Cannonball?

[Joshc]

I found this today in a site that dates back to the late 1700s. I thought it was junk at first but then I did a double take when the idea of a cannonball popped into my head. It measures about exactly 2 inches in diameter but only weighs about 13 1/2 ounces according to my scales. I found a few musket balls very close by as well. I'm in northwestern PA and I dont know of any local skirmishes. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[fwcrawford]

Looks like Civil War era grapeshot or a canister round to me.. they came in various sizes…

 

[Picketwire]

+1 above. I cannot imagine the carnage a canister full of this shot wreaked upon its victims.

 

[Joshc]

Agreed! It's enough to give me chills when I think about it!

 

[Odanscoils]

I've often wondered on the balls and chain.
How could soldier's just stand in line to be shot at ?
Even in that Era I'd of been shooting from behind tree's.