War of 1812 cannon ball?

[j.raud]

Any help here would be appreciated, I'm trying to verify if this is indeed a cannon ball from the War of 1812. It was supposedly dug up on private property while doing a foundation. The area it was found is a very historic war area, Plattsburgh NY. The actual location is very close to Halseys Corners. Here is a nice link for anyone interested in the battle which also tells of Halseys Corners... http://www.historiclakes.org/Plattsburg/Plattsburg.html. Doing my own research I find conflicting info about cannon balls from this era. I was expecting to find a cannon ball that was either cast iron (real) or steel (fake) so I was surprised when this was a solid piece of lead. I have read where lead was used for cannon balls of this size and have also read that they wouldn't be made of lead because of the melt factor at detonation. It has similar markings to an English made cannon ball of this time period but it is not exact to others I have seen, the markings don't seem like they were done recently but also don't quite look like the crows foot or broad arrow markings I have seen. Look at the pictures, the ball is about 11" around and weighs in at 8 lbs. Any comments are appreciated and negative ones won't hurt my feelings in the least. Thanks in advance... JIM

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[Sundancer]

Reminds me of a downrigger ball.

~Mike

[lrgcent]

In the south they also had gate balls, some were fired cannon balls recycled to pull gates shut by a chain connected to gate and post!

[The Seeker]

[Slats]

I live right up the street from Halsey's Corners. Only been in Plattsburgh for a couple of years though. If you live in the area and need a search buddy, let me know. My daughter and I are new to the hobby and would like to get more experience.

[Gunrunner61]

I'm not sure that you have a cannonball, 1st It' not round, So there would be a chance that when fired it could jam the barrell cousing the barrell to burst, And I can't recall ever seeing a lead cannonball found, not saying that it's not happened.....I'd say ang guess a downrigger ball.....jmho..........HH

[Joseph Gilbert]

Any help here would be appreciated, I'm trying to verify if this is indeed a cannon ball from the War of 1812. It was supposedly dug up on private property while doing a foundation. The area it was found is a very historic war area, Plattsburgh NY. The actual location is very close to Halseys Corners. Here is a nice link for anyone interested in the battle which also tells of Halseys Corners... http://www.historiclakes.org/Plattsburg/Plattsburg.html. Doing my own research I find conflicting info about cannon balls from this era. I was expecting to find a cannon ball that was either cast iron (real) or steel (fake) so I was surprised when this was a solid piece of lead. I have read where lead was used for cannon balls of this size and have also read that they wouldn't be made of lead because of the melt factor at detonation. It has similar markings to an English made cannon ball of this time period but it is not exact to others I have seen, the markings don't seem like they were done recently but also don't quite look like the crows foot or broad arrow markings I have seen. Look at the pictures, the ball is about 11" around and weighs in at 8 lbs. Any comments are appreciated and negative ones won't hurt my feelings in the least. Thanks in advance... JIM

To me it looks like a lead ball from a ball and chain used to shackle a prisoner or maybe a slave. Does it have any holes or areas that look like it could have had a chain fastened to it at one time?

[gunsil]

I think downrigger is the answer. And ball and chains used iron balls, too. Lead is very soft and melts at a low temperature and isn't suitable to use for a ball and chain restraint.

[Red James cash]

I do not believe any cannon balls were made out of lead.It seems to me that they would be to easily damaged in transport.You cant have that in a battle situation.Think of heavy lead balls packed into a caisson going over rough ground,they would get dented and missformed and no longer go into the field piece smoothly.Then youre basically you know what.