War of 1812 18-pounder cannonball recovered at Battle of Crysler Farm, NY

This is another nice early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War/Revolutionary War/War of 1812 artillery. Being offered is a War of 1812 solid-shot 18-pounder cannonball. It has a 5” diameter and weighs 17 pounds, 5 ounces, and having a pronounced mold seam. 18-pounders were used by both sides during the War (see pictures). This unique piece was recovered in the early 20th century from the Crysler Farm, NY Battlefield.

In the autumn of 1813, as one American army planned to move northward from New York state, a second American force crossed over the St. Lawrence River in order to advance eastwards along the north shore of the river towards Montréal. That city’s fall would isolate Upper Canada from Lower Canada and undermine the British position in the colonies. The month before there was fighting at French Mills.

Meanwhile, a smaller British force composed of British regulars, Canadian colonial militia, and aboriginal warriors shadowed the Americans along the river until, finally, on 11 November, the two met on the fields of John Crysler’s farm between Morrisburg and Cornwall. It was fought between approximately 1,600 U.S. troops under General John Boyd and 600 British troops under Colonel J.W. Morrison. By the end of the day, although both sides had suffered serious casualties, it was the American force that retreated from the battlefield.

The ball remains in very nice condition, having some overall roughness, but no flaking or chipping. It appears that a metal dowel was inserted in the small hole from the sprue. 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 important. 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. With all items on the website, a very friendly layaway is available.