quite possible, is the swollen end dished? octagonal x-section is a bit unusual. looks like it'd be for a serious calibre.
ramrods were frequently separated from their weapons in the heat of battle. many a trooper has fired his ramrod down range in the heat of an encounter, which is very embarrassing when he has to explain what happened to it (presuming he survived).
one of my favourite episodes of 'Sharp' is when the evil french spy Duclos sends two french cavalrymen, sabres drawn, charging down on Sgt. Harper, telling them he can only have time to shoot one of them, the survivor would get a handsome reward, (muzzle loading rifles of the period took a bit more time reloading than a musket as well) anyhow harper shoots one, pours in some powder & priming, & shoots the ramrod into the 2nd ...
|