✅ SOLVED Civil war site find tool?

[cmthunder]

Found this in Western Maryland at a cavalry battle site. Does anyone know what this is. It is made of lead may have carvings in it.

 

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[owlcreek]

Civil war era prison shank.

 

[Spats]

Not sure what it started out being, but looks like a soldier used it for a pencil. Is it lead?

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

My first thought was 'a valve stem from a tractor'.
But if it is made of lead as Spats suggested, then I have no idea what it might be.

Dave

 

[cmthunder]

Yes it is lead
Small round opening at one end with a groove
Other end flattened out .

 

[DCMatt]

I'm thinking 'pipe tamper'. There may have been another piece that fit in the small hole...

 

[CRUSADER]

It's a Lead Pencil for writing.

 

[Georgivs]

My vote is for pencil. I've seen several examples on these forums that look just like it.

 

[cmthunder]

Can’t believe it it is a pencil. Thanks to those who were correct.