Silver Roman nail...2.5o cm..Found on Roman site..Your opinion, what was it for, what was its purpose?
It is silver. Perhaps that indicates a more upscale purpose than simple building materials? Maybe something like nailing a royal decree up for all to see?
I kind of go with something like that. It would be too soft for a structural use. Plus, too expensive. I would guess ceremonial or decree use.
Randy Abercrombie said: ↑ "It is silver. Perhaps that indicates a more upscale purpose than simple building materials? Maybe something like nailing a royal decree up for all to see"? Inspector 43 said: "I kind of go with something like that. It would be too soft for a structural use. Plus, too expensive. I would guess ceremonial or decree use". I agree with Randy and Inspector 43. Some type of Royal usage, I would think? Maybe in a design on a chariot? Maybe silver studs on a horse collar? But definitely not structural, at least that's my opinion. But, @galba68, as always, great find.
How sure are we that it's silver? I mean, for it to come out of the ground with that whitish color, that would certainly seem to be the case, but there are other alloys (perhaps some mixture with lots of tin in it?) which might also come out with a whitish silvery color.
If it is silver that would imply decorative as opposed to structural. I would have thought it came from an intricate piece of furniture, chest or something similar. Also, as above, are you sure its silver and not an alloy?
Hi Hotwheelsearl, I left this item with my jeweler, who told me it was silver, but since I want to go all the way with the check, when I have time I will go to *Institute for measurements and precious metals*, to check the composition of the metal..
Wow. Nice find. Silver Roman nail not iron. Could possibly have been used as decorative accent in furniture or cabinetry. Congratulations on the find.