Canonball??

[Ohio Jerry]

This has been "rolling" around in my possession for over 40 years. I guess i can classify it as a "dug" relic cause i found it as a kid digging around in the dirt at the base of an old apple tree at my parents 1800's homesite. As a kid i always called it a canonball but was never certain about it.
There was a civil war skirmish a mile away from my parent's house when Morgan's Raiders came through this area but i doubt there is a connection to that incident.
It fits perfectly inside a packing tape roll with a 3 inch inside diameter and weighs just a little over 3lbs 11oz. Any input will be greatly appreciated!!
Jerry

 

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[Cajunme]

may be from a canister shot. search for canister shot and you may find some dimensions and weight on the individual shot. Brent

 

[lostcauses]

Mill ball, used for grinding,, mostly oar, but has been used for some biological stuff.. A bunch were in a container and the container rolled to pulverize what ever was added to it..

 

[RobKruzan]

Here is a cannon ball I had from the Ft.Mcarther site looks almost identical to yours.

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Sure looks like a canon ball. I don't know much about canons in the USA but, here in Europe, small canons were used a lot. My canon ball is about 4" and something like 3.5 lbs. Any Revolutionary or pre Revolutionary skirmishes in the area? I saw a reference to a British 3 pound Galloper used in the field. Congrats and HH, Mike

 

[taz42o]

Hi Jerry . I live not far from Morgans monument ( as far north as Morgans raiders made it). Im no expert but since reading about cannon balls I have found them listed with same Dia. and weight as yours but also have seen 3 inchers that are listed as six lb. witch makes me wonder if you have a fused explosive cannonball. First link from ebay show same as yours . Second link has 3inch 6lb balls. Third link go to last pic and read what this old boy has to say about spotting a fuse. I would do more research on sizes and weights ,may tell you if it is solid or fused. Last link is one on ebay that in my opinion looks like a live fused ball. If you are not sure do NOT to clean it with wire wheel .

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/OLD-ANTIQUE-...z-LB-BALL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ360125731687

http://accna.ca/products/index.php?q=civil+war+cannon+balls&btnG=&show=&sa=N&start=0

http://relicman.com/ArtilleryRestoration.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/CIVIL-WAR-CANNONBALL-PERRYVILLE-KY-BATTLE-GRT-CON-NR_W0QQitemZ330305921291QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item330305921291&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Now THAT, is cool indeed!

 

[cwdigger]

its a cannon ball, kinda looks like a pirate age ball. Dont know but is Def. a Cannon Ball

 

[Ramitt]

How can you possibly say it is definitely something if you know nothing specific about it?

 

[Smithbrown]

It is too small to be a shell(ie with a fuse). And you would be able to tell.
It is too light to be a 6 pounder- you say it weighs less than 4 pounds.
Morel likely to have a non-military, grinding use.
Smithbrown