oldest trip hammer

• Collectibles

Hammer Collecting 101: Identifying and Evaluating Antique Hammers

• by history tools
• April 6, 2024

Hammers are among the most ancient and essential tools in human history, with evidence of stone hammers dating back over 3 million years to our early hominid ancestors. As technology progressed from the Stone Age to the Bronze and Iron Ages, hammers evolved into ever more refined and specialized forms to suit the needs of increasingly complex human endeavors. For the antique tool collector, vintage hammers offer a tangible link to this rich history of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Whether you‘re drawn to the rugged beauty of a well-worn blacksmith‘s sledge or the precision engineering of a 19th-century patented claw hammer, collecting antique hammers can be a fascinating and rewarding pursuit. But with so many different types, styles, and makers to consider, where do you begin? This guide will walk you through the basics of identifying, evaluating, and caring for these timeless tools.

A Brief History of the Hammer

To appreciate antique hammers, it‘s helpful to understand their development through the ages. Here‘s a quick overview of major milestones:

Stone Age (up to 3000 BCE): The first hammers were simple stone tools used for pounding and smashing. The back end could also serve as an anvil.

Bronze Age (3000-1000 BCE): Bronze casting allowed for more complex hammer head designs, though the soft metal was unsuitable for heavy striking. Hammers were status symbols as much as practical tools.

Iron Age (1000 BCE-1 CE): Iron greatly improved the strength and durability of hammer heads, leading to the rise of specialized designs for blacksmithing, carpentry, and other trades. The Romans spread iron tool-making across Europe.

Middle Ages (500-1500 CE): The claw hammer emerged as a dedicated carpentry tool. Affluent users commissioned decorative hammers with elaborate engraving, inlay, and gilt finishes.

Early Modern (1500-1800): Improvements in steel production led to tougher hammer heads. The cross peen hammer became popular for starting small nails. Hammers took on new roles in warfare, mining, and various industries.

Industrial Revolution (1800-1900): Mass production techniques allowed for greater standardization and specialization of hammer designs. Many of today‘s most iconic hammer styles originated in this golden age of tool-making.

Types of Antique Hammers

Antique hammers can be broadly categorized by their intended use and head style. However, there‘s significant overlap and variation between types. Some of the most commonly collected styles include:

Claw Hammer : The quintessential carpenter‘s hammer, with a flat striking face and a forked claw for extracting nails. Popularized in the 16th century.

Ball Peen : Used in metalworking to shape and smooth surfaces. The head has a flat face and a rounded "peen" (from the Old French "pene" meaning bolt or nail).

Cross and Straight Peen : The peen is aligned perpendicular or parallel to the handle, respectively. Used for starting nails in tight spaces and making decorative strikes.

Sledgehammer : A long-handled, heavy-headed hammer used for demolition, driving stakes, and other high-impact jobs. Evolved from the medieval "commander" or "beetle."

Joiners‘ Mallet : A square-headed, short-handled hammer traditionally made of a dense hardwood like lignum vitae. Used by cabinetmakers for tapping chisels and driving joinery.

Tinner‘s Mallet : A soft-faced (usually rawhide) hammer used for shaping sheet metal without marring its surface. The head may be double-ended or single-ended with a peen.

Beyond these main categories are dozens of specialty hammers favored by particular trades. Boat-builders, farriers, masons, shipwrights, wainwrights, cobblers, coopers, saddlers, and many other craftsmen had their own unique hammer designs optimized for specific tasks.

For example, the French Marteau de Carossier is an elaborate hammer used by carriage-makers for fine finishing work. It features a squared-off peen with sharp edges for decorative stamping and a flat wedge for trimming upholstery.

Identifying Marks and Brands

Many quality hammer-makers stamped their tools with identifying marks to assert their craftsmanship and help prevent counterfeiting. These can include:

Maker‘s Mark : Usually the producer‘s name or initials, often alongside a location, establishment date, or other phrase. Well-known examples include Maydole, Keen Kutter, and Plumb.

Patent Date : If the design was patented, the date or patent number may be stamped on the head. Comparing the actual patent filing can yield useful information about materials, construction, and intended use.

Size or Weight : The head weight in ounces or pounds may be stamped on larger hammers like sledges and mauls. Sizing systems varied between makers and eras.

Model Number : Some brands used model numbers to designate different styles and sizes within a product line. Industry groups also published model number standards to encourage uniformity between makers.

Deciphering these markings can help date a hammer and trace its provenance. Some excellent resources for further research include:

• American Hammer Makers: 1749-1919 by John E. Laun (2019)
• Antique Iron Survey of American Hand Wrought Tools by EAIA (1987)
• The Directory of American Toolmakers by Dana Batory (1999)
• A Study of Hammers: Detailed Descriptions, Patents, Advertisements & More by Edward H. Schade (2019)

Keep in mind that not all marks are original to the hammer. Previous owners may have added their name, initials, or inventory numbers. Unscrupulous sellers may also stamp fake brands on generic hammers to inflate their value. Closely examine any markings for signs of fresh or uneven stamping.

Evaluating Condition and Value

An antique hammer‘s value depends on a combination of rarity, materials, craftsmanship, provenance, and condition. Very generally, prices increase along these lines:

Age: Older hammers are more valuable, especially pre-1800 examples when production was limited. The sweet spot for most collectors is the 1840-1940 golden age of American tool-making.

Maker: Top-tier makers like Henry Cheney and David Maydole command higher prices than entry-level brands or unmarked hammers. Look for crisp, clear maker‘s marks.

Style: Unusual or patented designs with novel features tend to be more desirable than basic styles. Hammers made for a famous company or building project have added cachet.

Materials: Hammers with heads forged from high-quality steel or featuring exotic hardwood handles are more sought-after. Solid bronze or copper heads indicate a presentation piece or ceremonial hammer.

Condition: As with any antique, condition is key. The most valuable hammers retain their original head, handle, and finish with minimal damage. Some light wear is acceptable and even desirable as a sign of authentic use.

Collectors particularly covet hammers with historical or cultural significance, such as those belonging to a famous craftsman or used in the construction of an iconic building. For instance, a common claw hammer documented as being used by a carpenter during the California Gold Rush could be worth thousands.

In recent years, the phenomenon of collecting vintage hammers as folk art has driven prices for visually striking examples with sculptural forms and fanciful embellishments. A prime example is the French "Le Merveilleux" style of hammer, featuring a curvaceous brass head and elaborate floral engravings.

Record auction prices for antique hammers have climbed steadily. In 2007, a Revolutionary War era silver and mahogany presentation hammer by Philadelphia maker William Rush sold at Sotheby‘s for $98,500 against an estimate of $5,000-7,000. More recently, a circa 1905 Keen Kutter "KK7" claw hammer in mint condition brought $8,500 at a 2020 online auction.

Caring for Your Collection

To preserve your antique hammers for future generations, follow these basic guidelines:

Storage: Keep hammers in a cool, dry place with low humidity to prevent rust. Consider a sealed display case with silica gel packets. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade finishes and degrade wood.

Handling: Wear clean cotton gloves when handling hammers to avoid transferring skin oils. Support the head and handle separately when lifting.

Cleaning: Dust regularly with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. If needed, damp-wipe the metal head with distilled water and dry immediately. Avoid harsh cleaners or polishes which may damage patina.

Repair: Leave any repairs or restoration to a professional experienced with antique tools. Improper cleaning, polishing, or replacement of parts can permanently harm value.

Use: It‘s okay to use antique hammers for their intended purpose if they‘re in good working order. However, reserve them for light tasks only. Keep a modern hammer on hand for serious pounding.

The Future of Hammer Collecting

As with any collectible, the antique hammer market is subject to the whims of fashion and fluctuating supply. However, some current trends suggest areas of growth and opportunity:

Primitive and early hammers from the 18th century and prior are extremely rare and undervalued relative to other tools of similar age. As more collectors become aware of these pre-industrial gems, prices are likely to surge.

Non-American hammers are often overshadowed by their New England brethren, but quality examples from English, German, French, and other European makers are increasingly finding a global audience thanks to online marketplaces.

The market for hammers with a known history of use by women or tradespeople of color is still in its infancy. As interest grows in diversifying the traditional tool-collecting canon, these stories will become more important value drivers.

Whether you‘re drawn to the humble hammer as a symbol of honest labor or appreciate its elegant geometry as a work of art, there‘s never been a more exciting time to start or expand a collection. By learning to identify different styles, makers, and materials, you‘ll soon develop an eye for quality and be ready to make your mark on the fascinating world of antique hammers.

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Trip Hammer on xhibition at the Shaker Museum, Old Chatham, NY, ca.1985, Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon. Paul Rocheleau, photographer.

Nov 23, 2016

A four ton trip hammer.

• Church Family
• water power

In the winter of 1846 the First and Second Order of the Church Family determined to build a new blacksmith shop, one of stone with waterpower that would operate a lathe, drilling works, a grindstone, bellows for the forge, and a trip hammer. The shop was to be built 34 feet by 44 feet and […]

Forge, Center Family, Mount Lebanon, NY, 2016, Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon. Staff photograph.

In the winter of 1846 the First and Second Order of the Church Family determined to build a new blacksmith shop, one of stone with waterpower that would operate a lathe, drilling works, a grindstone, bellows for the forge, and a trip hammer. The shop was to be built 34 feet by 44 feet and located in the corner of the Deming Lot at the northeast corner of the land bordered by the main road that ran through the village (now called Darrow Road) and the road that runs downhill to the Shaker gristmill (now called Ann Lee Lane on the east end and Cherry Lane on the west end). The shop still stands and is now a private residence. The 1845 Shakers’ census notes that there were three blacksmiths in what is now called the Center Family – Brothers Arba Noyes, James Vail, and George Long.

Construction was largely done by members of the Second Order with considerable help from hired Irish laborers who did much of the digging for the pit for the waterwheel and laid up most of the stonework. By mid-summer the wheel pit, the drain to carry away water from the wheel, and the masonry work were completed. In the early fall, the hired labor returned to build the dam to create the pond to supply water to power the shop. The dam is still standing and pond is on the east side of the road.

Interior of the Church Family Forge with the Trip Hammer in its Original Location, Center Family, Mount Lebanon, NY, 1940, Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon. John S. Williams, Sr., photographer.

The decision to include a trip hammer in their new blacksmith’s shop was bold, but one that greatly increased the Shakers’ ability to fabricate and manufacture items out of iron. Trip hammers of many designs have been used for a couple of thousand years. The basic principle is that some kind of power is applied, in some manner, to raise a hammer larger than can be lifted by a man so that when it is dropped it will come down with more force than a man can exert alone. Trip hammers, in addition to forging iron, have been used for hulling and grinding grain, pounding rags for papermaking, and crushing iron ore to make it easier to extract the metal from the rock. In blacksmithing, trip hammers are often used to draw out flat sheets of metal from an iron bar and to shape a piece of square iron rod, for instance flattening the end of an iron bar to make a shovel and or making round ends on a square bar to make an axel for a wagon.

The Shakers documented their new trip hammer in their journals. In January 1846, Center Family Elder Amos Stewart experimented with a model for a windmill, hoping that he could use wind power “to tilt a triphammer.” This attempt, although it would have saved building a dam for the shop, apparently failed. The next month, Brother Hiram Rude, the family mechanic, went to Lee, Massachusetts to see a “gang of Triphammers.” The Shakers frequently went to visit businesses and factories to stay abreast of new technologies. Apparently in the next few weeks a design for the hammer was drawn up and casting patterns made for the metal parts. Elder Amos and Brother Peter went to Albany to see about castings for the gearing for the hammer. It was nine months later – after the new shop was finished and its forge fired up – that Elder Amos and Brother Braman Wicks, a carpenter from the Church Family, began working again on the gearing to drive the hammer. In July, a tree was cut for the frame to hold the hammer. Apparently by winter that year the Shakers were rethinking the design of the trip hammer. Elder Amos and Brother Hiram went to Cohose, New York, to look at another trip hammer and two days after that trip they had settled “upon the form for a Hammer & spoke for castings in Troy.” This final design was completed and the trip hammer seemed to be in use shortly after that.

