Is This A Real Cannonball?????

[geraldsbargains]

Hi. Can anyone tell me if this is a real cannonball. Found in TN, buried in the ground. It measures 12 1/2" round, 4" across and weighs 9 lbs 3 oz. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Gerald

 

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[rebelLT]

Another thought. Are you sure that the "flat spot" is not a fuze cavity with the shipping plug still inside?

 

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[donny nj]

Looking Good Mon!!!

 

[wildrider]

I dont know anything about civil war howitzers though I do have an observation and a question. I noticed that the picture of the artillery shell at the bottom has a fuze cavity, whereas the other metal ball does not. I would guess that, even as early as the civil war, most artillery shells would have been designed to explode and spread shrapnel. I dont think that a solid shot would be very effective against a mass of men (except for the one, two, or three unlucky guys that got hit by the thing). I would guess that most of the smaller "field" or portable artillery would fire such projectiles. I guess there could also be solid shot for attacking fortifications. I'm sure that there is some experts out there that know.

"Shots/bolts" were usually solid and "shells" were filled with explosives including small shot and shrapnel.

Solid shots weren't genererally used against infantry. They were used to knock holes in things (structures and storage yards filled with wagons, cannons, ambulances, etc).

Shells were more destructive against living things or in woods.

Flat spots aren't dents and aren't sealed fuse plugs...that would be counter productive.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Could we see a photo of the flat spot?

 

[geraldsbargains]

Sure, I planned on posting another picture today.

I just want to thank all who have answered, it is so nice to know that all this help is available. Gerald

 

[geraldsbargains]

Here are 2 more pictures.

and here is the one with the flat part.

Again, I just want to say thank you to all of you for all the information that you have shared. Gerald