Found This in an Old House – There’s a Ton of Them! Any Idea What They Are?
🔍 Found This in an Old House – There’s a Ton of Them!
While cleaning out an old house, a homeowner stumbled upon a rusty metal box filled with hundreds of flat, metallic, teardrop-shaped objects. They’re heavy, dark, and look almost like old coins or spoons. Naturally, the question is: What are they, and why were they stored in the basement?
If you’ve ever found a mysterious stash like this, you’re not alone. Here’s what these objects likely are and why they were kept. 👇
🎣 What Are These Objects?
Based on the shape, weight, and appearance, these are almost certainly fishing sinkers — specifically, a type known as bank sinkers, flat sinkers, or coin sinkers.
Why they look this way:
Teardrop or oval shape – Designed to sink quickly and hold the bottom in moving water.
Flat profile – Prevents rolling in strong currents.
Dark, oxidized finish – Typical of lead or lead-alloy weights that have aged in a damp basement.
Heavy for their size – Lead is dense, which is exactly why it’s used for fishing weights.
🏠 Why Were They Stored in the Basement?
There are a few very common reasons:
Bulk purchase or homemade casting – Many fishermen buy sinkers in bulk or melt down scrap lead to cast their own using a mold. A box like this could be years’ worth of supply.
A plumber’s leftover stock – Lead was historically used in plumbing for “corking and yarning” (sealing cast iron joints). A retired plumber might have kept a box of lead pieces.
Basements are practical storage – Cool, dry, and out of the way. Heavy boxes of lead don’t belong in living spaces.
Forgotten hobby – The previous owner may have been an avid angler who passed away or moved, leaving their tackle supplies behind.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
If these are indeed lead sinkers (which is very likely), handle them with care:
Wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.
Do not let children or pets handle or mouth them.
Do not melt them indoors — lead fumes are toxic.
Check local disposal rules — many areas have specific guidelines for lead waste.
If you’re unsure, a quick test with a magnet can help: lead is non-magnetic. A jeweler or scrap metal yard can also confirm the material.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are these worth anything? Lead sinkers have some scrap value, but not much. Their real value is to fishermen or collectors of vintage tackle. A large box like this might sell for $20–$50 to the right buyer.
Could they be something else? They could also be lead ingots or plumbing lead, but the uniform teardrop shape strongly suggests fishing sinkers. Old coin blanks or trade weights are less likely but possible.
How can I tell if they’re lead? Lead is very heavy, soft enough to scratch with a fingernail, and leaves a gray mark on paper. A magnet won’t stick to it.
Should I keep them? If you fish, they’re useful. If not, consider selling them, donating them to a local fishing club, or disposing of them properly at a hazardous waste facility.
Can I just throw them in the trash? No — lead is toxic and should not go in regular household trash. Check with your local waste management authority.
Why are they in a box and not in a tackle box? Bulk storage. Fishermen who cast their own sinkers often keep hundreds at a time in a single container.
Could they be from a different country? Fishing sinkers like these are common worldwide. Similar shapes are used in Europe, North America, and Asia.
