What is it's designed purpose?

[lzenglish]

I picked up this old Heller Hammer at an estate sale. It is marked with the Heller name, the standing horse trademark stamp, and has a 1/2 mark on its underside. Does anyone know what it's intended purpose was/is, and approximate date it was made by Heller?

This is my first picture test post, so I hope they show up, as I did not see them in the preview

Thanks,

Wayne

[anglesmith]

It is a blacksmith's top fuller,  used with a matched bottom fuller for defining a size change, or on its own for spreading metal quickly. It is a struck tool, not swung!
Graeme

[lzenglish]

It is a blacksmith's top fuller,  used with a matched bottom fuller for defining a size change, or on its own for spreading metal quickly. It is a struck tool, not swung!
Graeme

Thanks for the Information. I'm not quite sure what you mean about it being a struck tool, not swung? Do you mean it is held stationary, while the work is formed on it?

Wayne

[anglesmith]

The anwser your question is yes the tool is held stationary but the work is between the tool and the anvil. Most of the old blacksmiths tools  (fullers flatters swages hot and cold cuts etc)  were design for two man use, eg the blacksmith and a striker or hammer man.  That fuller of yours has seen little or no work, most b/s tools you find are badly mushroomed. by the way top tools (with the exeption punches and cuts) were not hardened. there are or were ( please come back soon!) other blacksmiths here that could probaly explain it better.
Graeme

[Branson]

Not always used with a bottom fuller or swedge-block.  These are also used to shape.  Civil War artificers were issued one with a 1/4 inch radius, but no corresponding bottom fuller.  It seems to have been used fore dressing corners, especially around welds.

[lzenglish]

Thanks for the additional information to both of you. I now have it envisioned in my mind how it was/is, and could be used. I know that Simonds aquired Heller Brothers in 1965, but I'm wondering if they continued to use the standing horse mark? I would very much love to know what the part or model number of it is, and the approximate date it was made, as It is all about the history for me. If anyone has an old Heller book, I would appreciate them checking.

Thanks,

Wayne