I haven't fished since I was about 10, so I'm hoping some of you will know if this is what Lizzie was using as an "enthusiastic angler." They seem very specific in their size, weight, and shape and a real pain to make by hand out of scrap lead found in the barn.
From ChatGPT:
A 1895 T. H. Chubb retail catalog lists split shot at 5 cents for two dozen in a wood box, or 10 cents for three dozen in a nickel box. An 1896 Edward vom Hofe catalog likewise lists split shot in a wood box at 10 cents per box, along with many other ready-made sinkers sold by the dozen. In other words, pre-made lead weights were ordinary store-bought tackle, not rare gear that would force someone to rummage through an attic for scrap lead.
Sinker Suspicion
Moderator: Adminlizzieborden
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Lorcan
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Sinker Suspicion
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camgarsky4
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Re: Sinker Suspicion
That she even came up with sinker idea indicates to me that getting a sinker from the barn had occurred or been discussed before in that household. I can envision Andrew encouraging using what they already had versus buying new. That said, I think that Lizzie would not on her own accord, rummage thru an old box in the hot loft to avoid buying something so readily available and low cost. Especially not wearing a bengaline silk dress. 
Another 'fishy' aspect to her sinker alibi is that she didn't mention it until she had her chat with Uncle Harrington sometime the late afternoon/evening of murder day. His 'news conference' that evening is the first time the sinker sojourn is mentioned.
That tells me two things.....Uncle Harrington did indeed talk to Lizzie and, that by early afternoon, Lizzie realized she needed to improve her story.
Another 'fishy' aspect to her sinker alibi is that she didn't mention it until she had her chat with Uncle Harrington sometime the late afternoon/evening of murder day. His 'news conference' that evening is the first time the sinker sojourn is mentioned.
That tells me two things.....Uncle Harrington did indeed talk to Lizzie and, that by early afternoon, Lizzie realized she needed to improve her story.
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Lorcan
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Re: Sinker Suspicion
For me, the fixing a screen alibi is even worse - but I also would need some confirmation - from what I have found so far, screens back then were externally mounted and if it was Lizzie's screen that needed fixing, on the 2nd floor, Bridget already had the ladder out from washing the windows inside and out - that means Bridget was either taking the screens off and washing the windows or throwing the soapy and clean water through the screen at the window. Bridget had a pail and brush - she would have to move or remove the screens to use the brush. No matter which window it was, wouldn't she have asked Bridget to leave that screen off so it could be laid flat and fixed on a table or workbench?
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Lorcan
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Re: Sinker Suspicion
I don't see any screens on the windows, but I don't know when these were taken or what those screens looked like. I think Lizzie room windows are the ones partially blocked from view by the branches.
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camgarsky4
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Re: Sinker Suspicion
AI via google provides the info below.....
To determine if residential windows in 1880 had screens, consider the following points:
Window screens were not commonly used in homes until the late 19th century.
Many homes built in the 1880s featured wooden sash windows without screens.
Screens became popular as a means to keep insects out, especially in urban areas.
Some homeowners may have created DIY screens using mesh or fabric.
By the 1890s, commercial production of window screens began to increase.
Overall, while some homes may have had screens, they were not standard in 1880.
I stress tested this info by googling 1880 window images and none included a screen. None of this is conclusive, but adding in the Borden home photos which don't show screens and Bridget not mentioning anything about screens, I think we're safe to assume they did not have screens in the way we define screens today.
I suppose the Borden's could have "created DIY screens". Abraham was a skilled carpenter and would have been right up his alley.
No one challenged Lizzie on what the heck she was talking about, so presumably something they called screens did exist. Perhaps she was referencing the weights that enabled old window sashes to go up and down and stay in place. I removed the lead weights from a 1920 home I was remodeling. there were two per window and each was at least a foot long and 2-3 inches in diameter. VERY heavy. The weights have pulley ropes attached. The ropes & weights were covered by the window trim. I would post a pic, but just looked in my garage and couldn't find them. I will later when I put a little more effort into the search.
To determine if residential windows in 1880 had screens, consider the following points:
Window screens were not commonly used in homes until the late 19th century.
Many homes built in the 1880s featured wooden sash windows without screens.
Screens became popular as a means to keep insects out, especially in urban areas.
Some homeowners may have created DIY screens using mesh or fabric.
By the 1890s, commercial production of window screens began to increase.
Overall, while some homes may have had screens, they were not standard in 1880.
