How to identify a cannonball ? Then we got the news it was fill with gunpowder. 52 inch (actual diameter) 12 Pdr. 84in. Thanks Dec 23, 2013 · How do I determine if this is a cannonball? The ball is 2inches in diameter, roughly 1lb. Mar 5, 2025 · Conclusion: Identifying Your Stone Cannonball. Cannonballs were perfectly round, and the weight or diameter should correspond with a 18th/19th century artillery table for proper identification. Note: I specified a grocery scale of Postal Shipping scale because typical household bathroom weighing scales are notoriously inaccurate, and thus are worthless for cannonball identification. Jan 9, 2017 · A collection of authentic cannon balls recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean demonstrating some of the variety employed by pirates and navies. I still have it and was wondering if anyone might have an idea of what type of artillery it might have been used in. [ 1 ] Pricing and identification guides for Andirons. 56 lb. Feb 11, 2020 · 4 pounds 1 ounce, a 4-Pounder caliber Solid-Shot cannonball (3. May 31, 2017 · When I see the phrase "cannon ball" I think of a solid shot, or round shot as it was called. I took some picture of it so that Round shot or solid shot or a cannonball or simply ball A solid spherical projectile made, in early times, from dressed stone but, by the 17th century, from iron. Antique cannonball safe Identifying one safe from another is an art unto itself, as many of them look similar with their distinctive dial, bolt A round shot fired from a large-caliber gun is also called a cannonball. 12"-diameter) Note the very-exact diameter of the actual artillery balls in the data above. Mar 12, 2025 · To identify a cannonball, examine its characteristics: size (diameter ranging from 1 to 12 inches), shape (spherical, cylindrical, or conical with possible dents or flattened surfaces), weight (varying based on mass and caliber), material (commonly iron, cast iron, or wrought iron), surface (textured casting marks and identifying features), markings (indicating foundry, date, or cannon type Aug 13, 2014 · I agree - this is not a cannon ball. It has a 4 in diameter and is 8 lbs. Still, you learn a bit in the process 16thC stone cannon ball - various calibres: 16thC stone cannon ball - probably gun type was a Minion: 16thC Stone cannon ball. I suppose a hollow round shell could also qualify as a cannon ball. Haven't put it on a scale yet. Apr 18, 2024 · I'd have said so as well, because it looks exactly like one, including the caps with the two key holes (I've also never seen a lathe turned cannon ball, all have been cast, most with a visible seam), but the maximum weight for modern shot put is 7. Remember to prioritize safe handling practices and understand local regulations regarding historical artifacts. Mar 6, 2012 · So, we cannonball collectors must do extra-precise size and weight measurements to determine whether an iron ball is an actual cannonball, or not. There is a small hole on one side that goes down maybe half a inch or so. May 16, 2023 · To identify and determine the value of an antique safe, it’s essential to consider factors such as the manufacturer, materials used, condition, and rarity. 8 pounds 7. Note the rough and irregular nature of the surface of these Gang-cast canister balls. Identifying a stone cannonball requires careful observation and consideration of multiple factors. For instance, a six pound cannon ball is approximately 3. Below is a description of what I found: Ball #1: 31 pounds 6. 1416 equals 3. The bore of a cannon is based on what weight shot was fired. Feb 9, 2013 · The grocery's scale might be an ounce or two off, but that is close enough to tell you whether or not it is an actual cannonball. Find makers marks or hallmarks to identify Andirons and research through millions of auction records for Andirons to learn the worth of your collection. caliber cannonball showing only a very faint trace of a mold seam. , round projectile diameter should measure 6. Caliber of the gun is 7. Cannonball Safes. 67 inches. solid iron cannon ball that had apparently dropped on the floor and burned it's way through to the dirt below. ? Throwing it around and rolling it down the street and what not. The cast iron cannonball was introduced by French artillery engineers after 1450; it had the capacity to reduce traditional English castle wall fortifications to rubble. Friday April 4, 2025 During the American Civil War more varieties of artillery projectiles and cannon were used than in any other time in military history. Mar 5, 2019 · From your description if it has a hole all the way thru both ends its not a cannon ball. Sometimes it's as simple as that. The man I got it from said it was in a house some where in Missouri below St. 88 inches diameter 24. In Civil War and earlier times, people often used the phrase "shot and shell" as if they were two different things. Yours are 3. Dec 6, 2012 · I bought this cannonball today and can't figure out what it is. Black powder is a mixture and does not degrade into unstable components and is not sensitive to being dropped and the like. The most accurate projectile that could be fired by a smooth-bore cannon, used to batter the wooden hulls of opposing ships, forts, or fixed emplacements, and as a long-range anti Cannon Identification: GUNS AND HOWITZERS. Weapons used: Smoothbore 42 pounder, 7in. 63 inches circumference Ball #2: 61. Jun 30, 2013 · Re: Need help identifying a cannonball « Reply #11 on: July 01, 2013, 12:26:14 PM » You know it could be a gate weight that was attached to a length of chain that pulled the gate back shut. approximately, variations will be noted. 