That is indeed the head off an old spike hammer. Even though it's not near as heavy as a sledge hammer, it will drive a spike through and oak tie in just a few licks! They still use them today. Look for smaller spikes with numbers on them. The numbers tell when the track was laid. Very collectable and sometimes valuable. It's not unusual to find a switch lock which is the crowning achievement of MDing railroad tracks. My wife just retired from a shortline railroad! Monty
I Would sure like to find the last Spike that that was driven, You know the one made out of Gold in the old RailRoad Photos ? Good Hunting. trk5capt...
Stan, looks like you're doing pretty good! Gonna have to get bigger pockets though. LOL Hope you're able to get to truck fairly close. Keep 'em comin'. Jeff