Bronze Cannonball?

[Robocop1034]

I recently was given what I believe is a cannonball from my grandfather, who purchased it from an auction. It is approximately 12 inches around, weights 12.5 lbs and appears to be made of bronze or at least coated in it. It has some letters etched into it, from what I can read a partial would be "TEND". Any help identifying this would be greatly appreciated .

 

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[mirage83]

It's very irregularly shaped. To my mind that makes it unlikely to be an actual cannonball, but as to what it is?

 

[Robocop1034]

It is definitely in the shape of a ball but not smooth or perfectly round by no means. It is deceptively heavy for it's size. It is about the size of a softball.

 

[mick56]

Cannonballs were not made of bronze. It may be a pump check ball, or something else.

 

[Robocop1034]

The only bronze/brass/copper cannonballs I've read about was used by the Mexican army. In my mind I can agree this is probably not a cannonball. As I am ignorant on pump check balls, I have to ask are they as large/heavy as this? I do really appreciate all the help.

 

[Red-Coat]

Interesting. even allowing for some deviations from your measurements, by my calculation it has a specific gravity (density relative to water) certainly in excess of 10 and approaching 11

That's way too high for bronze or brass, which wouldn't get above 9 even for phosphor-bronze. It would need to be principally lead, which has a specific gravity of 11.36

I thought at first it might be a track and field shot (for athletics shot-putting) assuming your 12.5 pounds was a overestimate (the official weight is 12 pounds for men's events) but the diameter is also regulated and yours is too small because it's so dense... and also looks too uneven.

 

[ARC]

Cannonballs were not made of bronze. It may be a pump check ball, or something else.

Incorrect... some were.