Post medieval iron cannon ball - 50 mm

17th–18th Century Iron Cannon Ball
Culture / Period: Post-Medieval
Date / Period: 17th – 18th century
Material: Iron
Dimensions: 50 mm diameter
Condition: Good condition, with surface corrosion and patina consistent with age

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Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 91

The current owner purchased the 17th to 18th century iron cannon ball from a private collector, N.N., in Bennekom.
The previous owner, a private collector, N.N. from Bennekom (the Netherlands), stated that the object had been in his collection since an unknown date.
According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1980s.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner.

Background Information:
This iron cannon ball is a typical example of solid shot ammunition used in artillery during the 17th and 18th centuries, a period marked by significant developments in warfare and military technology in Europe. Such projectiles were fired from cannons and were designed to deliver destructive kinetic force against fortifications, ships, and troop formations.

Solid iron cannon balls replaced earlier stone projectiles during the late medieval and early modern periods, reflecting advancements in metallurgy and casting techniques. The production of iron shot required specialised foundries capable of casting spherical forms with sufficient density and durability to withstand the explosive force of gunpowder artillery. Standardisation gradually improved, allowing for more predictable ballistic performance and compatibility with specific calibres of cannon.

In military contexts, these cannon balls were used extensively in both land-based sieges and naval warfare. During sieges, they were employed to breach walls, while at sea they could cause significant damage to wooden hulls, rigging, and personnel. The 17th and 18th centuries encompass major conflicts such as the Thirty Years’ War and numerous Anglo-Dutch naval wars, during which artillery played a decisive role.
Objects of this type were widely produced and distributed across Europe, reflecting the organised nature of early modern military supply systems. Cannon balls such as this would have been manufactured in large quantities and transported to arsenals, fortifications, and ships, forming an essential component of military logistics.

The surface corrosion visible on this example is typical for excavated or long-preserved iron objects and represents the natural ageing process of the material. Despite this, the form remains well preserved and clearly identifiable.

This piece provides a direct and physical link to the military practices of the early modern period, illustrating the technological and strategic developments that shaped warfare in this era. It forms a tangible connection to the historical realities of conflict, where such objects played a central role in both siegecraft and naval engagements.