Miniball??

[nsm1978]

Found behind a church built in the 1700s. 8 inches deep. Is it a Miniball? Is it Revolutionary war , or Civil War? Where I'm from and where the ball was recovered it was more Revolutionary war activity versus Civil War.












It's really heavy.

 

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[Red James Cash]

Musket ball,most likely .69 caliber.No miniballs during the revolution.

 

[nsm1978]

Musket ball,most likely .69 caliber.No miniballs during the revolution.

Oh ok, thank you. Is the size right? And what is it actually made of? Lead? Is that why it is white?

 

[Ocean7]

well it looks like a musket ball from Rev. period and remember they were used for hunting. I'm no expert but have found them. Nice find!

 

[Ocean7]

Oh ok, thank you. Is the size right? And what is it actually made of? Lead? Is that why it is white?

lead. White from 200 - 300 years in dirt

 

[nsm1978]

Very interesting, thank you guys so much I'm really excited!

 

[Red James Cash]

Smooth bore muskets were still in use and,saw action,during the civil war,tough to tell exactly the time period of use for your ball.

 

[dirtlooter]

a lot of metals oxidize over the years, we call it different things at times, rust, corrosion etc. due to chemicals, water, even air. with variances in color according to metal or composition. lead turns white.

 

[I-DIG-IT]

Nice

 

[mirage83]

Found behind a church built in the 1700s. 8 inches deep. Is it a Miniball? Is it Revolutionary war , or Civil War? Where I'm from and where the ball was recovered it was more Revolutionary war activity versus Civil War. It's really heavy.

Minie Balls are conical bullets usually with a hollow base introduced in the mid 19th century, designed to be more stable and accurate than round balls like the one you found. One of the most common found is often just called a three-ringer, usually in .58 caliber though there are others.

As others have noted, your round ball could be from either period and anywhere in between, including civilian non-military use. The white patina a lot of lead gets with age and chemical reactions in the ground is generally referred to as being lead oxide, though I've also seen it called lead acetate (less frequently).

Nice find, lead is always welcome in my keeper-pouch.