File:1st century Roman bowl handle (FindID 82497).jpg

English: An ornate copper-alloy Roman handle, probably from a shallow bowl. A similar, but less decorative handle was discovered in a mid 1st century deposit at Balkerne Lane, Colchester (see ref.), and it is probable that this example dates from the same period. The object appears to have been cast in one piece. The main body of the handle is roughly semi-circular and has up-turned ends. It is sub-circular in section, with a decorative or functional circular knob protruding from the centre point of the upper edge. At each of the up-turned ends is a hemispherical knob. These are both decorative and serve to fit the handle to the vessel sides as they have flattened undersides. There are two further protrusions with flattened undersides, located on either side of the loop, which serve the same purpose. Each side of the handle loop is decorated with an eagle. These face inwards and have long tails, the distal ends of which rest on the hemispherical knobs at the ends of the handle. Their claws are depicted as gripping on to the body of the handle and there is cast detail showing facial features and feathers on the wings. The object measures 134.5mm long by 39.7mm high and weighs 137.05g. The curvature on the piece suggests that it would have fitted a wide bowl. It is slightly damaged and, prior to conservation, was heavily corroded.