Mystery Tool

[stuey]

Does anyone know which profession or occupation this tool might have been used in? There are no manufacturer's or any kind of markings. It is 7 3/8" long, and the head is 2 1/2" from tip of axe to end of hammer. The bits are contained in end of the handle. The head unscrews and the bit is placed in the top of the handle and screwed into place. Notice the slot in the head. http://i67.tinypic.com/ixt73c.jpg
It belongs to a friend of mine whose grandfather owned it. I don't know whether or not this is relevant or not, but he was a geologist.

[rsvp]

stuey my hubby had a similar 'prospecting hammer' - not exaxtly the same but there are similarities. Can't do links but try googling' geologist tools' - there's a similar one on one of the sites that comes up.

[stuey]

I think it's relevant to, DB; however, sometimes the obvious is not always the correct answer. He worked for the Canadian Department of Natural Resources.

[stuey]

Rsvp, I did find similar ones on Google, but they didn't have the bits. Anyway I thought I'd post it here just for interest.

[Retrochic]

Stuey -yes its a geologists hammer circa 1920's 30's. The various tool heads are for different type of rock ( igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic). I worked for the Ministère des Ressources naturelles in Canada just after Uni before going back to GB to do my Phd and had similar more modern ones.

[stuey]

Thanks, Retro, that's really interesting. Why the axe head though? I can't really envision "chopping" rocks up.

[stuey]

Also, what was the function of that slot in the head?

[Retrochic]

When you get metamorphic rock such as slate or sedimentary rock such as sandstone you can tap it gently with the axe, using a wooden or rubber mallet following the 'lines' of the rock and it will split. You can also use a chisel

[The Builder]

I would guess that the axehead is for splitting rock to get a look at the veins inside. It could be done with a hammer and cold chisel, but this provides both tools in just one action.

Axes are used in slate roofing and stone masonry. A stone mason would use it to dress stone... knocking off the corners and lumps to "square" it up. A geologist wouldn't want to do that, but I imagine splitting rock is part of the prcedure.

[stuey]

Thanks...Informative answers. How about that slot: any ideas?

[The Builder]

Pure guess here, Stuey. Masons use a thing called a "scutch". A removable comb is fitted into the slot. When it's worn, it's replaced.

Maybe.... a comb fits in there, although it seems an odd way to hammer ;o)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hickory-Handle-Brick-Masonry-Hammer-Chipping-Double-End-Scutch-Hammer-Geologists-/271848696415

[PankySmooch]

It looks like a Silversmiths hammer

[Retrochic]

The builder could be correct though not all of the hammers have this slot . To be honest it looks a bit 'Heath Robinson' -maybe home-made for a certain purpose but most likely Geology

[stuey]

Thanks for all your answers. I'll copy this thread for my friend: he should find it interesting. Retro, if you were to sell this on your EBay Store, what kind of price would you put on it?

[Retrochic]

Stuey - Its not something I would sell, but anything that's a bit 'odd' I usually put up for auction with a start price of the least I would take for it. You only need two collectors bidding and it could make a good price. I couldn't begin to value it, but its a handy tool and if I'd found it in a box of stuff I would do a 'sold' search on E bay of similar items and pitch the starting price accordingly.

[Chipchopper]

I wanted to take a 2nd look at your photo but it seems to have gone now.
I've not seen anything quite like it but it looks to me, like a suitable tool for a shingle roofer.

[stuey]

The picture is still on the link. And what an appropriate name you have for this tool:)

[Chipchopper]

Thanks Stuey, I can see its back again.

Another idea that I'd like to put forward is a vintage set of tools for tapping into maple trees, for the production of maple syrup.

[stuey]

Chipchopper, I think that it is a geologist's hammer according to the other answers; however, since it is from Canada, I like your suggestion.

[Chipchopper]

I just got the feeling that the accessories looked more suitable for working with wood.