While trip hammers were associated primarily with iron work, the Shakers appeared to have another idea for using it quite early on – maybe even before they began planning to built it: pounding black ash logs to break down the bond between the tree’s natural growth rings. When the growth rings are separated, they are easily peeled off in long strips and become the treasured materials from which baskets are woven. Most basket makers would do this work by pounding a log with a sledge hammer. For the Shakers, the ability to more efficiently produce basket weaving material meant that they could greatly increase their production of all kinds of baskets. In November of 1847, Elder Daniel Boler of the Church Family worked “at the blacksmith shop preparing trip hammer for pounding out basket stuff.” The Shakers were so dependent on having basket materials prepared by machine that in  1863, when apparently their own trip hammer was not available, they took ash logs to Bromley King’s forging shop in Waterford, New York, to get them pounded.

This trip hammer is among the largest and heaviest non-architectural objects made by the Shakers. It is over fifteen feet long, six and a half feet high, just over four feet wide, and is thought to weigh around four tons. The machine has two hammers – a large one at one end and a small one at the other end. It was powered by a waterwheel connected by a belt to the wooden drive pulley. Once the hammer got up to speed and the massive cast iron flywheel was rotating to preserve its inertia, one or both hammers could be engaged.

Watch a trip hammer demonstration from Thomas Ironworks, Seville, Ohio 

Interior of the Blacksmith’s Shop Exhibition at the Shaker Museum, Old Chatham, NY, ca. 1955, Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon. C. E. Simmons, photographer.

Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon’s acquisition of the trip hammer has some tales and legends associated with it. In the 1940s John S. Williams, Sr., the museum’s founder, heard that the Shakers were breaking up the equipment in the blacksmith’s shop in preparation for selling the building. He appealed to have the work stopped until he could move the hammer and the forge and bellows to the museum. It was war-time in America and the scarcity of trucks made it difficult to find someone who could move such a heavy piece of equipment. Fortunately, Williams’s good friend Albert Callan, the owner of the Chatham Courier newspaper, had a new printing press being delivered around this time and once the delivery of the press was complete the truck headed to Mount Lebanon to move the trip hammer. Once loaded, they then had to find a route back to the Museum that did not involve crossing a bridge that could not bear the weight of the truck and hammer. Somehow it all worked out and the trip hammer has been at the Shaker Museum ever since.

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Shane Rothe

Curatorial Associate

Shane Rothe (they/them) joined Shaker Museum in July 2023, working with independent curator Maggie Taft on an exhibition for the new museum space in Chatham. Shane is an artist as well as a curator and continues to create in the mediums of painting, sculpture, writing, and performance. Shane holds a BFA from CalArts and an MA in art history and curatorial studies from the University of Chicago.

Trip hammer

A trip hammer , also known as a tilt hammer or helve hammer , is a massive powered hammer . Traditional uses of trip hammers include pounding, decorticating and polishing of grain in agriculture . In mining , trip hammers were used for crushing metal ores into small pieces, although a stamp mill was more usual for this. In finery forges they were used for drawing out blooms made from wrought iron into more workable bar iron . They were also used for fabricating various articles of wrought iron , latten (an early form of brass ), steel and other metals.

Early history

Bibliography, external links.

One or more trip hammers were set up in a forge , also known variously as a hammer mill , hammer forge or hammer works. The hammers were usually raised by a cam and then released to fall under the force of gravity . Historically, trip hammers were often powered hydraulically by a water wheel .

Trip hammers are known to have been used in Imperial China since the Western Han dynasty . They also existed in the contemporary Greco-Roman world , with more evidence of their use in medieval Europe during the 12th century. During the Industrial Revolution the trip hammer fell out of favor and was replaced with the power hammer . Often multiple hammers were powered via a set of line shafts , pulleys and belts from a centrally located power supply.

In ancient China, the trip hammer evolved out of the use of the mortar and pestle , which in turn gave rise to the treadle-operated tilt-hammer ( Chinese : 碓 Pinyin : dui ; Wade-Giles : tui ). [1] The latter was a simple device employing a lever and fulcrum (operated by pressure applied by the weight of one's foot to one end), which featured a series of catches or lugs on the main revolving shaft as well. [2] This device enabled the labor of pounding, often in the decorticating and polishing of grain, and avoided manual use of pounding with hand and arm.

Although Chinese historians assert that its origins may span as far back as the Zhou dynasty (1050 BC–221 BC), the British sinologist Joseph Needham regards the earliest texts to describe the device are the Jijiupian dictionary of 40 BC, Yang Xiong 's text known as the Fangyan of 15 BC, as well as the "best statement" the Xin Lun written by Huan Tan about 20 AD (during the usurpation of Wang Mang ). [3] The latter book states that the legendary mythological king known as Fu Xi was the one responsible for the pestle and mortar (which evolved into the tilt-hammer and then trip hammer device). Although the author speaks of the mythological Fu Xi, a passage of his writing gives hint that the waterwheel and trip-hammer were in widespread use by the 1st century AD in China (for water-powered Chinese metallurgy , see Du Shi ):

Fu Hsi invented the pestle and mortar, which is so useful, and later on it was cleverly improved in such a way that the whole weight of the body could be used for treading on the tilt-hammer (tui), thus increasing the efficiency ten times. Afterwards the power of animals—donkeys, mules, oxen, and horses—was applied by means of machinery, and water-power too used for pounding, so that the benefit was increased a hundredfold. [4]

However, this passage as well as other early references from the Han era may rather refer to a water lever, not a trip hammer. [5] [6] Later research, pointing to two contemporary Han era funeral wares depicting hydraulic hammers, proved that vertical waterwheels were used to power batteries of trip hammers during the Han dynasty. [7]

With his description, it is seen that the out-of-date Chinese term for pestle and mortar (dui, tui) would soon be replaced with the Chinese term for the water-powered trip-hammer ( Chinese : 水碓 ; pinyin : shuǐ duì ; Wade–Giles : shui tui . [2] The Han dynasty scholar and poet Ma Rong (79–166 AD) mentioned in one of his poems of hammers 'pounding in the water-echoing caves'. [4] As described in the Hou Han Shu , in 129 AD the official Yu Xu gave a report to Emperor Shun of Han that trip hammers were being exported from Han China to the Western Qiang people by way of canals through the Qilian Mountains . [4] In his Rou Xing Lun , the government official Kong Rong (153–208 AD) remarked that the invention of the trip hammer was an excellent example of a product created by intelligent men during his own age (comparing the relative achievements of the sages of old). [4] During the 3rd century AD, the high government official and engineer Du Yu established the use of combined trip hammer batteries (lian zhi dui), which employed several shafts that were arranged to work off one large waterwheel. [8] In Chinese texts of the 4th century, there are written accounts of men possessing and operating hundreds of trip hammer machines, such as the venerable mathematician Wang Rong (died 306 AD), Deng Yu (died 326 AD), and Shi Chong (died 300 AD), responsible for the operation of hundreds of trip hammers in over thirty governmental districts throughout China. [9] There are numerous references to trip hammers during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) and Song dynasty (960–1279), and there are Ming dynasty (1368–1644) references that report the use of trip hammers in papermills of Fujian Province. [10]

Although Chinese trip hammers in China were sometimes powered by the more efficient vertical-set waterwheel, the Chinese often employed the horizontal-set waterwheel in operating trip hammers, along with recumbent hammers. [11] The recumbent hammer was found in Chinese illustrations by 1313 AD, with the publishing of Wang Zhen 's Nong Shu book on ancient and contemporary (medieval) metallurgy in China. [12] There were also illustrations of trip hammers in an encyclopedia of 1637, written by Song Yingxing (1587–1666). [13]

The Chinese use of the cam remained confined to the horizontal type and was limited to a "small variety of machines" that included only rice hulling and much later mica-pounders, paper mills and saw mills, while fulling stocks, ore stamps or forge hammers were unknown. [6]

Greco-Roman world

The main components for water-powered trip hammers – water wheels , cams , and hammers – were already known in Hellenistic times . [15] Early cams are in evidence in water-powered automata from the third century BC. [16] [17] One Greek automaton in particular, a flute player whose mechanism was described by the Banu Musa but can be "reasonably" attributed to Apollonius of Perge , functions on the principle of water-powered trip hammers. [18]

The Roman scholar Pliny ( Natural History XVIII, 23.97) indicates that water-driven pestles had become fairly widespread in Italy by the first century AD:

The greater part of Italy uses an unshod pestle and also wheels which water turns as it flows past, and a trip-hammer [ mola ]".

While some scholars have viewed this passage to mean a watermill, [19] later scholarship argued that mola must refer to water-powered trip hammers which were used for the pounding and hulling of grain . [20] [16] Their mechanical character is also suggested by an earlier reference of Lucius Pomponius (fl. 100–85 BC) to a fuller's mill , a type of mill that has been operated at all times with falling stocks. [21] [22] However, it has been pointed out that the translation of Pomponius' fragmentary text could be faulty, and relies on translating mola , which is often thought to mean either a mill or millstone, to instead refer to a water powered trip hammer. [23] Grain-pounders with pestles, as well as ordinary watermills , are attested as late as the middle of the 5th century AD in a monastery founded by Romanus of Condat in the remote Jura region , indicating that the knowledge of trip hammers continued into the early Middle Ages . [16]

At the Italian site of Saepinum excavators have recently unearthed a late antique water mill that may have employed trip hammers for tanning , the earliest evidence of its kind in a classical context. [24] [25]

The widest application of trip hammers seems to have occurred in Roman mining, where ore from deep veins was first crushed into small pieces for further processing. [26] Here, the regularity and spacing of large indentations on stone anvils indicate the use of cam-operated ore stamps, much like the devices of later medieval mining. [26] [14] Such mechanically deformed anvils have been found at numerous Roman silver and gold mining sites in Western Europe , including at Dolaucothi ( Wales ), and on the Iberian peninsula , [26] [14] [27] [28] where the datable examples are from the 1st and 2nd century AD. [29] At Dolaucothi, these trip-hammers were hydraulic-driven and possibly also at other Roman mining sites, where the large-scale use of the hushing and ground sluicing technique meant that large amounts of water were directly available for powering the machines. [26] [30] However, none of the Spanish and Portuguese anvils can be convincingly associated with mill sites, though most mines had water sources and leat systems which could easily be harnessed. [14] Likewise, the dating of the Pumsaint stone to the Roman era did not address that the stone could have been moved, and relies on a series of interlinked probabilities which would jeopardize the conclusion of a Roman dating should any of them unravel. [14]

Medieval Europe

Water-powered and mechanised trip hammers reappeared in medieval Europe by the 12th century. Their use was described in medieval written sources of Styria (in modern-day Austria), written in 1135 and another in 1175 AD. [31] Medieval French sources of the years 1116 and 1249 both record the use of mechanised trip hammers used in the forging of wrought iron . [31] Medieval European trip hammers by the 15th century were most often in the shape of the vertical pestle stamp-mill, although they employed more frequent use of the vertical waterwheel than earlier Chinese versions (which often used the horizontal waterwheel). [10] The well-known Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci often sketched trip hammers for use in forges and even file-cutting machinery, those of the vertical pestle stamp-mill type. [12] The oldest depicted European illustration of a forge-hammer is perhaps the A Description of the Northern Peoples of Olaus Magnus , dated to 1565 AD. [12] In this woodcut image, there is the scene of three martinets and a waterwheel working wood and leather bellows of the Osmund Bloomery furnace. [12] The recumbent hammer was first depicted in European artwork in an illustration by Sandrart and Zonca (dated 1621 AD). [12]

A trip hammer has the head mounted at the end of a recumbent helve , hence the alternative name of helve hammer. The choice of which type was used in a particular context may have depended on the strain that its operation imposed on the helve. This was normally of wood, mounted in a cast-iron ring (called the hurst) where it pivoted. However, in the 19th century the heaviest helves were sometimes a single casting, incorporating the hurst.

The tilt hammer or tail helve hammer has a pivot at the centre of the helve on which it is mounted, and is lifted by pushing the opposite end to the head downwards. In practice, the head on such hammers seems to have been limited to one hundredweight (about 50   kg), but a very rapid stroke rate was possible. This made it suitable for drawing iron down to small sizes suitable for the cutlery trades. There were therefore many such forges known as 'tilts' around Sheffield . They were also used in brass battery works for making brass (or copper) pots and pans. In battery works (at least) it was possible for one power source to operate several hammers. In Germany, tilt hammers of up to 300   kg were used in hammer mills to forge iron. Surviving, working hammers, powered by water wheels, may be seen, for example, at the Frohnauer Hammer in the Ore Mountains .

