Hand-forged hammer? How old?

[Kevin_Callahan1861]

A friend recently found this old hand-forged iron (?) hammer near an 1850s plantation site in southern Louisiana. The item was totally encrusted with rust, and the photos are after two weeks of electrolysis. Can anybody help identify how old the item might be, and what style, etc.? Thanks in advance for any info you guys can provide. Cheers, Kevin

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Too large for my screen.

 

[stefen]

Old...being that its hand-forged, its not atypical.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

BTW welcome to TN Kevin. Someone will be along to help. I think Mojjax has a good book on old tools.

Is it broken on one end? Im thinking broken claw hatchet.

 

[kuger]

BTW welcome to TN Kevin. Someone will be along to help. I think Mojjax has a good book on old tools.

Is it broken on one end? Im thinking broken claw hatchet.

Thats what I am thinking as well,looks like the "claw",side.We find similar ones in mid 19 th century sites

 

[Kevin_Callahan1861]

Thanks to all for your replies, and especially to Big Cypress for helping out with the photo (rookie error on my part, but I'll get it right next time). I don't believe the hammer is broken iin any way. You can't see the "wrap around" style where the handle must have slid in between, but I'll try to figure out how to compress photos and maybe post a better photo. Cheers, everyone, and happy huntin'! Kevin

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

UW. You simply move your picture file to Paint or Irfanview and resize.

I think it has to be broken because the hammer head would fall off. I have never seen a forged hammer like this that wasnt pounded over and back together by the blacksmith but I would like to hear others comments.

 

[Buck Bagaw]

Faulty job of forge welding where the steel bit loosened and came out, or, an incomplete axe head where the steel bit was never applied. That is both of my ideas on the subject at hand.