Possible Indian Game Ball

[nolanbuckman]

Hello all I found this perfectly round rock( what I believe to be an Indian game ball) many years ago while hunting arrowheads with my uncle. It’s too perfectly round to be natural. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Grizz12]

Shot/ammo from a cannon

 

[Relicgrubber]

I have 2 of these found around Fort Stanwix in Rome NY. My Grandfather has them recorded as French origin Cannon Shot/Ball.

 

[Gold Maven]

in my opinion, it's hard to say.
These are formed by glaciers, but if it was found in association with artifacts, they were probably using it for something.
smaller versions are common in gravel pits, often picked up at the base of conveyor belts, as they tend to roll back down, and fall off.
I have seen them basketball size, pretty sure prehistoric man wasn't using them for that.

 

[newnan man]

My brother found one in Ohio 60 years ago while looking for arrowheads too. I'm still not sure what it is but I've kept it with all his other stuff.

 

[dognose]

I have found a few of these also when hunting arrowheads. A few still have peck marks. I have found both made of granite and flint.

I could see the view that these could be cannon shot. Depending on the location found and dimensions of the ball, the view could go more towards one or the other.

Unlike the small marbles sometimes found, the larger flint is extremely smooth, Two, including the flint also have flat spots. One of the granites hardstone has three of varying size.

This is the polished flint

Here is a very round harstone ball found a few winters back, you can still see some peck marks in the lower area, sort of shadowed.

The hardstone ball was found by my house. From one angle it looks like a very round ball. Turn is and you see the flat spots. I have tried to show both angles in these three pictures. The flat spots are different sizes. On most sites where I have found these, I have also found pestles and axes. The pestles were both roller and hoof pestles. Where the flint ball was found I have found bell pestles. A few highly styles with well-defined bases.

The flat spot is in front, sort of towards the camera.

The larger flat area showing on top.

flat area on right is clear, another in the lower left.

 

[nolanbuckman]

Shot/ammo from a cannon

Thank you for your helpful input. I thought it might’ve been that as well.

 

[nolanbuckman]

I have found a few of these also when hunting arrowheads. A few still have peck marks. I have found both made of granite and flint.

I could see the view that these could be cannon shot. Depending on the location found and dimensions of the ball, the view could go more towards one or the other.

Unlike the small marbles sometimes found, the larger flint is extremely smooth, Two, including the flint also have flat spots. One of the granites hardstone has three of varying size.

This is the polished flint
View attachment 2065999


Here is a very round harstone ball found a few winters back, you can still see some peck marks in the lower area, sort of shadowed.

View attachment 2066000

The hardstone ball was found by my house. From one angle it looks like a very round ball. Turn is and you see the flat spots. I have tried to show both angles in these three pictures. The flat spots are different sizes. On most sites where I have found these, I have also found pestles and axes. The pestles were both roller and hoof pestles. Where the flint ball was found I have found bell pestles. A few highly styles with well-defined bases.

The flat spot is in front, sort of towards the camera.
View attachment 2066002


The larger flat area showing on top.
View attachment 2066004

flat area on right is clear, another in the lower left.
View attachment 2066006

I have found a few of these also when hunting arrowheads. A few still have peck marks. I have found both made of granite and flint.

I could see the view that these could be cannon shot. Depending on the location found and dimensions of the ball, the view could go more towards one or the other.

Unlike the small marbles sometimes found, the larger flint is extremely smooth, Two, including the flint also have flat spots. One of the granites hardstone has three of varying size.

This is the polished flint
View attachment 2065999


Here is a very round harstone ball found a few winters back, you can still see some peck marks in the lower area, sort of shadowed.

View attachment 2066000

The hardstone ball was found by my house. From one angle it looks like a very round ball. Turn is and you see the flat spots. I have tried to show both angles in these three pictures. The flat spots are different sizes. On most sites where I have found these, I have also found pestles and axes. The pestles were both roller and hoof pestles. Where the flint ball was found I have found bell pestles. A few highly styles with well-defined bases.

The flat spot is in front, sort of towards the camera.
View attachment 2066002


The larger flat area showing on top.
View attachment 2066004

flat area on right is clear, another in the lower left.
View attachment 2066006

Wow, awe

I have found a few of these also when hunting arrowheads. A few still have peck marks. I have found both made of granite and flint.

I could see the view that these could be cannon shot. Depending on the location found and dimensions of the ball, the view could go more towards one or the other.

Unlike the small marbles sometimes found, the larger flint is extremely smooth, Two, including the flint also have flat spots. One of the granites hardstone has three of varying size.

This is the polished flint
View attachment 2065999


Here is a very round harstone ball found a few winters back, you can still see some peck marks in the lower area, sort of shadowed.

View attachment 2066000

The hardstone ball was found by my house. From one angle it looks like a very round ball. Turn is and you see the flat spots. I have tried to show both angles in these three pictures. The flat spots are different sizes. On most sites where I have found these, I have also found pestles and axes. The pestles were both roller and hoof pestles. Where the flint ball was found I have found bell pestles. A few highly styles with well-defined bases.

The flat spot is in front, sort of towards the camera.
View attachment 2066002


The larger flat area showing on top.
View attachment 2066004

flat area on right is clear, another in the lower left.
View attachment 2066006

wow, some awesome finds!! I know exactly what your saying it could go either way. It’s definetly a first for me. I’m still dreaming for my first full axe. Can’t wait for the flood to hit.

 

[nolanbuckman]

My brother found one in Ohio 60 years ago while looking for arrowheads too. I'm still not sure what it is but I've kept it with all his other stuff.

That’s exactly why I kept mine I know it’s definetly not natural it’s too perfectly round. This cannon ball idea is really interesting I’m researching it more.

 

[nolanbuckman]

I have 2 of these found around Fort Stanwix in Rome NY. My Grandfather has them recorded as French origin Cannon Shot/Ball.

That’s what member grizz12 said. I’m going to have for research this more. I’m glad I joined this site it’s nice to share my funds and get valuable insight. I appreciate it immensely.

 

[nolanbuckman]

in my opinion, it's hard to say.
These are formed by glaciers, but if it was found in association with artifacts, they were probably using it for something.
smaller versions are common in gravel pits, often picked up at the base of conveyor belts, as they tend to roll back down, and fall off.
I have seen them basketball size, pretty sure prehistoric man wasn't using them for that.

Wow I didn’t know they were formed by glaciers. I was hunting in the Ohio river bottoms so artifacts are prevalent. Others are saying cannon ball as well I’ll have to research it more

 

[dougachim]

not cannon balls

 

[unclemac]

we have all found these, they are not uncommon at all. I know it seems too perfect, and I know they often appear worked, but what "game" do you suppose they were used for? I know a beach on the Washington coast where I can find smooth, white, quartz, egg shapes rocks (the size of a hens egg) by the dozen, all natural.

 

[dognose]

Not sure, but 24/7 ocean wave action to produce round stones has not occurred in the Midwest in a while.

That scenario you speak of is 100% different.

 

[unclemac]

yes of course, just an example of nature. Round stones are often made in rivers and streams when stones swirl around in circles in depressions, among other ways. Read a few of these to get up to date on the subject.

how nature makes spherical stones - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[dougachim]

we have all found these, they are not uncommon at all. I know it seems too perfect, and I know they often appear worked, but what "game" do you suppose they were used for? I know a beach on the Washington coast where I can find smooth, white, quartz, egg shapes rocks (the size of a hens egg) by the dozen, all natural.

Mine are not natural.