Musket ball extractor??

Ed-NH · Mar 3, 2012

Hi all, I was out over the summer in an area that has Revolutionary War history. I set aside this piece thinking that it must be a concrete drill. I got bored and looked at it closer under the loop and discovered that it is made of what appears to be some sort of copper like material. I scraped a tiny spot on the tang. I am wondering if this could be a black powder cleaning jag. Has anyone ever found anything like this? I did find some pewter items suggesting the proper age. Thank you for any thoughts on this.

BosnMate · Mar 3, 2012

I've been shooting muzzle loaders for about 40 years, and I've done a lot of research, history etc. regarding those style of guns. What you have does not look like any ball puller I've ever run across. There is no way to attach it to a ramrod or a cleaning rod, and I don't think there is any way it would screw into a lead ball. It's hard enough with a sharp pointed puller. I'm thinking perhaps some research on older methods of cutting threads might be in order. Eli Whitney developed the concept of interchangeable parts. Before that, a gun smith would file the threads on a screw or bolt, drill the hole for it to go into, heat the part red hot and actually use the screw to cut/press the inside threads on the gun part. This looks like something that might cut threads into hot metal. I'll be the first to admit that I'm just guessing.

Ed-NH · Mar 3, 2012

BosnMate said:
I've been shooting muzzle loaders for about 40 years, and I've done a lot of research, history etc. regarding those style of guns. What you have does not look like any ball puller I've ever run across. There is no way to attach it to a ramrod or a cleaning rod, and I don't think there is any way it would screw into a lead ball. It's hard enough with a sharp pointed puller. I'm thinking perhaps some research on older methods of cutting threads might be in order. Eli Whitney developed the concept of interchangeable parts. Before that, a gun smith would file the threads on a screw or bolt, drill the hole for it to go into, heat the part red hot and actually use the screw to cut/press the inside threads on the gun part. This looks like something that might cut threads into hot metal. I'll be the first to admit that I'm just guessing.

Thank you for that information. I too used to hunt with muzzle loader and have had the unfortunate fun of pulling a ball more than once. This thing is pretty big for something like that unless it was used on a cannon ball ha ha... I'll keep at it who knows the mystery will be solved someday. Thanks again.

rocky raccoon · Mar 3, 2012

looks to be a tap for wood,could be wrong

GpSnoopy · Mar 3, 2012

I'm leaning towards what rocky has suggested.. The threads are not the usual wood or metal screw, bolt type. Looks more like the threads used on wooden dowels, handles, or inserts threaded into wood.

Ed-NH · Mar 3, 2012

Now that could be a great possibility. It does have one flute on it and it is made of a copper like material so would not have been used on metal. I'll do some research on that. Thanks again for your help with this.

rocky raccoon · Mar 3, 2012

on some log cabin building they used dowels.......could check that way too

Broken knee · Mar 3, 2012

I don't think it is for cutting threads in wood. It appears to be made of brass not copper, witch would not hold a cutting edge for long.
it may be an early Black powder jag of some sort? HH :icon_thumright:

Broken Knee

Charlie P. (NY) · Mar 3, 2012

Not a ball puller - they have a fine point like a wood screw. You have to be able to drill into the lead with hand pressure.

Possibly a cleaning jag - but how would it attach to a ramrod?

I think you were closer with the masonry drill.

Ed-NH · Mar 3, 2012

Charlie P. (NY) said:
Not a ball puller - they have a fine point like a wood screw. You have to be able to drill into the lead with hand pressure.

Possibly a cleaning jag - but how would it attach to a ramrod?

I think you were closer with the masonry drill.

I am stumped with this. I originally thought cleaning jag when I posted on 'todays finds'. This thing is made of either copper or brass so can't cut threads. I have no idea how it would attach to a ramrod unless the tang is broken off somehow. It looks pretty crude on the tang and sort of rectangular so maybe it was broken or fitted into some other adapter. I have looked all over the place online and no luck yet finding a match. I appreciate all the feedback on this. Should I find out what it is I will certainly let you all know.

old digger · Mar 3, 2012

Maybe an old wood bit? Older than these.

Tony in SC · Mar 4, 2012

It does look like a masonary bit. Tony

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

Just some ideas that I think of when I see worm screw threads like that,Vises & C-clamp.Just throughing it out there as no one has mentioned it yet.

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

By the way yes the did make brass clamps.......

Three Sewing Clamps, 19th century, a cast brass clamp with bronze patina topped with a pincushion holder above cherub and dolphin figures, with spring action device under the dolphin's tail, foliate decorated c-clamp and threaded thumbscrew, a cast iron clamp with spring mechanized fabric holder, pierced thumbscrew, a brass hemming bird clamp with pierced heart-shaped thumbscrew, (minor wear), ht. 8 3/4, 6 1/2, 5 1/2 in.
Estimate $500-700

Ed-NH · Mar 4, 2012

Those clamps are awesome. It could be a drive screw but I'm not sure why mine would have what appears to be a cutting flute or a grabber flute like on a cleaning jag. The copper/brass material has me stumped too. A match for this will come along someday that is the fun of finding these weird pieces. Thanks for all your pictures and replies.

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

Ed-NH said:
Those clamps are awesome. It could be a drive screw but I'm not sure why mine would have what appears to be a cutting flute or a grabber flute like on a cleaning jag. The copper/brass material has me stumped too. A match for this will come along someday that is the fun of finding these weird pieces. Thanks for all your pictures and replies.

Just giving out a few ideas. :wink:

But I'm not so sure that grove was always there myself.Sure would not work or cut very well with the groves all messed up & clogged. :icon_scratch:

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

Notice the straight groove on a tap.Yours is not straight & does not appear to go all the way to the end.And the other end is even got two grooves starting.

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

Just wanted to end with I've not ruled out cleaning jag.But with your pics it's hard to tell the diameter. :wink:

timekiller · Mar 4, 2012

OK my best & final answer for your piece.It's clear to me it was met to screw just from looking at it & the way the threads are at a slant.Therefore I think you have a part to a old bottle opener.As seen below....................
Now I'm done :wink:

Take Care,
Pete, :hello:

Ed-NH · Mar 4, 2012

Pete that sure does fit the bill! Brass material would make perfect sense as would the screw threads. Just to let you know the diameter is about the same as a 3/8" bolt. You have done some really nice research on this. I'm not very good at that kind of research.