is this a RAMROD

[thinreadline]

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

[thinreadline]

Hi Michael , probably my stupidity but I cannot see the attachments you mention in your reply .

[fernando]

Hi Michl,
Can you expand your explanation some further ?
... Or illustrate it with specific examples ?
Considering the length of this device as having 90 cms, we may assume the thinner section has some 50 cms and the thick part the balance 40 cms. To my ignorant eyes the first is too short for a (soulder gun) barrel rod and the second too long and sturdy (9 cms) for a muzzle plug.
I can easy assimilate that, the brass (not iron) threaded part makes sense for the application of cleaners or extractors (as i previously noted), but the whole ensemble makes me puzzled .
Looking at the superb pictures you posted, i still don't get it; maybe i am blocked ... wouldn't be surprised


Richmond, what is the thickness of the thin section ?

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[Matchlock]

Hi Richmond,


I'm sure you are able to see them now! p


Please do understand that it often even takes me hours to find all the apt photos out of my 280,000 plus photo archive ...
So my attachments my be late at times.

Attached below find the images of my ample collection of 16th and 17th worms and scourers.


Best,
Michael