Strange button

[Skrimpy]

Found this strange button last weekend. It has a "4" at 6 o'clock just below the cross piece. I can't tell what type of metal the inner piece is or the outer "shell" that has been wrapped around the edge. It appears that the outer piece is lead. The button is the same size as a quarter, and is fairly heavy for it's size...might be the lead giving it weight. Any help would be appreciated. Age, function, value?

 

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[PBK]

It's a hem weight, used to help a heavy coat, robe, or other garment hang properly. Also used on draperies. Being numbered, it's probably fairly modern (post-1900), but they've remained pretty much the same for well over a century.

 

[Skrimpy]

Never heard of or seen one. What is the middle peice made of? Is the outside "shell" lead?

 

[Ed-NH]

I agree with PBK on this item. I have never found one but have seen pictures of them that others have found. I think it is a cool find.

 

[dugupfinds]

It's a hem weight, used to help a heavy coat, robe, or other garment hang properly. Also used on draperies. Being numbered, it's probably fairly modern (post-1900), but they've remained pretty much the same for well over a century.

I agree, looks this post 1900. I have found many over here. Often used in the Victorian era to hold shirts down so rude Victorian men couldn't glimps the ladies ankles.

 

[PBK]

Never heard of or seen one. What is the middle peice made of? Is the outside "shell" lead?

some are one piece, solid cast, including the bar in the middle. Others are lead or some lead-like alloy, with an embedded iron or brass wire.

 

[jeff of pa]

First one I'v ever seen with the Shell around it.

Makes me wonder why.

Older , newer, or First thing to fall off :P