Wrought (!) and cast iron cannon balls, 16th century

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thanks so much Fernando. I hadnt reread (obviously but appreciate the direction. It is hard to realize the difficulty in producing these, but when reviewing the dynamics and 'technology' at hand it becomes understandable.
So basically, though unmarked, only these two makers were producing at this time so other subtle characteristics must lead to differentiation.

Best,
Jim

Hi Jim,

I should like to point out the obviously visible main difference between cast and wrought iron in that cast iron items usually have a relatively regular and porous surface and, when 500 years old, tend to losses, while wrought iron has a quite irregular but smooth surface, and the traces of the hammering process can be identified. As the iron is much harder and very compact, it will grow less rust and is more stable.

I repost my sample by Peter Pögl, 1490's, for easier comparison.

Just imagine the tremendous amount of muscular toil when three or four smiths had to hammer a white or red hot iron lump to a more or less round shape ...

Best,
Michael

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for your patient and explicitly explained response, and for posting again this example. Now I understand perfectly! As always, you're a great professor!!!

All the best,
Jim

[Matchlock]

Hi Jim,

I much prefer being called an avid student!

Thank you so much,
and with all my very best wishes,
Michael

[Lars Klaksson]

There is an important message from 1618 Bohemia which speaks about marking on cannon balls.

.. Trćka – bohemian nobleman and owner of several iron foundries (“Hammern”) on Sazava river, which was on the line between Habsburg army and Bohemian rebel army in 1618, is accused by nobles that he is making and selling cannon balls to the enemy Habsburg army.. and even that he marks them with his mark ... (cited from Skála ze Zhoře: Historie česká, 1626, version published 1984 by Jos. Janacek)

Unfortunately there are no known balls survived with such a marks..

[fernando]

Interesting information, Lars.
and ... welcome to the forum .

[Jim McDougall]

I would like to join Fernando in welcoming you to our forum Lars!!
It is wonderful to have these threads from years back revived, and having new information added to add to the compiled data in them.

These threads are actually sort of an ongoing archive which are in a sense a thriving corpus of knowledge with valuable information and key discussion for arms researchers for years to come.

Our late friend Matchlock was an amazing researcher and contributor in the arms collecting and research community, and there is no finer tribute than to have his work continued, just as you have done with your thoughtful entry.

Looking forward to having you with us, and knowing more on your fields of collecting and study, and thank you again!!!

Jim

[Lars Klaksson]

Thank you guys! I'll try not to disappoint this community