Shoemaker’s hammer
A shoemaker’s hammer is a hammer used in making footwear. It belongs to a toolkit that may also contain lasts, knives, awls and pincers. Assess its shape and size against its task rather than a general idea of what an old hammer should look like.
The Henry Ford holds a documented iron-and-wood example dated from 1880 to 1920. That dating concerns the museum object itself. It does not date all shoemaking hammers or a loose tool that resembles it. The museum also stresses that shoemakers could adapt available implements to their work.
Record the head, striking surfaces, handle attachment and any markings. A replacement handle may be younger than the head. Avoid assigning an unknown hammer to a particular maker or precise date solely from rust and wear. Information about its former workshop and use can be important to identification.
