Late Roman Iron Branding Signaculum

CIRCA 3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.

8 in. (233 grams, 20.2 cm).

Displaying a monogram composed of Latin letters A and R; tapering round-section socket. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

Literature

See Baratta, G., 'Roman Signacula / Una particolare categoria di signacula: marchi per legno, pellame ed animali', in Mayer, M., Olive, G., Baratta, G., Guzman Almagro, A. (ed.), XII Congressus Internationalis Epigraphiae Grecae et Latinae, Barcelona, 2007, pp.99-108, figs.3, 7, for similar stamps.

Footnotes

The signacula used for branding were distinguished primarily by the presence of a relatively long metal arm, which could reach a length of 50 cm. This arm could sometimes be hollow to allow the insertion of a wooden handle. The presence of the long arm constitutes the main indication for the use of these signacula in the context of branding. Its length allowed the user to keep a safe distance from the source of heat.

CONDITION

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LOT 0705