The belly helve hammer was the kind normally found in a finery forge , used for making pig iron into forgeable bar iron. This was lifted by cams striking the helve between the pivot and the head. The head usually weighed quarter of a ton. This was probably the case because the strain on a wooden helve would have been too great if the head were heavier.

The nose helve hammer seems to have been unusual until the late 18th or early 19th century. This was lifted beyond the head. Surviving nose helves [32] and those in pictures [33] appear to be of cast iron.

The steam-powered drop hammer replaced the trip hammer (at least for the largest forgings). James Nasmyth invented it in 1839 and patented in 1842. However, by then forging had become less important for the iron industry, following the improvements to the rolling mill that went along with the adoption of puddling from the end of the 18th century. Nevertheless, hammers continued to be needed for shingling .

• Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
• Dorfchemnitz Iron Hammer Mill
• Finch Foundry
• Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill
• Frohnauer Hammer Mill

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The Dolaucothi Gold Mines , also known as the Ogofau Gold Mine , are ancient Roman surface and underground mines located in the valley of the River Cothi, near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The gold mines are located within the Dolaucothi Estate, which is owned by the National Trust.

Pumsaint is a village in Carmarthenshire, Wales, halfway between Llanwrda and Lampeter on the A482 in the valley of the Afon Cothi. It forms part of the extensive estate of Dolaucothi, which is owned by the National Trust.

A hammer mill , hammer forge or hammer works was a workshop in the pre-industrial era that was typically used to manufacture semi-finished, wrought iron products or, sometimes, finished agricultural or mining tools, or military weapons. The feature that gave its name to these workshops was the water-driven trip hammer, or set of hammers, used in the process. The shaft, or 'helve', of the hammer was pivoted in the middle and the hammer head was lifted by the action of cams set on a rotating camshaft that periodically depressed the end of the shaft. As it rose and fell, the head of the hammer described an arc. The face of the hammer was made of iron for durability.

Zhang Sixun was a Chinese astronomer and mechanical engineer from Bazhong, Sichuan during the early Song dynasty. He is credited with creating an armillary sphere for his astronomical clock tower that employed the use of liquid mercury. The liquid mercury filled scoops of the waterwheel would rotate and thus provide the effect of an escapement mechanism in clockworks and allow the astronomical armillary sphere to rotate as needed.

A finery forge is a forge used to produce wrought iron from pig iron by decarburization in a process called "fining" which involved liquifying cast iron in a fining hearth and removing carbon from the molten cast iron through oxidation. Finery forges were used as early as the 3rd century BC in China. The finery forge process was replaced by the puddling process and the roller mill, both developed by Henry Cort in 1783–4, but not becoming widespread until after 1800.

A stamp mill is a type of mill machine that crushes material by pounding rather than grinding, either for further processing or for extraction of metallic ores. Breaking material down is a type of unit operation.

Wang Zhen was a Chinese agronomist, inventor, mechanical engineer, politician, and writer of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). He was one of the early innovators of the wooden movable type printing technology. His illustrated agricultural treatise was also one of the most advanced of its day, covering a wide range of equipment and technologies available in the late 13th and early 14th century.

Mining was one of the most prosperous activities in Roman Britain. Britain was rich in resources such as copper, gold, iron, lead, salt, silver, and tin, materials in high demand in the Roman Empire. Sufficient supply of metals was needed to fulfil the demand for coinage and luxury artefacts by the elite. The Romans started panning and puddling for gold. The abundance of mineral resources in the British Isles was probably one of the reasons for the Roman conquest of Britain. They were able to use advanced technology to find, develop and extract valuable minerals on a scale unequaled until the Middle ages.

Du Shi was a Chinese hydrologist, inventor, mechanical engineer, metallurgist, and politician of the Eastern Han dynasty. Du Shi is credited with being the first to apply hydraulic power to operate bellows in metallurgy. His invention was used to operate piston-bellows of the blast furnace and then cupola furnace in order to forge cast iron, which had been known in China since the 6th century BC. He worked as a censorial officer and administrator of several places during the reign of Emperor Guangwu of Han. He also led a brief military campaign in which he eliminated a small bandit army under Yang Yi.

A field mill , also known as a camp mill , was a premodern vehicle which acted as a mobile mill used for grinding grains, which had the very practical use of feeding a moving army.

Metals and metal working had been known to the people of modern Italy since the Bronze Age. By 53 BC, Rome had expanded to control an immense expanse of the Mediterranean. This included Italy and its islands, Spain, Macedonia, Africa, Asia Minor, Syria and Greece; by the end of the Emperor Trajan's reign, the Roman Empire had grown further to encompass parts of Britain, Egypt, all of modern Germany west of the Rhine, Dacia, Noricum, Judea, Armenia, Illyria, and Thrace. As the empire grew, so did its need for metals.

The Tiangong Kaiwu (天工開物), or The Exploitation of the Works of Nature was a Chinese encyclopedia compiled by Song Yingxing. It was published in May 1637 with funding provided by Song's patron Tu Shaokui. The Tiangong Kaiwu is an encyclopedia covering a wide range of technical issues, including the use of various gunpowder weapons. Copies of the book were very scarce in China during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), but original copies of the book were preserved in Japan.

• ↑ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 183.
• 1 2 Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 390.
• ↑ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 184.
• 1 2 3 4 Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 392.
• ↑ Terry Reynolds: Stronger Than a Hundred Men. A History of the Vertical Water Wheel , The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983, pp. 26-30
• 1 2 Lewis 1997 , p.   118
• ↑ Xiaolei 2019 , p.   115
• ↑ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 393.
• ↑ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 392-393.
• 1 2 Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 394.
• ↑ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 391–392.
• 1 2 3 4 5 Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 395.
• ↑ Song, 91–93.
• 1 2 3 4 5 Barry C. Burnham: "Roman Mining at Dolaucothi: The Implications of the 1991-3 Excavations near the Carreg Pumsaint", Britannia , Vol. 28 (1997), pp. 325-336 (333-335)
• ↑ Wilson 2002 , p.   22
• 1 2 3 Wilson 2002 , p.   16
• ↑ Lewis 1997 , pp.   84–88
• ↑ Lewis 1997 , pp.   86–88
• ↑ Terry Reynolds: Stronger Than a Hundred Men. A History of the Vertical Water Wheel , The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983, p. 355, fn. 51
• ↑ Lewis 1997 , pp.   101–105
• ↑ Lewis 1997 , pp.   94f.
• ↑ Wilson 2002 , p.   16, fn. 93
• ↑ Flohr 2013 , p.   102
• ↑ Brun & Leguilloux 2014 , pp.   160–170, particularly 162
• ↑ Wilson 2020 , p.   171
• 1 2 3 4 Wilson 2002 , pp.   21f.
• ↑ J. Wahl: "Tres Minas: Vorbericht über die archäologischen Ausgrabungen im Bereich des römischen Goldbergwerks 1986/87", in H. Steuer and U. Zimmerman (eds): "Montanarchäologie in Europa", 1993, p.123-152 (141; Fig.19)
• ↑ Sánchez-Palencia Ramos, Francisco-Javier (1984/1985): "Los «Morteros» de Fresnedo ( Allande) y Cecos (Ibias) y los lavaderos de oro romanos en el noroeste de la Península Ibérica , "Zephyrus", Vol. 37/38, pp.   349–359 (356f.)
• ↑ Wilson 2002 , p.   21, fn. 110
• ↑ Lewis 1997 , pp.   106–1010
• 1 2 Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 379.
• ↑ For example at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet [ dubious – discuss ]
• ↑ For example in the metalwork gallery in Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
• Sim, David and Ridge, Isable: "Iron for the Eagles" (2002)
• Burnham, Barry C.: "Dolaucothi-Pumsaint: Survey and Excavations at a Roman Gold-mining Complex" (2004)
• Lewis, M. J. T. (1997), Millstone and Hammer. The Origins of Water Power , The University of Hull Press, ISBN   0-85958-657-X
• Needham, Joseph; Wang, Ling. (1986) [1965]. Science and Civilization in China: Volume 4, Physics and Physical Technology, Part 2, Mechanical Engineering . Taipei: Caves Books Ltd (reprint edition of Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press). ISBN   0-521-05803-1 .
• Wilson, Andrew (2002), "Machines, Power and the Ancient Economy", The Journal of Roman Studies , vol.   92, pp.   1–32
• Wilson, Andrew (2020), "Roman Water-Power. Chronological Trends and Geographical Spread", in Erdkamp, Paul; Verboven, Koenraad; Zuiderhoek, Arjan (eds.), Capital, Investment, and Innovation in the Roman World , Oxford University Press, pp.   147–194, ISBN   978-0-19-884184-5
• Song, Yingxing, translated with preface by E-Tu Zen Sun and Shiou-Chuan Sun: T'ien-Kung K'ai-Wu: Chinese Technology in the Seventeenth Century . (University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press 1966).
• Xiaolei, Shi (2019), "The Hydraulic Tilt Hammer in Ancient China", in Baichun, Zhang; Marco, Ceccarelli (eds.), Explorations in the History and Heritage of Machines and Mechanisms , Springer Nature Switzerland AG, pp.   113–122, ISBN   978-3-030-03537-2
• Flohr, Miko (2013), The World of the Fullo: Work, Economy and Society in Roman Italy , Oxford University Press, p.   102, ISBN   978-0199659357
• "Diagram of a forge trip hammer" . ExplorePAHistory.com . WITF; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission . Retrieved 22 January 2013 .
• Fabrication
• Tools and terminology

Trip Hammers

Trip Hammers are Hammers that are commonly used in forging metals.

In ancient China, the trip hammer evolved out of the use of the pestle and mortar, which in turn gave rise to the treadle-operated tilt-hammer . The latter was a simple device employing a lever and fulcrum (operated by pressure applied by the weight of one's foot to one end), which featured a series of catches or lugs on the main revolving shaft as well. This device enabled the labor of pounding, often in the decorticating and polishing of grain, and avoided manual use of pounding with hand and arm. Although historians assert that its origins may span as far back as the Zhou Dynasty (1050 BC–221 BC), the earliest texts to describe the device are the Ji Jiu Pian dictionary of 40 BC, Yang Xiong's text known as the Fangyan of 15 BC, as well as the Xin Lun written by Huan Tan about 20 AD (during the usurpation of Wang Mang). The latter book states that the legendary mythological king known as Fu Xi was the one responsible for the pestle and mortar (which evolved into the tilt-hammer and then trip hammer device). With his description, it is seen that the out-of-date Chinese term for pestle and mortar would soon be replaced with the Chinese term for the water-powered trip-hammer. The Han Dynasty scholar and poet Ma Rong (79–166 AD) mentioned in one of his poems of hammers "pounding in the water-echoing caves". As described in the Hou Han Shu, in 129 AD the official Yu Xu gave a report to Emperor Shun of Han that trip hammers were being exported from Han China to the Western Qiang people by way of canals through the Qilian Mountains.In his Rou Xing Lun, the government official Kong Rong (153–208 AD) remarked that the invention of the trip hammer was an excellent example of a product created by intelligent men during his own age (comparing the relative achievements of the sages of old). During the 3rd century AD, the high government official and engineer Du Yu established the use of combined trip hammer batteries , which employed several shafts that were arranged to work off one large waterwheel. In Chinese texts of the 4th century, there are written accounts of men possessing and operating hundreds of trip hammer machines, such as the venerable mathematician Wang Rong (died 306 AD), Deng Yu (died 326 AD), and Shi Chong (died 300 AD), responsible for the operation of hundreds of trip hammers in over thirty governmental districts throughout China. There are numerous references to trip hammers during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and Song Dynasty (960–1279), and there are Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) references that report the use of trip hammers in papermills of Fujian Province.

Although Chinese trip hammers in China were sometimes powered by the more efficient vertical-set waterwheel, the Chinese often employed the horizontal-set waterwheel in operating trip hammers, along with recumbent hammers. The recumbent hammer was found in Chinese illustrations by 1313 AD, with the publishing of Wang Zhen's Nong Shu book on ancient and contemporary (medieval) metallurgy in China. There were also illustrations of trip hammers in an encyclopedia of 1637, written by Song Yingxing (1587–1666).

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Home » Antiques » Antique Hammers (Identification and Value Guide)

Antique Hammers (Identification and Value Guide)

May 16, 2023

Venturing into the world of antique hammers can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, especially if you have a curiosity and appreciation for the tools that form an integral part of our history. A hammer is one of the earliest known tools in human history, and discovering how to find, identify, and value these antique treasures can be both a pleasure and an investment opportunity.

