Any idea what this iron animal foot-like item and 1/2 lead ball could be?

[mighty_mace]

I dug this up at the house my sister is renting right now. It's pretty rusty, i'm looking for threads right now on cleaning stuff up. It is the same shape on both sides so I only took a pic of one side.

Mining as well as Railroads were around the area back in the day so it could possibly be something to do with that?

Also found this 1/2 lead ball shaped item at the same location.

 

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[coloradocav]

The items on the bottom are lead bale seals from the RR.

 

[trikikiwi]

The second item, I think is a lead seal - is there any wire embedded in it?
Is the first item, something squashed flat? If so, I believe it will be a top 'umbrella' to an old lantern. A bit like the one in this pic


Mike

 

[CRUSADER]

Doesn't look like a bag seal/lead seal to me, looks more like an impacted Musket Ball.

The other looks like the foot of a ? (not sure but maybe a fireplace). I have seen & found many of these claw feet but they are normally copper-alloy & fix to any number of items including clocks etc.. As yours is Iron/Steel then it must have had a more rustic use.

 

[jeff of pa]

I agree Musket Ball

I Was going to say a Sliced one though.

Electrolysis would be the best way to clean Iron.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/board,70.0.html

 

[mighty_mace]

Thanks guys, going to try and clean it up just for practice.

 

[jeff of pa]

if you use electrolysis,
Take a file Or Knife.
Dig Into it at the top
of the hole
And on top of the piece
above the hole Till you hit
Bare Metal.
Then Wrap the wire
So you have direct contact with Bare Metal.

This will expedite the process.

Remember If you
Make your own electrolysis unit
from a Cell phone charger or other

Dip both wires in
salt or Baking soda water
But don't let them touch each other.

the one that fizzels goes on the Object

the one that dosn't Goes on A Stainless spoon.

also Check the Plug box on the charger
often. they can sometimes get very hot.
and need to be unplugged to cool down.