Archer-Butler Luck Stone

This charm or amulet, originally owned by the Butler family of Garnavilla, near Cahir, Co. Tipperary, was traditionally invoked to protect cattle from disease. Family and neighbours dipped it in drinking water or hung it from the neck of a cow. The crystal ball, which weighs 200g, is mounted in a gilded copper or bronze frame with trefoil decoration and a hanging loop.