Odd copper sphere thing

[Iron Buzz]

This is not mine. I'm posting for a member of my metal detecting club. This is a hollow copper sphere, roughly 1 inch in diameter. It has a copper ring attached to each "pole". The rings are made of copper bands with some reeding type marks on the edges. The sphere itself seems to have a floral or grapevine type of decoration, although that is barely visible.

The sphere has obvious deliberate holes at each end where the straps attach, so it would not float. There is no writing visible.

From what I understand, it was found near a river.

That's about all I know. Eager to see if anybody knows what it might be.

 

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[nagant]

maybe part of an old lightning rod?

 

[Iron Buzz]

maybe part of an old lightning rod?

The ones that I've seen have a glass sphere, and the spike would have to be able to go through the ball. Thanks for the guess but I doubt it.

(Edit: This sphere is only about 1" wide, too. Every lightning rod I've seen has a globe that is at least 5"-6")

 

[Hawks88]

Interesting find. Maybe a fishing net weight.

 

[DCMatt]

Maybe?

 

[Iron Buzz]

View attachment 1724454
Maybe?

Possibly. Size looks about right. The rings on the ends seem to be too wide to make practical attachments for a chain though, I think, but I guess that would depend on what the chain was like. Best guess so far, at least.