Sash Weight and Cord from Wetherburn's Tavern

Dateca.1752

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Wetherburn's Tavern

MediumLead; Natural hemp; Vermillion dye

DimensionsSash weight: 11 1/4" L x 2" Diam (bottom) x 1 1/4" Diam. (top)
Cord: 22½" L x 7/10" (0.225 ") Diam

Credit LineColonial Williamsburg Foundation

Object numberAF-9.31.7

DescriptionCast lead weight (for a window sash) with hand-spun, natural fiber cord still attached; lead weight weighs approx. 6 lb 3 oz; tapers along length from bottom to top; has a small hole near top for cord; cord is 4-ply, natural hemp with two (2) dyed/rubbed vermillion strands and two natural color strands; cord is knotted at one end to hold weight.

Label TextThis sash weight and cord date to circa 1752. The weight is made of lead and the cord of hemp. There would be one weight inside the window framing (jamb) on either side of the window. The combined total weight of the lead weights would equal that of the window sash, creating a counterweight for the sash. The cord was tied to the weight, run over the pulley, and then was nailed to the side of the window sash.Mark(s)ProvenanceWetherburn's Tavern