Help with found cannonball

[Brikenn]

My mother's boyfriend found a cannonball on the job site today in Charleston SC. He says it feels hollow with something rolling around inside does anyone know anything about this

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Hello Brikenn.

Welcome to CivilWarTalk.
Thanks posting this image. Our experts should be along shortly.

Until then, get ready to answer questions about weight, diameter and possible requests for additional photos.

 

[John Winn]

To assess the find we'll need: accurate diameter measurement, accurate weight, photos that show both sides.

Lots of things look like cannon balls but aren't.

 

[Brikenn]

Ok I will not receive it untill this weekend because I live in North Carolina and it was found by a family member in Charleston SC. . I have read that cannonballs have been popping up all over down there and Didn't know if it might be live or not so I told him to drop it in a bucket of water to be on the safe side untill I receive it. When I do I will post more info.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum @Brikenn

 

[John Winn]

Ok I will not receive it untill this weekend because I live in North Carolina and it was found by a family member in Charleston SC. . I have read that cannonballs have been popping up all over down there and Didn't know if it might be live or not so I told him to drop it in a bucket of water to be on the safe side untill I receive it. When I do I will post more info.

Just from the photo that you posted it doesn't look like an explosive round but water won't hurt it now. Explosive rounds would have an obvious fuse hole. From the relationship to the fingers it looks too small to be a cannon ball that would have been fired into Charleston but let's wait until you have the stats.

 

[Brikenn]

I actually have a few that I have bought but all solid , I've never heard of a hollow one till today , but as soon as I get the info I will post it, thank you

 

[Larryh86GT]

Welcome.

 

[John Winn]

I actually have a few that I have bought but all solid , I've never heard of a hollow one till today , but as soon as I get the info I will post it, thank you

There were two kinds of "hollow" rounds: shell and case. Shells had powder in them and exploded; case had powder and lead or iron balls and also exploded but were designed to scatter "shrapnel." Case would not have been used in Charleston as it was for use against personnel. Shells would have been most commonly used as those could start fires. Solid shot might have also been used as that could damage buildings but I'd guess shells would have been most common. The caliber of the guns was rather large so that's why I say just from the photo it doesn't seem likely that what you have is a CW cannon ball.

My gg grandmother's family lived in Charleston during the bombardment and an unexploded shell landed on their porch. There's actually a map that delineated the bombarded area of Charleston. Knowing where, exactly, your candidate was found would also be helpful as we can compare the location to the map (I've got a copy but it'll take me a while to dig it up).

Welcome to our fold.

 

[Brikenn]

I don't really have nothing to weigh it with abd I can use a tape measure to measure the diameter and will post other pics, what other possibilities are there from that area

 

[Brikenn]

The location it was found was on Romney street downtown Charleston if that will help any.

 

[Frederick14Va]

As mentioned, additional detailed images, accurate measurements and weight will help compare the object to known artillery ordnance tables for what could be possible. Particular attention to any noted markings, mold seams, depressions or orifices Just from what can be seen in this image it does appear a bit small for majority of Civil War era ordnance... However Charleston region also had lots of both Rev War and War of 1812 activity amongst others as well.. Many folks would frequently pick up souvenirs and take them home... Hence may or may not be related to a given action where it was discovered.

 

[John Winn]

Romney Street is too far north but, as @Frederick14Va pointed out that's not definitive. Diameter, weight, and good images showing both sides will do the trick. Go find somebody with a good scale. We can calculate diameter from circumference if you can't.

 

[mofederal]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River.

 

[Brikenn]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River.

Thank you

 

[Brikenn]

Welcome.

Thanx

 

[Brikenn]

Welcome to the forum @Brikenn

Thanx

 

[redbob]

Welcome to the group from Alabama.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From The Heart Of Dixie. I agree with all of the above. More photos and measurements will be helpful in determining just what it is.

 

[Brikenn]

Welcome to the group from Alabama.

Thanx