Really strange question

[debnal]

I have recently acquired a Rev War era rifle. The octagonal barrel is 1 1/4 inches at the breech. It then tapers and flares to 1 inch at the muzzle. The bore was reamed out to .75 caliber smooth sometime later. I would like to get some idea of what size the original bore might be. The interior diameter of the ramrod pipes (original) is 3/8 inches. Can any inference be made from the ramrod pipes as to the possible original size of the rifled bore?
Al

[E.vonAschwege]

I think the only inference we can make from the ramrod size is that the bore was NOT smaller than the size of the ramrod.  With something that has a barrel that thick it could have been a wide range of bore sizes.  Do you have photos, I'd love to see and I'm sure the others here would as well. 
-Eric

[Hungry Horse]

 Its not impossible that the barrel was reamed out quite early in its life. Wrought iron barrels often developed rough spots in the bore due to impurities trapped in the metal during he hammer forging process. these impurities often were discovered when the barrel was being rifled. During the revolution if such a problem occurred it is quite possible that the barrel was reamed to .75 smooth so it could be utilized. It is possible the rifle was .75 cal. it entire working life. Be careful with historical relics. I would have a professional appraiser evaluate this piece.

                    Hungry Horse

[Fullstock longrifle]

Couldn't resist could you?
Frank