Mystery Axe

David R · 24th June 2020, 10:10 AM

I think it might be a "Coal Hammer". When I was a lot younger coal arrived in sacks and was poured into a coal bunker ready for domestic use. Sometimes the pieces were too big to go on the fire, so you broke them up with a hammer. I can remember doing this as a lad. Some of these hammers were a bit fanciful, This could be one of them.

Rick · 24th June 2020, 05:08 PM

What are the dimensions David?
The blunt end seems to be quite peened over signifying that it has been subjected to blows from an equally hard object. I have seen old splitting wedges showing the same deformation.

kronckew · 24th June 2020, 06:52 PM

Here's a railroad coal spike hammer, 20 in, handle, note the mushroomed head from hitting the coal to break it up. this one also has a spike. The axe blade would be handy for splitting kindling to start the fire. When I was a younger, I had to start a coal fire in the pot belly stove out in the tool room/workshop behind the garage every morning so the family would have hot water. We had a hatchet for the coal busting & kindling process...

24th June 2020, 06:52 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	Here's a railroad coal spike hammer, 20 in, handle, note the mushroomed head from hitting the coal to break it up. this one also has a spike. The axe blade would be handy for splitting kindling to start the fire. When I was a younger, I had to start a coal fire in the pot belly stove out in the tool room/workshop behind the garage every morning so the family would have hot water. We had a hatchet for the coal busting & kindling process... Attached Images

24th June 2020, 10:10 AM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,120	I think it might be a "Coal Hammer". When I was a lot younger coal arrived in sacks and was poured into a coal bunker ready for domestic use. Sometimes the pieces were too big to go on the fire, so you broke them up with a hammer. I can remember doing this as a lad. Some of these hammers were a bit fanciful, This could be one of them.

24th June 2020, 05:08 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	What are the dimensions David? The blunt end seems to be quite peened over signifying that it has been subjected to blows from an equally hard object. I have seen old splitting wedges showing the same deformation.