Cannon Ball or Counter Weight?

[arrestman]

A friend found this while working on his road near the New River in Fries , Va. about three weeks ago. I first thought it was a cannon ball but after researching it may be just a gate counter weight. What do you guys think? It measures 3 inches in diameter a weighs 3.6 lbs. I hope the picture helps.

 

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[gwdigger]

chain gang escape?

 

[arrestman]

Possibly but I think the "ball" used in chain gangs were a bit heavier.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

An actual cannonball needed to be "perfectly round," not lumpy-bumpy, lest it jam inside the cannon's barrel during firing -- which could cause the cannon itself to explode. The big thick "stub" (clearly visible in the photo) means this ball was broken off of a larger object. Sorry to have to tell you, it is definitely not a cannonball.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Another possibility.

Or one of the weights from a flyball governor (speed control for steam engine).