POST MEDIEVAL STRIKING EQUIPMENT

Unknown artist

Incomplete and corroded miniature copper alloy claw and peen hammer of possible Post –medieval date (AD 1500 onwards). The handle is missing. Length 29mm, maximum width across the claw, 14mm and maximum thickness across the peen, 11mm. Weight 14.69g.As viewed from the front the hammer comprises three elements, the claw, the central block and the elongated head. The two pronged claw which is 29mm in length curves slightly rearward and has parallel sides at its upper part. The lower part tapers inwards, where at its juncture with the central block, the minimum width is 5mm. Between each of the claws is a V-shaped space, possibly to facilitate the withdrawal of nails or tacks. Below the base of the “V” are two horizontal grooves which are 5mm apart. These are now barely visible due to corrosion. The grooves do not extend around to the rear side. The claw part of the hammer is flat at the front and the rear.As viewed from the front, the central block is ovoid-shaped, 14mm in length and 100 in width. It is perforated with a circular hole which is slightly off-centre and is 5mm in diameter. The hole is presumably to take a handle which is now missing. Viewed from the side, the central block is flat on the front side but at the back flares outwards towards its base.The elongated head is 22mm in length, is circular in cross-section and consists of three distinct mouldings. From the top the mouldings are in the form of a flattened sphere, a bicone and a baluster. The head terminates with a flat circular working surface, the peen, which is 11mm in diameter. The working surface is slightly convex.The copper alloy is generally a reddish colour beneath the corroded surface. However, small areas of a black-coloured patina survive.