From your description—heavy pointed brass weight with a string attached—there are a few likely possibilities, and the exact ID depends on its shape and size.
🧰 Most common possibilities
1. Plumb bob (most likely)
Plumb bob
This is the #1 match.
What it is used for:
- Hanging from a string to find a perfectly vertical line (gravity line)
- Used in construction, carpentry, and surveying
Why it fits your description:
- Usually made of brass or steel (heavy metal)
- Has a pointed tip
- Has a hole or hook for string
- Designed to hang freely and stay stable
2. Fishing line weight (less likely)
- Some old fishing setups used brass sinkers or weights
- But those usually don’t have long strings attached permanently
3. Surveying or marking weight (old tools)
- Surveyors sometimes used weighted strings for alignment
- Similar shape to plumb bobs
🧠 Quick way to confirm
It’s probably a plumb bob if:
- It is symmetrical and perfectly balanced
- It has a sharp pointed end
- It looks like it’s meant to hang straight down
- The string attachment is centered at the top
🚨 Safety note
If it’s old:
- Check for corrosion or sharp edges
- Be careful handling if the tip is very pointed
👍 If you want a precise ID
You can upload a photo and I can tell you exactly what it is and even estimate its age or use.
