Strange metal ball?

[Randy1944]

I just acquired an odd item. It was presented to me as an old civil war cannonball. It is a solid metal ball that is very magnetic. It weighs 2 lbs. 8.7 ozs. It measures 2 7/8” at its widest and 2” on its narrow sides. It is sorta flat on two sides and round the other way. I will try to post pictures.

 

[ticndig]

I think it's a mill ball . Cannon balls should be round not oblong.

 

[Randy1944]

What have been the purpose of being oblong, even as a mill ball? Just curious.

 

[Tony in SC]

A mill ball does not have to be round. a cannon ball does. May not be a mill ball, but it is not a cannon ball.