Identifying a projectile

[skyliner44]

This was recently found on a beach in Massachusetts after heavy surf removed a lot of sand. It's approx. 7 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter. It weighs just under 8 pounds with the attached encrusted material. Any ideas as to age/era, type of weapon it was fired from? No identifying marks except a very slightly raised cross or star type shape at the tip and is difficult to see in the photos. At the time it was found, several people thought it could still be live and it was turned over to the police and I'm told it was destroyed. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Always fascinating when these old items are found. From it's appearance and encrustaceans I suppose it could even be Civil War period. It's looks as if it might have been a solid projectile - but you can never be sure - certainly 7 inches x 2 inches is quite small. ( 17.5cm x 5cm). At this size it might even have been belt fired - did the military have any bases in this area - it might have been a practise round ?

Skyliner - I see you are a new member - welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

[skyliner44]

Thanks for the welcome and reply Mervyn. There was a small WWII era base nearby, but from what I've heard did not have any guns this large. Perhaps practice off the coast. This area did have a lot of ship building from the 1600's through the 1800's. There were also many shipwrecks in the area from storms, rocks, fog and shifting shoals. We had quite a bit of discussion on whether it might be solid or not. There was material stuck to the end and I was a bit wary as to trying to clean it off to see if it might have been hollow.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Personally, I feel it is quite old. Should it have had a gunpowder container then I think the sea will have cleared-it - however, you are quite right never to take chances - too many arms have been lost that way ! Get your next door neighbour to try............

I would contact an Army or, Navy Museum to see if it matches any known calibres - apart from that mount it on a block of wood. A nice old souvenir.