Unidentified metal sphere mystery

[travelover]

But Rich's ball isn't very rusty.

He said it was non magnetic - so it may be lead.

 

[Rustic23]

He also said it "has a few rust-looking spots on it".

 

[REWahoo]

He also said it "has a few rust-looking spots on it".

Probably just a coincidence but on my last visit I said the exact same thing to my doc...

 

[Webzter]

Probably just a coincidence but on my last visit I said the exact same thing to my doc...

Why on earth are you telling your doc that Rich has a few rust-colored spots on his ball?

Wait... maybe I'm parsing that wrong

 

[Rustic23]

Well, those things that aren't used regularly often get rust on them!

 

[devans0]

The ridge could indicate that it was cast from a mold.

 

[MDW]

Some cast iron is non-magnetic

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

So far, "grape shot" seems to be the best match (used to fill cannisters loaded into Civil War era cannons).

 

[TromboneAl]

We'll watch for you on Antiques Roadshow.

 

[samclem]

Some cast iron is non-magnetic

Can you explain that?

 

[braumeister]

Probably meant stainless steel. Most common types are not attracted to a magnet.

 

[MDW]

There are a few cast irons and steels that are not ferromagnetic: they are "austenitic", meaning their atoms are arranged in a face centered cubic pattern. Many of the stainless steels fit this category.