What did I find

[Cedar Creek]

Hello,

I am a new member and I posted pictures of something I found on a different forum.
Several members offered their insight which I sincerely appreciate.

I have attached pictures in case anyone reviewing this forum has any ideas as to what this is.

I do realize that it probably is not directly related to use in any fighting but in case it is or in case anyone has found something similar I am posting here.

It was found where the Union army had a munition supply that was destroyed by the Confederate forces.

At the time few people lived nearby and ever since the area has remained sparsely populated. There are no obvious signs of dumping and the area is very natural (forested), If the item is of civilian nature a possible connection is to a family that lived nearby long ago. At least in the area I searched very little was detected.

Regards,

Cedar Creek

 

[Package4]

Looking at the first picture and it is a bit blurry, it appears at first blush, as some sort of reamer. Looking at it again it reminds me of a worm attached to a ramrod tip, but looks to be too large for a musket and too small for artillery.

 

[Cedar Creek]

Hello Package4,

Thanks for your reply.

When I read it I looked at a large bullet also recovered from the same area previously ( what I think is called a three ringer, about 6/8 ths of an inch in diameter); the bullet and the narrower end of the item I found is very close to the same diameter. Does this information help any? The other end is wide enough to a slightly smaller bullet to fit into the opening.
Also are there any websites with photos or diagrams of tools associated with rifles or guns that I could look at to help determine what my find is?

I have seen items that have been found where I found this item and they were clearly all associated with the Civil War.
Given this and the fact that the area is remote, was and still is lightly populated and its Civil War history has me believing that what I found might well be related to the Civil War.

Any additional comment you might have is truly appreciated.

Regards,

Cedar Creek

 

[Drew]

I looked at the pictures and agree, it's too big for a musket ramrod, too small for artillery.

My gut says it's the head of a torch, but don't listen to me, I don't know. Someone will be along shortly who can help.

 

[Cedar Creek]

Hello Drew,

With your mention of a torch do you know of any websites where I might find pictures and /or information on torches used during the Civil War? Might the Signal Corps used anything like this?

My find is right beside me and as I look at it I could imagine the end of the upper section being joined to a container of fuel. My hand fits comfortably around the upper section. Both ends do look broken suggesting that there was an upper and lower portion to it.

From the pattern on the item and its shape it suggests that its natural position in use was vertical.

Regards,

Cedar Creek