French pattern Cobbler’s Hammer for leatherwork

Description

No maker’s mark on this French-pattern cobbler’s hammer, but it’s clearly a manufactured piece.  Handle is probably original — it appears old enough — and has been secured with a remarkable number of nails.  One side of the striking face is squared off,  clearly an adaptation to allow reaching into the corners of something box-like.   I can’t tell if it was designed this way or altered later, but my money’s on it being manufactured like that, just because there are no signs of mutilation.

A good looking, intriguing, and functional tool.   These are good for leatherwork, of course, but they also work well for putting rush seats on chairs and other work involving tacks.