1st-3rd century AD. A folding knife comprising a single-edged iron blade with pierced lobe finial and suspension ring, pivoting in a bronze openwork handle with beaded bands, papyrus-stem column and ram's head on a textured neck. See Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R. The Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Newcastle, 1984, item 5.1 for type. 62 grams, 13.8cm (5 1/2"). From a private collection; formed 1965-1975.