Rare – Revolutionary War cannonball recovered at Mt. Independence, VT

This is another nice early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artillery. Being offered is a Revolutionary War 3-pounder cannonball. The diameter of the ball is 3”, weighs 3 pounds, 5 ounces, and has remnants of the mold seam. During the Revolution both sides made extensive use of artillery along with many 3-pounder cannons (see pictures). This rare find was recovered many years ago at Mount Independence, Vermont.

Mount Independence on Lake Champlain in Orwell, Vermont, was the site of extensive fortifications built during the Revolutionary War by the American army to stop a British invasion. Construction began in July 1776, following the American defeat in Canada, and continued through the winter and spring of 1777. After the American retreat on July 5 and 6, 1777, British and Hessian troops occupied Mount Independence until November 1777.

After the Revolution, Mount Independence was farm land, used for grazing sheep and cattle. It is now a state historic site and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972 for its historical significance.

The ball remains in “as dug” condition, but solid. The original collector had some shells go through electrolysis and varnished, but there were some that he left just as they came out of the ground, so I have left it that way. It is very rare to find any artifacts that came out of Mount Independence, and this was the only piece from that site.

This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, diggers, 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 important.

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.