I stress tested this info by googling 1880 window images and none included a screen. None of this is conclusive, but adding in the Borden home photos which don't show screens and Bridget not mentioning anything about screens, I think we're safe to assume they did not have screens in the way we define screens today.
I suppose the Borden's could have "created DIY screens". Abraham was a skilled carpenter and would have been right up his alley.
No one challenged Lizzie on what the heck she was talking about, so presumably something they called screens did exist. Perhaps she was referencing the weights that enabled old window sashes to go up and down and stay in place. I removed the lead weights from a 1920 home I was remodeling. there were two per window and each was at least a foot long and 2-3 inches in diameter. VERY heavy. The weights have pulley ropes attached. The ropes & weights were covered by the window trim. I would post a pic, but just looked in my garage and couldn't find them. I will later when I put a little more effort into the search.
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Lorcan
- Posts: 194
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Re: Sinker Suspicion
Thanks for pointing that out - you inspired me to doubt the initial AI description of split shot being the likely sinker style she was talking about and verify the split shot images I found. Here is a more balanced version of what Lizzie may have been dealing with regarding sinkers.
While the concept of adding weight to a fishing line is ancient, the removable split-shot sinkers you see in those images (especially those with the "ears" or "wings" for easy removal) are a more modern convenience.
Here is how Lizzie and Andrew’s "sinker situation" would have differed in 1892:
1. The Material: Pure Lead
In 1892, they certainly would have used lead. While modern anglers often move toward tungsten or tin for environmental reasons, the 19th-century angler used lead because it was cheap, heavy, and extremely soft.
2. The Design: "Wrap-Around" vs. Split Shot
While basic split shots (simple lead balls with a single slit) existed in the late 1800s, they didn't have the "ears" shown in your photo. Instead, Lizzie likely used:
Sheet Lead: Anglers would carry thin strips of lead and simply wrap or "spiral" a small piece around the line.
Egg or Barrel Sinkers: These were solid lead weights with a hole through the center. You would thread your line through the hole before tying on your hook.
3. The "Crimp" Method
In your third image, you see someone using specialized pliers. In 1892, a "no-nonsense" New Englander like Andrew Borden—who was known for being quite frugal—likely wouldn't have carried a specialized tool for this. Most anglers back then simply bit the lead with their teeth to crimp it onto the line. (Note: This is definitely not recommended today due to lead poisoning!)
4. The "Ears" (Removability)
The sinkers in your photos with the little protrusions at the back are designed to be "removable." You squeeze the ears to open the slit. This specific "removable split-shot" design didn't become a standard tackle box staple until the mid-20th century.
Summary
Lizzie's tackle box would have looked much more "primitive." Her sinkers would have been dull, grey, mismatched bits of hand-cut lead or simple cast-lead balls without the fancy quick-release wings.
While the concept of adding weight to a fishing line is ancient, the removable split-shot sinkers you see in those images (especially those with the "ears" or "wings" for easy removal) are a more modern convenience.
Here is how Lizzie and Andrew’s "sinker situation" would have differed in 1892:
1. The Material: Pure Lead
In 1892, they certainly would have used lead. While modern anglers often move toward tungsten or tin for environmental reasons, the 19th-century angler used lead because it was cheap, heavy, and extremely soft.
2. The Design: "Wrap-Around" vs. Split Shot
While basic split shots (simple lead balls with a single slit) existed in the late 1800s, they didn't have the "ears" shown in your photo. Instead, Lizzie likely used:
Sheet Lead: Anglers would carry thin strips of lead and simply wrap or "spiral" a small piece around the line.
Egg or Barrel Sinkers: These were solid lead weights with a hole through the center. You would thread your line through the hole before tying on your hook.
3. The "Crimp" Method
In your third image, you see someone using specialized pliers. In 1892, a "no-nonsense" New Englander like Andrew Borden—who was known for being quite frugal—likely wouldn't have carried a specialized tool for this. Most anglers back then simply bit the lead with their teeth to crimp it onto the line. (Note: This is definitely not recommended today due to lead poisoning!)
4. The "Ears" (Removability)
The sinkers in your photos with the little protrusions at the back are designed to be "removable." You squeeze the ears to open the slit. This specific "removable split-shot" design didn't become a standard tackle box staple until the mid-20th century.
Summary
Lizzie's tackle box would have looked much more "primitive." Her sinkers would have been dull, grey, mismatched bits of hand-cut lead or simple cast-lead balls without the fancy quick-release wings.