Lead from old water mains

[Old 454]

I was given about 50 LBS of lead that came out of old water mains from the bell joints, probably 100 years old. I take it this is pure lead ?

 

[FrankenMauser]

If they're pre-cast, they should be mostly pure (maybe 1% tin). -(precast donut, set into the joint)
If they're pounded seals, they should be pure. -(Flat or round piece of lead, pounded into the joint.)
If they're poured seals, they'll probably be sweetened with some tin. (2-3%) -(molten lead is poured into a makeshift mold around the joint)

 

[Old 454]

yes these are most definitely poured, cool beans. Always good to check just to be sure.

 

[Pahoo]

It's good !!!

Throughout my years of "running" lead, I have picked up new as well as savaged Plumbers lead. Most of my new lead, comes in marked ingots, rounds and Hex. All have been pure or close to pure lead. Just give it the old thumb-nail scratch test and keep track of your runs.
Ah pours. .....

Be Safe !!!