To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

100+ year old ball-peen hammer

visedog

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2016
Messages
183
Location
India
Here's a 100+ year old ball-peen hammer I restored. It is 3 lb and made in England (manufacturer markings lost).
 

Attachments

  • DSC03268.jpg
    DSC03268.jpg
    137.4 KB · Views: 271
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

M_George

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
966
Location
Eastern Pa.
Best not to polish up antique tools like that. Most collectors what the old patina left on them. Can loose it's value that way.
 
OP
V

visedog

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2016
Messages
183
Location
India
It was quite rusted (nearly black) and I wanted to see the markings. I can only make out "in England" and "3 lb".
 

Jim C.

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
2,600
Best not to polish up antique tools like that. Most collectors what the old patina left on them. Can loose it's value that way.

I wasn't gonna say anything, but since you brought it up... Anyway, it's nice and bright now. In another 100 years or so, it'll be fine.

Jim C.
 
OP
V

visedog

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2016
Messages
183
Location
India
I wasn't gonna say anything, but since you brought it up... Anyway, it's nice and bright now. In another 100 years or so, it'll be fine.

Jim C.

LoL! It is fine now, compared to the condition it was in. I have been using it a lot since it seems more balanced than a modern hammer!
 

M_George

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
966
Location
Eastern Pa.
What I usually try is go over it lightly with a wire wheel to remove the loose surface rust then oil it. If not to pitted, I can usually read the manufactures info and see any logo.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

jd_1138

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
17,134
Location
NE Ohio
Best not to polish up antique tools like that. Most collectors what the old patina left on them. Can loose it's value that way.

I like it nice and shiny. I doubt if a 100 year old ball peen hammer is going to be worth much with or without patina. I like it fully restored, and bonus points since it gets used today.
 

Gmonkee

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
3,071
I have an old German ball peen, Bugle brand with the bugle logo.

Polished with 600 grit just to get the brown off and back to use. I have had none better than it so far in terms of steel quality so why not?

It has no collection value and does nothing stuffed in a drawer for the next owner.
OP, use it and know where it was before you had it. Family hand me downs are special.
 

d.mcfarland

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
6,611
Location
Western PA
Gmonkee;6442097OP said:
, use it and know where it was before you had it. Family hand me downs are special.

Yes, that's a very good point. I think others are having a hard time with the term restored. It's more of an all the rust is now off kind of thing.
 
Last edited:

davethorik

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 14, 2013
Messages
4,992
Location
Norka, Ohio
Threads like this make me laugh. Who cares if he used a sander to brighten the hammer up? Its a family "air loom".
Name one GJ member who has retired from selling vintage ball pein hammers.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom