Did I buy an authentic cannon rammer?

[johnfred]

My apologies if this is a repeated post.
Today I bought what I believe is a cannon rammer. I suspect the very heavy bulbous head is lignum vitae wood. The head has very nice patina. The wooden handle may have been cut down and perhaps refinished. Does not look as worn as it should. Would appreciate hearing from others who have more experience with this kind of object. If it is authentic, would love to know age, likely origin etc.

[Adrian Roads]

It is unlike any rammer that I haver seen and it almost certainly a large 'pestle' for grinding & crushing grains/seeds/etc in a large & solid tub with a rounded base called a 'mortar'.