Hand made flattened lead piece (for fishing?)

[USNFLYR]

I have found around 50 hand made gill net lead sinker weights along the Columbia River. Most of the time I find several at one spot indicating a large operation was involved. After previous research from this forum, these (pre machined) lead sinkers were made in the 1870s.

Interestingly, I found a lead piece at one site where I had just dug a lead sinker. This one is the same length, and lead composition. But this one was formed (pounded/melted) into a thin "blade". Also a rusty remnant protrudes from one surface, and the opposite side shows a circle from what was nailed into it.

Any ideas? Originally, I thought someone devised a lure....but a used gill net sinker weight can easily be crimped on a line....

Probably junk, but prior to throwing it in a pile, I thought I would check with the forum.

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

My first thought was a home-made skirt hem weight, by why does it have iron in the center?
Maybe a re-purposed bale seal?

Dave

 

[Nesco]

could be a net weight

 

[USNFLYR]

I agree. I have found dress/hem weights that were turned into fishing weights. But this one would be too large. It was found on a shore near other lead sinkers, so whatever was nailed, or screwed through it was used for fishing? Or perhaps a makeshift device to help manage the net? It’s really flat. Almost blade like. Thanking for chiming in!