Canister Shot ? Is there any way to tell ?

[3searchin]

We found this in great grandma's yard. I believe (or hope is more like it) its grape or canister shot, but I can't tell if it's real or some thing else.

It's around an 1 1/2 in or 39 to 40 MM it's heavy but I'm trying to figure out how to weigh it. I don't have a scale.

If there's anyone out there who knows how to tell if it's real or something else.

Enjoy and thanks in advance
3S

 

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[hollowpointred]

its hard to tell from the photo, but is that rust on it or just dirt? rust wont form on a lead item.

 

[3searchin]

It has some rust and/or corrosion on it, plus before I realized what the kids had dug up they were rolling and bouncing it on the sidewalk........Kids !

It's definitely not lead, but wasn't steel also used ?

3S

 

[Scott (Upstate NY)]

18th century canister or grape shot were most always iron-there are several varieties shapes and sizes. What you have appears to be a common variety of grape shot. Grape shot was used extensively during the civil war-Gettysburg being a good example.

 

[Monty]

Probably the best means of authenticating it is where it was found. Was the land on or near a battle field, camp ground for CW soldiers, or on a route where the army traveled extensively? If it was it is more likely to be CW ordinance. Monty

 

[Gribnitz]

its hard to tell from the photo, but is that rust on it or just dirt? rust wont form on a lead item.

Grape shot was made of iron as well. It is the right size too. I am not sure what all sizes ore crushing balls came in, but the ones I have seen were 3+ inches in size. I wouldn't think something that small would do much good crushing ore.

 

[3searchin]

Thanks everyone for the replies..

I guess this means I'll call it grape/canister shot......Either way it's a keeper!

3S