Old ramrods

[Rifleman1776]

Photos posted show and excellent representation of rods that might have come with new rifles. But, in the forests and mountains stuff often got broken and had to be replaced. I have seen in museums many 'wiping' sticks, obviously whittled, that had tulip ends. No brass. Sometimes the other end had a metal sleeve to accept a corkscrew tip that could be used for cleaning.

[smart dog]

Niall,
According to William Cleator's descriptions of British gun making during the 18th century, they had both hard and soft solder.  He describes hard solder as needing heat sufficient to damage barrels, whereas soft solder did not require that heat and was used by gun makers to attach barrel loops. 

dave   

[Avlrc]

  Here are a few of my old rammers & tips from old original rods.

So now I know where all the ramrods went that are missing from antique longrifles  I have. LOL

[Niall]

Dave.

I'm familiar with soft solder on antique firearms,as in under-ribs and associated ramrod pipes on half stocked fowlers and rifles.Plus d/b tubes were also  joined with rib and soft solder.

My understanding is that brazing and hard soldering are pretty much the same thing. I suppose due consideration was given to the amount of heat required and its effects on the work...Horses for courses.

Niall

[Pukka Bundook]

Good to hear from you, Niall.  Long time no talk!

I recall reading that when Continental barrels were jointed with silver solder or brazing, sometimes they needed a fine  boring afterwards, as the barrels would scale on occasion. 
Indeed, horses for courses!