L: 21.4 CM X W: 8.0 CM X H: 3.1 CM
A cobbler's hammer that features a flat, circular striking face with a head that extends back past the handle with a tapered shape. A round, smooth wooden handle is secured to the head through its centre, with a metal wedge forced into the centre of the head and wooden handle to secure the handle to the head. A cloth-like material has been wrapped around the top of the wooden handle, nearest to the head, with a black, semi-solid material coating the material.
The cobbler’s hammer is a small, lightweight hammer with a broad, flat head and often a short handle. Its primary purpose is to drive nails, shape leather, and secure soles to uppers by tapping or pounding, often in conjunction with a cobbler’s last or stand. Originating in early leatherworking traditions, it became a staple in European shoemaking by the 16th century as the craft professionalized. The hammer’s design allowed for precise, controlled strikes to avoid damaging delicate materials. Widely used through the 19th century, it played a key role in both construction and repair of footwear. While industrial machinery reduced its necessity in mass production, the cobbler’s hammer remains in use today among artisanal shoemakers and for repair work, embodying traditional craftsmanship.
