Cannon Ball?????

[ridger12]

I found this ball a few years ago digging a privy in central PA. We joked it was a cannon ball when I found it. Over the years the more I look at it the more I think it may be a cannon ball but I am confused by the thin metal skin around the ball that you see rusting in the picture. The privy we were digging in was used from about 1880 to 1890. So, do you think it's a cannon ball? There is a quarter in the picture next to the ball and the ball measures about 13 inches around. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

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[Scott (Mich)]

When I was a kid my dad had a round (not-sure-what-to-call-it) torch I guess that was the same size as yours. It looked like a bowling ball with a wick on the top. I remember seeing them used along roadsides if there was an accident - like a road flare would be used. Check the bottom and see if it is a little flat so as to not roll over - then on the top there should be a hole for the wick. I do not remember how they put fuel in them though. If I remember correctly my dad filled his with used motor oil, or it may have been kerosene.

Edit: Found one on Craig's list.



Happy Hunting,

Scott (MI)

 

[romeo-1]

It's a smudge pot...

 

[duggap]

Well I know it is not a cannon ball.

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

They used those before they had the construction horses with the flashing yellow lights for road work! but I don't think they were metal covered iron??!!!!! Is that hole threaded? maybe its a counter weight for something!!!!!

 

[flyinguy]

i think smug pot also. i think the wick/fill spout is broke off. in the early 70's just out of school i worked on construction. it was my job to fill them nasty sooty things with diesel. then were filthy and smelled of diesel.

 

[ridger12]

Thanks guys! I am glad I didn't put it in with my Civil War bullets for display!

 

[NGE]

Way back when I was a kid, we would sneak up on these stinky things and kick 'em like a soccer ball, just to watch them roll all over the place, spilling burning fluid everywhere !

 

[bradyboy]

I know first hand its not a modern day smudge pot
could be a very old version

 

[flyinguy]

Way back when I was a kid, we would sneak up on these stinky things and kick 'em like a soccer ball, just to watch them roll all over the place, spilling burning fluid everywhere !

not! you are the kid i was looking for! i had to clean up your dirty mess! i bet you kicked that one! Bill

 

[NGE]

Wish I was a kid again...........