Revolutionary War 3-pounder cannonball, recovered at Philadelphia, PA (ON HOLD)

Being offered is a rare Revolutionary War 3-pounder solid-shot cannonball. It has a diameter of approximately 3 ½” and weighs 3-pounds, 2-ounces. During the Revolution both sides made extensive use of artillery and 3-pounder cannons. Actually, there is one on display at the Fort Ticonderoga Museum (see pictures). This ball was recovered years ago from the Philadelphia Campaign in nearby Chester.

Chester, Pennsylvania, played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, particularly in 1776 and 1777. It served as a staging ground for Continental Army troops and a temporary location for military activity in the area surrounding Philadelphia.

In 1777, the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, passed through Chester enroute to the Battle of Brandywine. After the defeat at Brandywine, the Continental Army fled back to Chester, and a portion of the British forces pursued them, briefly occupying the town.

The Philadelphia Campaign, a key event in the Revolutionary War, saw the British attempt to capture Philadelphia, the American capital, in 1777. The campaign involved a series of battles, including Brandywine, Paoli, and Germantown, and ultimately resulted in the British occupying Philadelphia for several months. While the British achieved a strategic victory by seizing the city, the campaign also had significant consequences for the war, including contributing to French recognition of the United States and the harsh winter encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

This ball was recovered along with other Revolutionary War artifacts from a Revolutionary War site during  excavating for a building project. As expected, the ball was in poor condition when found, but after electrolysis it turned out well and there is no longer any chipping or flaking. I had many cannonballs over the past several years, but this is the only one from the Philadelphia area. I will include a Letter of Authenticity with the ball.