Dear All,
I Post to Peter & Tim in one send for gen. convenience.
Peter: I am sure this is the Orton nearby Tebay, and not the Orton near
Carlisle? Tim does indeed have a point about advising the Coroner... if this
hasn't already been done of course. Can you tell us when this piece was
found? - sounds as if it may have been quite a while ago.
Tim: I am certainly nervous of inferring any Roman connection since very
specialist inspection etc., etc. is needed in this respect. The find area is
strange, and there is a temptation to infer that the origins of this piece
of silver is more to the East than to the Lake District. It's those letters
and numbers that are the most significant clue obviously, and an analysis
of the silver will answer quite a few questions - indications of the
smelting and silver extraction process hopefully. Did the Romans die stamp such
things?... casting marks being more preferred with metals... but this piece
hasn't seemingly been cast, just being direct from a furnace.
A really fascinating subject, and, Peter, when/as you find out anything in
the future could you let us all know please. Is there a possibility that
you could email me a p.graph. or two please? - with ruler nearby. Would very
much like to see it's shape and partic. those marks!!!
Regards, Bernard
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