Before & After Pics of "Cannon Ball" Electrolysis Complete.

[Kurios1]

Howdy Folks. I have this nearly 4.5 inch and 12 pound solid iron "ball" I recovered many years ago from a construction sight. I had never done a thing with it until my neighbor volunteered to run it through his electrolysis tank several times. Well, the difference is night & day. It looks cool as all get out and I absolutely love the "new" look. One question that remains is, Is it indeed a cannon ball or something else. Part of me doesn't want to know but, I truly believe it's a cannon ball and do want to positively ID the find. I have contacted Cannon Ball Guy and hope he will chime in on the after photos and give me his opinion. It's a nice conversation piece whatever it is. Thanks for any opinions or information of this large round iron ball. Kurios1

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Your photos of the ball after cleaning by Electrolysis show it has the correct look for excavated cast-iron, not steel. So it passes the "steel elimination test" (no steel cannonballs were ever used in America).

Your photo with the cloth-tape measure of the ball's circumference prove it is the correct size for 12-Pounder caliber cannonball from the Revolutionary War / War Of 1812 era. (Circumference of 14.0 inches divided by 3.1416 equals 4.45-inches.)

Congratulations... it's a winner, and so as its finder you are too.

 

[A2coins]

Great restoration and piece of History.

 

[Kurios1]

Your photos of the ball after cleaning by Electrolysis show it has the correct look for excavated cast-iron, not steel. So it passes the "steel elimination test"... because no steel cannonballs were ever used in America.

Your photo with the cloth-tape measure of the ball's circumference prove it is the correct size for 12-Pounder caliber cannonball from the Revolutionary War / War Of 1812 era. (Circumference of 14.0 inches divided by 3.1416 equals 4.45-inches.)

Congratulations... it's a winner, and so as its finder you are too.

WOO HOO! Thanks my friend and brother! Sitting down with my neighbor last night discussing the possibilities of this find and how it turned out so very cool looking was a blast. You providing a confirmation has removed any doubt that has been lingering for years. I truly appreciate you chiming in and if ever I can return the favor which I can't of anything you may need of me but, please just ask. God bless you and yours richly. I am a happy man.

 

[The_Piratess]

Yay Kevin!!! Your cannonball passed the ultimate test by T-Net's own, TheCannonballGuy!!! If he says it's one then you can be sure it is! Thank you once again TheCannonballGuy!

 

[DownNDirty]

Congratulations on a great find-and your neighbor did a fine job with electrolysis and preservation.

 

[Kurios1]

Congratulations on a great find-and your neighbor did a fine job with electrolysis and preservation.

Thank you. Yes. I was totally impressed with the outcome of the process. I offered to pay him, bribe him with beer, etc. NO CHARGE. Really great guy. Now I have to set up my own electrolysis system. I have loads of rusty things needing cleaned up. Adios.

 

[HuntinDog]

Kurios1,
That came out great.
Congrats on the recovery and preservation.

Question....
What did your neighbor use to preserve it?

 

[Z.K.]

Outstanding on all accounts (recovery, rehab technique, and ID). Well done sir.

 

[Kurios1]

Kurios1,
That came out great.
Congrats on the recovery and preservation.

Question....
What did your neighbor use to preserve it?

My neighbor uses a huge rubber tub purchased from Farm and Fleet here in our area. I think he uses a "Shumacher" 6-12 volt battery charger and uses 2 "amps" charge. He also uses Arm & Hammer Baking Wash NOT baking soda. I guess the difference is Baking Wash is Sodium Carbonate NOT Sodium Bicarbonate. I may be wrong on some of the details but, I think this is what he told me. He had to dip the iron ball several times due to it's huge mass and the way he had it encased in wires running around the ball. It took some perseverance but, turned out wonderful. If I can get anymore details I'll let you know.

 

[Kurios1]

Outstanding on all accounts (recovery, rehab technique, and ID). Well done sir.

Thanks. It took me probably 7 years to get around to preserving this iron ball so I am extremely pleased it turned out as well as it did. Also pleased my new bestest friend The Cannonball Guy was able to confirm my iron ball as authentic. This has to be my favorite relic ever recovered. Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I'll pass the sentiments along to my neighbor. It just rained here pretty good last night and today. I need to go swing his yard in a short so I'll be seeing him.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Wow that's a nice piece. You'll have to build a stand for it. I tried my hand at electrolysis a couple weeks ago on my first old horse shoe. I used baking soda and a 12v battery charger. Took about 24 hours and I changed the water a few times. I am happy with it, nowhere near as good as the museum quality you got with your cannonball!

 

[Kurios1]

Wow that's a nice piece. You'll have to build a stand for it. I tried my hand at electrolysis a couple weeks ago on my first old horse shoe. I used baking soda and a 12v battery charger. Took about 24 hours and I changed the water a few times. I am happy with it, nowhere near as good as the museum quality you got with your cannonball!

Thank you mate. I just posted my neighbor's set up on the cannonball restoration. Nothing too technical but, pretty slick and may help you in your new adventures at old iron restoration. I know I'll be investing in some hardware to get started into electrolysis.