Mystery Item

[nifkinsbridge]

I have several of these...just getting around to identifying. Copper rod approximately 17.75" long not including the brass head. One as shown. The others in factory wax seals.
Stamped as shown. "I/ND" and "1939". Broad arrow not visible in photos.
Anyone seen something similar before?

Information

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[Woodsy]

Could they be earthing stakes for electrical equipment?

[Flying10uk]

If it's solid copper bar rather than tube then I would have thought some sort of "electrode" or "busbar" because copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

[Peter Laidler]

Line throwing rods. Connect line to loop, put rod in barrel and fire-off with ballastite cartridge. Used by the Navy.

[browningautorifle]

Line throwing rods.

Right, I knew I'd seen them before.

[nifkinsbridge]

Thanks! So interesting! Appreciate all the input.

[Terry Hawker]

It was surprising to see that there was any question as to the identity of these interesting bits of Enfield history. The intertwined "ED" Enfield logo after the "N" is more prominent in my 1942-dated example, but otherwise the same. Back in the early 1990's these line-throwing rods were pretty common at gun shows in the U.S. (even in California!), so usually found a home in the accessory drawers of Brit militaria collectors. Of course this was also the same era that brand-new Chinese SKS's, still covered in grease, were handed to eager customers straight out of the shipping crate for the princely sum of $89 at the Great Western Gun Show in Pomona. Time marches on.....

[browningautorifle]

Back in the early 1990's these line-throwing rods were pretty common at gun shows in the U.S.

I don't think I've ever seen them offered here at a gunshow. Not even in collections as there aren't many line throwing guns seen.

[Flying10uk]

It was surprising to see that there was any question as to the identity of these interesting bits of Enfield history.

We were given no indication whatsoever as to the diameter of the item in the OP; it could have been quarter inch diameter, from looking at the photos posted, or one and quarter inch diameter. As it turned out it, it was neither.

My theory as to what the item may be was based on what the majority of the item in question appeared to be made from, copper.