Historic short ball starters

[Gene L]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I couldn't find it on the search function. I have never seen a historical short ball starter, and I freely admit I'm no historian.

It looks like they had to use something to start the ball in the muzzle. A knife handle? Or is the modern-type a copy of an early one so common that it isn't mentioned in literature of that period, just considered not necessary to be brought up.

Anyway, I'm asking. Am I missing out on numerous historical examples of short ball starters that Google somehow bypassed?

 

[Grenadier1758]

At best the starter was a mallet to just start the ball at the muzzle. Ball and patch combinations were quite loose and short starters weren't required.

Most mentions of starters come about in the late 19th century when precision shooting matches came into vogue.

 

[George]

Here is an earlier thread with a drawing of a short starter from 1808. I hope Photobucket will let you see it.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/.../post/1621523/hl/rammer/fromsearch/1/#1621523

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