Civil War Solid Shot

[tpence1011]

I purchased what was called a "Civil War cannonball" at a garage sale years ago. I went to Gettysburg last summer, and in looking through museums didn't see anything quite like my piece. I assume it is not an exploding shell, but rather some type of solid artillary shot. Might anyone have any other thoughts regarding identification of this piece? Thanks!

 

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[Phishfarmer]

talk to cannonballguy

 

[vhs07]

I'm curious about this also, I too have one.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

There was some weird artillery came out in that war - but the lack of parallel-to-the-bore edge on your object makes me dubious that it was a projectile. Hotchkiss and US Archer used some similar saboted rounds (both having longer tails and flatter sides); so I won't say it is not.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Please pardon the delay in replying. I've had some health issues, which have caused me to not be able to post as frequently as I used to do.

You were advised to contact me because I co-wrote a massive (552-page) book on civil war artillery projectiles, with hundreds of photos identifying the various types. (Title is "Field Artillery Projectiles Of The American Civil War".) Unfortunately, I have to tell you that the object you bought absolutely is not an artillery projectile. Charlie P has already mentioned some of the reasons. Although several have turned up over the years here in the What-Is-It? forum, it remains unidentified. None has been reported to have been found on a battlefield. Every one of these I've seen has been in non-excavated ("non-dug") condition, as yours is.