To begin your exploration in antique hammers, it’s important to know what to look for when attempting to distinguish them from modern counterparts. The design is one of the key identifiers, as older hammers typically have simpler, straight lines and fewer frills compared to contemporary designs. Additionally, antique hammers usually have shorter handles, which were common in the past. This guide will delve deeper into the ins and outs of identifying antique hammers and understanding their value, so you can confidently recognize a quality piece and make informed purchasing decisions.

While the value of antique hammers can range from $30 to $200, there are factors to consider that can influence their worth, such as brand, originality, and condition. As you continue to refine your knowledge and understanding of these factors, your ability to evaluate the value and history of antique hammers will become an invaluable skill, offering a gateway to a rewarding world of tool collecting and appreciation.

Table of Contents

History of Antique Hammers

Stone age to bronze age.

Your journey into the history of antique hammers begins in the Stone Age, where evidence suggests that humans began using hammers at least 3 million years ago. At this time, hammerstones served a variety of purposes, such as smashing, pounding, and shaping various materials. About 30,000 years ago, humans started affixing hammerstones to wooden or bone handles with animal sinew to create more advanced tools.

During the Bronze Age, hammers were crafted using bronze, a metal alloy made of copper and tin. This allowed for more considerable durability, strength, and versatility. The hammers of this era played a prominent role in shaping and crafting objects such as weapons, ornaments, and tools.

Iron Age to Industrial Revolution

As you move forward in time, you arrive at the Iron Age, where iron replaced bronze as the primary construction material for tools, including hammers. The advancement in metalworking led to improved durability and increased productivity. Iron hammers were in use for wide-ranging purposes, including carpentry, blacksmithing, and other trade activities.

Finally, during the Industrial Revolution, the creation and specialization of hammers evolved even further. New types of hammers emerged to cater to specific trade requirements, and mass production techniques allowed for more consistent and affordable tools. This development resulted in the diverse range of hammers that antique collectors admire and seek today.

To identify and value antique hammers, the age, condition, materials used, and historical significance all come into play. Understanding the rich history behind these essential tools can significantly enhance your appreciation for them and assist in making informed decisions when evaluating and collecting antique hammers.

8 Types of Antique Hammers and Their Valuation

In this section, we will explore eight different types of antique hammers and their respective valuations. As you learn about each type, consider their unique features and uses.

Claw Hammers

Claw hammers are the most common type of hammer and are typically used for driving nails into wood. They have a claw on one side of the head, which can be used to pull nails out of wood. These hammers can range in value from $30 to $200, depending on factors like age, condition, and rarity.

Mallets are a type of hammer with a large, round, or cylindrical head made of materials such as wood, rubber, or leather. They are primarily used for striking without damaging the surface of the material. The value of antique mallets can vary greatly, with prices ranging from $20 to $150 or more based on factors like material, quality, and age.

Veneer Hammers

Veneer hammers have a broad, flat head to carefully apply pressure to wood veneer when gluing it onto a surface without leaving marks. These specialized hammers can have valuations between $50 and $250, depending on factors like age, condition, and rarity of the particular design.

Sledgehammers

Sledgehammers are heavy hammers designed for demolition, with a long handle and a large, flat head. Antique sledgehammers can be valued between $60 and $300, depending on factors such as age, rarity, and condition.

Ball Peen Hammers

Ball peen hammers have a rounded head on one side and a flat head on the other. They are primarily used in metalworking to shape and bend metal. The value of antique ball peen hammers generally ranges from $40 to $150, varying based on factors like age, condition, and rarity.

Tack Hammers

Tack hammers, also known as upholstery hammers, have two heads – one with a flat face and one with a split, claw-like shape for pulling tacks and nails. These hammers can be valued between $25 and $120, depending on factors such as age, rarity, and condition.

Other Hammer Types

There are numerous other types of antique hammers, including blacksmith’s hammers, brick hammers, and gavels. Each of these hammers can have varying valuations based on factors like age, rarity, and condition.

For instance, blacksmith’s hammers can range in value from $50 to $300, and vintage gavels can be valued between $75 and $500.

As you explore the world of antique hammers, remember that their age, rarity, and condition play a significant role in determining their value. Pay close attention to these factors as you assess and collect these unique tools.

Vintage Hammer Manufacturers

Stanley, a well-known manufacturer of hand tools, has been producing quality hammers for over a century. When identifying a vintage Stanley hammer, look at the handle material, markings on the head, and the overall design. Common materials used in Stanley antique hammer handles were wood or metal. The value of a Stanley antique hammer can range between $50 to $250, depending on factors such as age, rarity, and condition.

Keen Kutter

Keen Kutter, a brand established in the late 19th century, is known for its high-quality vintage hammers. Identifying a Keen Kutter hammer involves examining the handle’s material, markings, and overall construction. Often, Keen Kutter hammers will have a distinct KK marking on the head. The value range for a vintage Keen Kutter hammer is typically between $100 to $300.

Henry Cheney Hammer Co

The Henry Cheney Hammer Company, founded in 1880, specialized in high-quality hammers for blacksmiths, metalworkers, and others. Look for the manufacturer’s stamp on the hammerhead, which should say “Henry Cheney Hammer Co.” Additionally, pay attention to the handle material and design features. The value of a Henry Cheney Hammer Co vintage hammer ranges from $60 to $200.

Maydole Hammers

Founded in 1845 by David Maydole, Maydole Hammers gained a reputation for durability and quality. To identify a vintage Maydole hammer, search for markings or inscriptions on the hammerhead, which may say “Maydole” or something similar. In addition, check the handle material and construction for signs of age. The value of a Maydole vintage hammer is typically between $40 to $150.

Other Manufacturers

Aside from the well-known brands mentioned above, numerous other manufacturers produced vintage hammers. Identifying these hammers requires similar examination methods, focusing on features such as handle materials and markings on the head. The value of vintage hammers from lesser-known manufacturers varies greatly, with a range from $20 to over $400, depending on rarity and condition.

When determining the value of an antique hammer, remember that factors such as condition, rarity, brand, and age all contribute to its value. Take your time examining each hammer and consult with experts or additional resources when needed.

Materials and Construction

Metal hammerheads.

When identifying antique hammers, the metal of the hammerhead plays a significant role in determining its value. Historically, various metals like copper, lead, and brass have been utilzied in hammerhead production. Each of these materials carries a different range of valuation:

• Copper Hammerheads: $50 – $150.
• Lead Hammerheads: $60 – $180.
• Brass Hammerheads: $70 – $200.

Be attentive to the signs of aging and patina that may indicate authenticity.

Wooden Handles

Wooden handles were prevalent in antique hammers. The quality, age, and type of wood used can impact the hammer’s overall value. Some common types of wooden handles found in antique hammers include:

• Oak: Valued between $40 and $120.
• Hickory: Valued between $50 and $150.
• Walnut: Valued between $60 and $180.

To determine the authenticity of an antique hammer’s wooden handle, look for signs of wear, such as dents and scratches, along with evidence of aging in the wood grain.

Bone Handles

Although less common, bone handles can be found in antique hammers, primarily those that may have served as ornamental pieces or specialty tools. The rarity of bone-handled hammers typically increases their value. Depending on the type of bone and its condition, these hammers could range in value from $80 to $250. Carefully examine the bone for aging and wear to help identify its authenticity.

Stone Heads

Stone heads are a classic example of ancient craftsmanship, predating metal hammerheads. Hammers with stone heads can be valuable both as tools and artifacts due to their age and historical significance. These hammers generally range in value from $100 to $300, with variations based on the type of stone, craftsmanship, and condition.

When examining antique hammers, consider the materials and construction that could indicate their age, rarity, and value. By understanding the different materials used in their production, you can better assess an antique hammer’s worth and enhance your collection.

Identifying an Antique Hammer

When you’re seeking to identify an antique hammer, there are several key factors to consider. In this guide, we will cover the most important aspects to help you accurately determine the age and value of a hammer.

Age of the Hammer

The age of the hammer is crucial when determining its value. Older hammers will typically be more valuable than newer ones. To identify a hammer from the 1700s, for example, look for a small, rounded handle with a flat stone head at the top, similar to a boat’s oar. These hammers might also have bone necks, feather hangings, and tight rope joineries. Remember that locally-made hammers from this time likely won’t have any brands or marks.

Manufacturer

Another important aspect to consider is the manufacturer of the hammer. Many antique tools come from well-known and respected brands, which adds to their collectible value. Look for any marks, logos, or other identifying features that can give you clues to the hammer’s origin. Keep in mind that some older hammers may not have a brand or manufacturer’s mark, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t valuable.

Materials and Design

Materials and design also play a significant role in determining the value of an antique hammer. Pay close attention to:

• One-piece metal construction or snugly pressure-fitted wooden handles, as these were common in high-quality antique hammers.
• A well-designed hammer that has a natural hold and swing.
• Hammers made with unusual materials or decorated with unique designs, as these can increase the value even further.

Avoid hammers that have epoxied fittings, as these are typically lower quality and less likely to be antique.

Here’s a summary of key factors to consider when identifying an antique hammer:

• Look for features consistent with hammers from specific time periods.
• Older hammers typically have more value.
• Search for marks, logos, or other identifying features to determine the brand.
• Famous brands generally bring higher value.
• Focus on high-quality materials and design elements.
• Watch for unusual materials or unique designs that increase value.
• Avoid epoxied fittings – less likely to be antique.

By keeping these factors in mind, you will be better equipped to identify an antique hammer and assess its value accurately.

Condition and Value

Functional value.

When looking at the condition of an antique hammer, its functional value is one crucial aspect. If the hammer is still functional, it generally adds to its overall value. Keep in mind that hammers with secure, sound connections between the head and handle are considered more valuable.

• Functional antique hammers (still usable): $20 – $60
• Non-functional antique hammers (no longer usable): $5 – $25

It is essential to check for signs of wear, as well as any damage or flaws, such as cracks in the handle or head. While some wear is expected, excessive deterioration will likely affect the hammer’s value.

Aesthetic Value

The aesthetic value of an antique hammer pertains to its visual appeal. Antique hammers with unique design elements, such as colored or intricate patterns, are typically more valuable than simpler hammers. However, white or less flashy colors might also be desirable, depending on personal preferences and market demand.

• Colored antique hammers with unique designs: $40 – $75
• White or simpler antique hammers: $20 – $40

The rarity factor can significantly impact a hammer’s value. Rare antique hammers, such as those made by specific craftsmen or brands, are worth more. Rarity may also depend on the prevalence of certain types of hammers during a historical period or region.

• Rare antique hammers: $60 – $150 (depending on rarity and condition)
• Common antique hammers: $10 – $30 (depending on condition)

To determine your antique hammer’s value accurately, it’s a good idea to visit local antique shops or pawnshops. Experts in these establishments can help provide additional information and assist in assessing your hammer’s worth within the given price ranges.

Buying Antique Hammers

Offline shopping.

When searching for antique hammers offline, consider visiting auctions, estate sales, and antique stores. Keep in mind the following tips to find valuable pieces:

• Auctions:  Look for local auctions specializing in tools or antiques. Auctions are a great way to find rare and valuable hammers that may not be available elsewhere. It’s important to have a budget in mind, as bidding can be competitive. Also, research the specific hammer brands and manufacturers that interest you to make informed decisions.
• Estate sales:  Estate sales can be a treasure trove for antique tool collectors. As people clear out their homes or collections, valuable hammers may be offered at bargain prices. Arrive early to have the best chance of finding desirable items, and don’t hesitate to negotiate on price if you feel it’s warranted.
• Antique Stores:  Antique stores often carry a variety of tools, including hammers. Look for stores specializing in antique tools or those who have a dedicated section for such items. Keep a list of manufacturers or specific hammers you’re looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask store owners or staff if they have any additional items in storage that match your interests.

