I got to thinking about the 8# hammer.  Sledge is not as precise a word as we may think.   After a fruitless search of the internet, I picked up a 1950 Stanley tool catalog.   The Stanley made hammer of this pattern is found under Stanley Atha heavy hammers and sledges, STRIKING AND DRILLING HAMMERS, and is labled "Nevada or Long Pattern.  You could get them from 4 to16 pounds.  Hand Drilling or Stone Cutters Hammers are a separate section on the same page.  The next page lists Blacksmiths Sledges,  in 8 to 20 pounds, and these have the full octagon faces like the engineer's hammer. 

So, it could be a drilling hammer.  I'd be willing to bet, though, that it was used by Oily's people for splitting firewood and banging things that needed heavy banging rather than drilling.  It's the same kind my grandfather use for splitting wood.

I don't know if you're still searching or not but I really like this thread.

Slave tags - if you're not familiar with them already, you might want to. All sorts of value in those.

oily check out  WHITES METAL DETECTOR DFX 300, thats the one i have its great and goes deeper in the ground a little Spencey but well worth it  you will get hooked on metal detecting like i have good fun and never know what you will find what i like the most is finding old silver coins i bet theres all kinds of coins in your yard i am jealous 

Thanks, Leach!  I had a go at "detecting" with one I had borrowed from family and found myself completely frustrated with the exercise.  It's no surprise money/quality matters here.

I found some wrenching steel again today while playing in the soil.  This found while digging pier footings for the new home.

Keep digging, the rest of it may be down there!   Funny how things turn up in the darndest places. 

Yeah, keep digging - your gonna hit the mother lode.  There may be a whole toolbox full of tools down there!

If you sell vegetables from that garden, maybe you can label them "Iron Enriched."

Chilly

I got to come dig in your yard. Maybe I will find some gold coins or something.

Keep digging. I know there is a wrench nut in your garden somewhere...

Vinegar is a great rust (and paint and...) remover; inexpensive and reuseable. Flush well with water, 'cause it's acid, when satisfied. Only things it's ever harmed for me were Damascus treadle sewing machine (Monkey Ward's brand) needles — ate 'em completely up.  I left them in too long, I know (3 days).

I can't help but think of Noel while reading this thread.  He had secretly modified my profile signature and dubbed me "Garden and Yard Rustfinder Extraordinaire!"

Quote from: OilyRascal on October 15, 2021, 11:31:15 AM
I can't help but think of Noel while reading this thread.  He had secretly modified my profile signature and dubbed me "Garden and Yard Rustfinder Extraordinaire!"

The r only rusty tool that has come out of the ground lately is a 12 in. Adjustable by Williams,,(superadjustable).   And is thin and stuck tighter than my neighbor Emmets old Ford truck.  I keep looking though.  I have thoroughly enjoyed posts like this.