Roman Socketted Spearhead. c.3rd century A.D. An iron spearhead with slender leaf-shaped blade and tapering round-section socket, steep shoulders entering the socket at a sharp angle. Cf. Marchand, D.J., Roman weaponry in the province of Britain from the second century to the fifth century AD, Durham, 1991, fig.15, nos.1 (Carlisle) and 2 (Binchester), for the type. 425 grams, 35.5 cm long (14 in.) Found near Wetwang, East Yorkshire, UK. Brigantia Antiques, York, UK, 2010. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. The spearhead belongs to a heavy hasta or battle-spear type, typically carried by a 3rd century Roman legionary infantryman. Its unusual feature is a shallow channel running down both sides. A similar spearhead with shorter, steep-shouldered diamond-section blade, was excavated in Castle Street, Carlisle, UK. [No Reserve]

Fair condition.