Ball and chain

Hello,
Every once and awhile I see a metal ball with an attachment point and a gash in the ball. Often described as a ball and chain. What are these things and what is the purpose of the gash?
Mike

weights with slots are part of machinery or agricultural machines.

I think that these balls had a commercial application like ballast for a ship or as a counterweight on machinery but someone out there knows the answer.
Spencer

I have seen them used as counter weights for heavy doors and gates.
-Richard Knip-

That’s exactly what they were for. Current use is to extract money from the unknowing.

Old counterweight balls or crusher shots with welded chain and fakey metal strap cuffs...ugh!


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Many prisons, jails and even mental institutions made their own ball and chains using cannon balls, weights and even boulders.  Looking at the workmanship on this ball and chain, the chain is new and I doubt if the shackle would hold.  The area where the shackle would be secure looks like it would snap without much force, let alone the area where the chain is welded to the shackle.  

Ron