Saw

This small iron two-edged saw was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. Unusually, it still preserves its original antler handle. The saw was used between 80 and 100 AD.

The blade has both fine and coarse teeth. It is hafted in a split antler handle, held firm by two metal rivets.

The Roman army employed professional carpenters for the many woodworking tasks involved in building and maintaining structures and in providing equipment for the troops. The Roman carpentry kit was specialised.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-931-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 262
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron; antler handle
  Handsaw
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Handsaw
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Two-edged iron handsaw in its original antler handle, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 62. 
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