Brass and lead filled "handle"?

[aquachigger]

Here is a heavy brass item I found a few years ago under an old stone bridge (in the water). The bridge was in use from the 1840's to the 1960's, so this item could be old or not so much. It is very heavy for it's size and appears to be lead filled. There are no obvious threads in the lead filled end per the picture. The other end is rounded. I first thought it might be a "plumb bob", but it really does fit into the hand quite nicely like some sort of handle. Anyone out there know what it is? Thanks...

 

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[Silver Searcher]

Might be a home fashioned Fish Priest

SS

 

[Paleopilot]

Might be a concrete vibrator, they were attached to a line and lowered into fresh-poured cement to make it settle. It looks similar.

 

[aquachigger]

I never thought of that possibility. However, there is no wear pattern if it's ever been used, and being lead filled would preclude it from being one. But there is a white substance in the grooves that looks like mortar or at least a calcium deposit. Hmmm.

As far as a fish priest. I like the idea but it seems like this piece would be ...(puts on sunglasses) overkill for one.

Might be a concrete vibrator, they were attached to a line and lowered into fresh-poured cement to make it settle. It looks similar.

 

[Gunrunner61]

Not a clue BUT!!! Veryyy Intresting.................................HH

 

[Subterranean]

Home made "fist pack" tossed off the bridge into the water by a fleeing ruffian after he dished out a good beatin'? Sub