Historical information

Steam hammers, invented by Englishman John Naysmith in 1841, made possible the forging of heavy iron bars and greatly reduced the physical labour required in forging. The hammers could vary in capacity (drop-force) from 400 pounds [lbs.] (181 kg) to 400 Tons (406.3 tonnes) and were once a part of most major engineering works. The Victorian Railways, from where the Museum exhibit came, used many hammers of varying sizes, their largest being at Newport Workshops measuring 30 feet (9.1 metres) high by 15 feet (4.6 metres) wide.
Steam Hammers have made forging of heavy iron bars possible and has greatly reduced the physical labour required in forging.

Significance

Historic - Victorian Railways - Industrial Steam Hammer

Physical description

Large metal mechanical steam hammer.
made of iron & wrought iron

Inscriptions & markings

C James Maker Melbourne