Accession Number

2006.009.0001

Creation Date

circa 1620

Description

An iron hammerhead from the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. This hammer is of a basic design that dates to the Roman era. It is large, with an overall length of 26.4 centimeters and would have been used by the ship’s carpenter to drive spikes and nails, or to knock wooden components into place. The flat, squarish face was used for striking, and the claws were used to pry. The central eye was where it fixed onto a wooden handle.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

THE CAULKER

Wooden ships leaked all the time, and it was unlikely that a ship was ever entirely dry after the first moment it was launched. Major repairs would be made in port but, as a voyage progressed, the hull would be pounded by heavy seas and teredo worms would bore into it, creating small but deadly holes.

It was the caulker’s job to check the ship’s seams, maintain the pumps, and do everything he could to hold back the seawater. He would scrape away damaged wood, using a rave, and fill any gaps with horsehair and caulk. Horsehair not only helped to stuff holes but also deterred the worms.

A small amount of leaking was to be expected but more than that might contaminate the fresh water supply and food. It would also damage vulnerable cargoes such as leather, fabric, or rare woods. In battle, the carpenter and the caulker would work together, patching holes in the hull made by enemy fire. Any large hole that was not quickly sealed could sink the entire vessel.
Object Caption (2023):

Hammer Heads
Iron (c.1620)
Gifts of Susan and Robert Erickson, Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0767a, 1986.008.0770a, 2006.009.0001