Pair Confederate Civil War Cast Iron Cannonballs with Century Ormolu Mounts

Details

Description

Pair of Confederate Civil War Cast Iron Cannonballs with Century Ormolu Mounts,* United States, Circa 1861–1863

*This offering consists of … Read more Pair of Confederate Civil War Cast Iron Cannonballs with Century Ormolu Mounts,* United States, Circa 1861–1863

*This offering consists of four pieces, two cannonballs, and two period ormolu display rings.

An evocative pair of solid cast iron cannonballs, each weighing approximately 8 pounds (8.02 and 8.05 lbs respectively), likely used in a 6-pounder field gun during the early years of the American Civil War. These are consistent with Confederate ordnance in their rougher cast surface, visible mold marks, and absence of lathe-turning—characteristics typical of munitions produced in Southern foundries operating under wartime material constraints.

Each sphere measures approximately 3.75 inches in diameter and rests atop a finely detailed 19th-century French ormolu ring mount, repurposed here as elegant display bases. The gilt bronze bases feature a textured diagonal rope motif with beaded accents—an unexpectedly refined contrast to the industrial simplicity of the iron above, making this pair ideal for collectors of Civil War militaria or curated historical interiors.

Unlike Union-manufactured ammunition, which was often precisely machined and finished, Confederate cannonballs were frequently hand-cast in rudimentary molds, often without turning or final polishing. The surface pitting, dark oxidation, and casting seams on these examples reinforce their authenticity and period manufacture.

Dimensions:
Each cannonball is approximately 3.75” in diameter.
Overall Height on Base: Approx. 4.25”

Weight:
8.02 lbs and 8.05 lbs

Provenance:
Private Southern collection

Condition:
Oxidation consistent with age; stable, authentic surfaces See less