Hi guys,
This is Ted from Goldplacer.com. Thanks for posting it MesaB.
Just a bit more info on this piece. It's not hollow. The hole at the bottom of the cup makes it look that way but it only goes down about 1/8 of an inch.
I thought perhaps it was a spoke at first but that would make for a wheel taller than me and I'm 6 ft. It was found in the wrong place for such a thing anyhow.
I liked the idea of a ramrod for a muzzleloader but someone mentioned that iron would be innappropriate for such a device as it would spark powder. Thinking about it for myself I've never seen a ramrod that wasn't made out of a wood and brass combo.
I have no idea what it is but look forward to hearing any guesses.
Thanks,
Ted