The rosewood box with brass inlay holds a plaster cast of the skull of King Robert I (1306-1329). Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, was originally a supporter of the English King, Edward I, before changing his allegiance to the Scots. After murdering his close rival, John Comyn, in 1306, he claimed the Scottish throne as the great-great-grandson of David I and, despite opposition, he was crowned at Scone. To achieve independence for Scotland, at the same time as fighting his Scottish enemies, he proceeded to remove the English from Scottish castles and garrisons, until by 1314 only Stirling held out. The ensuing battle at Bannockburn led to Bruce's decisive victory against the English. Bruce's army continued to harass the English until, in 1328, Edward III was forced to acknowledge his sovereignty and his heirs as kings of Scotland.

After his death in 1329 the body of Robert I was interred at Dunfermline Abbey where it lay until the Abbey's Great Tower collapsed in 1818. The site was cleared prior to rebuilding and many tombs were uncovered, including that of Bruce, whose tomb was opened. His remains were examined and measured and a plaster cast of the skull was made by William Scoular. Bruce's body was re-interred at Dunfermline Abbey in 1819 amid great scenes of national fervour.

The stand is incribed: Cast in plaster by Wm Scouler 1819. Interred 1329. Re-interred 1819.