5” Solid Shot Cannon Ball

[Randy1944]

I recently purchased this item and wondered what type of cannon would it have come from? Also. Is there a way to identify which side it came from? Here is its description: a Revolutionary War Era 5" Solid Shot Cannonball - found Cowpens Battlefield, South Carolina on private land. They said that it measured 5" across and weighed 15 pounds. I had ancestors that fought at the Battle of Kings Mtn. and at Cowpens, so that is why I am interested in this cannonball. Thanks

 

[bankerpapaw]

Post picture.

 

[Kurt G]

It would not have been from the battle of Cowpens . The British had a few 3 pounders which would have fired a round under 3" in diameter .

 

[Kurt G]

The closest cannonball that approximate size would be an 18 pounder , which was a naval cannon and would never have been at Cowpens .

 

[KHyatt]

Did you happen to purchase this on eBay from generallee? I seem to remember seeing this in his large collection of "relics." I posted a couple of weeks ago about a fraudulently listed Enfield tompion that I purchased from this guy. Here's a link: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/original-enfield-tompion.171090/page-2. It's a shame that he seems to do a brisk business because he clearly seems to have no scruples. At least I got a refund.

 

[Randy1944]

It would not have been from the battle of Cowpens . The British had a few 3 pounders which would have fired a round under 3" in diameter .

Did you happen to purchase this on eBay from generallee? I seem to remember seeing this in his large collection of "relics." I posted a couple of weeks ago about a fraudulently listed Enfield tompion that I purchased from this guy. Here's a link: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/original-enfield-tompion.171090/page-2. It's a shame that he seems to do a brisk business because he clearly seems to have no scruples. At least I got a refund.

I'm afraid you are correct.

 

[Randy1944]

I'm afraid you are correct.

Ps, I wonder if there is a reasonable way to test it to ascertain how old it is?

 

[redbob]

It helps any, even though they were pretty much obsolete by the time of the Civil War; there were some used by the Confederacy.

 

[John Winn]

Ps, I wonder if there is a reasonable way to test it to ascertain how old it is?

In short, no.

It might be possible to test the composition of the metal and compare that to known samples but, at best, it would only approximate the age. Carbon-bearing samples can be dated to withing a few hundred years using radiocarbon dating but not iron. Wood can be dated fairly well using dendrochrononolgy but even that isn't precise in many cases because there's holes in the chronology.

Archeological dating is mostly done in situ by looking at associated soil layers and the like. Even if you could find a university that would try and date the metal it would cost you and, as I said, likely only get you to withing a few hundred years (matallurgy didn't advance all that fast).

 

[Randy1944]

It helps any, even though they were pretty much obsolete by the time of the Civil War; there were some used by the Confederacy.

Hey red bob, That leaves the door somewhat ajar. No, wait. Cowpens was a Revolutionary war battle site.

 

[Randy1944]

I have communicated with seller and he insists that cannonball came from Cowpens!

 

[Kurt G]

I have communicated with seller and he insists that cannonball came from Cowpens!

How does he explain the fact that only 3 pounders were at Cowpens ?? There are several books that mention that .

 

[Randy1944]

How does he explain the fact that only 3 pounders were at Cowpens ?? There are several books that mention that .

His answer, "Apparently, someone had a cannon that size there, because that is where it was found. Not every single thing was written down about every battle." What do I have? Where did it come from?

 

[Kurt G]

So Tarleton hauled a naval 18 pounder with all the accompanying crew and a huge team of oxen in pursuit of Daniel Morgan . No wonder he lost the battle . I wouldn't buy anything from this guy .

 

[Kurt G]

His answer, "Apparently, someone had a cannon that size there, because that is where it was found. Not every single thing was written down about every battle." What do I have? Where did it come from?

By the way I'm envious of you for having ancestors at Cowpens and King's Mountain , two of my favorite Revolutionary battles . If this had a visible seam I would say it was an ore crusher ball .

 

[Randy1944]

It is very humble and rewarding to have ancestors that were active in past wars. I expect to receive the cannonball on Monday and maybe a visual inspection at that time will reveal clues. I certainly want it to be what it was described as. Hopefully, the truth will be found out.

 

[UCVRelics]

It is very humble and rewarding to have ancestors that were active in past wars. I expect to receive the cannonball on Monday and maybe a visual inspection at that time will reveal clues. I certainly want it to be what it was described as. Hopefully, the truth will be found out.

I would send it back and not even open the box

 

[Randy1944]

Well, I have a couple of days to decide. I may just refuse to accept it.