Pistol Ball?

[ALAMOTX]

Is this a pistol ball and how old is it?


Thanks

 

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[silverswede]

Could be pretty hard to determine if from a black powder pistol or rifle as both use the same calibers (.50, .45 etc.) Diameter of the bore matched to the diameter of the ball would give you possible options only. Oh and make sure it's lead I have dug many steel balls which would give me indication of what size auto wheel bearing was lost.

 

[Monty]

Probably a ball of some sort. Don't know how your would determine if it's a pistol ball or rifle ball. It could be 200 year old, or cast and dropped last week. They are still the same. Monty

 

[Lucas]

#1. Is it lead? Pure lead is soft enough to scratch with your thumbnail.

#2. Is it a true sphere?

#3. Are there any casting marks?

#4. What is the (largest) diameter, exclusive of casting sprues, etc.?

 

[dcinffxva]

From the size comparison, it looks like it may have been a pellet from a shotgun, or possibly buck-and-ball load.

 

[Lucas]

Well, yeah... it could be a ball for a .32 rifle, pistol. it could be buckshot, or it could be a old ball bearing. I have been fooled by round rocks that had a heavy iron oxide coating.

So....

#1. Is it lead? Pure lead is soft enough to scratch with your thumbnail.

#2. Is it a true sphere?

#3. Are there any casting marks?

#4. What is the (largest) diameter, exclusive of casting sprues, etc.?

 

[PChammer]

Could be an iron ore pellet too. Used to have a ton of those from around old rail road tracks.

EDIT:

http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/genera/img/companies/news/iron_ore_pellets_350_4a4e2317e4030.jpg

http://www.aqualon.ashland.com/images/iron-ore-pellet-binders.jpg

 

[Joe(TX)]

.....ALAMOTX.......It does not look like it is made of lead.........old lead ....oxidizes and leaves a particular patina.....your ball looks like it is either made of iron or steel........WAS THIS FOUND IN SAN ANTONIO??.......Joe

 

[stefen]

Wonder if taking its temperature would help determine its age, trajectory and gun of origin?

 

[ivan salis]

is it magnetic? --if yes iron ore pellet maybe or ball bearing -- if no --might be a lead shotgun pellet or black powder type pistol ball (knowing the diameter could help figger out which one it might be.) 32 , 36 and 44 were common black powder pistol calibers