Is this a possible Cannon Ball?? Also Lead Bale Seal with Wire & More

[PBR]

Thought i would post these here as im looking for ID's.
Went back to my early 1700s French coloninal site. Was a slow day only digging a thimble, shoe buckle frag, and bale seal.
My first bale seal with a wire attached to it. Cant make it out well, but it looks like I see the word BORDEAUX across the center.
And right before we leave I get this large round rusty ball that im thinking could be a cannon ball. I know there were cannons in this area and I have been finding lots of early 1700s military items.
This ball was found near salt-water and was very rusty. I tapped off some of the rust very lightly.
It is pretty round except for one nub. Not sure if this nub is rust, a sprue, or if this is something other than a cannon ball.
It is very heavy, feels solid. and measures about 3" on my calipers. of course this is a rough measurement considering the rust.
I don't have a digi scale. I tried to weigh on my old bathroom scale and it said around 3 pounds.
I don't see any holes in it, but its hard to tell with all the rust. Thinking about cleaning it more, just thought I would post some pics, and see what others say.
Im not saying it is a cannon-ball for certain, but I will say it was definitely dug in the right place for it to be one.

 

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[Iron Patch]

Oh yeah, that's a cannon ball!


The seal is interesting and I would have that it was much later... but if it's French you'd have to think it's early. Another great day.

 

[Iron Patch]

PS: The "sprue" might actually be a fuse. I don't know enough to give you any advice, but if it were mine I would not tap it anymore and not keep it in the house until I was sure what I had.

 

[PBR]

Oh yeah, that's a cannon ball!


The seal is interesting and I would have that it was much later... but if it's French you'd have to think it's early. Another great day.

Thanks for responding Iron Patch.
AWESOME!!!
PM Sent.
Its outside.....

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Free friendly (well-intended) information:
There is no danger of explosion in knocking the additional rust-crust off of this ball. Its diameter-to-weight-ratio proves that it is a Solid (not hollow) ball.

If the "nub" is as big as it looks in the next-to-last photo, the ball is definitely not a cannonball, because the nub sticks out too far for the ball to fit down the cannon's barrel without jamming on its way out when it gets fired.

The closest match for a Colonial Era cannonball "near" the size and weight of yours is a 3-Pounder (2.9"-caliber) cannonball. If that's what you've found, it should be 2.84-inches in diameter, and weigh 3 pounds 1 ounce (or a little less, due to corrosion).
www.civilwarartillery.com/shottables.htm

 

[PBR]

Thanks for responding CBG. After reading your reply I went outside and tapped on the nub in question.
It fell off revealing a nice smooth black rounded surface.
There is quite a bit off corrosion on this thing, but the site is very old.
Any ideas or suggestions on how to remove the rust?

 

[ironhorse]

Still hitting the old stuff I see!

Wtg on the cannonball!

I'm pretty sure I have a similar lead seal too!

 

[PBR]

Still hitting the old stuff I see!

Wtg on the cannonball!

I'm pretty sure I have a similar lead seal too!

Yup. Id rather be digging the lead and iron, than modern silver.
Thanks... My first cannon ball. Trying electrolysis now, but I think my setup needs some work. Will posts pics when its done.
The seal is neat. My Macro on my camera makes it look better than it does in person. I can only make out the middle word. If you happen to find yours, please let me know what it says in the outer band. Any ideas about the wire?
Thanks again.