1st-4th century A.D. Rectangular with two supporting bars to the underside, extended loop above; enigmatic (Greek) letters to all faces. Cf. Willi, A., Manual of Roman Everyday Writing Volume 2, Writing Equipment, Nottingham, 2021, fig.5, for similar object on a sculpture. 63.7 grams, 33 mm (1 1/4 in.).

with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.

This small counter-weight bears letters indicating numbers: on one of the short sides ? (1), ? (4), ? (600); on the other short side they worn and difficult to read; and on one of the longer sides ? (400), ? (500). The other letters are challenging to read, but the object would have been used as unit of measure. Another possibility is that it belonged to a statuette of a man holding a codex ansatus (box with a handle for carrying writing tablets).