Recent finds possibly live ammo-cannonballs

Underwonder · Sep 30, 2025

I recently have found some varied ammunition in a local pond/muck. The clip has live bullets..The bottom says USC Co 17.
I believe WWII era. The other smaller bullets are maybe hunting bullets? The projectile looking item I am not sure if it is some type of ammo or just a plumb bob..or something else.

Mostly I would like to know more about the probable cannonballs. One has a hole going through the center..The other does not seem to be.

I don't want to report to the police or bomb squad because I want them preserved vs. blown up...but I haven't found anyone in the area to do this.

I am posting to get feedback! Thanks!
Kim

Trezurehunter · Oct 1, 2025

Very nice !

Charlie P. (NY) · Oct 1, 2025

Images 8246 and 8247 with the two holes along a flat section is not a cannonball.

Underwonder · Oct 1, 2025

ARC said:
Under... can you post some more pics of the English Crown piece please.

Surely! Thanks for interest! I can't read any maker's mark and could just see the crown on the back/bottom of the bowl!

Underwonder · Oct 1, 2025

ArfieBoy said:
Interesting finds, but they could be dangerous. Good luck finding someone to help you.

Thank you.

Underwonder · Oct 1, 2025

pepperj said:
The clip and single bullets I wouldn't worry about as the swamp probably took care of the ability to fire.
The spoon, could you provide a few more photos, length handle, bowl.
The other shot I would get a civil war collector to view and to give you some info.
@cannonball would be very helpful if still available.
Great day of relic hunting for recoveries.

Thanks pepperj!
The spoon is a little over 8 inches and the bowl is about 2 3/4 inches.

Good info.

Yes, I was hoping to hear from cannonballguy as he has been so helpful so many times...but I understand he hasn't been feeling the best. I DO wish him well.

Underwonder · Oct 1, 2025

Charlie P. (NY) said:
Images 8246 and 8247 with the two holes along a flat section is not a cannonball.

Thanks for that feedback. It reminded me of of the first cannonball as it is mostly round and heavy and iron but the too and bottom was different and no hole through. Any ideas what else it might be?

Charlie P. (NY) · Oct 2, 2025

Underwonder said:
Thanks for that feedback. It reminded me of of the first cannonball as it is mostly round and heavy and iron but the too and bottom was different and no hole through. Any ideas what else it might be?

Counterweight for some equipment like a brake press, beam scale, or possibly a governor-ball (used to control speed on steam engines).

Underwonder · Oct 2, 2025

beepbleep said:
What a great day. You have found an amazing spot to search. Have you measured the diameter of the balls to see what size they are? Cannon balls are on my bucket list so you are doing great! Be careful with them. Maybe keep the sealed ones in a bucket of water so the powder doesn't dry out until inspected.
Thanks for sharing your finds.

Hi beepbleep,

I got to measure today...Although slight variations due to rust, the first cannonball with the hole going through it measured about 4.48 inches diameter and weighed 6 pounds.
The second questionable ball that I was thinking was another cannonball with no home through the center (but has been suggested it may be a counterweight) measured about 4.28 inches diameter and also weighed 6 pounds.

BAW · Oct 3, 2025

Neither of the “cannonballs “ are actually cannonballs. The hole going completely through one of them shows that it is not an artillery projectile, and the other one is not round and could not have been fired from a cannon. The “bullets” (actually cartridges) in the clip are .30-06 military rifle cartridges made under contract for the US government by the U.S. Cartridge Company, which despite its name was a private company. The 17 on the head stamp is the manufacture date, 1917. The .32-40 cartridges were first made in 1884 and production ended years ago, possibly in the 1960s except for ai few “commerative” issues later. Yours are marked “REM -UMC” and date from after 1888, when the Remington Arms Co. merged with the Union Metallic Cartridge Company.

Underwonder · Oct 3, 2025

BAW said:
Neither of the “cannonballs “ are actually cannonballs. The hole going completely through one of them shows that it is not an artillery projectile, and the other one is not round and could not have been fired from a cannon. The “bullets” (actually cartridges) in the clip are .30-06 military rifle cartridges made under contract for the US government by the U.S. Cartridge Company, which despite its name was a private company. The 17 on the head stamp is the manufacture date, 1917. The .32-40 cartridges were first made in 1884 and production ended years ago, possibly in the 1960s except for ai few “commerative” issues later. Yours are marked “REM -UMC” and date from after 1888, when the Remington Arms Co. merged with the Union Metallic Cartridge Company.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I sure am learning a lot here! I do appreciate all the input.

HH