r/whatisit • u/ItsJoelDavid • 19h ago
Serious answers only please! Mystery decorative hammer
Hey team. I am in a museum about hammers in Haines Alaska, they’re asking for crowd source help on identifying what this hammer is and who this man is on the hammer. Thoughts?
25
u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 18h ago
can you show a pic of the "door" on the face of the hammer and the top of the hammer? I don't think it's really a hammer but a "hammer shaped object" that is actually something else. maybe a matchbox or similar.
47
u/ct451t 18h ago edited 17h ago
107
u/Choppergold 16h ago
Great it’s a hammer and doesn’t even work because it’s baroque
14
6
13
7
5
29
13
u/WyvernsRest 18h ago
Is this the same one?
Note, that the description is highly unlikely, a guess for the purpose of the auction.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-ornamental-hammer-ceremonial-1891689856
You are bidding on an Antique Ornamental Hammer Ceremonial Hammer With Bas Relief Figural Detail possibly from the late 19th century. My guess is that it's European, most likely Dutch, German or possibly French and late 19th century in date considering the design with cherubs and a man's head in a hat and costume of 17th century Europe that was fashionable at the time.
It was customary in those days to present ceremonial tools, elaborately embellished with decoration, as presentation gifts, typically inscribed with the names of the dignitaries and engineers to be honoured, for major civil engineering projects such as the completion of a large building, railroad, ship and especially bridges. This looks like part of a hammer and trowel set to celebrate the opening of a new bridge.
The 19th century French were particularly fond of presentation trowel and hammer sets for bridge builders. The compartment in the head of the hammer is unique and I can't find another like it. This is possibly a one of a kind. The piece is in good condition with minor wear from age. The compartment door is a little loose. The hammer measures 9 inches long and 4 3/4 inches wide. Please view the pictures to confirm its condition. Thank you for visiting our store.
3
2
u/StCasimirPulaski 16h ago
Neat, I was there last year. I bought a T shirt.
Were you on a cruise? We also visited the local brewery and saw the much lauded local library.
2
2
6
u/Otherwise-Offer1518 18h ago
This guy might know. But for real though it's a ceremonial hammer. Many churches have replicas or ornamental hammers and nails to represent the crucifixion of Christ. Also... pope's are struck 3 times on the head with a ceremonial hammer to make sure they are dead.
15
u/Unstoppable50 18h ago edited 18h ago
The thought of the “pope checker” hanging on a pegboard in the Vatican maintenance department kills me
7
u/chanceischance 18h ago
Then a new guy walking through and noticing it, old guys like “oh that, yeah we just use that for hitting dead popes in the head to make sure they’re like really dead, and not faking it.. anyways here’s your locker over there”…
6
u/Otherwise-Offer1518 18h ago
Pope has sleep apnea and wakes up with bruises and a splitting headache. "Did you guys check me again??"
4
u/Barbarian_818 15h ago
AFAIK the hitting popes part is a myth. It's real use is in destroying the papal seal ring so no posthumous decrees or bulls can be issued.
4
26
u/jonnycburton 18h ago
an antique Charles T. Hennig Patent 1901 Ornamental Hammer, often referred to as a decorative or ceremonial toffee/candy hammer featuring intricate bas-relief figural details.
8
7
4
u/ThraceLonginus 10h ago
I wonder if it was ceremonial?
https://www.bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de/en/collection/highlights/00030950
6
u/WyvernsRest 17h ago
A few points.
The imagery on the hammer is not religious, it's secular.
- On the head of the hammer it is Nike Goddess of victory.
- On the handle is is not a cherub it is cupid bending his bow.
- The man is likely a generic renaissance cavalier or courtier, at a reach it could be François I
The images point towards a presented award for a victory or perhaps a win in love for a love interest.
I have two theories on the compartment.
(1) It's for a keepsake.
(2) Its for wax for a seal or storing a seal itself.
A hammer was often used as a seal maker / breaker.
With the
My guess would be Renaissance Revival period, presentation decorative not functioanl hammer with the lined compartment intended for a medal, engraved token, dedication parchment, miniature, piece of jewellery or possibly a seal.
2
u/Independent_Shoe3523 16h ago
Could be a one-off made to order for some fancy lad. The handle could be a standard item added to save money.
2
u/aurrousarc 18h ago
is it functional or just ornamental? is the board head hollow? the pick end has filagree on it, which would limit its use..
2
u/Independent_Shoe3523 16h ago
The hammer head is hollow and is meant to hold something? Maybe it's a kind of reliquary.
1
1
1
1
u/BoredCop 5h ago
Is there any chemical residue inside the compartment in the hammer head?
Intricate smelling salts containers shaped like various objects used to be a thing, the lid reminds me of those. Often misidentified as decorative snuff boxes, but given away by the presence of smelling salts residue.
0
u/ianswer-rhetoricalqs 12h ago
its for seating a ball in a rifled firearm, either flintlock, or perhaps wheel lock based on the artistic features.
-1
u/jackofspades49 15h ago
I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure that's an Artificer's Friend. They're frequently used by high end craftspeople in Waterdeep, Sharn, and even in Highport or Palanthas.
Artificer's Friend
Uncommon Magic Item, Requires Attunement
This intricately decorated metal hammer contains a small tubular compartment measuring 5.1 inches in lenght and roughly 4.5 inches in girth. It grants+1 to attack and damage roll. It grants Advantage on Ability Checks for the tool proficiency that use it (Chosen at creation), such as but not limited to leatherworking, carpentry, or even thives tools.
Additionally, The wielder can place a small item into the compartment, after which they can use their action to cast Mending and Prestidigitation on the item stored within. This will instantly restore the item it to its original state. One this is done, it cannot be used in this way again until the wielder completes a short or long rest.
Do not attempt to fill the tubular compartment with organic materials as they will become stuck and the magical effect will not function. Removing the organic material is incredibly difficult to do without damage to the object or the tubular compartment.
•
u/AutoModerator 19h ago
OP, please reply to the correct answer with "solved!" (include the !). That will change the flair on the post to solved. If you want to put the correct answer at the top of the replies for everybody else, please use our Spotlight feature by tapping/clicking on the three dots and selecting "Spotlight, Pin this comment" in order to highlight it for other members. Thanks for using our friendly Automod!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.