy votive offering 7.63g, 39.43mm H x 5.09mm T
Roman buckle tongue
Roman open looped buckle fragment
Interesting 2nd C Roman latch key set up
Small Roman bronze piece - almost like a fibular but not - needs more research
Roman bronze serpent headed dagger pommel 23.18mm L x 11.88mm T, 17.82g
Roman bronze knife pommel
Roman pin head
Roman prick spur fragment
Roman oval mount with suspension loop
2nd C Roman open looped buckle fragment
Romano/British bronze chisel ? 26.29mm L x26.58mm W X 13.03mm T
Roman lead sling shot 36.66mm L x 18.38mm dia, 62.16g
Roman military 'universal' decorative washers - used on helmets. Ref Appels & Laycock
Roman harness loop junction - 2 rivet fixing
Roman harness loop junction - 2 rivet fixing
Large egg shaped lead weight with iron hanger, possible Roman steel yard weight (r)
Roman steelyard weight
Roman 1st C Dolphin brooch - variant Hattatt
Roman pin head

 
Roman - Cast copper alloy buckle tongue . File marks are evident on the sides and underside. Three incised lines decorate a raised rectangle at the base of the loop - Ref Bishop 186

Roman knife quillion
Interesting Roman piece - like a sword quillion - needs more research

Roman military hinge plate fragment
Roman deleos buckle fragment
Roman mount
Roman bronze knife pommel
Roman military mount

 

 

Disc brooch found in the same area - Possibly Roman but could also be Saxon - one for the museum

23.05mm ,7.02g
 
Roman prick spur
Roman bronze cotter pin
Roman handle mount

 
1st C Roman dolphin headed knife handle with suspension loop

 
Roman bronze bead

 

 

 

 
Roman lead spindle whorl
Roman buckle tongue
Roman plate with 2 rivet fixings - possible strap end

Gilded Roman harness loop junction - 2 rivet fixing
Roman decorated amorphic strap end
Roman bronze knife pommel - some of the iron tang remains
 
 
Roman lead domed top spindle whorl
Roman harness ring
Roman open looped dolphin buckle fragment
Interesting Roman period decorated stirrup looking plate - traces of silver gilding remains- one for the museum

Very unusual style Romano/British loop terret 12.08g, 35.06mm L x 15.25mm W - One for the museum to look at further

 

'Protected loop terrets are usually considered to be Roman and dating to the late first and second centuries AD'

 
Roman bronze decorated Amphora strap end 44.38mm L x 23.89 W 17.23g

 
Roman harness loop
Roman military suspension loop with 2 rivet fixing
Superb find - 1st C Celtic wode grinder - 'bull head' type with broken suspension loop
Roman lead catapault shot
Roman strap end fragment
 
Roman bronze armour mount
  

Roman buckle fragment

 
Roman - Cast copper alloy buckle tongue . File marks are evident on the sides and underside. Three incised lines decorate a raised rectangle at the base of the loop - Ref Bishop 186
Roman bronze strap end - rivet fixings

Interesting Roman piece - socketed end to support a shaft - medical implement ? - one for the museum
Roman decorated dagger quillion fragment - petal design 38.34 mm dia
Roman weighing scale arm - dots indicate pound marks
Romano/British widget - we have found another one currently under investigation at Colchester museum
 
Interesting Roman widget - no idea of it's use yet
  

 

 

Roman bronze key
Roman bronze artefact - Looks like this is the bow part of a fibular brooch but I think it is a small Roman votive offering pot leg - researching it more
Roman bronze knife pommel - some of the iron tang remains
Roman open looped dolphin buckle fragment
Roman prick spur

 
Roman riveted plate
Roman baldric mount
   
   

Roman open looped buckle fragment
Roman pin head
Roman knife handle
Roman bronze open looped buckle
These are in the Roman ref book as military mounts- metal looks to good to be Roman
Romano/British cotter pin ?
   
   
Roman Newstead tie loop
Roman terret ring
Roman bronze handle mount - 2 rivet fixings
Roman finial

Possible Roman balance arm
Roman baldric mount
Roman bronze decorated spindle whorl
Roman mount
Good call by Mass Linda on a Roman tendril pendant she found last week in the Laycock book Fig A14.7
Roman bronze knife pommel
Roman animal bronze decorated strapend - 2 rivet fixing
Roman buckle fragment
Roman bronze bucket handle mount