I thought this was a body hammer when I bought it, but now I ain't so sure.

the ends are too sharp,  not rounded enough

and why does it have a ruler etched into the sides?

Skip

jan150 by Skip Albright, on Flickr.


jan152 by Skip Albright, on Flickr

Hllo, Skip. I think this what you have.  Listed under Tinsmith's Hammers as a "Bumping Hammer with Ruler". From "The Hammer the King of Tools". Very cool tool!!! Regards, Lou

Probably a railroad inspector's hammer. Google Pooky's Hammer, articles out there on them. The measurements engraved on it are to detect wear etc.

There was an article on this style hammer in the CRAFTS of New Jersey newsletter several years ago, I have a PDF copy of the article but it is to large to post on here. PM your email address to me and I will send it to you.
Les

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/southern-railway-locomotive-440718449

Hello, I like your description better than what I found. I do see a variation in the shape of the different heads, the round body seems to have been made by an inspector/machinist. The one in Skip's photo seems to have been forged, the stampings are dead straight.The edges of the back of the heads, and the relieved edges of the sides of the socket would have been hard to get on a lathe. Food for thought. Regards, Lou

I have a machined example and a forged example. Per the article I  referenced the machined examples are thought to be railroad machinists projects to be used by the inspectors.  The handles even were used to check measurements.  The handles would have had markings at the designated points used for measurement.

My 2 RR Hammers