So your stone isn't flat ...

[RogerP]

... how about this one then?
Is it man-made or natural?

 

[bugbear]

Fairly sure that's a horticultural sharpening stone, used for sickles/scythes etc, and hung from the belt via a cord through the hole.

I could have sworn I'd seen some examples online recently but can't (quickly) find a reference.

EDIT:

http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/546639

(Blue Phylite is still used for hones)

BugBear

 

[RogerP]

Thank, yes, I'm fairly confident that's what it is. Do you reckon it's natural stone?

 

[bugbear]

Thank, yes, I'm fairly confident that's what it is. Do you reckon it's natural stone?

Almost certainly - but you should be able to tell by looking at the texture
at the end, especially if there are chips or breaks. The stratified
nature of slate(like) natural stone will be quire obvious.

BugBear

 

[SammyQ]

Yup, BB is right; saw one being used, as a boy in the sixties.

Sam

 

[RogerP]

I had to get a magnifying glass out as the whole stone is so smooth but I can just make out strata in one end.

So it's a natural stone of some type but what I don't know.

Thanks for the help and comments.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I think it's a very well worn brick.