OT: Cobbler's Hammer function...?

Howdy,

I welcome your suggestion, but don't understand what you mean...

With that portion of the hammer drooping down so far as to be parallel to the handle, how might it be used for the "attaching?"

Thanks again,

The cobbler's hammer was used to drive shoe nails over a steel last, which turned [clinched] the nails against the last. The peen end of the hammer was used to reach awkward spots on the shoe. Most cobblers collected a variety of patterns, just like a blacksmith used different peened hammers for special operations. Bugs

On Tue, 14 Feb 2006 22:43:05 -0500, with neither quill nor qualm, Kenneth quickly quoth:

Traditional cobbler's hammers are not Crispins, they're called Common, or London/Boston/French pattern hammers. Salaman shows 17 different shoe hammers, including 2 tack hammers.

In Salaman's Dictionary of Leatherworking Tools, your Crispin hammer is shown as a cordwainer's hammer. More info here:

He couldn't find any documented use, either. Smoothing welts on leather shoes, or perhaps for lasting?

-- Like they say, 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. ------------------------------------------------------

Hello again,

I'm particularly interested in the use of the sort of peen that is curved so far down as to be parallel to the handle.

I can't figure a use... Can you?

Thanks,

Hello again,

Interesting... I had thought of the possibility that it was something similar to a veneering "hammer" which, as you may know, is not a hammer in the traditional sense at all.

It is used in a sliding fashion to bond glued veneer to the substrate.

For the cobbler's hammer that I described that same idea might apply.

All the best,

Thanksa lot, Bud. Now I'm wondering too. Your question had me googling all afternoon, to no avail.

There's a shoe repair chap tucked away at the back of a local mall. I'll try to remember to ask him next time I'm in the neighborhood. His cousin probably has a shop near you.

If you care enough, check ebay's completed auctions. Send an email to someone who bought one.

Hello again,

My experience exactly...

All the best,

Perhaps to reach inside the shoe to pull the leather outward into position to work?

Bill