Online Shopping

Finding and purchasing antique hammers online can be a convenient option with access to a wider selection. Consider the following guidelines when shopping online:

• Websites:  Numerous websites offer antique tools for sale, including eBay, Ruby Lane, and WorthPoint. While browsing these sites, use targeted search terms such as “antique hammer,” specific manufacturers’ names, or the type of hammer you’re interested in.
• Inspect Images:  Closely review the provided images of the hammer when shopping online. Any signs of wear, unusual markings, or unique design elements can help validate the authenticity and value of the item.
• Seller Feedback:  Review the seller’s feedback and satisfaction ratings – only buy from sellers with a track record of positive reviews and transactions. Be cautious of new or low-rated sellers when purchasing valuable antiques.
• Shipping & Returns:  Pay close attention to shipping costs and return policies, as these can greatly impact the final cost and overall satisfaction of your purchase. Look for sellers that offer reasonable shipping fees and a clear, generous return policy.

By considering these strategies for both offline and online shopping, you can confidently acquire antique hammers that complement your collection or add value to your toolbox.

Final Thoughts

When identifying antique hammers, it’s essential to pay attention to their design. Older hammers were generally simpler, with straight lines and no frills. The handles were also usually shorter than those on modern hammers. Keep in mind that different types of hammers, such as claw, veneer, and gavel hammers, are available, but gavel and stone sledge hammers are likely to provide the best returns.

As you browse through different antique hammers, remember their value ranges from $30 to $200, depending on factors like the brand, authenticity, and condition. Be sure to examine the hammer closely for any identifying marks, such as logos or unique patterns. Additionally, be aware that some hammers are made from natural materials like bamboo or bone, which can also affect their value.

Consider these factors when determining the value of an antique hammer:

• Material: Natural materials like bone or bamboo can increase a hammer’s value.
• Design: Simpler designs with straight lines and no frills can indicate older hammers.
• Type: Gavel and stone sledge hammers are more likely to provide higher returns.

By keeping these factors in mind and staying patient during your search, you’ll be well on your way to finding a unique and valuable antique hammer for your collection. Happy hunting!

What should I look for to identify an antique hammer?

To identify an antique hammer, it’s important to consider its materials, markings, and wear and tear. Antique hammers typically feature wooden or metal handles, so avoid hammers made from plastic or synthetic materials. Examine the hammerhead for any identifying marks, which can give clues as to who made it and when. Finally, check for signs of wear, such as scratches or dents, to help determine its age.

What types of antique hammers are more valuable?

There is a variety of antique hammers, but some types tend to be more valuable than others. Among them, gavel and stone sledge hammers are known for good returns. Other types of antique hammers you might come across include claw, veneer, and blacksmith’s hammers.

What are the price ranges for antique hammers?

The value of an antique hammer can vary greatly depending on factors like rarity, condition, and type. Generally, antique hammers can be worth anywhere from $30 to $200. The most valuable hammers typically have unique features or come from well-known brands and have original, authentic components.

How can I tell the difference between a claw hammer and a veneer hammer?

A claw hammer has a rounded, flat head on one side, suitable for driving nails, and a claw-like bent end on the other side that can be used for various tasks, like removing nails. In contrast, a veneer hammer is primarily designed for working with wood veneer and typically has a wide, flat head, and a rounded or flat opposing end.

Remember to approach the identification and valuation of an antique hammer with confidence, knowledge, and a neutral tone. Keep your information accurate and avoid making exaggerated or false claims.

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Encyclopedia

• Trip_hammer

Early history

  In ancient China, the trip hammer evolved out of the use of the pestle and mortar , which in turn gave rise to the treadle-operated tilt-hammer (Pinyin: dui; Wade-Giles: tui). [1] The latter was a simple device employing a lever and fulcrum (operated by pressure applied by the weight of one's foot to one end), which featured a series of catches or lugs on the main revolving shaft as well. [2] This device enabled the labor of pounding, often in the decorticating and polishing of grain, and avoided manual use of pounding with hand and arm. Although historians assert that its origins may span as far back as the Zhou Dynasty (1050 BC–221 BC), the earliest texts to describe the device are the Ji Jiu Pian dictionary of 40 BC, Yang Xiong's text known as the Fang Yen of 15 BC, as well as the Xin Lun written by Huan Tan about 20 AD (during the usurpation of Wang Mang). [3] The latter book states that the legendary mythological king known as Fu Xi was the one responsible for the pestle and mortar (which evolved into the tilt-hammer and then trip hammer device). Although the author speaks of the mythological Fu Xi, a passage of his writing gives hint that the waterwheel and trip-hammer were in widespread use by the 1st century AD in China (for Chinese metallurgy with water-power, see Du Shi )(Wade-Giles spelling):

Fu Hsi invented the pestle and mortar, which is so useful, and later on it was cleverly improved in such a way that the whole weight of the body could be used for treading on the tilt-hammer (tui), thus increasing the efficiency ten times. Afterwards the power of animals—donkeys, mules, oxen, and horses—was applied by means of machinery, and water-power too used for pounding, so that the benefit was increased a hundredfold. [4]

With his description, it is seen that the out-of-date Chinese term for pestle and mortar (dui, tui) would soon be replaced with the Chinese term for the water-powered trip-hammer (Pinyin: shui dui; Wade-Giles: shui tui). [2] The Han Dynasty scholar and poet Ma Rong (79–166 AD) mentioned in one of his poems of hammers 'pounding in the water-echoing caves', [4] . As described in the Hou Han Shu , in 129 AD the official Yu Xu gave a report to Emperor Shun of Han that trip hammers were being exported from Han China to the Western Chiang people by way of canals through the Chilian Shan Mountains. [4] In his Rou Xing Lun , the government official Kong Rong (153–208 AD) remarked that the invention of the trip hammer was an excellent example of a product created by intelligent men during his own age (comparing the relative achievements of the sages of old). [4] During the 3rd century AD, the high government official and engineer Du Yu established the use of combined trip hammer batteries (lian zhi dui), which employed several shafts that were arranged to work off one large waterwheel. [5] In Chinese texts of the 4th century, there are written accounts of men possessing and operating hundreds of trip hammer machines, such as the venerable mathematician Wang Rong (died 306 AD), Deng Yu (died 326 AD), and Shi Chong (died 300 AD), responsible for the operation of hundreds of trip hammers in over thirty governmental districts throughout China. [6] There are numerous references to trip hammers during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and Song Dynasty (960–1279), and there are Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) references that report the use of trip hammers in papermills of Fujian Province. [7]

Although Chinese trip hammers in China were sometimes powered by the more efficient vertical-set waterwheel, the Chinese often employed the horizontal-set waterwheel in operating trip hammers, along with recumbent hammers. [8] The recumbent hammer was found in Chinese illustrations by 1313 AD, with the publishing of Wang Zhen's Nong Shu book on ancient and contemporary (medieval) metallurgy in China. [9] There were also illustrations of trip hammers in an encyclopedia of 1637, written by Song Yingxing (1587-1666). [10]

The first known water-powered and mechanised trip hammers in Europe were found by the 12th century. Their use was described in medieval written sources of Styria (in modern-day Austria), written in 1135 and another in 1175 AD. [11] Both texts mentioned the use of vertical stamp mills for ore-crushing. [11] Medieval French sources of the years 1116 and 1249 both record the use of mechanised trip hammers used in the forging of wrought iron . [11] Like most ancient and medieval Chinese trip hammers of before and of their contemporary age, medieval European trip hammers by the 15th century were most often in the shape of the vertical pestle stamp-mill, although they employed more frequent use of the vertical waterwheel than earlier Chinese versions (which often used the horizontal waterwheel). [7] The well-known Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo de Vinci often sketched trip hammers for use in forges and even file-cutting machinery, those of the vertical pestle stamp-mill type. [9] The oldest depicted European illustration of a martinet forge-hammer is perhaps the Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus of Olaus Magnus, dated to 1565 AD. [9] In this woodcut image, there is the scene of three martinets and a waterwheel working wood and leather bellows of the Osmund bloomery furnace. [9] Although illustrated in China beforehand in the early 14th century, the recumbrent hammer was first depicted in artwork of Europe by the 17th century, in an illustration by Sandrart and Zonca (dated 1621 AD). [9]

Types of trip hammers

Trip hammers were of three kinds. All require artificial power to lift them:

• The tail helve hammer or 'tilt hammer' has a pivot at the centre of the helve on which it is mounted, and is lifted by pushing the opposite end to the head downwards. In practice the head on such hammers seems to have been limited to one hundredweight (about 50 kg), but a very rapid stroke rate was possible. This made it suitable for drawing iron down to small sizes suitable for the cutlery trades. There were therefore many such forges known as 'tilts' around Sheffield. They were also used in brass battery works for making brass (or copper) pots and pans. In battery works (at least) it was possible for one power source to operate several hammers.
• The belly helve hammer was the kind normally found in a finery forge , used for making pig iron into forgeable bar iron. This was lifted by cams striking the helve between the pivot and the head. The head usually weighted quarter of a ton. This was probably the case because the strain on a wooden helve would have been too great if the head were heavier.
• The nose helve hammer seems to have been unusual until the late 18th or early 19th century. This was lifted beyond the head.

The choice of which kind should be used in a particular context may depend on the strain that its operation imposed on the helve. This was normally of wood until the 19th century. Surviving nosehelves [12] and those in pictures [13] appear to be of cast iron. This was replaced by James Nasmyth's steam-powered drop hammer (invented in 1839 and patented in 1842. However the forge had become less important following the improvements to the rolling mill that went along with the adoption of puddling from the end of the 18th century.

• ^ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 183.
• ^ a b Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 390.
• ^ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 184.
• ^ a b c d Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 392.
• ^ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 393.
• ^ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 392-393.
• ^ a b Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 394.
• ^ Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 391-392.
• ^ a b c d e Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 395.
• ^ Song, 91-93.
• ^ a b c Needham, Volume 4, Part 2, 379.
• ^ For example at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
• ^ For example in the metalwork gallery in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
• Needham, Joseph (1986). Science and Civilization in China: Volume 4, Part 2 . Taipei: Caves Books Ltd.
• Song, Yingxing, translated with preface by E-Tu Zen Sun and Shiou-Chuan Sun (1966). T'ien-Kung K'ai-Wu: Chinese Technology in the Seventeenth Century . University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press.

Category : Metallurgy

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How to Identify & Value Antique Hammers (Full Price Guide)

• By Judith Miller
• Updated on June 4, 2024

Antique hammers are the most commonly found tools in any vintage toolbox! But, if you visit an auction to buy one, you might be bewildered at their prices! Some might cost you thousands of dollars, while you can get others for as low as $20.

Vintage hammers, like other antiques, have some unique features that hike their cost. So, to get the best price for your antique hammers, you must analyze their brands, conditions, ages, and shapes. This guide will show you some steps and factors to easily identify a valuable antique hammer and find its actual worth!

Key Takeaways

• If you want an old, aged hammer, look for bone handles, stone heads, and pointed spade-like edges.
• Pick slightly curved, ball peen or mallet-shaped hammers for better returns. But if you want a functional model, go with flat box-head or saddle hammers.
• Get minimum colored, bare wood, metal, or stained hammers for an old make. But if you want a quirky antique hammer, pick natural black, white, or brown hammers for high value.
• You can choose your model from six types: claw, veneer, or gavel. Of these, pick gavel and stone sledge hammers for the best returns!

The History & Evolution of Hammer Tools

You’d be surprised to know that the first hammers had no handles. Built around 3 million years ago, these were like pointed stones with a leather cover. Plus, they had no throats or claws and broke with beating. So, most of these pieces are rare and precious today!

It was in the 1800s that David Maydole built the first claw hammer. He added a dense, metallic head and a hand-cut handle at the base. But, this two-piece design came loose with time and struck the finger. So, down went its use and production!

The late 19th Century hammers are more functional! So, they look just like modern hammers with grooved eyes and claws. But these machine models are easy to grab. So, you won’t get high returns for them.

Key Features of Vintage Hammers

• Wood or bone handles with squarish sides and lacquer on top
• Block or hollow letter trademarks on the hammerheads and faces
• 5 – 6 inch hammerheads with a 12 – 13 inch handle below it
• A hammered, antique, or wrinkle-type finish with copper or aged brass
• Bulbous or percussion-shaped handles with a flattened section at the top

6 Types of Antique Hammers & Their Valuation

Antique hammers are quite diverse. You’ll get them from tens to thousands of dollars! But what decides their price is their type and design! So, let’s break down the six main types of hammers and calculate their cost range!

1. Claw Hammers

Claw hammers are just like the nail-pulling straws they use nowadays! They have long claws, flat faces, and tapering handles. Most even have thin, round profiles and soft steel cores for easy handling! So, they’re very functional and valued at $100 – 150.

