French & Indian War Cannonball, recovered at Fort Gage, NY (SOLD)

This is another rare piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artillery. Being offered is a French & Indian War cannonball. It is considered a 4-pounder and weighs 4.4 pounds with a diameter of 3”. There is a very pronounced mold seam and has the remnants of a sprue. It was recovered at Fort Gage, NY.

Fort Gage was built in 1758 in Warren County, in the Town of Lake George, about one mile south of Lake George Village. Fortified during the early fighting of the Seven Years’ War, from 1758 to 1759, Fort Gage served as a supply base for Fort William Henry. The bastion was also used as Lord Howe's advance guard for Abercrombie's troops in 1758. It was named for Brigadier General Thomas Gage, who was second in command under Amherst in 1759 (see pictures).

Colonel Gage, who had served briefly at Lake George in October,1755, created a regiment which is linked to the forts history. This was the 80th Regiment of Light-Armed Foot, a regular regiment of nearly 500 men, meant to fight and scout much as Rogers Rangers. They were mostly recruited from the Colonies and wore brown rather than red coats. They carried hatchets, knives, and carbines with dulled barrels. This was the first light infantry regiment in the British army, an innovative force, that was concerned to fight according to American wilderness conditions.

The ball remains in very nice condition, having some slight overall roughness, but no chipping or flaking. This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, and from lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with its provenance. His markings were crude at the time, but now they have proved to be very significant. Many of the pieces went through electrolysis to remove crusted rust.

This is the first time this cannonball has been on the open market, and it is truly a great piece of early American History. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. As with all the pieces in this esteemed collection, a Certificate of Authenticity will be included. It comes in the acrylic display case pictured. As with all items on the website, the very friendly layaway is available.