🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Is it a cannonball

[42 Scout car]

Calling the Cannonball Guy...Trying to figure out if this is actually a cannonball. 2 3/16 diameter, 2.5 lb metal ball with a threaded hole going deep into the center. Thanks, Rob

 

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[robertk]

Could be an old gear shift knob?

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Since you asked for me to speak... it is definitely not a cannonball. A cannonball only has a hole like that when it is a hollow explosive or incendiary shell. The ball in the photo is a Solid one. I'm 100% certain about that, because of its diameter-to-weight ratio. Thank you very much for providing the ball's precisely measured diameter and weight.

As Robertk indicated, the threaded hole suggests (but is not 100% proof) that this solid metal ball is some kind of "handle" knob, such as a shifter-knob, which screws onto a metal rod.

 

[LandSeig]

Looks like it could be the counter weight on a blacksmiths blower crank or for a bench vise handle.

 

[Tony in SC]

Calling the Cannonball Guy...Trying to figure out if this is actually a cannonball. 2 3/16 diameter, 2.5 lb metal ball with a threaded hole going deep into the center. Thanks, Rob

Looks like a fly weight for a steam governor.

 

[42 Scout car]

Since you asked for me to speak... it is definitely not a cannonball. A cannonball only has a hole like that when it is a hollow explosive or incendiary shell. The ball in the photo is a Solid one. I'm 100% certain about that, because of its diameter-to-weight ratio. Thank you very much for providing the ball's precisely measured diameter and weight.

As Robertk indicated, the threaded hole suggests (but is not 100% proof) that this solid metal ball is some kind of "handle" knob, such as a shifter-knob, which screws onto a metal rod.

I really appreciate your help!

 

[Tony in SC]

This old steam engine has the governor on top of the cylinder. The two round iron balls on the governor are called fly balls.View attachment 2124693

 

[Robot]

Hi 42 Scout car, welcome to the "Show"!
This cannonball was fashioned during the War of 1812 period. It features a center hole for an explosive charge. This item gives insight into military ammunition from the War of 1812. Further research in 2010 shows it is a 3 1/2 inch shell, intact with a ribbed throat.

 

[Robot]

Sorry...Just

saw the size!
AN EXTREMELY RARE 17TH/18TH CENTURY SMALL-SIZE IRON MORTAR-TYPE CANNON BALL/HAND-GRENADE, ca. 1680-1700: In overall very good+ untouched condition with nicely oxidized, russet-toned, iron surfaces. Of Very Rare 17th/Early 18th Century Small-Size Mortar-type, Cannonball/Hand-Grenade form with a central hollow/void for a powder-charge and a hole for its (wooden) fuse/sabot. A distinct medial seam and in overall very good+ untouched condition with dark-brown-colored iron surfaces, scattered discoloration, minor surface laminations, pitting and evident casting flaws, etc. An Extremely Rare Small-Size Mortar-type Cannon Ball/Hand-Grenade, ca. 1680-1700 with a very low survival rate. Approx. diameter, 2 1/2” (3 Pounder). For a similar example, please see G. C. Neumann’s & F. Kravic’s: “The Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution". ***Only the Third Mortar Ball of this Small "Hand-Grenade Size", seen by this author.

 

[42 Scout car]

Hi 42 Scout car, welcome to the "Show"!
This cannonball was fashioned during the War of 1812 period. It features a center hole for an explosive charge. This item gives insight into military ammunition from the War of 1812. Further research in 2010 shows it is a 3 1/2 inch shell, intact with a ribbed throat.View attachment 2124705

Cool...What is the exact weight?