HAMMERS:
The hammer, in the form of a stone, was among man's first tools, and it has not changed that much over the years. From the cast head of the Bronze Age, it evolved to added "claws" in the Roman era. The biggest change the hammer has seen in recent times is the one-piece model. This all-steel hammer, in which the head and the handle are combined, is modern industry's answer to the biggest problems the hammer faces--broken and loose handles. But even so, most carpenters prefer the hickory handles for weight and feel.
High quality hammers were forged from solid steel, with the cheaper ones being made of cast iron. To be classified as GOOD, hammers and mallets do not need their original handles, but the replacements must have the proper shape. Needless to say, original handles, particularly on the patented models, (or if the handle was stamped or labeled) are more valuable. Light rust is acceptable, as are small cracks or splits in the wood and a loose head.
