Flea Market Find: Really Cool Hammer

[Helleri]

So, yesterday we went to the local Flea Market. I saw this hammer and when the guy said $2.00. I couldn't get my money out fast enough. It just looked so awesome. Any way... No idea who made it or when it was made. Here is a pic with some more information:



There are no marks on it any where that I have been able to find yet. Hoping someone will know what this is. Or at the very least were to look for a mark that might tell me.

[keykeeper]

No idea as to maker, but several companies made hammers that would hold a nail so the first strike would start it for you.

The strapping around the handle that goes up into the eye looks to be homemade. Many folks would make this modification to both keep the head from coming off in use, as well as to protect the handle from breakage due to mis-strikes.

Very neat hammer for $2.

[Lostmind]

I think it's a shipping crate hammer

[Helleri]

Not sure on the langets. Because, there is a crease line on them (cast). And, because on the rear one, the eye is shaped to fit it. But, homemade or not. I think they definitely look good on there. As for being a shipping crate hammer...Aren't those usually all metal with one end being a pry bar?

[JoeCB]

Did that hammer come from Canada?  just asking because the screws appear to be Robertson square socket drive. Those much used in Canada.

Joe B

[Helleri]

I was thinking the same thing when I first picked it up, lol. Robertson drive is also used in the US though. Just not nearly as common as something like a Philips (which was also invented in Canada). It is usually in high torque applications since it takes a lot for them to cam out. But, that could still be a possibility. I once used some to put of some thick concrete board for the backing of a large fireplace.

[keykeeper]

Seems to me the strapping would be the same length if it came like that.

I agree, not a shipping crate hammer. This type of hammer has been discussed on this forum before. I only know that because I have been here since long before the big crash a few years ago.

This is a carpenter's hammer, with nail starter made into it. You can think all you want to about what it is, that's just my opinion. Not exactly a rarity, but they do hold a certain interest to some hammer collectors.

Maybe ScottG will be along to offer his opinion, he IS the hammer guru!!

[keykeeper]

Here is a modern one....

  http://rotocade.com/media/wysiwyg/anatomy1a.png

A google search yielded many different ones currently available.

[Helleri]

Well I have seen hammers like it before. Just this one I liked especially. And, a lot more for the price. And, I'd like to know who made it (if possible). I've cleaned it up now (left some of the recessed gunk because it looks good). Found no marks under what appeared to be plaster caked onto it (and a fair amount of general filth). Might post a pic tomorrow.

[Branson]

Notice the circular wedges holding the handle into the eye?  I associate those with German hammers of the past, mmm... 30 years?

[Helleri]

I was wondering about that. I've not seen circular wedges before. Thanks.

[thiggy]

Here is a modern one....

  http://rotocade.com/media/wysiwyg/anatomy1a.png

A google search yielded many different ones currently available.

Here is one which seems to be identical to that Douglas, except for the magnetic nail starter.  I purchased this Hart Woody from the manufacturer about 20 years ago.  It looked too nice, and I never have used it since I have plenty of other framers.  Oops, I see the Douglas has two screws, while mine has three.  Does the Douglas have the casting mark "China" on it?  Mine is US made.

[thiggy]

I have found the answer to the similarities between the Hart Woody and the Douglas hammer.  http://nwrenovation.com/miscellaneous-articles/the-woody-hammer/