2. Veneer Hammers

As the name suggests, veneer hammers are the ones for fixing veneers. So they are shorter and thinner than others. They also have an axe-like shape with round tips for better fixing.

But veneer hammers have small, low-quality heads and handles. So, they obviously catch mold, lowering their value to $50.

3. Stonesledge Hammer

Stonesledge hammers are the regular stone-breaking hammers you see today. But they were long and round, with a small, rope-tensioned head. Plus, you’ll get them with shiny brown and golden handles, costing $200 – 250.

4. Blacksmith’s Hammer

Blacksmith’s hammers are like beaters that mold hot metals to shape. So, they are dual-faced, with a square at the center and a round face at the sides.

Also, note their thick heads and long handles that make molding easy! They value at around $80 – 120.

Gavel hammers are just like the typical mallets in cartoons! They are heavy and primarily used for demolishing objects and nails. They also have a cylindrical barrel-shaped head for easy breaking. Plus, most of them are handmade, costing $500 – 600.

6. Brick Hammer

Brick hammers are more like a chisel tool that splits stones. They are small, light-weight, and have a rounded throat on each side.

Plus, they have smoothened edges with barrel-shaped heads on both sides. But since they are factory-made, they cost only around $80 – 90.

6 Factors to Identify & Value an Antique Hammer

Yes, vintage hammers are generally worth $100 – 500, depending on their age, shape, material, and type. Rare and branded antique hammers in good condition can sell for $500, too! As you can see, the value of an old hammer depends on several factors, like age, shape, brand, and a few other factors!

1. Antique Hammer’s Date & Age

Old hammers are as raw as Stone Age tools. In fact, if you see the 1700s models, you’ll notice their bulbous heads and short handles. Many might even have bone and vine handles, making them handmade and precious.

But do you know that even the 1850s hammers are precious? Well, it’s because they have metal bodies and polished handles. But you must check if it has pointed claws and curved necks. If yes, it will cost you $100 – 200.

Then came the vintage hammers from the 1900s; which are obviously cheaper than the handmade models. But you can pick golden ones for high value!

Want more help in dating your antique hammer? If yes, read below!

How Do You Identify Old Hammers from the 1700s?

The 1700s hammers look exactly like a boat’s oar! They have small, rounded handles with a flat stone head at the top. You can even find bone necks, feather hangings, and tight rope joineries with these.

But these locally-made hammers won’t have any brands or marks! Plus, their design and material differ with the region, increasing their value to $400 – 500.

How Do You Spot Vintage Hammers from the 1800s?

Hammers from the 1800s evolved after the Industrial Revolution. They’re obviously functional and have standard materials and fittings. So, if your hammerheads are lead or brass, price them for $200 – 300. And if they are wood or rubber, you can value them at $100.

How Do You Know If Your Hammer Is from the 1900s?

If you see plastic or steel finishes on your hammer, it’s from the 1900s! You can also check if its handle has some logos or patent numbers to help you track them! Overall, they will be cheaper, around $30 – 80.

Here are some hammer patent numbers for reference:

Try to get masonry, coach building, or sculpting hammers for an old make.

2. Antique Hammer Shapes

Old hammers were not flat and pointed like today! In fact, most of them, like the Ball peen hammers, were short and rounded. They even had small, sculpting heads with long handles on both sides.

The next 1800s models are cuboidal. So, you’ll see thin, squarish handles and rectangular heads with them. Most of them, like saddle hammers, are sturdy, durable, and expensive.

The post-industrial revolution pieces are pointed and functional. They have longer claws, flat throats, and curved necks. But, they are new and cheaper, at $70 – 100.

3. Old Hammer Colors

The more natural the handle color, the more precious the hammer! That means you’ll get the best value for uncolored wood, metal, or stained wood hammers. The same holds for naturally oxidized colors like black, white, and gold.

On the other hand, machine-painted, red, or yellow hammers are new and easy to get! So, I recommend avoiding these shiny, bold hammers of low value!

Old gray hammers might look like galvanized ones. So flash a torch, and check for uneven finishes before buying.

4. Vintage Hammer Materials

Antique hammer heads were standard – copper, stone, or iron. So, it’s the handle materials that impact the value drastically. For example, if you see ash or cast iron handles, your hammer is from the 1700s. You can price it for $450 – 600, depending on the size.

Similarly, if you see steel finishes, it’s from the 1800s. And if you notice shiny, stainless steel handles, it’s from the 1900s. So, they will obviously be cheaper and more polished.

But if you see plastic or acrylic, your piece might not be that old! You can still get a fair value for fancy resin finishes. But most of them cost less than $100.

Avoid getting soggy or mold-infected wooden hammers, as they might lower the cost by 50 – 60%.

5. Branding

If you want a new but high-value hammer for your daily work, get a branded one! Why? Because its rich, golden polishes raise their value by up to 15%.

But is there any way to check if a hammer is branded? Yes, of course! Just rotate its handle, and trace the etched logos or trademarks! You can even look for a foundry’s mark, maker’s stamp, or sign to identify the make.

Here are some antique hammer brands for your info!

Pick limited-edition, rare, and unique-shaped hammer models for a high cost.

6. Condition

Chipped, damaged hammers are generally worth less? Even faded, discolored, or broken hammers lose 40 – 50% of their value in the same way! The same holds true for oiled, painted, bleached, and mold-affected hammers as well. In fact, any superficial changes or treatments lower the hammer’s value by 12-15%.

But aren’t hand-cut finishes hard to spot on an old and rusty hammer? They may be! So, here are some other features you can check out!

How Do I Clean My Antique Hammers?

Cleaning antique hammers is relatively easy! You just need to rinse them with water, soap, and vinegar. If you want, you can also coat them with WD-40 lubes to save them from rusting.

Should You Still Use Your Antique Hammer?

You can use your antique hammer if it has a metal head with no visible signs of rust and fungus. But I recommend using it only as a decor piece to preserve its finish and handle properly.

Mark my words! The crude and wooden the hammer, the costly it gets! As we saw above, it’s always the curved, black, and branded hammers that fetch returns. And if you want to resell your hammers, you must maintain them and eliminate the chips and fungus.

But hey! Are you a DIY buff with a self-made vintage tool set? Well, then, how can your set be complete without antique pliers and vintage screwdrivers ? Join us, and we’ll tell you all the tips to buy one!

Judith Miller

Judith is an antique expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of antique identification and valuation. She has reviewed over 30 thousand vintage items and has worked with numerous antique shops. She enjoys seeing new places, attending antique shows and events, and sharing her knowledge with people! Know more about me

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value of trip hammer?

• Thread starter surplusjohn
• Start date Feb 6, 2012
• Views 19,316

surplusjohn

• Feb 6, 2012

I just had an old machinery customer contact me with a 50 pound Little Giant trip hammer for sale. does any one have an idea of its value before I drive 100 miles to see it? any interest? thanks  

surplusjohn said: I just had an old machinery customer contact me with a 50 pound Little Giant trip hammer for sale. does any one have an idea of its value before I drive 100 miles to see it? any interest? thanks Click to expand...

VertigoGlass

All depends on its condition and how original or molested its in. I owned a 50 lb early model with the larger fly wheel for a bit and i payed $1800 for mine and it needed a fair amount of work. I have seen the 100lb models go from $500- and up found a "original" never used 100 lb one once and the guy wanted $15,000 for it. I would get some pics of it and post some questions up on one of the blacksmith forums or a metalshapers forum.  

Forrest Addy

Last time I looked they were selling for $2500 to $4000 depending on condition and additional tooling.  

Probably of interest to those here: anvilfire.com - Blacksmithing and Metalworkers Reference for Metal Artists Maybe you could post it in Tailgate Sales.  

Plenty of discussion of power hammers over on iforgeiron.com as well. Forrest's prices look about right to me.  

Question: > My Dad has an old trip hammer outside his shop. We were recently offered $500 for it. Is this a good price? Pete's Answer: Depends upon a number of things. Brand: Mayer Bros/Little Giant is easiest to bebuild because all parts are available for most models. Model and size: the 25 pound and 50 pound models sell the best, but if you have a 100- 500 pound hammer, it would command more $. Condition: Is it in great shape or worn out? A freshly and well rebuilt 25 or 50 pound hammer may bring $2500 to $3500. Rebuildability: If it's all there, and no major castings are cracked or serously worn, it commands more $. Less wear commands more $. In general, a Mayer Bros/Little Giant, 25 or 50 pound hammer if worn out, but in rebuildable condiiton will bring $750 to $1100 in today's market. Location: These things weigh a lot, so the buyer will pay more if it's close to where he or she is located. There were a lot more of them sold in the midwest than on either coast, so people on the coasts will often pay more for them. If I was in the market for one right now, I'd want to get it as cheaply as possible, so I might offer $500 too, just to test the waters. It also depends upon how many other people are clammering to buy YOUR hammer right NOW and upon how badly you need the money. It could well be worth $1000 to a buyer that you can't locate, so what good is that? Are you in a position to advertise it and wait a while for a richer buyer? It may be worth a phone call to me to get closer to what you should expect. I will be glad to address all the above issues, if you get me some of the above info. A couple of emailed pictures would truly be worth a thousand words. I am in western Wisconsin. 715-698-2895. Click to expand...

Attachments

• Feb 7, 2012

thanks for the input, I have a better idea of it now.  

Sid Suedmeier still has a company called Little Giant. Little Giant Hammer- Nebraska City, NE He doesnt make new ones, but he makes and sells parts, and refurbishes. His rebuilds are pretty much the gold standard, so they would be the high end mark for used ones.  

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Some Trip Hammer History

• Add to quote

Thought possibly the trip hammer was developed during the industrial revolution but was i ever wrong . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_hammer  

interesting, I had never hear the term trip hammer. seems according to your article it had many different uses. Thanks for sharing.  

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Mystery Of The Modern "London Hammer" Found Encased In Ancient Rock

Posted: June 5, 2024 | Last updated: June 6, 2024

Every now and then, a major discovery changes the way humanity looks at its own history and that of the life that came before it. But sometimes, people will find that some fascinating discoveries only seem world-changing but actually have a fairly simple explanation.

However, that doesn't always mean that they'll be willing to recognize it as such. And that's how the mystery of the London Hammer has persisted long after it's been solved. Keep reading through this story to learn more!

A scenic walk through Texas

According to Paleo — a website administered by independent dinosaur investigator Glen Kuban — the saga of the London Hammer began when a man named Max Hahn was talking with his wife along Red Creek.

Since it's not the only waterway by that name in the United States, it's worth noting that it's near London, Texas.

Something stood out

It's unclear whether their journey took place in 1934 or 1936, but what is known is that it ended with them examining a small rock formation in the ground.

As for why they found it so interesting, a piece of wood appeared to be sticking out of it, and it didn't look naturally occurring.

Read More: You're So Vain: The Possible Men On Carly Simon’s List

A long wait for a little help

For the next ten years, that wooden stick would keep sticking out of the rock nodule. But it was clear that the find had been on Hahn's mind throughout that time.

Because at some point between 1946 and 1947, Hahn's son George broke open the rock formation to finally learn what was resting inside of it.

A hammer that inspired decade of debate

The piece of wood turned out to be the handle for an old hammer that was remarkably intact upon discovery.

However, the most remarkable part of the hammer was how new the metal hammer head looked in comparison to the rock layer it was found in. The level of technology appeared far too advanced for what would have been some seriously early humans.

A mystery forms

Although questions abounded about how the hammer ended up in that rock and whether it was truly as new as it seemed, the mystery largely laid dormant for several decades.

But in the early 1980s, that mystery started to become a matter of long-lasting debate as the hammer took on the name "the London Artifact."

Some important considerations

And since certain details about the hammer will matter a great deal to that debate, it's best to settle them first.

One aspect that multiple examiners on both sides of the debate could agree on was that the hammer was sitting relatively loosely in the rock and was not part of its original formation.

How can people tell how the hammer sat?

With no photos or official documentation taken at the time of the discovery, it's hard to know exactly what the hammer looked like when it was discovered.

However, as Kuban noted on Paleo, "The lack of sharp marks on the nodule seems to confirm the reports that it was found loose and not chiseled from a larger rock."

It's a little rusty

Paleo reported that the hammer was supposedly smooth with a brownish coating upon discovery.

But in the time since it's been revealed to the world and oxidized, the hammer's head has taken on a rougher texture, and it has since become somewhat rusty. But of course, it's not just the head that has since been closely examined.

