Ammo Help me identify this shell

[danielking1775]

Hi all, I recently purchased this solid cannon ball. It came from the Panama City area of Florida. It has most definitely seen heavy salt water and has heavy corrosion. The hole you see I believe is a mold spur or vent hole that has rusted out, as it's 1/8th of an inch thick not perfectly round, and the ball is totally solid. Any thoughts? The ball weights around 22 pounds. Thanks

 

[danielking1775]

Anyone? Think it may be a 24 pounder that has rusted to a 22 pounder.

 

[Drew]

Maybe @redbob can help?

 

[redbob]

What is it's diameter?

 

[bayonet]

Scratching my head on what that small hole is? Can't be an attempt to defuze it since it's a round/solid shot. Was it drilled there to mount it on a fence or some other item? Is it hollow inside the ball since there is a hole drilled there?

 

[bayonet]

Now come to think of it I have a 12 pounder ACW solid shot that has a hole drilled in the bottom too which I suspect was an attempt to mount it on something.

 

[redbob]

By how jagged the hole is, it may have been a casting flaw that only became exposed when the corrosion removed some outer metal. Also, if it is a 24# solid shot, it should be (before the flaking) around 5.68" in diameter.

 

[danielking1775]

Redbob I'll need to get a cloth tape. The hole I do not believe is drilled. It's very imperfect and is not very deep at all. My best guess if it is truly a cannon ball that this was a rust through spot to an air pocket or filling spur.

 

[danielking1775]

Thanks Redbob we must have been typing at the same time.