File:Miniature copper alloy "claw and peen" hammer (FindID 65036).jpg

English: Cast copper alloy miniature "claw and peen" hammer head of probable Post-medieval date. Length 40mm, width 19mm and 7mm thick. Weight 14.89g.

The tool is composed of three elements, the claws, the central boss and a peen. All the elements are generally rectangular in cross-section. Viewed from the front, the pair of claws flare upwards and outwards from the central boss. The sides of each claw are parallel and between each claw is a “V”- shaped space. Between the claws and the boss are two moulded ribs which extend around the sides of the boss but do not extend around the rear face. The boss has a central circular perforation to take the shaft of a handle. At the front, the perforation is bevelled and at the rear the bevelling is eccentric and coarsely executed; this may be a result of a fault in the casting process. The peen has a single moulded rib similar to those situated between the claws and the boss. The working surface of the peen is slightly convex. The copper alloy is a reddish colour and there are small patches of a black patina surviving. Parts of the surface of the hammer, including the patination are covered in a whitish deposit of calcium carbonate. It has been suggested that these small hammers have been used by tobacco smokers for cleaning out pipe bowls and tamping the tobacco. However, they may have served as craftsmens' hammers for fine detailed workmanship during the Medieval and Post-medieval periods.