cannonball

[leeski]

bought a few cannonballs this weekend in the pile was this one it measures 4 inch in diameter and weighs aprox 7 lb 7 oz it has a hole right through the middle any ideas what its for

many thanx lee

 

[Chris 42 RQ]

Fly Press counter weight!

Sadly Lee I think what you have there is a "counter weight" ball for a hand "Fly press"-you should be able to just see the two holed balls on either end of the swing arm.

 

[Tmine35]

In my experience counter weights for a fly press are much heavier. What about bottom weights of a trawl?

 

[leeski]

could be chris but the cannonball has a large chunk missing from the side looks like its hit something when fired and wouldent a fly press have a steel ball and not an iron one ?

regards lee

 

[Weasel]

I am inclined to go with Tmine on this one, it does look like the bottom weight off a trawl.
Best regards Weasel.

 

[CampX]

Sorry, I don't know what it is..but it is NOT a Cannonball..I have about 20 of differant sizes and types..solid, shell and even a barshot..the seam line in your is not straight nor ground the way they are done on any cannonball I have seen or recovered.

No cannonball would ever have a hole all the way through..the closest I have seen is a 3 piece barshot..a very rare type ( and I have one)..the hole only goes into the ball about half way..and it is a 4 sided hole..not round.

Here in Canada I have found far more rock crushing balls and shot put than real cannonballs.
Can you post a good photo of the seam line so others can see what I am refuring too?

Thank you
Dean

 

[leeski]

heres some pics of the seam line i think the odd shaped part is the top of the mould
looking at the other balls i see what you mean about the seam being grinded
thanx lee

 

[CampX]

Well again, I have several cannonballs..many I have dug myself that date French Indian Wars !750s..to US Civil War 1860s..and none have a seam or spue like that...that was alwats ground down...so I am sure this isn't right...

Just my thoughts.

Dean