Casgliadau Arlein

Leaf-shaped spearhead with a shallow groove to one side of the median line on both faces. This groove is not in the nature of a Blutrinnen but is the result of manufacturing the blade by folding the metal and not finishing the hammering. The socket is circular and appears to have had two rivet holes. The blade is offset from the line of the socket on one face. The three spearheads (Fig 10.12 Nos 278-80) belong to the category commonly referred to as 'leaf-shaped', a rather general term which covers most Roman spearheads. Number 278 has an unusual feature, a shallow groove down the middle of both sides of the blade. There is a spearhead from Annetwell Street, Carlisle (Tullie House Museum Acc. No OM 146) which has a similarly grooved blade (total length 191mm). In both cases this could be an accidental feature, but it might be a deliberate design, eg as a blood channel. The spearhead from Carlisle is unfortunately undated.
Condition: Tip missing and socket incomplete.