I really don't know if this stone served a function, though I have to think that it did--it has too long and smooth of a bottom edge, and fits too perfect in one's grip not to have been used for something! And one has to imagine that the J.D who took the time to carefully caved his initials and the year 1843 into it did so because it was an important thing to him. I am sure someone out there can identify the use--my grabbing it (and not letting it go) was simply all about the form, and the carved year, and the smooth, dark, coolness of the stone and how very nice it is to hold onto.

4 1/8" l x 1 5/8" t x 1 1/16 d. Beautiful condition, much better in hand, with a strong sense of presence.