I believe this is a cannon projectile. It looks like cast iron. It's 3 5/8" dia x 3 1/2" tall and weighs 6lb 10oz. I haven't found anything like it searching the internet. I would like to know in what time frame it was made and location it might have been made in. My parents had it for as long as I can remember. I have always been curious about it. Also would like to know why the base is cast in the shape it is.