Antiquarius is an Auckland, NZ-based firm of numismatists and antiquarians who have a treasure trove of gorgeous ancient things that they source from around the world.

I noticed in their latest catalogue an item I thught might be of interest to some of my visitors, a Roman pen nib from the 1st century AD. Here is the catalogue copy:

The importance of bronze in the Roman world is indicated by its numerous uses - various items used in everyday life for the home; belts, armour etc. for the army; brooches for fastening clothes; bronze figurines and statuary for official and religious purposes. There must have been thousands of bronzesmiths throughout the Roman Empire, and the knowledge of the ways of working bronze would have been widespread.

Roman bronze pen nib, c.1st Century A.D. The nib would have fitted into a wooden shaft.
Complete, good condition, length 8 cm

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