Antique Cannon Ball Mould 

In original unrestored condition.

Believed to be of maritime provenance.

Found in one of the original workshops at Chatham Dockyard in the 1960s.

These could produce cannon balls in 2 different sizes.

Placing the mould 'up' produced a cannon ball of 3" diameter.

Placing the mould 'down' produced a cannon ball of 2.5" diameter.

Approx mould dimensions are on the photos.

Each mould weighs approx 6 kg.

Please note:

Price is for 1 mould but please see last photo.

More info:

Have chatted with other ebayers about these moulds so I do have some info re dating and casting.

Below is an extract re casting....

"Not entirely certain….
My best guess is that you make the first half ball.
Allow that to cool and remove from mould.
Then you pour the second half and add the first half upside down, while the second half is still molten.
That way the two halves bond together into one whole ball.
If you put a twisted wire sticking out from the first half (at time of first casting), then when you reverse it on top of the second half, the molten metal will form around the twisted wire.
The two halves will be permanently locked together.
I’d love to get X-rays of a period cannon ball to see if that’s how they are made."