Is this an elaborate maple syrup tap or not?

[How Lucky]

Found this while sweeping the woods today. It looks to me to be the most elaborate maple syrup tap that I have ever seen. If I'm wrong I would like to get some feedback on it. It's made of cast brass with an iron piece coming out the tube. I suspect it was for flow control or to hang the bucket. Measures 4 1/2" long. The tube measures about 1 5/8" long and it tapers from 1/2" to 5/8" diameter.
Thanks!

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[trdking]

Truly a curious find I have no idea If I had to guess I would say it was some kind of tip for a bow pole for a tent or wagon?

 

[desertexplorer]

Throwing this out there but it may be a different variation of a Whiffletree tip...

 

[rick67]

Looks like a calligraphy tip or nib. Its just so large.

 

[niffler]

Looks like a gun part to me. Ramrod guide?

 

[ironhorse]

ramrod thimble (guide)from a muzzle loader...brown Bess maybe

 

[cw0909]

i think niffler ID it
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1524/1342/products/BN6034-3_large.jpg?v=1571453833
source 4th img
https://www.ima-usa.com/products/brown-bess-type-flintlock-musket-lower-ramrod-pipe

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Niffler and Ironhorse got it right... specifically, it is a ramrod guide from a flintlock pistol or musket. The small hole through the rectangular flange is how you '"pinned" this ramrod-guide in place on the pistol/musket's forestock. See the photos below.

 

[desertexplorer]

An original musket part, great find!

 

[How Lucky]

Yes !! I see it now! Very good... Thank you.