Charmstone

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This smooth pebble of a greenish sandstone was probably used as a charm. It was found in a ruined cow byre in Dumfriesshire and was given to the Museum by Dr Daniel Wilson.

The pebble has been worn worn by water and mechanically pierced with two holes, possibly to thread it onto cord or string for suspension. 'William H. Scott' is scratched into the surface.

The find location of a cow byre suggests that it was hung up to act as a protective amulet or countercharm against harm coming to cattle housed in the building.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-721-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 29
• Date: Before 1863
  
• Material: Sandstone. Inscription: William I 1791 scratched upon surface
  
• Dimensions: 25 mm H x 40 mm x 30 mm
  
• What:
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: William I
  
• Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Smooth sandstone pebble, perforated with two holes and probably used as a charm, found in a ruinous cow byre in Dumfriesshire
  
• References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), p 458 
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 5 (1862-4), p 128 
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