have you ever seen this kind of drum

It's a cooling vane. Only came on the 8.75 rear axles, which were all V8 cars. I used to have a pair, but they wore down too far -- couldn't be resurfaced. I suppose someone doing an OEM Resto would be interested, since they were never repopped.

On the other hand, extra unsprung weight.

No, the same drum was on 7.25 rears also. Had more than one with them.
Also the 8.75 was available with any engine.