I bought this ball and chain at an estate sale. the ball is approx 62lbs. and is about the size of a normal bowling ball. It is marked A 4 2 I believe. i may be wrong about the 4 though. If anyone has any insight on the history of this ball or similar balls i would appreciate your help.

I've seen this sort of thing used for marine purposes! What's on the other end of the chain?

Mike Riccard
a.k.a. Mikeintightpants
Birmingham, England

The ball itself appears old. The large moveable link appears to be forge (blacksmith) welded from wrought iron. The rest of the chain is modern electro welded chain, and is attached to the wrought link with a "cold shut" much like the repair links used on tire chains.

Counterweight for your drawbridge or portcullis?

I have seen cannon balls used for this at Ft. Pulaske just outside Savannah GA.

This ball looks, to me. too be to heavy for a person, prehaps two.

Catch the pun in the above?

There are three 2's in the english language.

Howy
Cincy

nothing except the chains.

i have one of these too. i have been told it is a gate closing counterweight....and have seen similar weights used this way on gates in England. i made a shackle for the end of mine, let it rust a bit, makes an interesting garden ornament!.

I agree, it seems WAY too big for a human!

There is a photo of a gate weight at this link: http://www.vandykes.com/product/204962/60448

62lbs doesn't seem out of the question for use on a pair of large iron gates.

It's an interesting find, nonetheless!


--Vince