Sash Counterweights....bullet material...?

[AJMD429]

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They are from an older house a family member was remodeling, and are about 18 inches long and rather heavy. At first glance, they certainly seem like they may be lead...??

IMG_20220904_172151382~2.jpg

Anyone familiar with what they are made of?

[gcs]

Cast Iron, They were made many different weights depending on size of the windows, There should be a number cast in the upper side or the very top "strap", thats the weight in pounds.

[yooper2]

I've only seen iron sash weights.

One time a cousin was visiting my grandparents with her 6 year old. We heard a big boom sound but couldn't pin point it. Then it happened again, and again. Turns put the kid was cutting the sash weight cords with a pair of scissors so they were falling inside the walls.


Eric

[Catshooter]

Usually they're cast iron, but a magnet will tell the tale.

[Grizz]

OTOH, iron is castable, and re-castable. iron bullets could be a whole new thing in the war against lead . . .

[44shooter]

Can you scratch it? Will a magnet stick?

[Bill in Oregon]

Yooper, that's a great story! I do remember the loud bang when a sash weight cord finally rotted in two in our 1912 Crafstman a long time ago.

[jnyork]

Usually they're cast iron, but a magnet will tell the tale.

I have never seen any lead ones, only iron.

[TomF]

Trot line weights

[AJMD429]

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bummer...when I get my hands on them I'll double-check, but sounds like likely not lead...

Speaking of steel/iron projectiles, someday I'd love to make a giant crossbow to shoot 8 foot T-posts....

...might be easier than the bowling ball cannon I'd also like to make...