Civil war Cannon Ball?

[Smilodon]

Long story short, I had a few hours this morning to detect Downtown Charleston before they poured their new concrete driveway. I dug a few copper coins or flat buttons, they are totally encrusted. Then I found something silver that was in the shape of a heart, while I was retrieving it I could see a rounded edge that was iron in the side of that hole, I started to clear the dirt around it and I was pretty sure it was a cannon ball. Next I was worried if it had a fuse and could be dangerous. I could not see any fuses and it appeared to be solid. I slowly removed it, and I could tell by the weight it had to be solid. I have found many grape shots over the years but this thing is quite large. I put it on the scale and it looks to weigh around 12 - 14 lbs. Can anyone tell more for sure if it is indeed a civil war cannon ball and any other information would be awesome. Also what do I need to do to preserve it

 

[villagenut]

We would need exact numbers of both weight and diameter to go any further. Looks like one though.

 

[Smilodon]

The One photo with the measuring tape is a bit hard to read but I just re-measured and it appears to be around 4.5", The scale photo shows ~ 13 lbs. Hope that helps.

 

[gunsil]

Even if you find a case shot (exploding cannonball) after a century and a half in the ground it will be inert and not dangerous to remove from the soil. You are certainly in the right place to find artillery shot!!

 

[Westfront]

Third and fifth pic look like it has a ridge around. If it has it's probably not a cannon ball. Fingers crossed i'm wrong.

 

[PickTime]

Congratulations on your finds and accessing the area before it’s poured over with crete.

 

[iAmMike]

I think it's a cannon ball, congratz!

 

[Digger RJ]

Long story short, I had a few hours this morning to detect Downtown Charleston before they poured their new concrete driveway. I dug a few copper coins or flat buttons, they are totally encrusted. Then I found something silver that was in the shape of a heart, while I was retrieving it I could see a rounded edge that was iron in the side of that hole, I started to clear the dirt around it and I was pretty sure it was a cannon ball. Next I was worried if it had a fuse and could be dangerous. I could not see any fuses and it appeared to be solid. I slowly removed it, and I could tell by the weight it had to be solid. I have found many grape shots over the years but this thing is quite large. I put it on the scale and it looks to weigh around 12 - 14 lbs. Can anyone tell more for sure if it is indeed a civil war cannon ball and any other information would be awesome. Also what do I need to do to preserve it

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!

 

[gunsil]

Third and fifth pic look like it has a ridge around. If it has it's probably not a cannon ball. Fingers crossed i'm wrong.

Rev war cannonballs had seams, and I think some confederate balls may have too. Charleston was also a hot spot in colonial times.

 

[Fnberg]

Mine found in Missouri has a seam. Verified to be bona-fide by qualified

 

[Tnmountains]

I am thinking even slid shot will have a seam around it. I would soak in apple cider vinegar or use electrolysis to clean it up then wax it. Good luck.
Hopefully it is.

 

[UnderMiner]

From the level of corrosion it may be Rev. War era. Maybe one of General Cornwallis's 12 pounders.