A Very Rare Brunswick Iron-slag Cannon Ball Dated 1575

fernando · 3rd July 2016, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed

I wonder about the slag part ... it seems unlikely to me that slag was used. Is there any documentary evidence to support the use of slag for making projectiles?
Fernando, you could allow us to cut one of your specimens in half so we can be sure...

I only have one of these ... and am too zealous to keep it entire

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I am not keen on ballistic dynamics, neither i am a shooter (army time sufficed). But i take it that, in 1575 cannons were not rifled (were they ?) and erratic trajectories would be in the daily menu.
However nothing avoids that these ammunitions were only cast as a token to commemorate the opening of the Duke's foundries.
That the example in discussion (and others of the same lot) is slag, i would have now doubts; you don't need to judge it by its general atypical aspect, as its weight speaks for itself, being significantly lighter than iron: 2056 grams for an approximate 10 cms. diameter.

corrado26 · 3rd July 2016, 06:25 PM

To Duke Julius the effectiveness of his cannon balls made of slag was well known. This slag of the cannon balls contained ca. 10% of heavy spar, 15 % of zinc and 10% sulphur. These ingredients avoided the natural healing process of wounds. The balls have been made with Diameters of 180, 94 and 74 mm and sold in great amounts to interested buyers.
Some years ago such balls in an amount of more than 1000 have been found during digging works.
corrado26

fernando · 3rd July 2016, 06:41 PM

Great input indeed, corrado

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That info eliminates a couple ambiguities.
I will then infer that my example was part of such lot ... and will refine its diameter to 94 m/m.

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3rd July 2016, 06:25 PM	#2
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,226	To Duke Julius the effectiveness of his cannon balls made of slag was well known. This slag of the cannon balls contained ca. 10% of heavy spar, 15 % of zinc and 10% sulphur. These ingredients avoided the natural healing process of wounds. The balls have been made with Diameters of 180, 94 and 74 mm and sold in great amounts to interested buyers. Some years ago such balls in an amount of more than 1000 have been found during digging works. corrado26

3rd July 2016, 06:41 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Great input indeed, corrado . That info eliminates a couple ambiguities. I will then infer that my example was part of such lot ... and will refine its diameter to 94 m/m. .