Revolutionary War Cannonball, water recovery many years ago at Carleton Island, New York

This is another early piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War 4-pounder cannonball. It has a diameter of 3 1/4” and weighs 4 pounds, 2 ounces. This unique piece was recovered from a British shipwreck in the early 20th century off Carleton Island, New York on the Lawrence River.

In 1778 British General Frederick Haldimand ordered a fort built on the island to protect Kingston, Ontario in Canada and as a forward base. The island was renamed Carleton Island after Sir Guy Carleton, who had preceded Haldimand as Governor of the Province of Quebec, and the fort was named after Haldimand.

Many ships for the war were built on the island, including the recently discovered HMS Ontario. At the close of the war, under the terms of Jay's Treaty, the British were supposed to cede Carleton Island along with other forts to the Americans, but in the case of Carleton, never did.

During the War of 1812, Carleton Island was captured without bloodshed by three freelancing Americans. In 1817, the State Legislature of New York annexed the island to Jefferson County.

This ball was previously in rough condition, but I had someone clean it and coat it for preservation. There is still a slightly rough surface but remains solid having no chipping or flaking. This cannonball is truly a great piece of early American History. There are many shipwrecks in the Lawrence River near Fort Carleton. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. It comes in the acrylic display case pictured.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics are significantly increasing. This renewed enthusiasm is driving the demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.

I am witnessing a notable increase in purchases of these items, which reflects the growing celebrations for the anniversary and the heightened value of Revolutionary War memorabilia.