Cannonballs/Solid Shot?

[HblairH]

I recently purchased these and while I believe they may predate the civil war I thought this might be a good place to start in a search for information on them. They were found on a ranch just south of Gonzales, TX while surface hunting for arrow heads. The photo is from the seller. Any information would be a huge help. Thanks in advance, Blair


Diameter - weight

1. 2.07 in. - 21.5 ozs

2. 1.43 in - 7.25 ozs (this one is slightly out of round)

3. 1.273 in - 4.8 ozs

4. 1.114 in - 2.65 ozs

5. 1.035 in - 2.1 ozs

6. 0.95 in - 1.8 ozs

 

[UCVRelics]

As I stated in the original post, They would have to be pre CW as there were no CW battles in Gonzales. Its hard to say from photos but the first 3 on the left appear to be grape shot and the 3 smaller ones case or canister shot. If original they could be from the 1835 battle in Gonzales during the War of Texas Independence.

 

[Tailor Pete]

I'm thinking they may NOT be cannon shot, but more likely mill balls. Are there any mines in that area, or possibly an old ore processing facility? Was there an old rail line that passed through that area?

The sizes are not consistent with any of the artillery from the Tex-Mex War that I'm at all familiar with.

 

[ikesdad]

Not saying they are not from artillery but south of Gonzales there are uranium and moly mines. There is a possibility they could be mill balls. Try to disprove that possibility first.

 

[speedenforcer]

I hope I am not violating rules about putting a link or suggestion to another forum but... The guys on the Civil war projectiles forum can tell you almost immediately if they are artillery and time period if they are. Pete George THE ARILLERY MAN is on there as are several other well known and knowledgeable artillery collectors. I collect artillery as well but am not an expert at, well anything but I do know a little about most shells but the smaller round balls no so sure about.
http://www.bulletandshell.com/forum/ If I am in violation, please forgive and remove at your will.

 

[UCVRelics]

I'm on there also, Ive know Pete for a long time but I learned from the master over 40 years ago, Tom Dickey.

 

[speedenforcer]

Ah yes, Mr. Tom. I regrettably never had the pleasure of Meeting Mr. Dickey. I am good friends with another Dicky if that counts.

 

[UCVRelics]

The first time I met Tom was when they added a wing on the Mobile Infirmary the found a CS ammo dump and had to stop construction. Tom came in and told them he would remove and disarm the cache of CS shells. They paid him to do it and he got to keep all the shells. He was a pistol. I was just a grasshopper then and he was the Sensei. I took him over to Spanish Fort and Blakley which was the start of a longtime friendship. I have 4 shells that I got from him that will probable go in the casket with me.

 

[mofederal]

That is an interesting collection, all the more so because of the battle that happened in the area.