Brass Pistol Barrel

[Spats]

I found this brass cannon type pistol barrel yesterday. I think I can make out the ELG in circle Belgian mark. When I cleaned it up, I found what appears to be a wooden insert in the barrel. The open end of the insert was at the muzzle of the barrel. Does anyone know what this insert is?

Thanks.

 

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[Molewacker]

Perhaps a Plug to keep debris out of barrel when not in use?

 

[Indian Steve]

Broken Ramrod?

 

[ARC]

This is a really neat and a possibly extraordinary find...

Possible "sabotaged" barrel comes to mind.

OR a MAJOR mistake by the owner of the pistol... resulting in the destruction of said pistol and quite possibly a hand or more.

 

[ARC]

Oh btw... whilst I am here...

This comes to mind.

 

[ARC]

Is there interior threading of barrel on one end ?

 

[Spats]

Oh btw... whilst I am here...

This comes to mind.

View attachment 1546857

Thanks AARC. I can't find a picture of one exactly like the one I found. There is less to it than any I can find pictures of. It doesn't appear to be broken, but it is just the barrel. The back end has a slot and a hole for attachment. BTW, the inside of the barrel measures .42 inches.

 

[Spats]

Is there interior threading of barrel on one end ?

No threading. The back end (picture 3) has a small non-threaded hole and a slot for attachment. I have found pictures of others with this feature, but again, they had more brass extending further back than this one. I didn't show a picture of the top, but it has rust near the back end where a nipple or hammer may have been. You can see some of this rust from the side views.

 

[ARC]

The only problem with the ramrod theory / guess is...

Ramrods were... to my knowledge... never hollow.

 

[releventchair]

If the wood tube had a plug in it at one time, the plugs size/ location could determine a powder capacity.
Enabling the tube to be used for a charger/ attribute powder measure. Consistent loading = consistent results.

 

[Tpmetal]

that thing is awesome! true bucket list item. when did brass barrels stop being produced?

 

[Spats]

The insert that I think is wood is open at one end and closed at the end in a dome shape. If you enlarge picture 5 you will see a pattern on the insert that looks familiar, but I can't identify it.

 

[sutphin]

NICE FIND