ANY idea what this may be??

[sunny59]

A friend of my came to me asking what is this.
First impression look like a old barrel [musquet] but no hole visibles.
Many markings but not sure what is it.
Any help very welcome

[sunny59]

2

[sunny59]

3

[sunny59]

4

[sunny59]

5

[sunny59]

6

[Johnny Peppers]

This is a Belgian proof, so looks like it fired at one time. I would expect it to be flintlock, so does it show where a touch hole was filled in on the right hand side near the back of the barrel?

[Gimpy117]

maybe a barrel from a reproduction "hand Gonne"?

we would be talking medieval style here

[sunny59]

It was found under the ground during a pipe line installation.
The part made of iron I will said is 100% made of it.
It was cleaned up recently.
The markings are very well done.
But still no idea.
Where I live the "conquistadores" spen almost 400 years

[nomadr]

I'll take a wild guess! Looks to have had a wooden handle so maybe a artillery cannon ball rammer?

Bob

[sunny59]

Agree Bob, I will said it look for something like that

I'll take a wild guess! Looks to have had a wooden handle so maybe a artillery cannon ball rammer?

Bob

[Gary Cain]

I don't think a rammer would have a proof mark.



This sort of pistol sprang to my mind...

[Craig W.C. Brown]

Barrel; length should determine type (handgun, shoulder weapon). Check appropriate references for Belgian proof type dating; off top of head, 1810+ (?)

[Johnny Peppers]

Agree that the proof mark is post 1800.

[sunny59]

Guys AMAZING your contribution.
The second picture (bottom) is exactly the one I posted.
And the information of the markings coming from Belgian proof is a great and hoping start. The period 1800 is also a valuable hint in order to do more research.
Again, thank you all for the help, appreciate it very, very much.