Lead whatzit

goldgrubber · May 18, 2010

I found this in my backyard while taking a mental health day from work. My house was built around 1817 or so and I've hit it pretty hard over the last 15 years, yet stuff keeps popping up. I just can't figure this one out. It's lead ( I scratched the top slightly ). At first I thought it was an old center punch 'till I picked it up and felt the weight, but the sides look like wood grain. Anybody have any ideas?

GG

CRUSADER · May 18, 2010

Lead stone mason's stylus

Lucas · May 18, 2010

Lead pencils were originally a chunk o' lead.

Take a memo... :icon_sunny:

bradyboy · May 18, 2010

lead ground spike?
Brady

CRUSADER · May 19, 2010

Lucas said:
Lead pencils were originally a chunk o' lead.

Take a memo...

yeap, going back to Roman period. Most I find are late Medieval.

goldgrubber · May 19, 2010

I tried writing with it, nothing happened, no marks probably due to hard coating on the outside. But by the shape of it I think Crusader is right. It does look like a plumb bob. You think they may have carved out two pieces of wood to make a mold? Molten lead might have cooked the inside of the mold enough to leave graining on the piece ?