19th or very early 20th century hand-forged iron fisherman's sounding lead. This tip of this object was covered with a sticky substance such as tallow, grease or wax, and then lowered with a rope to the seabed to determine depth as well as determine what composition was on the ocean floor. Sand, mud, gravel, or shells would stick to the end, allowing the fisherman to figure out what areas were best for finding their catch. This particular example was found in Newfoundland, and it is somewhat unusual to find one crudely forged in iron. 

Dimensions: 9.5"