Bullet and Shell Civil War Projectiles Forum
Relic Discussion => Artillery => Topic started by: 24thMichigan on May 31, 2016, 05:40:54 PM
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I would appreciate the expert's opinions on this. Anyone ever seen a mold seam this pronounced on a solid shot? The seam is consistent around the entire circumference. Ball weighs 18 pounds exactly, diameter is 4.99 inches. Some erosion but nothing major. Thank you.
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Just trying to be helpful here, 24thMichigan. Pardon me for being blunt in this case. Actual cannonballs did not have a raised band anywhere on their body. When you see that on a ball, it immediately and completely disqualifies the ball from being a cannonball. There's no need to bother measuring its diameter and weight. But since you already gone to the effort of doing so, I'll add that the 4.99"-diameter is too small to be an 18-pounder, and the weight is too light to be an 18-pounder.
www.civilwarartillery.com/shottables.htm
I co-wrote a detailed educational article (including photos) on how to distinguish actual cannonballs from the many imposters.
http://www.pochefamily.org/books/SolidShotEssentialsMod.html
Regards,
Pete
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Thanks Pete, that is what I thought. This was purchased very reasonably many years ago before I (somewhat) learned enough to know what I was looking at. Always wondered what it was. I have read your article....very helpful. I just never encountered a seam like this after this one ball. I have 24 pounder shell molds here and don't see how it would be possible for a band or seam such as this to occur in casting. If I ever encounter an actual 18 pound shot, I will probably pass on it just out of caution because I have seen so many that were not the real deal.....one recently from a very reputable dealer who of course made good on it and that was an honest oversight. Thanks again for your input.