Images(2)

Sledge Hammer

Date1775-1825

OriginAmerica or England

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsLength: 7 1/2" Working face: 2 7/8" square Across peen: 2 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2002-33

DescriptionBlacksmith's sledge hammer of the cross-peen type.
Label TextLarge and heavy, blacksmith’s sledge hammers were used to shape the largest and thickest pieces of glowing iron. This type has one octagonal face and one rectangular face called a “cross peen.” Blows would be struck using this side of the sledge when the smith wanted to stretch or “draw out” the piece of metal he was working on.
ProvenancePurchased for the collection by Kenneth Schwarz for Jay Gaynor, Curator of Mechanical Arts, CWF, on eBay from A. & R Forge/James Linder.