Damascus: Yes, that hole is exact to the hole at the end of my rod. I didn't know my rod was ebony but it is almost black so I suppose it is. Interestingly, that along with that rod came a Turk's Head brush, like the one pictured above, in the old leather case. It is steel and I have never used it because of that. Thank you for solving the problem. You are, and have been, a great resource.