Original Item: Mortars were commonly issued with plumb weights to aid in accurate alignment before firing. We have found very few mortar plumb weights. They are made of steel with a cotton cord suspension string and come in two sizes. The small weights are 1.50 inch (38 mm) in length and 0.79 inch (20 mm) in diameter.
The large weights are 2.0 inch (50 mm) in length and 1.2 inch (30 mm) in diameter. Both sizes of weights have a recess into which the cord can be wrapped, and a smaller groove to tightly secure the loose end of the cord.