16thC lead cannon ball From battlefield relics to museum displays, cannonballs tell stories. If a cannon ball hole on one end only. Jun 22, 2021 · I need help authenticating what appears to be two cannon balls I found while gardening in Westchester County NY. But I've found enough balls on farms and seen enough old machinery and gate weights to know that a cannon ball is the least likely explanation. Melton Jr. If a ball's very exact size and weight measurements do not match up with any of the well-known sizes of actual cannonballs used in America, that ball is not a cannonball. Knowing the exact circumference, and weight would help, as would the presence of any other artifacts around the area. Roman stone ballista shot: Stone cannon ball: 16th C stone cannon ball: Roman lead sling shot: 16thC lead cannon ball. BRASS CANNON BALL ANDIRONS Pair of large scale American or British brass andirons, early 20th century, each surmounted by a cannon ball finial above a spreading column form shaft, and rising on curved legs, apparently unmarked. 5 inches circumference They Apr 22, 2019 · The plugged hole doesn't look like a fuse hole so I'm sure it's not an explosive cannon ball (and why plug the fuse hole ?). See pics attached: Oct 5, 2023 · Identifying a stone cannonball can be an interesting historical pursuit, as they often come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. With different types of safes like hobnail safes and cannonball safes adding distinct qualities to a collection, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various styles and Jan 31, 2011 · Further investigation revealed a 10"dia. Even if it were, it wouldn't be dangerous unless you exposed it to fire. At the time, I was told it was from the Revolutionary War (and, at the time, I was more Sep 27, 2023 · I had to go down the cannon ball route as I know the landowner will ask; especially as Civil War troops were camped about 1/4 mile away. Aug 25, 2012 · 1. 13 inches diameter 19. Guns and howitzers are the weapons most people think about when Civil War artillery is discussed. Smooth Surface of a 4. Here are some steps to help you identify a stone cannonball: Check the Material: Determine if the object is indeed made of stone. ? Then we showed it to my dad a civil war antiques appraiser. 06-inches). 43mm dia. Stone cannonballs are typically made of granite, limestone, or other dense rock. ? Operating under the assumption that it is in fact a cannonball, and not something else (shot put, ball bearing, ornamental iron ball, or something else), this link on Civil War artillery projectiles might help you identify it. ” Don’t just take our word for it; read on to unlock the mysteries and become a cannonball expert! PAIR E/ 20TH C. 56 inches in diameter and the bore of the 6-pounder cannon is 3. Feb 22, 2025 · Successfully identifying a cannonball involves a careful consideration of its material composition, size and weight, shape and surface imperfections, contextual clues, and expert analysis. More than likely, the artillery experts that you mentioned consulted one of these tables, and were unable to find a match. They may or may not have been tumbled in a milling barrel to remove their casting projections as required by the Ordnance Manual. Apr 23, 2015 · I purchased this cannon ball back in the late 80's in a small antique shop in Cape Charles, VA--not because I am a history buff, but rather as a gift for my stepfather's birthday (his last name was Cannon). Louis. Anyone have any ideas what this is other than a cannonball (if it isn't one of course). 5 oz. ? ?Thinking it was neat we all started to play with it. 0in. 2. 26kg or 16lb, not 18lb. I knocked off the rust to find markings/seam, but found none. 34mm dia 5. 16thC Lead 1/4 pounder cannon ball 103g,27mm dia. 06-inch in diameter (9 & 5/8th-inch circumference divided by 3. These weapons were By Jack W. Aug 2, 2004 · About 6 years ago my neighbor found a cannon ball down around the rail road tracks. By examining its shape, surface texture, material, weight, and context, you can significantly improve your chances of accurate identification. But how can you tell the real deal from a look-alike? Find out in our comprehensive guide: “How to Identify a Cannonball: 5 Key Features & Differences. Our online antiques & collectibles reference guides for Andirons are constantly updated and are always available on any Internet device. It is slightly larger in bore diameter than the shot (the difference is called windage) so the cannonball doesnt get stuck in the barrel. jkivy bjsrz qblmx tpu ameyaxwm ilbnar nkpmu cxqzz jvbt hcogl wjhjmz hpmfo xtbd eloib xmfb