✅ SOLVED This is not a octagon gun barrel,, right?

[Helix]

Dug this today out in the woods. I don't normally dig iron but anyway I came across this. It is octagon and appears that it could of been a barrel that exploded. The right end in second pic seems to be threaded on the inside for the first half inch then appears to be smooth or at least threads stop. Also looks like it might of had some type of set screw where it is threaded, if you can see in second pic.

 

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[Helix]

Forgot measurements It is almost exactly 5" long and outside of octagon in 1". Need to dig out my caliper to measure bore if it is possible gun barrel.

 

[Helix]

In doing further inspection I noticed a flat grove on one of the angles about half way down or in the center on what would be the outside. I no Zero about old firearms. I figure its not a gun barrel just wanted to post this item. What caught my attention was the fact some force was needed to shatter iron like that.

 

[Tony in SC]

Could be. What else would be octagon with a small hole through?? Tony

 

[ARC]

tis a nut... Suspension bolt nut... 2 pieces of threaded rod are connected with this. ? maybe

 

[Helix]

This is wish full thinking but it crossed my mind a small toy signal cannon, possible homemade..

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Insufficient data. Your "set screw hole" might be the vent hole for a flintlock. A coat pistol perhaps?

 

[Helix]

Insufficient data. Your "set screw hole" might be the vent hole for a flintlock. A coat pistol perhaps?

View attachment 1097174

I was waiting for you or one of the experts to chime in... What info would you like? I also like your picture!

 

[Helix]

I apologise, what can I post to help id this item ?

 

[ARC]

You know something... It may just be a barrel .... a misfire exploded barrel.
If it is... super cool.
BUT... that hole looks really small

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

if it is a barrel it will have a dovetail cut perpendicular to the bore where there was a flange set in the barrel for a pin or key to hold it into the stock. Usually about 3/8" wide or less and 1/8" or less deep in a barrel that size. Is that the "flat groove" you mention?

 

[Broken knee]

If it is a barrel I'd say the shooter's hand suffered some injury when it ruptured like that. Ouch! HH
And trust me it hurts my 50 cal.
BK

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Could be a broken tie-rod (vehicle front suspension part). The tie-rod ends thread into the rod, so that would explain the threads inside the rod.

 

[Helix]

if it is a barrel it will have a dovetail cut perpendicular to the bore where there was a flange set in the barrel for a pin or key to hold it into the stock. Usually about 3/8" wide or less and 1/8" or less deep in a barrel that size. Is that the "flat groove" you mention?

Yep.....Its a small cchanel that is groved in the size you talk of.......

 

[Helix]

if it is a barrel it will have a dovetail cut perpendicular to the bore where there was a flange set in the barrel for a pin or key to hold it into the stock. Usually about 3/8" wide or less and 1/8" or less deep in a barrel that size. Is that the "flat groove" you mention?

Interesting ... Flat spot I talk of would be all most be the right on your pic of the real deal..

 

[BosnMate]

It is really hard to blow up a black powder barrel. I was involved with trying to blow up a barrel just to see how much it would actually take to blow it up. We double charged, doubled loaded, used way to much powder, short started the ball, and finally fired the barrel with a full load and a short started bullet. Using black powder, under controlled conditions, fired with a fuse from a safe distance, and we could not get the barrel to burst. Smokeless powder is another story. The barrel will blow up, no ifs or ans about it. This appears to me to be a burst barrel. In the old days, barrels were folded over and forge welded by hand, and this one could have been a poor welding job. The barrel gave way at the breech, the threads are for the breech plug to screw in. Charlie P figures the hole was for a flint lock vent, I think it could also be a where the drum was screwed in which would have made it a drum and nipple cap lock pistol. Imagine if the guy was aiming that pistol, and the breach plug gave way, it had to head straight for the guys eye. Also, the notch for the under lug pretty much settles it as a gun barrel. If it was a tie rod, threads would be on both ends.
This is a drum and nipple that would screw into the barrel. The cap goes onto the black nipple.
Here is a better picture of a drum and nipple on the barrel.

 

[Helix]

It is really hard to blow up a black powder barrel. I was involved with trying to blow up a barrel just to see how much it would actually take to blow it up. We double charged, doubled loaded, used way to much powder, short started the ball, and finally fired the barrel with a full load and a short started bullet. Using black powder, under controlled conditions, fired with a fuse from a safe distance, and we could not get the barrel to burst. Smokeless powder is another story. The barrel will blow up, no ifs or ans about it. This appears to me to be a burst barrel. In the old days, barrels were folded over and forge welded by hand, and this one could have been a poor welding job. The barrel gave way at the breech, the threads are for the breech plug to screw in. Charlie P figures the hole was for a flint lock vent, I think it could also be a where the drum was screwed in which would have made it a drum and nipple cap lock pistol. Imagine if the guy was aiming that pistol, and the breach plug gave way, it had to head straight for the guys eye. Also, the notch for the under lug pretty much settles it as a gun barrel. If it was a tie rod, threads would be on both ends.
View attachment 1097326This is a drum and nipple that would screw into the barrel. The cap goes onto the black nipple.

So its "homemade gun" ? I see your point. A date when these were used.

 

[Helix]

You know when I dug this there was still more in the hole I just thought it was a strange piece of iron...

 

[ARC]

I leave no hole I dig "making a sound"... not even a whimper... I put any hole I dig "to rest".
I cannot tell you how many times I have found something really good UNDER something really "whatever".

Although... I too am guilty of just being plain tired of digging crap... and just fill the hole.

 

[Helix]

I just figured it was some type of chisel that split from use till I got it home and noticed a bore. I hunt a lot on private land so if I find anything good I can always go back and not have to worry. I figure it is possibly more parts are about the area if it exploded. Like I said there was more iron in and around the 20' area. Also dug these items in immediate area. Curry comb, suspender clip some old glass. No gun parts? Will post finds next time i go back and dig everything. Horrible lighting I know. This last pic shows the notch I spoke of at the tip of screwdriver. I would think the way it is sitting in pic is how it would of sat originally. Sorry pics got flipped in finished post. One turn clockwise would be correct.