Medieval Granite Rare stone ball / cannonball - Rare medieval (granite) stone cannonball - 76 mm (No reserve price)
03
days
13
hours
15
minutes
49
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
 | €1 |
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Rare medieval granite stone cannonball dating to the 14th–16th century, intact, 76 mm diameter and 662 g, originating from the Netherlands and from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The shown object is a medieval stone cannonball (also called a stone shot). This type of ammunition was intensively used in the Low Countries between 1350 and 1550. They were manually carved by stonemasons from solid natural stone to be fired with early, heavy siege cannons such as bombard mortars, stone mortars, or early mortars.
Dimensions: Ø = 76 mm
Weight: 662 grams
Material: granite
Provenance: Netherlands
Condition: intact
Production: Before the invention of efficient cast-iron techniques in the late 15th century, natural stone was the only material large enough to be made for the enormous bores of early cannons.
Tactical note: Stone balls were lighter than iron, allowing them to be fired over city wall barriers with relatively little gunpowder (which at the time was still very expensive and weak). On impact, the stone often fractured into razor-sharp shards, causing additional damage.
Types of material: Depending on the region, they were carved from local or imported stone varieties such as limestone, quartzite, sandstone, or sometimes even granite erratic stones.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packed and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s smart shipping.
The shown object is a medieval stone cannonball (also called a stone shot). This type of ammunition was intensively used in the Low Countries between 1350 and 1550. They were manually carved by stonemasons from solid natural stone to be fired with early, heavy siege cannons such as bombard mortars, stone mortars, or early mortars.
Dimensions: Ø = 76 mm
Weight: 662 grams
Material: granite
Provenance: Netherlands
Condition: intact
Production: Before the invention of efficient cast-iron techniques in the late 15th century, natural stone was the only material large enough to be made for the enormous bores of early cannons.
Tactical note: Stone balls were lighter than iron, allowing them to be fired over city wall barriers with relatively little gunpowder (which at the time was still very expensive and weak). On impact, the stone often fractured into razor-sharp shards, causing additional damage.
Types of material: Depending on the region, they were carved from local or imported stone varieties such as limestone, quartzite, sandstone, or sometimes even granite erratic stones.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packed and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s smart shipping.
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
14e t/m 16e eeuw
Name of object
Rare stone ball / cannonball - Rare medieval (granite) stone cannonball
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Granite
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
76 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1971
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
