SHOT

Five complete, lead or lead alloy shot of the Post Medieval period, probably dating from c. AD 1600 - c. AD 1800.

The balls are spherical. They exhibit evidence of a casting seam around the circumference of each. There are pronounced casting sprues visible on each ball. They exhibit post depositional damage, in the form of minor scratches on the surface. Number 2 and 4 exhibit evidence of possible firing, and number 5 has a circular, concave depression on the surface. Numbers 2 and 3 are slightly misaligned, as a result of a flaw whilst casting.

Measurements: (Image, 1 = Top left, 5 = bottom right)
1. Diameter: 13.2 mm, Weight: 11.9 g
2. Diameter: 13.2 mm, Weight: 13.1 g
3. Diameter: 11.7 mm, Weight: 9.7 g
4. Diameter: 13.9 mm, Weight: 11.3 g
5. Diameter: 13.4 mm, Weight: 13.8 g

Average measurement Diameter: 13.1 mm, Weight: 11.96 g (0.42 oz)

The balls are a mid to dark grey in colour with an uneven patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail. The average weight of the shot suggests that it was meant to be fired from a pistol. Other examples of this type of shot have been recorded on the database, including NLM-68CE78.

Reference:

D F Harding, 2012, PAS 'Musket Ball Identification Sheet' based on "Lead Shot of the English Civil War: A Radical Study" Foresight Publications, London.