Lynn,

It's likely exactly what the label says ... a "hose weight" ... probably for 
a barge-mounted "dredging machine" ... the function of such hose weights is 
explained in a patent from 1889 (see link below; described and illustrated 
as "E" ... yes, I'm aware that the drawing does not match your artifact in 
shape, however this is not unusual that patent drawings do not match the 
individual parts that are later manufactured from the idea ... and the 
mismatch does not mean it can't be a correct identification). I'm guessing 
that such weights were used in the period from about 1890-WWI, and that 
further developments in dredging technology made them obsolete.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=QjpxAAAAEBAJ

Bob Skiles

PS - alternatively it could be a service hose retracting weight (used to 
retract the rubber hoses that delivered air and water at early automobile 
service stations, before the advent of the retracting reels of post-WWI, but 
I've never seen one of those in your "bomblet" shape)

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Lynn Evans" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 10:11 AM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: mystery artifact

> Someone brought in a cast iron mystery object to our office.  It was found 
> in Cheboygan, 15 miles southeast of Mackinaw City on the Lake Huron 
> coast - the fellow who brought it in couldn't be specific, it was found by 
> a friend.  It looks like it was probably in the water.  Photos are 
> available at <archaeoseek.ning.com/photo/albums/hose-weight>.  It is 2 
> 3/4" tall.  Its diameter is 2 1/16" at the widest point.  It weighs 9.3 
> oz/264 g.  The round part has side seams.  The neck is threaded.  It 
> appears to be embossed HOSE WEIGHT, although it's not entirely legible. 
> Thanks for any suggestions you might have.  Lynn
>
>
>
>
> Lynn L.M. Evans, Ph.D.
> Curator of Archaeology
> Mackinac State Historic Parks
> P.O. Box 873
> Mackinaw City, MI 49701
> 231-436-4100
> [log in to unmask]