Is this 12 lb borman shell safe

[petroguy]

Hi, I was hoping someone could clarify for me if this cannonball was safe. The hole on the bottom of the shell is a little smaller than !/2 in ones I have and have seen that were disarmed. I stuck a wooden pick in and it goes freely in and it reaches the fuse. I assume it's not a case shot, only because the weight is a little under 9 lbs. It has obviously been through electrolysis and from what I see looks ok.
I just would feel better hearing it from people who have more knowledge than me.
Thanx

 

[alan polk]

From what you have indicated, and from the picture of the drill hole, I would think it has been disarmed and is perfectly safe. All the ones that I have found and then had disarmed have the exact drill hole as yours.

It is a nice specimen. Congratulations!

 

[petroguy]

Thank you, I figured it must be ok, but best to ask

 

[UCVRelics]

I believe it is but if you want to double check just run a small rod thru the drill hole and see how far it goes. I have dug many and disarmed and preserved them all that way I know what was done. When you buy one you never really know how it was disarmed. Just having a hole doesn't mean all the powder was removed.

 

[alan polk]

I believe it is but if you want to double check just run a small rod thru the drill hole and see how far it goes. I have dug many and disarmed and preserved them all that way I know what was done. When you buy one you never really know how it was disarmed. Just having a hole doesn't mean all the powder was removed.

He indicated that he ran a pick all the way into the hole and it reached the fuse.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome aboard @petroguy.

I agree with Alan, nice specimen !

I have a twelve pound borman too, but most of the fuse is long gone.

 

[petroguy]

Yeah, I felt around as much as i could and it seemed empty. It went to the fuse for sure, but when your not the one disarming it, you just don't know.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Yeah, I felt around as much as i could and it seemed empty. It went to the fuse for sure, but when your not the one disarming it, you just don't know.

Absolutely !

Never assume anything.

Over the years, there's been way too many unnecessary explosions in back yard shops and such.

ALWAYS seek out a professional to make the call about a potentially live round.

Some of these newly dug relics are just as dangerous today as they were 150 plus years ago.

 

[Rebforever]

N/A

 

[John Winn]

This is very dangerous and you need to send it to me so that I can deal with it safely.

BJ

 

[mofederal]

I would want to make sure it is ok. it is a little late to be casualty of the Civil War.

 

[Larryh86GT]

Better safe than sorry. And welcome to the forum.

 

[redbob]

Welcome aboard from Alabama and if you are still concerned about powder in the ball, place it in a bucket of water and see if any powder comes out with the water after it has soaked a while.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[petroguy]

Thanx everyone for the info and help, I just joined up and I am looking around on the site and what a wealth of info on here. Super big thanx

 

[petroguy]

I am soaking it now, I added some water and a little powder came out right away. So I will give it a couple hour soak, Should I preserve it again after it dries?

 

[Cpl. Smith]

I am soaking it now, I added some water and a little powder came out right away. So I will give it a couple hour soak, Should I preserve it again after it dries?

I would think you should but I've never owned or done much with any relics

 

[redbob]

I am soaking it now, I added some water and a little powder came out right away. So I will give it a couple hour soak, Should I preserve it again after it dries?

Just dry it well and see how it does.

 

[petroguy]

Ok, Thanx everyone !!!!

 

[Seduzal]

Welcome to CWT from the Smoky Mountain side of North Carolina.