[Bunk]

My kids found what appers to be a cannon ball. It is lead and is deformed by hard impact and is clearly marked with a "2" on it.I will try to get a pic of it soon. It has no oxidation on the surface.
The origanal Ft. Whipple is not very far away from this fairly new subdivision where this item was found. My question is... could this be from the 1860's? The "2" and no oxidation makes me think it is from modern times. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Bunk

[PYRATE]

Historically, cannonballs from Europe, and the North American continent aren't made from lead. Iron, bronze, a few copper ones from the Mexican wars, but no lead. I'm only a period type of collector, but my facts are pretty straight. Might be something modern, like a fishing weight.

[ColinT]

I don't want to meet the fish that cannon ball was meant for.

[FrogMick]

Bunk you are probably 100% correct and with a 2 on it it's most likely a 2 pounder. Google is slim on lead cannonballs, but there is some info out there. You will find information on them from the earliest US history up to present day hobbyist cannoneers using lead cannonballs of varying sizes. Seeing how all the original guns of any kind came to the USA from Europe it would be safe to say lead cannonballs were used in Europe too.

Lead cannonballs in 1485 battle in England: http://www.dailymail...icial-site.html

Lead cannonballs from Herculaneum (Missouri) were used in the War of 1812. Lead smelting is still the major industry in this town. http://en.wikipedia....iki/Herculaneum,_Missouri

1800 Moses Austin made the first sheet lead and cannonballs manufactured in Missouri. http://mymissourigen...y.com/index.htm

Revolutionary War and Civil War: http://answers.yahoo...04200837AAC8HwV

Civil War: http://ezinearticles...Balls&id=837292

Modern Times:
Cannonball hits house: http://www.post-gaze.../995476-100.stm

Modern day lead cannon ball molds, gives sizes lower part of page: http://www.cannon-mania.com/molds.htm

[Bunk]

[quote name='FrogMick' date='31 October 2009 - 05:32 PM' timestamp='1257035569' post='126257']
Bunk you are probably 100% correct and with a 2 on it it's most likely a 2 pounder. Google is slim on lead cannonballs, but there is some info out there. You will find information on them from the earliest US history up to present day hobbyist cannoneers using lead cannonballs of varying sizes. Seeing how all the original guns of any kind came to the USA from Europe it would be safe to say lead cannonballs were used in Europe too.

FrogMick, Those were some useful links! I still don't have pics of it since my camera ripped off last month but here is what I do know, It weighs 2#3oz and it has a diamator of aprox. 2 and 1/4".
I saw on one of the links that hobbie cannons are quite popular and another that you could get a mold for a 2#- 2 1/4" ball.
All of that and that it has zero oxidation makes me think this is moderen. I will still try to get some pics some time.
Bunk

[FrogMick]

Bunk, I was surprised I couldn't find more info on lead cannonballs. If it looks to clean to you then it may be a more modern hobby cannonball or something else altogether. Still a cool find whatever it is.

[PYRATE]

My bet's still on a two pound fishing weight for a net.

[FrogMick]

Bunk is there anything on the lead ball that looks like it was a place intended to connect any kind of fishing rig to it?

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[PYRATE]

A little off topic, but relative, would be our traveling Tallship museum, ROYALISTE. Anyone with historical maritime relic interests are welcome to visit us as we are sailing the Great Lakes once again with the Tallships Challenge 2010. We as a rule display a full range of cannonballs and stands of grape from the late 1600's to the mid 1800's. Most visitors favor our edged weapon and flintlock collection, but we also have a wide array on day to day maritime artifacts from pieces of eight to scrimshaw..you name it, we might have an example of it..