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Originally Posted by Matchlock

Hi Richmond,


This definitely is a 19th century ramrod, and, as the thickened grip denotes, it also acted as a muzzle plug; ramrods of that type were primarily used on shooting ranges.

The threaded iron finial (German: eiserner Setzerkopf mit Innengewinde) should show traces of copper or brass welding over its length, and is geared up to receive small tools for cleaning the barrel, like a scourer, or to extract a ball with the help of a worm.
Such iron finials on wooden ramrods have been in use for at least 500 years, and right up to the late 19th century.

Please see attachments of such finials for various little tools to screw in, on 16th century matchlock muskets in the Graz Armory in Styria, Austria, in the Herresgeschtliches Museum Vienna (Army Museum), and on some wheellock pistols.
I also attached an early 16th century drawing of a wooden ramrod with two iron finials finials, together with various tools to screw in, as well as images of many 16th century worms and scourers in my collection, some scourers even combined with a turnscrew.


Have fun studying!
Best,
Michael

Thank you Michael , most interesting and very helpful
Richmond