A particularly odd fact about the handle

Most wooden artifacts from previous geological periods would be either outright petrified or show some evidence of mineralization, a process by which inorganic minerals find their way into the porous parts of organic material like wood.

But aside from some minor carbon integration at either tip of the handle, the wood in it has remained largely unmineralized.

Enter Carl Baugh

These details are important because each of them is needed to test the veracity of claims made by Creation Evidence museum owner Carl E. Baugh, who acquired the hammer around 1983.

For his part, Kuban was able to examine the hammer twice personally. One of these opportunities came at a 1986 creation conference in Pennsylvania, and the other came in 2006 following a talk Baugh gave at his museum.

An alleged wrench in the works

For Baugh, the London Hammer is a profoundly important find because he often presents it as evidence of an out-of-place artifact.

Since the standard geological timeline puts the Earth as far older than he perceives it and humanity as younger than the world at large by billions of years, anything that could potentially undermine belief in that timeline becomes a valuable resource for him.

A more specific claim

But while other claims — reproduced in a 2014 article in The American Biology Teacher — Baugh has made are in line with the notion that humanity and dinosaurs lived concurrently, he has a more specific origin in mind for the London Hammer.

As Kuban put it, "Baugh considers the hammer to be a 'pre-Flood' relic-- presumably at least a few thousand years old."

They can't seem to get the timeline straight

For Baugh and similarly-inclined Creationists (it's worth noting that some Creationists are not similarly inclined), the rock surrounding the hammer could either be 500 million years old, 400 million years old, 300 million years old, or 135 million years old.

Indeed, Baugh's own website was inconsistent on whether the rock came from the Ordovician period or the Cretaceous period, which are about 300 million years apart.

Getting a straight answer

But since it's not hard to reach the area where the hammer was discovered, geologists were able to determine how old the rock is with much more precision than Baugh or his peers.

And according to Paleo , what they found out was that the rock stratum the hammer was found in is from the Lower Cretaceous period, which makes it between 110 and 115 million years old.

What are the Paluxy "man tracks?"

Although Baugh apparently found it difficult to keep the geologic record straight, Paleo noted that the stratum the hammer was found in is just beneath the one containing what Baugh often calls the Paluxy "man tracks."

For those unfamiliar with this, the 2014 article in The American Biology Teacher described them as footprints close to a particularly well-preserved set of dinosaur tracks that Baugh presents as proof that humans and dinosaurs once shared the Earth.

The problem with Baugh's claims

According to Paleo , Baugh is suggesting that the same humans who made this hammer before the Biblical flood were the same or at least related to the ones who supposedly walked among the dinosaurs.

However, not only has the archaeological evidence at the Palusky River not indicated the presence of genuine human tracks, but the stratum they appear in could be up to 5 million years younger than the layer the hammer was found in.

How carbon dating can help

Kuban noted in Paleo that since the hammer has a wooden handle, its age can be identified with carbon 14 dating.

After all, a lack of usable carbon in the handle would imply the hammer is over 50,000 years old. And if there is carbon 14 in it and it's younger than that, its actual age could be more precisely determined.

Baugh isn't letting any scientists see it

But while that could conclusively solve the mystery, Baugh keeps the hammer under close watch and does not make it available for scientists to analyze closely.

And Baugh has also consistently refused to have the hammer carbon dated. In an exchange of letters obtained by Paleo , Baugh's fellow traveler Walter Brown argued this is only because nobody would agree to Baugh's "understandable conditions" for having it dated.

Baugh's conditions and the reaction

As reproduced by Paleo , Baugh's conditions were that the dating would need to involve a mass spectrometer like the one pictured here, he would need to be present for the dating, and someone else would have to pay for it.

However, Jim Lippard — the person Brown was corresponding with — countered that only one condition here was unreasonable. The mass spectrometry and Baugh's presence were not problems, but Lippard said Baugh had no right to expect others to pay to back up his own claims for him.

Baugh's continued refusals

But whether he had a right to ask for that or not, others did offer to cover the costs and finally determine the age of the London Hammer. However, Baugh still declined.

This led another researcher named R.P.J. Day to write a letter in 1991, which said, "Far from being 'understandable,' Baugh's stipulations seem to be little short of evasive tactics... If four years have gone by and nothing has happened, I think it is safe to conclude that Baugh has no interest whatsoever in determining the truth about his marvelous hammer."

A dubious update

In the late '90s, a Baugh supporter named David Lines claimed that Baugh had had C14 dating done on the hammer and found that its age range was sometime between the then-present and 700 years ago.

Lines explained the fact that even this unusually wide range was far newer than Baugh's insisted age for the hammer was evidence of the unreliability of C14 dating and the hammer's contamination by "current organic substances."

Untangling Baugh's claims

However, this assessment didn't line up with how carbon dating typically works. For one thing, scientists using C14 dating typically report a specific date with a plus or minus margin for error rather than an unhelpfully large range of years. And most C14 labs have methods to minimize interference from modern carbon.

These facts — coupled with the lack of details regarding where, when, or how many times these supposed carbon dating tests took place — make it hard to believe Baugh subjected the hammer to carbon dating at all.

Not even other Creationists agree

In addition to the conventional scientific community, Baugh's claims have also failed to convince other Creationist organizations. He claims the hammer was embedded in the rock when even his ally David Lines acknowledged it was sitting loose within it. He also claimed the handle was petrified, which Paleo noted was refuted by multiple Creationists who examined it.

Finally, Baugh's claims about the unreliability of carbon dating are fringe even in Creationist circles, as many of them consider it reasonably accurate for at least up to several thousand years.

The burden of proof

To effectively demonstrate the London Hammer as the out-of-place artifact Baugh claims it is, Paleo noted that he would need convincing documentation to demonstrate it was once naturally embedded in an ancient rock formation and determine its age with independent scientific evidence.

Since he hasn't even convinced all of his friends of the first condition, and even his dubious claim of carbon dating falls short of the second condition, Baugh seems unprepared to meet this burden of proof.

So what is the London Hammer?

Although Baugh has complicated any efforts to reveal the hammer's true age, the technology and technique visible in its creation can provide a few clues as to its age.

In a 1985 article in the Creation/Evolution Journal, John R. Cole described the hammer as "of recent American historical style," which points its likely age to the mid-19th Century at the earliest.

How did it get into the rock in the first place?

Although the layer of rock the hammer was found in could be up to 115 million years old, that doesn't mean that everything found in that layer necessarily has to share its age.

As Cole put it, "Minerals in solution can harden around an intrusive object dropped in a crack or simply left on the ground if the source rock [...] is chemically soluble."

It can happen surprisingly quickly.

In other words, it's not impossible for the rock to have closed around the London Hammer after it was placed on it at some point during the mid-19th Century.

And if that seems like too little time for a rock to do so, Cole noted that coral reefs in the Pacific have accumulated enough limestone deposits since World War II to trap artifacts from the war inside.

So what actually happened?

It would be hard to know exactly what sequence of events led the London Hammer to its resting place even if its exact age was publically available, but the most plausible theories suggest that dissolved sediment hardened around it after it found its way next to Red Creek.

Given that proximity, it's possible that the creek itself carried the hammer after it had been discarded.

An even more likely scenario

However, the most commonly accepted explanation within the scientific community for how the London Hammer ended up in Texas is also the simplest.

It was used by a miner working in the region, who forgot it among the rocks he was breaking through. And since he would've been extracting resources from old rock layers, there would have been ample room for the hammer to rest before enough sediment built and compacted around it.

It's not that deep

Ultimately, the preponderance of evidence surrounding the London Hammer makes its discovery far more likely to be the fascinating consequence of a simple mistake than anything that fundamentally changes humanity's understanding of its history.

In Kuban's words, "Unless Baugh or others can provide rigorous evidence that the hammer was once naturally situated in a pre-Quaternary stratum, it remains merely a curiosity, not a reliable out-of-place artifact."

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Jennifer Lopez's Twins Max and Emme Are All Grown Up on 16th Birthday Trip to Japan

Jennifer lopez and marc anthony’s twins max and emme muñiz celebrated their sweet 16 with a trip to japan, as highlighted in a feb. 22 instagram post..

Jennifer Lopez threw her teenagers a very sweet 16. 

After all, twins Emme Muñiz and Max Muñiz —who the singer shares with ex Marc Anthony —are all grown up after celebrating the milestone birthday with family and friends in Japan. 

"16,"  Jennifer wrote under Feb. 22 Instagram video that highlighted their visit. "Birthday trip 2024."

Aptly soundtracked by her song "Hummingbird," the video begins with J.Lo filming her son Max and saying, "I've never seen Max so excited."

To which her 16-year-old replies, "I've never seen myself so excited."

The Grammy winner signs off with the sweet note, "Happy Birthday to my coconuts."

It seems the birthday vacation included lots of dining out, a visit to an art museum, shopping—including at a Pokémon store—and a tea ceremony, as one clip showed the group using mortars and pestles while wearing kimonos. The group may have also stopped by a micro pig cafe, as another clip shows her daughter Emme cradling a baby pig. 

Emme and Max—who Jennifer welcomed in 2008 with her ex-husband—live largely outside of the spotlight, but the "On The Floor" singer has given a few updates on her children throughout the years.

"They're becoming adults," the 54-year-old said on Today last May. "They are challenging everything in life. They're looking at everything. And these kids have so much information, so much more than we had. They're thinking and talking about things and about life in a different way than I did when I was 15 or 16 years old."

And J.Lo—who has a blended family that also includes husband  Ben Affleck and ex Jennifer Garner 's kids Violet , 18, Seraphina , 15, and Samuel , 11—continued: "I think they're gonna change the world, and make it so much better than we did."

Read on to see every highlight from Emme and Max's super sweet 16.

Jennifer Lopez  poses with twins  Emme  and Max as they ring in a big milestone while on vacation in Japan. 

Celebrating in Style

The twins' celebration is appropriately bedecked in festive decor. 

Love Don't Cost a Thing

Jennifer and Max share a sweet moment under an umbrella. 

Mirror Selfie

The mother-daughter duo pose for a quick mirror selfie. 

On The Floor

The singer takes in the view of this gorgeous mirrored room. 

Can't Get Enough Mother Daughter Time

Jennifer and Emme take in the streets of Japan walking hand in hand. 

Strike a Pose

Emme paints a sweet picture next to a favorite character. 

Fandom Love

Max shows off his love for Pokémon. 

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South Seattle barista responds to customer’s threats with a hammer

SEATTLE — A South Seattle barista bashes a man’s windshield with a hammer, after she says he threatened her and her customers.

Emma Lee is the owner and sole employee of ‘Taste of Heaven Espresso.’ She is a firm believer of standing up for yourself.

“At what point are we told we’re supposed to just wait for it to get worse,” Lee told KIRO 7.

She said a customer crossed the line on Tuesday, when he pulled into the drive-thru and demanded a refund over the pricing.

“Disrespect and violence are two different things. I can handle the disrespect, the violence is like a hard, that’s where the line is crossed,” Lee explained.

Surveillance video from Lee’s shop shows the man outside of his car arguing with her.

She said customers tried to step in and talk the man down for about 10 minutes, but it quickly escalated.

In the video, the man says, ‘nobody’s going to miss you.’ Lee said that’s when she felt threatened.

“Oh, okay so you have no problem harming me, you’re making that clear,” she said.

The man then tossed his drinks back at Lee as she closed her drive-thru window.

“It’s one thing to yell, it’s one thing to get mad, it’s one thing to even be outside of your car and try to threaten me,” Lee added. “But to actually have the action behind it, it changed things for me where I was like ‘oh no.’”

Lee decided to take matters into her own hands with a hammer. A tool that she carries to keep her safe in times of crisis.

“I personally think that you thought you were going to throw drinks on me and ruin my day, you’re going to pay for a new windshield and it’s going to ruin your day,” she said.

Even with a smashed windshield, Lee said he refused to leave, and she had no other option but to call the cops.

“The police came, and they got him to leave, right. It was understood that what happened is, he assaulted me, and I responded,” Lee explained.

Despite what anyone says, Lee believes that female workers, like herself, shouldn’t be afraid to protect themselves.

“I know so many women that haven’t defended themselves in situations they definitely should’ve and could have because we know that the repercussion more likely than not is going to fall on the woman that responds to the violence than the initial violence inflicted,” she said.

