Take home this cannonball from the War of 1812 era for an entire year -- a truly priceless item! Display this stunning conversation piece in your home or office.

This cannonball was recovered in Stonington and weighs about 18 pounds. It is believed to have been shot during the Battle of Stonington in 1814, but dating iron this old can be tricky; so it is possible that this cannonball is older than that!

The cannons used to defend Stonington during the War of 1812 - and now on display in Cannon Square - are 18 pounders. They were a popular defense cannon against naval warfare since they were mostly stationary and had a long range of accuracy for the time period (up to one mile!). 18 pounds refers to the weight of the ball; but also to the size or caliber of the cannons themselves. Typically; the powder charge used to fire the shot was about 1/3 as much as the shot itself; meaning these 18-pound cannonballs were fired with 6 pounds of gunpowder.

As a memento of your stewardship of the cannonball for a year, you will also receive a copy of "The Rockets' Red Glare" by Glenn Gordinier.

The cannonball must be returned to the Stonington Historical Society by May 15, 2022, with the case. The cannonball cannot be removed from the case.

Local delivery only or can be picked up at the Captain Nathaniel Palmer House, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington. CT.