Old weight?

[Mrmojorisin27]

Found this in a low point on the Raritan River in Hillsborough, New Jersey. I think it's an old weight of some sort but haven't found anything that looks close.

 

[lumbercamp]

Ox knob.

 

[Cfmct]

Yup, Ox knob..

 

[AirmetTango]

Here’s a brief (and entertaining!) overview of what an ox knob is, written by another detectorist:

https://detectingdiva.com/the-unfortunate-ox-knob/

And a little more detail than we probably need on the “lowly” ox knob :

https://smallfarmersjournal.com/ox-horn-knobs-ox-tips/

 

[Mrmojorisin27]

I see that most ox knobs have ridges on the inside so that they can be sort of screwed on. This is smooth on the inside. Would that make it something else?

 

[Cfmct]

I see that most ox knobs have ridges on the inside so that they can be sort of screwed on. This is smooth on the inside. Would that make it something else?

Its an Ox knob feel free to use it as a fishing weight though...

 

[cellrdwellr]

Ox knobs had threads on the inside, were conical, and usually had a hole for a anchor point. This is completely smooth on the inside, shape is consistent, and no hole to anchor it. Never seen an ox knob made out of lead either. I'm still going with a cast net weight.

 

[cellrdwellr]

Similar to these, but obviously larger:

I know when I first looked at it, I said that's an Ox knob as well. Then I looked a little closer and IMO, it's just not consistent with any Ox knob I've seen or found. I do hope I'm wrong, and that happens alot. Just ask Mrs. Cellrdwellr

 

[Mrmojorisin27]

If it is a net weight it does appear to be pretty old though

 

[Greystoke]

Here’s a brief (and entertaining!) overview of what an ox knob is, written by another detectorist:

https://detectingdiva.com/the-unfortunate-ox-knob/

And a little more detail than we probably need on the “lowly” ox knob :

https://smallfarmersjournal.com/ox-horn-knobs-ox-tips/

Thank you for the link, was very informative! I live in New Hampshire and find ox shoes often. I hope I find one of these someday.

 

[Surf Master]

Opening to big for a weight , looks like someones ashes were in there , probably thrown in the river , comon some bury them !

 

[Mrmojorisin27]

I had sent an inquiry to Dr. Greg Lattanzi who is the Curator & State Archeologist for the New Jersey State Museum. He was even a bit perplexed by this piece but said he believes it to be an old weight.

 

[Hazmt]

Net weight was my guess. The net has a piece of rope that is threaded along the bottom. The hole in the weight would have to be pretty large.