RE: Problem with Thomson center
I'm assuming that the cleaning jig and a cloth are both stuck in the barrell.
Bringing it to a gun smith is one option. Another assumption is that when he was cleaning, the cleaning cloth and jig got stuck and he unscrewed the rod from the jig.
I would try rescrewing the rod back onto the jig by lining them up. I would try a small flash light and see if you can straighten the cleaning jig. I would also try using the patch removal jig which has 2 small wires and see if you can straighten out the jig. Once the jig is back on the rod, you can remove the jig by adding cold water or extra oil to lube the jig and cloth. Or use a bench vise and tighten it on the rod and pull.
Good luck either way...
Tom