Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/5/2009

Question
I am wonder how we can tell what time frame a cannonball is from? The people we bought our home from, found a cannonball in our back yard when they were digging to put in a patio. The cannonball is about 5 inches round and is very heavy. It looks like there is a plug area where the metal is slightly different. The plug area seems to be about half an inch round. The ball is rusted a bit, but is in good condition. We live in Maple Shade, NJ and I have searched historical information on this area and have found out that the Revolutionary and Civil Wars did not take place in this area of New Jersey, even though we are 15 minutes from Philadelphia. I have been told that this area was all Quakers who were farmers and did not like fighting,but this area was settled in the mid 1600's. Is there a way to date something like this? And is it possible that this could be dangerous even with it being this old, if it is indeed a cannonball? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
Hi Tina,

Though it is true that no battles took place in or around Maple Shade, both the British and the American armies did move through this area.  It is well within the realm of possibility that they may have bivowaked in your area (camped overnight) and may have lost the ball.  The Civil War saw no action in your area although again it may have seen troop movement.  From your description this is a typical 5 inch ball which is common to the Revolutionary War and may still contain black powder.  Avoid striking the bronze fuse as this would not be a safe thing to do, even today.  I doubt that it is still dangerous but, you may want to take it to you local historical society to have it examined and if they think it is still live or are not sure, check with the local police to see if they have a person who could disarm it for you.  (not blow it up).  

I grew up in Vineland, NJ and did some archaeological work up in your area 25 years ago near the intersection of HWY 73 and Main near the river.  
This was used by both the Native Americans, later settlers and the Quakers.  The Quakers of this area were very involved in the "Underground Railroad" helping slaves escape from the south.

If you have any other questions, please send them along.