Anchor? Harpoon? Toy? Help ID please!

[ChasDigging]

Digging underneath our house in Charleston again. We found two things (one yesterday, one today) that look like small anchors. They are malleable and seem to be made out of lead. They were found with things from the 19th century (bottles, china, etc.).
Any help identifying them would be much appreciated!

Front and back (not that there is much difference)

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Bigej34]

I think they are too small to be anchors. How about hooks for hanging game or hides on?

 

[ChasDigging]

We're in downtown Charleston, so maybe some kind of marine life? I just don't think any kind of fish would hang from them. The hooks also aren't sharp.

 

[Bigej34]

How much do they weigh?

 

[ChasDigging]

About a
Pound each? The metal is soft and almost pliable, they have a lower hole through the shank which is right below the hole for the ring which is still in them- they were found amidst other debris and household stuff like china shards and marble all from an average time span of 1830-1880

 

[vhs07]

Duck decoy weights?

 

[cw0909]

maybe a vintage decorative hanger decoration on a boat

 

[ChasDigging]

I am fairly certain they are utilitarian and serve a purpose other than decoration hence the fact that they do not match
And are roughly made- I am not familiar with duck decoys or their weighs- do you have any example that could be comparable?

 

[bigfoot1]

they are decoy wieghts for tidal areas.almost surely,have seen similar

 

[ChasDigging]

Cool! How old do you figure they are?

 

[bigfoot1]

dunno....would guess early 1900s

 

[steelheadwill]

Interesting....
I've found three similars, always thought they were decorative items made by sailors during idle time, like scrimshaw.
My first recovered must be what I thought as it has no attachment point, and is nicely crafted.
I guess a line could be tied around the shaft...
The other two are much cruder and have holes for string.
Mine were recovered from saltwater, so evidently decoys are used for seaducks also.
best digs to you

Oops, included an extra anchor...