✅ SOLVED Gotta whatsit

[CoilyGirl]

I found this last week at an old house/orphanage that was built in the mid to late 1800s(most likely late) It is definitely lead based,very heavy for its size which is close to 1 and a quarter inches in diameter and width.The very top of it has an area that looks like it has been sprued or cut off .In the very center of both sides there is an area that is similar to what you would see in a shotgun shell,only flat and off center.Any ideas? Edited to add that this was found in an area where Civil war soldiers could have been.It is round but very crudely made,no seams.

 

[Peyton Manning]

well, if anyone would have a whatsit it would be you

 

[CoilyGirl]

So whatsit? I'm really noodling on this one.

 

[Silver Worm]

That's not a whatsit, it's a thingy! I think!

 

[CoilyGirl]

I'll be back to see if its identified as a whatsit or thingy.

 

[bigfoot1]

sorry coily...its neither...its a whatchamacallit.popular during late 19th century and sometimes used as rail car door seals...a guess of course...

 

[Ism]

Coilygirl, I'm not sure of the ID, but it looks like a lead bale or wire seal. Often collected in europe because they date back many centuries.
I have several, most of which have raised lettering and a pattern from the crimp.
They usually have 2 holes in the edge where the wire ends or cloth bale would slip through and then be crimped closed.

 

[CoilyGirl]

Coilygirl, I'm not sure of the ID, but it looks like a lead bale or wire seal. Often collected in europe because they date back many centuries.
I have several, most of which have raised lettering and a pattern from the crimp.
They usually have 2 holes in the edge where the wire ends or cloth bale would slip through and then be crimped closed.

I wondered if it could be a lead seal but wasn't sure if they were that thick but it looks like what it is. The thing that puzzles me though is the other end where the wire would be looks filled in though there is a round raised area where it should have been open if it was a seal.

 

[bigfoot1]

coily...it can be difficult to realize the forces exherted by freezing ground.thats why it can,"heave"upwards.lead could easily be pinched hard under those conditions....cool find...I dig it.

 

[CoilyGirl]

Thanks Bigfoot.I really do think that is what it is,especially after seeing lsm's pictures.The "hole" is in the right place as is where the wire should be.I don't know how to mark it solved,does a moderator do that or do I?

 

[River Rat]

CoilyGirl, neat find! You can mark it "Solved" just scroll back up to the top of your post & click "Thread Tools", then "Mark this thread as solved"