Cannonball Question. 109 lbs, 9" dia. please help.

visakay

Tenderfoot
Apr 18, 2015
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Please help.
i purchased a cannonball...i think. is this a real cannonball?

9" diameter, seem to have a hollow core, weighs 109 lbs. has a 1 7/16" hold goes down about 3" and then opens up to a hollow spot...

i will post a photo. hope you can help me.
 

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Dave Rishar

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The pictures appear to show a ferrous object, but I'd expect a ferrous object to weigh less on account of the hollow center. Odd. How precise are the size and weight measurements?

Interestingly enough, 108 lbs. and change is what I came up for as the expected weight of an iron ball that was 9" in diameter that was completely solid - very close to the listed 109 lbs. of the ball pictured above.
 

Higgy

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I must be naïve, because my first question is: Why the heck would someone pay good money for a bloody cannonball in the first place?
 

parkgt

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I must be naïve, because my first question is: Why the heck would someone pay good money for a bloody cannonball in the first place?

Maybe because they didn't already have one of their own!
 

BosnMate

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Agree, probably a mortar shell.
3.jpg This is an explosive mortar shell, the time fuse goes into the hole.
and here is a mortar.
4.jpg
 

huntsman53

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Jun 11, 2013
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I also agree that it is a Mortar Shell but due to the weight, one would think that it has something inside of it! Maybe someone poured Lead in it to make it very difficult to steal and Lead would likely account for the extreme amount that it is overweight.


Frank
 

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visakay

Tenderfoot
Apr 18, 2015
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wow, i Thank every one on this site for your kind help.. your all fantastic for sure. i had tried to find info on my own, on the web, but came up with very little, maybe because i know very very little about things like this. so my heartfelt thank you to all on this site.
visakay
 

ARC

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Aug 19, 2014
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Mortar-Ball.jpg Err sorry...
This is actually NOT a "ball"...
"SHOT" are solid...
"SHELL" Shells were packed with black powder with a fuse.

SO... You have in my opinion..."A mortar SHELL". heh

It is yet... yes still a "ball"...
But correct terminology would be...
Mortar shell.

Shrapnel Shell, invented by a British officer, name of Schrapnel.

By the way... these are easily identified by those divots ... this is how they would "pick up" the damn thing...
With "tongs".
 

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visakay

Tenderfoot
Apr 18, 2015
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Heartfelt Thank You to All on this site for your kind help, your fantastic !! thank you, thank you..
visakay
 

ARC

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Np...
how much did you pay if you don't mind ?
 

ARC

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Aug 19, 2014
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Also the weight is HEAVY...
Maybe full of lead ?
 

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visakay

Tenderfoot
Apr 18, 2015
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it's not like it is all hollow inside, but there is a hollow space, the walls are still thick.
thanks to everyone for your insight.
 

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visakay

Tenderfoot
Apr 18, 2015
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Primary Interest:
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no secrets... $110.00 and have this listed up for sale on e bay starting 2 p.m. east coast time today Sunday. started for $325.00
wot think?
thanks again to all on this site. i always try to look up on my own first, before asking for help.. so i thank you all .
 

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