You started a new thread?
I normally do not chime in unless I am sure of something. However since there are not a lot of posts here I figured I would weigh in. I do see the threads in the 2nd pic. the 'barrel' looks octagonal in nature and real thick. I personally think it may have originally been an octagonal rifle barrel like from an early 'Kentucky' rifle that may have been cut down and was attempted to be made into a pistol. Then it blew when fired. I dug a complete octagonal barrel out of a gold camp where they were using it as a breaker bar. it too is massively thick walled like yours is. Mine still had bird shot in it that was encased in packed mud. People of long ago tried to repurpose all sorts of stuff and I have seen bizarre conversions of old weapons.
I am not 100% of your ID. But lean towards gun related. I personally have never seen such a thick walled barrel on a pistol which is why I am suggesting the possibility it may have come from a rifle. Just my humble opinion.
Very cool find. Certainly looks like an exploded gun barrel. I have a brass one that I found that was hexagonal. I consider an old significant gun piece one of those lifetime goals list finds.
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This is the one I found. I can picture it exploded and looking similar to yours. Very cool find IMO. You've had a hell of a year bud
Wow that is a nice one! Yours even has the lugs or attachment points were the barrel was pined or attached to the wood stock. Mine has the grove for lug but lug is missing. The lug grove or notch was pretty much last clue on figuring I had a gun barrel. Thanks everyone, It would of been one of those items just setting in the mystery box. Thanks Ahab,, what would really close out the year would be to head back to the site were I found the barrel and locate more parts or remains of complete gun. Wish full thinking I suppose.
Wishful thinking is where it all begins usually. Without that we'd never leave the house to go detect. And once in a great while that delusional fantasy actually comes true. Hope you find more buddy
Well put! By the way went back to barrel site today and found lots of iron in the immediate area were I dug the barrel, nothing in the way of gun parts. I will still post all finds in "What is it" forum just in case.