Colonial Musket Balls?

NJLargeCent

Sr. Member
Feb 8, 2012
282
128
Southern NJ
Detector(s) used
Garrett AT Pro
Garrett Pro Pointer
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Found these 2 musket balls in my backyard in very close proximity. They are about the width of a dime, maybe slightly more. One of the pics below shows them with my other finds to provide some scale. Is there any way to approximate the date on these? I know the British camped overnight and marched directly through my area just before the Battle of Monmouth (NJ). Thanks for any info you can provide.

musket balls.JPGSmallCent_best finds.JPG
 

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Colonial Musket Balls

Nice finds. You might want to check those "musket" balls with a magnet. They look iron to me. I would guess shot placed inside a cannonball if they are Rev War. Musket balls are generally made from lead which is dark gray or it turns white (oxidizes) with age. You might do some more research and see if any battle or skirmish activity occurred in your area.

Found these 2 musket balls in my backyard in very close proximity. They are about the width of a dime, maybe slightly more. One of the pics below shows them with my other finds to provide some scale. Is there any way to approximate the date on these? I know the British camped overnight and marched directly through my area just before the Battle of Monmouth (NJ). Thanks for any info you can provide.

View attachment 637424View attachment 637425[/QUOTE]
 

Thanks, rovnrbl53. I appreciate the info. :notworthy:
 

I agree that they look like iron, not lead.
Posted you a pic of some that I found.
ForumRunner_20120528_235412.png
 

Thanks, JWT70, for the visual lesson. I'll be on the lookout for the lead variety.
 

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