Expert: Ralph Salier - 1/27/2009

Question
Hi...

 I would like to know how to go about verifying or identifying what appears to be a small, (1.5"), cannonball.  It weighs approximately 1/2 pound.

 It is pitted; but appears to have been cast of iron because there are bumps which circumvent it being perfectly sperical.

 I live in Seguin, Texas midway between San Antonio, and Austin; just off IH-10 and Highway 123.  I'm assuming that this thing may be related to hostilities during the battle for the Alamo.

 Thank You !

 Ed D. Vasquez

Answer
Hi Ed,

There have been many types of munitions over the last 200+ years but what this sounds like is a ball from an antipersonnel "shot bag".  This was used during both the civil war and during the Texas fight for independence.  These would have been loaded into the cannon in a bag and fired from the cannon, not unlike a shot gun shell.  These would been deadly to both horse and human in a charge on a possition that had such munitions.  

But since you are close to Austin, you, can take it to the museum there or to the museum at the Alamo and some one there could take a look at it and give you a much more detailed description of what you have.  

Just a word of warning, if you found this item while metal detecting or "digging" for artifacts you may have an item of contraband!  However, if you found it while walking on your farm, by the side of the road, on a beach or elsewhere, then you are probably ok.  Just don't try to sell it as this would be viewed as selling antiquities which is frowned upon by the state.

Best to say that you found it in some fill dirt used to level you lawn.  That way there is no telling where it came from.