Copper alloy nail cleaner. From VR72-80, Victoria Road, Winchester, Hampshire. Excavated by Winchester Archaeology Section, 1972-1980.

Copper alloy nail cleaner

Roman, 3rd or 4th century AD

Found during excavations by Winchester Museums Service Archaeology Section at Victoria Road, Winchester in the mid- to late 1970s

This nail cleaner has been cast in a quite complex form. It probably originally formed a set with an ear scoop and a pair of tweezers suspended on a ring.

The indigenous Iron Age people of Britain adopted the Roman habit of bathing and personal hygiene with enthusiam, and such objects are common site finds in Winchester.