First mention of a Ball and Chain in writing was 1819 it referred to a heavy iron ball and chain locked to a prisoners leg. Later it was transferred to other kinds of restraining burden. Also a jocular, but disparaging term for a person's spouse or significant other who is thought to stifle the person in some way. This cache may be proof of a ball and chain as you are putting it back in place.
Xrrc tbvat, vg'f gurer.