Shetland Folk-Lore
however, was mistaken in describing the stone he found at Sandness as runic, as it was in reality a stone with mirror and crescent symbols carved upon it.
SPEAR HEAD OF BRONZE.
Bronze weapons are reported to have been found in former times, but they have disappeared—either cast aside or given away to visitors from the south, and so as good as lost. That such finds have been made is proved by the following extract from the Diary of a Gentleman specially well informed in all matters relating to the islands. Under date October 1809, he says: “Mr. Arthur Harrison found the following antiquities at Eastness, Northmavine, in digging for a small office-house (skoe) he intended to build on a small knoll—(1) a Sword and Dagger; (2) a Stone Hone; (3) a curious instrument, the use of which is unknown [a sketch
is given]. All these were lying between
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