Early 1900’s Cedar Shingle Mill hammerhead use?

[highnam]

Hello folks-
i found the smaller of these hammerheads in a early 1900’s Cedar Shingle Mill...
does anyone know what this hammerhead was designed to do? There was a small gauge railroad as well. Thanks

 

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[Sparkster]

The smaller one is a "flatter". It is a blacksmith's "top tool" that is not swung, but put on a hot piece of steel, and then struck with a hammer or a sledge like the larger one.
If the smith is working with a "striker" (strong apprentice), he would hold the flatter on the piece to be flattened, and hit it with a small hammer, and the striker would then wail on it with the sledge.
It is used to smooth out the hammer marks from pushing metal around.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Tools of the trade!
Saw mill should all kinds of relics and coins!
Get permission, and Go For It...!

 

[Tony in SC]

I think they're right about the small one. You mentioned railroad, the long double end hammer looks like a spike driver.

 

[highnam]

Thank you guys-
never ceases to amaze me how quickly a ID comes around here.
I am happy to learn it’s particular purpose, I plan on soaking it in straight vinegar like I did with the large sledge.
i will post some pics when it is clean. I got the big sledge cleaned up nice with Vinegar. Check it out

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Thank you guys-View attachment 1813111
never ceases to amaze me how quickly a ID comes around here.
I am happy to learn it’s particular purpose, I plan on soaking it in straight vinegar like I did with the large sledge.
i will post some pics when it is clean. I got the big sledge cleaned up nice with Vinegar. Check it out

Good job!
Just put a handle on it, and put it back to work...!

I use vinegar "baths" for the iron, but it is a fairly long process, right?
I wipe em dry, wire brush the HECK out of it, and put it in a fresh bath for several more
weeks, etc - but I rarely get the metal, to its brightest, because I sun-dry it (wood stove heat works good too!)
- Once it is dry, seal it with oil, grease -or- paint the item.....Done, finally!