Posted 10 years ago
Vthestate
(1 item)
Peen show sign of lots of pounding.... friction tape on handle for smaller hand..... rear of bladed shank beveled .. I work with tools and still do not recognize this one, it has lots of experience. Was the point is blunted by hammering the peen? What's up with the side mounted paw? This is my first post.....so?
slate hammer / pick
I concur.
Slate workers hammer. The side paw as you call it was used as a ripper to pull the old slate. The tape was not for a smaller hand. The handle was taped to help prevent blisters because the original handle was worn out.
I never saw one that old looking. The one I use is only 50 years old.The beveled edge is for cutting slate and the point is for punching nail holes through the slate.
I love your comment that you, never saw one that old looking. Looks have nothing to do with age. An old hammer never used looks new, a new hammer that is used can look very old. You probably have a vintage Belden. Weigh it and research it. Should have had a stacked leather handle that was pressed on under the tape. They are collectible if they are marked. Unmarked could be an issue if you intend selling it.
This looks like a packing case hammer/tool, I have seen similar tools on farms. I would say that this one was hand made made by a local blacksmith or handy person on the farm.
The pick is used to slightly lift the board [opening the case] then reinserted sideways under the board and twisting to detach the board [ one end at a time].
The claw part is used to pull the nails.