I found several while planting and wasn’t sure what they were

Antique counterweights, set in traditional sash windows, add historic elegance and functionality to architectural structures. With a rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, antique counterweights evolved from rudimentary rope and pulley systems to sophisticated cast iron designs, reaching their handcrafted heyday in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Symbolic of architectural heritage, these weights provide a tangible link to architectural heritage, displaying the meticulous workmanship and attention to detail of bygone eras, with the cast iron adorned with intricate patterns and makers’ insignia. They are often preserved or reproduced as part of restoration projects, preserving the authenticity of historic buildings and honoring the skills of yesteryear.In appreciating antique shutters, we celebrate not only their functionality, but also the timeless charm they bring to our architectural history, whether hidden behind layers of paint or proudly displayed.