Rare Roman find

[pengles]

I've been assisting with an archaeological exploration of a Roman Temple site. and along with excavating pits etc have been tasked with the detecting. I found this item and had no idea about it. The head archy wasn't too sure either, but has now had it looked at and identified. His summary follows. I've removed any reference to locations etc for obvious reasons. To be honest, I had it down as maybe Victorian.

"I’ve identified it as the silver handle for a Roman priest’s ritual ceremonial rattle. The curved end would have had soldered to it a thin-walled circular metal box containing metal balls that would rattle when shaken. This would have been done at key points in the ritual ceremony and would command the attention of the congregation as well as invoke the goodwill of the deities. You can see solder still adhering to the curved end in my photo.

There is a longer handle of a similar rattle from a Roman temple treasure hoard. It is made of copper-alloy. Your example is the only one of silver of which I am aware. They are rare finds."

Pleased as punch about this one.

[Oxgirl36]

Just shows you that stuff that looks Victorian sometimes ain’t Very interesting and important find. Thank you for educating us

[alloverover]

That's not an evryday find Pengles

[thefiggis]

Cor. Right up my street, is that

[Mike. T.]

I'd have had that down as a handle from a 1970's razor.

[benny]

fascinating find, well saved. Benny

[Dave The Slave]

Unique find, of something you would not have even knew ever existed.
Amazing what we learn through the discoveries and subsequent research on here.
Well Found,
Dave.

[sweepstick47]

What a brilliant find, a proper 'stonker' It's a totally new one for me too so thanks very much for sharing it. I think 'pleased as Punch' would be judged a little modest in describing your delight!
Very pleased for you Regards ss47

from my own list of definitions :- 'Stonker' 'The find of a lifetime'

[Allectus]

What's the slot & hole all about?

A

[Allectus]

What's the slot & hole all about?

A

It looks machined with a machined slot? Got some better pics?

A

[Craig]

[TheAndyA]

Great find!

Who else is off to the shed to check their scrap bucket?

[roamingrob]

Thanks for sharing

[pengles]

What's the slot & hole all about?

A

It looks machined with a machined slot? Got some better pics?

A

Sorry, no more pics as the archy took that one and sent it to me. To be fair, originally I thought it looked a bit machined which tended to make me think Victorian, but It's going to the British Museum for final verification, so watch this space.

[pengles]

Now been positively ID'd by the British Museum as being a rare Roman silver handle as stated above.

[Bradrick]

Now been positively ID'd by the British Museum as being a rare Roman silver handle as stated above.

Excellent Pengles and well done. Definitely a new one on me... also a little scary when I think about the stuff we have 'binned' as modern in the past.

Nice one

[JunkFinder]

I mean who am I to argue with the BM but the slot looks machined and the end looks to be rope knurled. A technique done on a lathe. Pretty sure the romans didn't have lathes.

[coal digger]

I mean who am I to argue with the BM but the slot looks machined and the end looks to be rope knurled. A technique done on a lathe. Pretty sure the romans didn't have lathes.

Germanic slaves were their lathes, Nice thing mate ,cd

[Allectus]

Now been positively ID'd by the British Museum as being a rare Roman silver handle as stated above.

Blimey, that was quick!

Did they comment on the slot & countersunk hole?

CHeers

A

[Allectus]

I mean who am I to argue with the BM but the slot looks machined and the end looks to be rope knurled. A technique done on a lathe. Pretty sure the romans didn't have lathes.

Not just any old lathe...a CNC lathe/mill combi by the look of it!

[amphora]

Wunderfull
I love such surpises.

Just shows you that stuff that looks Victorian sometimes ain’t Very interesting and important find. Thank you for educating us

Yep. Never throw something away.
My most interesting and very rare find (an uncommon celtic axe) was named rubbish and modern agricultural by everyone, on forums and specialists. Untill it was recognized by one real specialist with definitive clear recognizable characteristics.
If something looks like something, keep it!

[pengles]

Now been positively ID'd by the British Museum as being a rare Roman silver handle as stated above.

Blimey, that was quick!

Did they comment on the slot & countersunk hole?

CHeers

A

Allectus. you have undeniably proved to be the font of all knowledge. I completely bow to your fantastic ID'S, and hope. in the future (if I am lucky) to be picking your brains again. Truth is, I'm not actually that smart. I get invited to go along to interesting Archy digs. probably because I'm old, low and slow. Sometimes I just look at something and know what it is. Most times i have no idea. I've always, since a youngster been interested in our fantastic history. Please bear with me as I'm always trying to learn. I now have experience of different Archys and FLO's and they sometimes differ in their opinions, But, I have to go with what they say. Full respect to you sir.