old bronze tool?

[Moe (fl)]

This has been in my family for at least half a century. No one knows where it came from. It is bronze (non magnetic). It is very heavy and looks like an old sledgehammer.

Any ideas of what it may be and how old?

HH!

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

It does look like a brass/bronze hammer that has been severely mushroomed.

 

[sanford.]

It does appear to be a much used bronze hammer. Judging from its crude appearance I'd say its an ancient piece. Notice that the hole appears to have been chiseled in rather than drilled.

 

[jimbob450]

Possibly Viking? But i didnt think they got that far south. Jimbob

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

vikings had wire wheels and knock off hubs?

http://www.zeni.net/trf/specials06/41.php?s_wt=1024&s_ht=768

 

[Peeber]

I doubt this is any viking age artifact. I have one that has also probably been in the family for over 50 years. It came from an Uncle who was a car mechanic back when they started with a crank. I believe they were used when it was necessary to hammer on something you did not want to mar as you would with a steel hammer. If I get a chance I will get a picture.

 

[RELICDUDE07]

So you guys think its a ball pein hammer?

 

[relic lover]

Wooden ship caulking hammer?

 

[vhs07]

Brass hammers are still used today in areas where you can't have a spark. They are made in all forms, from sledge to small tack hammers. Being brass is a soft metal, it will mushroom easier than steel, but it looks like someone used this one in a manner not intended. Can't help with the age though.

 

[Moe (fl)]

This tool is very old. The story I heard was that it was ancient!

 

[Peeber]

Well Moe, you have the advantage of first hand provenance. These type hammers have been around a long time and I have sen them in about as bad shape in machine shops.

 

[findstuf]

vikings had wire wheels and knock off hubs?

http://www.zeni.net/trf/specials06/41.php?s_wt=1024&s_ht=768

I have a few old brass hammers, one lead hammer, and a few "old school" rubber hammers that look identical to the original post. I got them all from my 100 year old grandfather. We had to put him in a old folks home a few years back. When I cleared out his garage I found his old motoring tool kit buried deep in the garage. Way back in the day, you had to change your tire just about every time you drove. My vote is for old hammer.