is this a RAMROD

[fernando]

If your device were a ram/cleaning rod, the existing threaded end would be to extend a second (and even a third) section and then a final threaded end, often narrower than the sectional ones, would be for the application of a male extraction worm, a cleaning brush or other.
Still the dimension of the so called grip in yours would be too big for the operation.
Something doesn't square here, or this is an atypical specimen, at least to my non experienced eyes.
Attached are examples of 20th century shotgun kits and a replica of a 19th century pistol rod, some time shortened.
Your device, far from being an ancient accouterment, should be comparable to these, i guess .

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[Matchlock]

Hi, Nando and Marcus,

Sometimes, I too, find it hard to believe that these worms on wooden ramrods actually should have worked and extracted a lead ball without the wood breaking; they are called ball extractors in contemporary documents though, and in my collection are one or two leaden balls that show holes where the worm entered.
We also know that by the early 17th century, musketeers were ordered to extract the ball and powder load from their muskets after keeping watch, and they definitely did not have iron ramrods ...

Best,
Michael

[fernando]

Lead is soft. And the cannon and musket balls, before the advent of rifled barrels, had a diameter narrower than the barrel bore (windage), so the friction is reduced when extracting them. Also the pulling action may be done in a rotating mode, which also helps a lot the ball to come out without much fight and without risking to break the rod which, in any case, must be made of the hardest woods ... ebony for one.
Eventually in the cannon case and even if iron balls are used, i realize that what you extract with the worm is the wad (plug); the ball rolls out by itself, once you incline the gun.
It looks as i know the slightest thing about this issue

[thinreadline]

Marcus and Fernando ... appreciate your input , however the dimensions of this item are perfectly feasible for a cannon . At no point was I thinking that it was a ramrod for a handgun ! That would of course be absurd !
The fact that this is just half of the rod is not impossible either. The rest of the pole would not have to be screwed on and off between shots .... I think it is more probable that it unscrewed to reduce its length for stowage when NOT in use.

[fernando]

No Richmond, this ougth to be something but not a cannon ramrod.
That thick part would have to be the front, whereas it has all ingredients to be in the back, namely a grip. You don't have a rammer with a rounded head and even with that little portrusion, all so much in the shape of a handle.
Also the brass connection is not adequate for a cannon rammer, unless you were talking about some contemporaneous miniature/replica.

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[thinreadline]

yes I see your point Fernando ...