Burien, thanks for the reply. I am really enjoying finding these types of things. It makes history that much more interesting when you are holding an item as opposed to just reading about it. Of course I do much more reading on the subject now that I am finding these things.
It's kinda funny that I ended up here so close to Paris Island since since I went to MCRD in San Diego.
Dug, I'm a little confused because I thought I replied to your post. I must have sent you a message I'm not sure. I am still learning the ropes here.
The Ball does not have a hole in it although it does have an impression on two sides. My picture probably could have been better. I could have also cleaned it better, however I was afraid to wash off the patina. Thank for the reply though. I am just trying to figure out the best I can what I am finding. So all comments are welcome.
Thanks for the replies.
I am pretty certain it's a musket ball now because I am finding pistol balls everywhere.
SoArk, You are definitely right I need to get some calipers.
Here is why I dig everything...Unless it's an old homesite.
-Swartzie
may i correct you about the hole in context to a musketball?If my eyes are deceiving me, looks like the item has a hole running through it and is packed with dirt. If so, that would be an old net weight. If it is solid then it is likely an old musketball.
A selection of Civil War shot. From left to right: Musket ball (37gm); musket ball trimmed with a knife to fit bore of weapon; pistol ball (18gm) still showing casting scar from mould; possible musket ball drilled with a hole for scooping up dung (an early form of biological warfare and documented from sieges).
page 13 on http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/civil%20war2.pdf
Here is why I dig everything...
Strike one: Homesite. I got a read on an old tin can, ignored it moved on. Hunting buddy came behind me and dug it out. He got a good signal underneath. Second target was a script A button.
Strike two: Trashy picket point. I got a really obnoxious iron sound and moved on. Hunting buddy dug out a narsty rotten coffee grinder. Next he pulled out a US box plate. Then a second but in bad condition. He insisted I come over and dig the last signal... handle to the coffee grinder.
Strike three: Deep woods confederate camp with very sparse finds. Just got done digging a deep hoe and some barb wire. Got another similar sounding target and ignored it. Another digger with us came along and dug out a Louisiana rectangular belt plate (could not find the keeper).
I dig everything now as I have learned that iron can cover good targets, and good targets can sometimes sound like iron. I look at it this way, it's exercise.
Trying to judge the diameter by the piece of tape you have above it, it appears to be less than 3/4 of an inch. A set of calipers would refine the measurement, but it could be a .69 caliber round ball.