A short sword blade, was reported to have been ploughed up at Romans Castle in 1879. In a report to the Royal Archaeological Institute (Baylis 1844, 385). The sword was described as being 11 inches long and double edged for 5 inches, with a studded and tapering ivory haft 6 inches in length. The guard of the sword was said to be 3? inches long with a human head at each end. It was identified as couteau de chasse (hunting knife), and was thought to have been used as a plug or barrel bayonet, which were in use from 1671-1690.

Louise Barker, RCAHMW, 6th November 2012

Sources
Baylis, T.H. 1879. Proceedings at a meeting of the Royal Archaeological Institute, June 5 1879, The Archaeological Journal 36, 382-386.