Hammer

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This iron hammer, of a type known as a fore-hammer or sledge hammer, was found at the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used by a blacksmith between 80 and 100 AD.

The hammer has a cross-paned head.

The Roman army needed blacksmiths to make iron tyres, fittings, and nails, as well as to repair weapons. The fore-hammer would have been the blacksmith's basic hammer. It was suited to making spears and sword blades.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-962-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 300
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  
• Dimensions: 11.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Large iron hammer from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Breeze, D.J., and Mackay, Ghillean. The Romans in Scotland. An introduction to the collections of the National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland. Edinburgh: National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, 1980, p 60. 
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