This is what the glass floats (balls) were encased in (only was was still encased, the others had rotted out.) Hemp-type cord and cork floats in between.

Since I grew up in SouthEast Alaska, I knew about glass floats. Since I was the only one who know the history of them, I got to keep them. Some of the rednecks tried to fight for them ("she's not even related!") but Mrs. Shannon stood up for me ("No, but she had come out to help us each time she's visited for the past two years! And I would like to point out, this is the first time I've manged to drag you out her, and you're my brother, which means you won't help out your mom like I have been!!!") They backed off right-quick! I have three full sets now, but I need to renet them!