🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Need more info on Civil War era 6lb solid shot with fuse hole

[FloodcityTom]

I wish I could say I dug this relic but I got this beauty at a yard sale in Martinsburg West Va. The previous owner says it was found in Martinsburg Wva by a deceased relative circa early 1970s at a street excavation site, not pinpointed exactly. Martinsburg was the scene of several battles and skirmishes, as well as occupation by both sides, but A good chance it is Confederate. I've been doing LOTs of research and I see LOTS of examples of 6 lb solid shot but NONE with a touch hole for a fuse. Im sure IT IS NOT CASE SHOT. There was one example of solid shot that indicated a small hole was for an attached chain or chain shot used by naval artillery but no dimensions were given. This weighs 6 lbs exactly and measures 3 1/2 inches diameter, the hole is 1/4 inch. These numbers correspond with my artillery projectiles research 6.1 lbs weight (3.58) diameter, any differences might be attributed to the age and what looks like a restoration attempt. Thank you so much in advance !

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Thank you for already doing the super-precise measuring of the 6-Pounder caliber cannonball's diameter and weight... which saved me from having to ask for those precise measurements. This ball's diameter-to-weight ratio tells us with certainty that the ball is indeed a solid ball, with no internal cavity for gunpowder. And THAT means the 1/4" hole in its skin is just a casting-flaw airbubble, not a fuzehole. The opening of the hole is irregular, not a perfect dircle, so that hole was not made by drilling. Therefore, the hole was not made to hold something, like a pin/stud for attaching the ball to something.

 

[FloodcityTom]

Thank you for already doing the super-precise measuring of the 6-Pounder caliber cannonball's diameter and weight... which saved me from having to ask for those precise measurements. This ball's diameter-to-weight ratio tells us with certainty that the ball is indeed a solid ball, with no internal cavity for gunpowder. And THAT means the 1/4" hole in its skin is just a casting-flaw airbubble, not a fuzehole. The opening of the hole is irregular, not a perfect dircle, so that hole was not made by drilling. Therefore, the hole was not made to hold something, like a pin/stud for attaching the ball to something.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I believe you have solved the mystery!

 

[sprailroad]

At times CannonballGuy is a Treasure-Net Treasure Trove of infromation...

 

[Gare]

At times CannonballGuy is a Treasure-Net Treasure Trove of infromation...

YES he is !!! we are so lucky to have him

 

[FloodcityTom]

His Expertise is much appreciated!