Shell identification help

[Wils124]

I recently purchased a box of civil war items at an auction and this artillery shell (or what looks like it should be one) was included. Does anyone have an idea what it is? I have looked on the internet and through the forums without any luck. Thanks in advance.

[CarlS]

I'll look it up later when I have a few minutes but we've dicussed this item in a couple past posts here on and on other forums.   I believe that most people generally agree that it's an ornamental iron piece for the top of a pole or something similar.

Here is the image lighted to better show the object.

[Wils124]

I searched for "decorative" and think I found some of the posts you reference. Thanks.

[scottfromgeorgia]

These are sometimes sold on eBay as artillery pieces for ignorant collectors- please don't believe everything you see on eBay!

[Wils124]

Well, at least I have a paper weight. I didn't even know this was in the box. Luckily, the other stuff I got (including some nice letters) is authentic.