Lead fishing weight (?)...Anyone know about what time period?

[West Jersey Detecting]

I found this last summer at the site of an old tavern near a river. The tavern burned down in 1849, and I have found coins from the 1830's there, but I think there must be older ones there. I am trying to figure out when lead weights like this may have been used. It also appears to have a small cross under the hole.

Anyone have a clue?

 

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[trk5capt]

Looks Like A Black Smith Forged Nail Made The Hole In It, Late 1700's - Mid 1800's Would Be A Good Bet. trk5capt...

 

[timbuckII]

I would say it is a round rifle or musket ball flattened out to use as a sinker, could be any time period 17,18, 19th C or later. I do agree that it looks like the hole was made with a square nail. Very hard to date.

 

[daydreamer]

Very hard to date lead as it deforms so quickly. I have recovered many lbs of the material from a local river and it really depends where the metal ends up, as to how fast it changes shape and size. Are you sure it is lead? Might that cross actually be a cross from an old medallion or coin turned into jewelry?
It sure sounds like a dream spot you have to look over. Have you slapped a snorkel on and looked a litttle closer to the deep natural riffles in your spot?