Seattle police tells us no arrests were made.

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An Unique Little Giant 50 Pound Hammer

Revised: october 19, 2023, a surprising 50 pound little giant design, serial number 197.

Although most of the pix here show an old style 25 in the background, the focus of this page is the pink colored (or faded red?) 50 pound hammer. After talking with the Princeton Mn owner of this hammer for a while, I convinced him to call Roger Rice at Little Giant to learn more about it. He did, and it turns out that Roger hadn't seen this exact design either. He says it is serial number 197, made in 1900. It is really interesting to me, because most of us have seen most of the individual components that make up this hammer, but never ALL on the same Little Giant Hammer.

Some of the characteristics to ponder: - Through-Hole in the frame: We have seen these in some other early hammers. - Driven Pulley on the crankshaft, NO CLUTCH, with belt tightener/idler pulley: Personally, I have seen this sort of drive on other hammers, but not on Little Giant/Mayer Bros. hammers. -Ram of the "Late Model" Mayer Bros. style with Ram guided at the sides: This part is really interesting to me because well after the year 1900, the Mayer Bros, were still using the "Wrap Around Guide" on the 50 pound hammers, as far as I know. -Crankplate Stroke Adjustment: Again, I have seen this method of stroke adjustment on other hammers, but not on Mayer Bros. Mankato units. -Blocky appearance of the left toggle arm: Almost looks like it may have been forged, rather than cast. This could have been done by a previous owner, but Sid once told me that, for the Easy Hammer at least, that he thought the company may have forged them for a while before starting to cast them.

How a father-son trip sparked Paralympian Ezra Frech's love for track and field

When ezra frech was 8 years old, his father took him to oklahoma for his first adaptive sports competition., by eric mullin • published 5 hours ago.

Clayton Frech thought one of his dreams as a parent was gone.

A surfer from Santa Barbara, California, Frech had imagined a future where he would ride waves in the ocean with his kids. But he initially didn't think that would be possible with his son, Ezra .

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That's because Ezra was born congenital limb differences , missing his left knee, left fibula and four fingers on his left hand. He underwent an amputation of his left leg and had one of the toes from his amputated foot transplanted to his left hand.

Ezra received his first prosthetic leg at 11 months old.

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"I didn't think I could surf with my kid," Clayton told NBC. "I would go surf and I would just cry in the water, processing what I perceived as my loss."

In reality, Clayton’s dream was still very much attainable. He just hadn’t been introduced to the world of adaptive sports yet.

"I didn't know there was adaptive surfing," he said. "I didn't know there was any of this stuff."

Ezra took part in his first adaptive sports competition when he was 8 years old, but it wasn't surfing. Rather, Clayton and Ezra traveled from their Los Angeles residence to Oklahoma for a track and field competition.

"He doesn't know how to do any of these sports," Clayton recounted, "because what 8-year-old does track and field?"

Ezra, however, quickly proved to be a natural. Despite his lack of experience, he broke the national long jump record at the competition.

The record leap was a life-shaping moment for Ezra, who had suddenly discovered a newfound passion.

"I broke the national record and got so excited that I went to do it again and then went to do it again," Ezra told NBC. "That love for pushing myself just a couple of centimeters further or higher sparked my love for the sport."

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Ezra grew up playing several sports -- from basketball to football and even surfing -- but he knew from a young age his future was in track and field. He described having an out-of-body experience of sorts while watching the 2016 Rio Paralympics where he felt like the universe was telling him: "This is your calling."

Ezra, who was a preteen at the time, then informed his family, friends and "anyone he could talk to" that he was going to make Team USA's Paralympic roster for the 2020 Tokyo Games. And that childhood dream eventually turned into reality.

Five years later, Ezra recorded his Paralympic debut as a 16-year-old at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games, competing in the high and long jumps. He finished fifth in the high jump and eighth in the long jump.

While he didn't earn a medal in Tokyo, Ezra didn't have to wait too long for his breakout moment on an international stage.

Just a month after graduating from high school in 2023, he set a new world record in the high jump T63 two different times at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. His best leap of 1.95 meters earned him his first world title.

"It's so incredible for me to think about where he's come as this kid that I thought couldn't even surf and the kid can do anything, frankly, better than me in most cases," Clayton said.

Ezra, now 19, took a gap year following his high school graduation to prepare for the 2024 Paris Games . This past February, he became the first above-the-knee amputee to commit to a Division I track and field program after announcing he would attend USC .

Before suiting up for the Trojans, though, Ezra hopes to pick up a few Paralympic medals. His goals for Paris include winning gold in the high jump, earning a medal in the long jump and making the podium in the 100 meters -- an event he'll be making his Paralympic debut in.

Just like that 8-year-old who was chasing records in his very first track and field competition, Ezra continues to set the bar high for himself.

"When I look back on the little kid who had all these big dreams, who said he wanted to go to the Paralympics one day, who wanted to become a world champion and a world record holder -- that's what motivates me," Ezra said. "The younger version of myself who set these big goals."

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Tragedy hits North Jersey family after 'freak' badminton accident leaves 6-year-old dead

Lucy Morgan, 6, was enjoying time spent at her family's lakeside cottage in Maine earlier this month, collecting tadpoles in buckets with her sister, taking rides on the family's kayak and when the sun caused weariness, a rest on the hammock with dad was in order.

But it all came to a crashing halt on the Sussex County family's last full day vacationing in Limerick, Maine, when a freak accident involving a badminton racket led to the girl's death and a family reeling from their loss.

Limerick Fire and EMS responders arrived at the family's home around noon on June 1 on a report Lucy had been injured, according to Shannon Moss, the public information officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

After finishing their lunch, the family's four children went to the front yard to play a game of badminton while their parents, Jesse and Bethany Morgan, relaxed in the backyard. It was then that the parents heard screaming, said Jesse Morgan, who lives in the Stockholm section of Hardyston with his family.

Investigators say the aluminum shaft of a racket had become dislodged from the wooden handle, causing the shaft to strike Lucy, who was sitting on the sidelines, in the head, piercing her skull. The incident occurred when a family member had used the racket on a downward swing, Morgan said.

Lucy was taken via medical helicopter to a nearby pediatric hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Portland, Maine. Four days later, Lucy died due to her injuries, authorities and the family said.

"The Maine State Police would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Morgan family," Moss said.

Sharing thoughts in writing

Jesse Morgan shared updates on Lucy's fight while she was hospitalized on his blog, New Creation Living , where he also shared the emotions he was feeling, as well as Bible verses that has brought comfort to the family. Morgan is the worship and discipleship pastor at the Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway Township.

Morgan said he held Lucy close as she lay unresponsive but breathing following the freak accident before she was taken to a small hospital that later transferred her to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Once there, a portion of Lucy's skull was removed to relieve pressure on her brain, but as the procedure took place, she coded on the table before she was revived. Morgan, in his blog, recalled the moment he was told his daughter had no brain activity and had to be intubated.

"We are praying for a miracle, but our hearts hurt with incomprehensible pain. I have so many scattered thoughts and memories," he wrote.

He recalled moments prior to her death where Lucy sang her favorite hymn, "He Will Hold Me Fast," and shared how his family was processing their own grief, from the children using their creativity to color pictures for their youngest sister to his wife, who clutched her daughter's hand while endlessly laying beside her.

Morgan said Lucy suffered an immediate arterial bleed from the injury, and after significant testing and medical advice from several doctors over the course of her time in the hospital, Lucy was declared brain dead.

The family sang all three verses of "He Will Hold Me Fast" in the hospital room in a moment Morgan said was the "most beautiful, sacred things I've ever been part of."

Lucy was a lover, enjoyed to cuddle and was an amazing big sister to her youngest brother, AJ, Morgan told the New Jersey Herald. She was a "miniature" version of her mother, who Morgan said instilled and nurtured all of Lucy's beautiful characteristics.

The ride home back to New Jersey was tough, Morgan said, as the family ordered for just five of them at the drive-thru. He'd often take a peek in his rearview mirror in hopes he'd see his youngest daughter munching on chicken nuggets in the backseat.

When they returned home, flowers lining the steps and a refrigerator stocked, the family went inside the home and collapsed on the kitchen floor, crying the hardest they ever have as a family.

But it was later on when Jesse and Bethany Morgan opened Lucy's backpack and flipped through her prayer journal that they were in awe. Lucy, who scribbled words of love for God and Jesus, had drawn a photo that they say showed Lucy understood and felt the presence of God:

Morgan said while there is more to say and more tears to shed, he finds comfort from the love his family has received from those closest to them and even dozens of other strangers who have reached out. Lucy's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on June 15 at the Green Pond Bible Chapel, located on Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township. The service will also be livestreamed .

A GoFundMe, which Morgan confirmed was a legitimate fundraiser, had garnered over $90,000 as of Friday afternoon to help offset the family's medical and funeral expenses, lodging, and meals.

Email: [email protected] ; Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH or on Facebook .

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‘deadliest catch’ star nick mavar dead at 59 after suffering medical emergency.

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“Deadliest Catch” star Nick Mavar has died. He was 59 years old.

Bristol Bay Police Chief Jeffrey Eldie told Deadline that the Croatia native suffered a medical emergency at a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska, on Thursday.

The F/V Northwestern deckhand was then transported to a local hospital where he later died of natural causes, the Police Chief said.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Mavar, whom he went public with in August 2021.

Nick rose to fame when he appeared in the Discovery Channel series, which chronicles the lives of commercial crab fishermen as they face harsh working conditions, between 2005 and 2021.

He also starred in the “Deadliest Catch: Siberian Winter” and “Deadliest Catch: The Bait” spinoffs.

Nick left the show after he ruptured his appendix while onboard during a December 2020 expedition.

Following the incident, he sued one of the boat owners Sig Hansen and his wife, claiming that there wasn’t a plan in place for him to get proper medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In turn, Hansen sued the show’s production company for the same reason.

His death comes four years after his co-star Nick McGlashan died at 33 . He starred in the reality series from 2013 to 2020.

And a couple of months before, deckhand Mahlon Reyes died of a heart attack. He was 38 years old.

The coroner ruled Reyes’ death an accident following an acute cocaine intoxication.

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Gop rep, congressional hopeful headline trump’s ‘birthday party’ at campaign’s new latino outreach center in pennsylvania.

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Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and GOP congressional candidate David Winkler were among those who turned out Friday for a “Grand Old Birthday Party” honoring former President Donald Trump’s 78th trip around the sun.

“I hope [Trump] got out on the golf course this morning,” said Meuser, who represents a red-leaning district covering much of rural east-central Pennsylvania.

“I hope he had a great game, hope he relaxed, hope he’s with his family right now continuing to relax.”

The event was held at the Trump campaign’s new outreach center for Latino voters in Reading — a post-industrial city of 95,000 where about two-thirds of residents are Hispanic.

It’s part of an effort to turn Pennsylvania’s increasing Spanish-speaking population into more Republican votes this fall.

“Latino Americans want what I think most common-sense Americans want,” said Meuser.

“They don’t want excessive spending on things… We’ve got to stop the inflation. We’ve got to bring gasoline and grocery prices back down to where they should be.”

Though the party itself was closed to the press, attendees could be heard cheering as they sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump and laughing as the two congressional candidates worked the crowd.

Plates of pork and chicken with rice were also served for the occasion.

“I know Dan [Meuser],” attendee and Pennsylvania voter Samuel Negron told The Post outside Friday’s event.

“Dan’s a good guy.”

Negron said he was compelled to attend as inflation during the Biden administration has made it harder for him to get by.

He is particularly concerned with the spike in gas prices seen under the current prez.

“Once the sitting president stopped the drilling, it caused the gas [prices] to go up, which caused everything else to go up — except my paycheck,” Negron said.

Polls suggest Biden has lost some ground with this critical demographic.

A YouGov poll from May showed Trump trailing Biden by just six percentage points (45% to 39%) among Hispanic voters.

Friday’s event featuring Meuser and Winkler was the second to feature a congressional hopeful this week, as Pennsylvania’s GOP Senate candidate, David McCormick, campaigned in Reading with several Latino leaders on Wednesday.

The incumbent Meuser spoke well of his potential future House colleague.

“He’s got one heck of a background,” Meuser said of Winkler, who is challenging Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) in a blue-leaning suburban Philadelphia district.

“He’s all about service, from the military to law enforcement. He’s from the area so he loves this community, and he wants to help America get stronger.”

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