1st-3rd century AD. A huge trapezoidal fragmentary terracotta tile with prominent upper border and effaced inscription with the possible producer's mark, reading 'H III M'. See Kurzmann, R., 'Soldier, Civilian and Military Brick Production' in Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 24 (4), 2005, pp.405-414, for discussion. 3.97 kg, 46.5cm (18 1/2"). From a North Yorkshire collection formed since the 1980s; thence by descent. The fragment was probably from the roof of a building. The mark could correspond to the workshop of a private producer (officinator"). Not all the building bricks report the name of the Legion. There is evidence that the Roman military bought pottery from civilian businesses, although it is unsure if this also applies to the Roman army’s brick supply. Possibly, the Roman army provided for themselves when acquiring items for collective use such as bricks. In the case of items for individual use, such as building pottery, it may have been more willing to buy from civilian producers. [No Reserve]

Fair condition.