Cobbler's hammer

Hammer for repairing footwear. It consists of a wooden handle with a variable cylindrical cross-section, wider around the area of the hilt. The iron head, with a similar cross-section, has two circular striking areas standing proud of the centre and an eye in the centre. This hammer was used for stitching or sticking pieces of leather together or nailing them to the sole or insole of the shoe. Artisan shoemaking involves a series of different tasks with a specific tool for each one, including this type of hammer.

The hammer is one of the oldest, most basic and most versatile tools. Although the basic act of striking is very simple, different sizes, materials and shapes allow very specialised tasks to be performed. Each trade therefore has its own types of hammer.

This one comes from the cobbling workshop of Celedonio Calvo in the district of Gros in Donostia-San Sebastián. It belongs to the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa.

Inventory number: GFA-035726-001

Bibliography:

Urdangarín, Carmelo ; Izaga, José Mª. Zapateros. In: Oficios tradicionales. [Donostia = San Sebastián] : Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, Departamento de Economía y Turismo = Gipuzkoako Foru Aldundia, Ekonomia eta Turismo Departamentua,[1997]. I, 147-153.

http://www.oficiostradicionales.net/es/urbanos/zapateros/index.asp