Originally Posted by CliffordK

Is it a Front shaft for a rear wheel drive vehicle?
So, one wouldn't notice it until one is stuck somewhere in the woods, and threw it into 4WD.... and got NOTHING.

Still, it would be hard to imagine that one could lose a drive shaft without noticing it unless the vehicle was being towed or hauled.

Years ago I blew out a U-Joint (RWD). It felt like I had a blowout. The whole vehicle shook until I removed the shaft and coasted downhill into the nearest town.

I could imagine a farmer losing a PTO shaft, then realizing their mistake when they get out into a field.