Roundball patina

[HunterII]

Anyone know how long it takes to achieve a porcelain like patina on lead?

 

[Old Dude]

I don't know how long, sorry, but I love finding them! Very nice.

 

[mirage83]

A lot depends on the chemical makeup of the soil it's in, moisture plays a part too. Some hunters find CW-era rounds which come out looking like they were cast in the last week or two, hardly any patina to them. Others come out of the ground actually with some of their lead chemically eaten away from interaction with the soil they're in.

Your roundball looks old, I'd call it 19th century with reasonable certainty.

 

[HunterII]

Thanks guys, I've been at a site I believe is from the 1850s here in MN. Found part of kitchen knife earlier in the week that dates to the early to mid 1800s.

 

[HunterII]

Some other items from today and this week

 

[CRUSADER]

Depends on the soil conditions.