CW bullet or fishing sinker???

[ModernMiner]

"Calling all CW buffs."
This is actually a continuation of an item that I previously found. I'm trying to determine if this is a CW relic (bullet / miniball) or a split shot sinker perhaps? I don't know squat about CW relics, so I am posting this for some of you that have more experience and info to determine what it is.
I've taken more pictures so you have an idea of the size & full shape. I've also included a picture of it next to the largest fresh water split shot sinker I have.
Here is what I know.
*I found it in an city park in a town that was founded in the late 1700's.
*The ball is still round, so I just have a hard time believing that is is a squished split shot sinker. Wouldn't two of the sides at least be flattened, and the shape be oblong to cause the lead to protrude outward like it is?
*It looks to be old.
I don't have any others to compare it to other than what I see on the internet relic sites.
I have no idea how big miniballs from the CW were in size, so any input on that would be a BIG help.
O.K., let the fun begin.
Thanks,
MM

 

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[Gribnitz]

I vote split shot sinker. The old ones, and even some of the ones you can buy now, don't have those arms to open and close the mouth. It even has that crease in it where the line would clamp into.

 

[xltfireman]

yea i'd say sinker to not smooth enough for a drop and not flat enough to have been shot

 

[nc-joe]

In the words of the great wise man, Hank Hill......

"Yep" it's a sinker.

 

[Nimble1]

Its a musket ball, I can't remember what model of rifle it fit. The ring fit into a two grove rifled barrel.

 

[muddyknees]

It is a sinker.
muddyknees

 

[hollowpointred]

i agree with the others, split shot.

 

[Montana Jim]

I've also said split shot... BUT The more I study the pictures, it looks like somebody added that "outter ring" of lead, and that it's not split at all. There is a chance that it was for another purpose A game piece? I dunno... I am fairly sure that it's not from a musket (IMHO).

I will be eagerly awaiting a decision!

 

[DonC]

I too agree that it is a split shot sinker,although similiar balls were also used in some cannonballs along with nails, chain links, and sometimes minnie balls.

 

[ModernMiner]

Thanks to everyone for your input. It still looks like there is a ray of hope that it is not a sinker. Either way, I'll throw it in my "finds" box and won't go fishing with it. Did they have CW slingshots maybe? Just kidding.
Seriously though, what size (s) would real CW miniballs be? Bigger than mine? Size of a dime?
Trying to get an idea, in case I find another lead ball.
Thanks again,
MM

 

[Montana Jim]

Thanks to everyone for your input. It still looks like there is a ray of hope that it is not a sinker. Either way, I'll throw it in my "finds" box and won't go fishing with it. Did they have CW slingshots maybe? Just kissing.
Seriously though, what size (s) would real CW miniballs be? Bigger than mine? Size of a dime?
Trying to get an idea, in case I find another lead ball.
Thanks again,
MM

Musketballs on top - lead game pieces and other on bottom

 

[ModernMiner]

Montana,
Thanks for the picture. Mine at least appears to be the right size to be a musket ball compared to a dime.
I'll have to look for more relics when I go back up the that area.
-MM-

 

[Montana Jim]

Montana,
Thanks for the picture. Mine at least appears to be the right size to be a musket ball compared to a dime.
I'll have to look for more relics when I go back up the that area.
-MM-

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what you get there!

 

[papa]

No question about it,it's a combination CW sinker and musketball