Why the 1936-1958 time frame for this study? Well, I used Stanley nail hammers extensively during the late 1940s and my primary research resources consisted of 1936, 1939, 1941, 1948, 1949, 1950 Stanley Tools #34 catalogs and 1950, 1954, 1956, 1958 Stanley Store catalogs.
Stampings
Example of a typical head stamping:
(on left cheek of head)
STANLEY
(in cartouche)
No. 51½ 16-OZ
# 5 configuration: bell face -
round black neck - polished round poll
W/L code 1½: Head weight: 16 oz. - Overall length:
13"
It seems that Stanley changed the style and form of the stampings from time to time. There are variances similar to those found on Stanley wood chisels. I have encountered hammers of this period with only STANLEY (in cartouche) or STANLEY (in cartouche) with MADE IN USA underneath. These variances can also be found in catalog illustrations although it should be noted that those illustrations do not always depict actual production tools.
Decals
Decals, which sometimes included information relating to features and configuration, were affixed to the handles of new hammers - and sometimes to the right cheek of the head - at the factory.
Handles
Handles were of straight grained hickory and were lacquer finished. The factory applied handle decals soon wore off with use, but the presence of even scant remnants is testament to the originality of handles. The model No. configuration and head weight were usually stamped in black ink on the end of the handle - invaluable information all to often lost due to hammer usage. The presence of the distinctive Stanley factory head securing wedges is a good indicator of originality.
Remnant of label on handle:
Ink stamping on end of handle:
Depictions of original Stanley factory head securing wedges:
Claw Types
Curved Claw Nail Hammer
Ripping Claw Nail Hammer
There was also a "semi-ripping" style offered that had slightly more curvature than the standard Ripping Claw depicted.
Stanley Nail Hammer Configurations
- 1 ..... bell face - round ribbed neck and poll - highly polished - 100 Plus
- 2 ..... same as 1 except ripping claw instead of curved - 100 Plus
- 3 ..... bell face - octagon black neck - octagon poll - highly polished
- 4 ..... plain face - plain neck - highly finished
- 5 ..... bell face - round black neck - polished round poll
- 9 ..... plain face - plain neck
- 10 ... bell face - round black neck with polished ribs - polished round poll
Those models described as having black (enamel paint) necks inevitably came with the tops and bottoms of the heads and the backs of the claws also painted black. The paint on the necks in particular often gradually wore off with heavy use and in consequence was sometimes sanded off entirely by users for a better appearance. "100 PLUS" hammers were described in some 1930s catalogs as having "orange enamel painted head ribs", however, I have only encountered red painted ribs.
Stanley Nail Hammer head weight and overall length (W/L) codes
- 0 ............. 28 oz. ........... 15"
- 1 ............. 20 oz. ........... 13½"
- 1½ ......... 16 oz. ........... 13"
- 2 ............. 13 oz. ........... 13"
- 2½ ......... 10 oz. ........... 12½"
- 3 ................ 7 oz. ........... 12"
- 4 ................ 5 oz. ........... 12"
Weight is of the head only -- length is overall (top of head to bottom of handle).
EXEMPLAR STANLEY NAIL HAMMERS OF THIS PERIOD
100 PLUS
1 SERIES: bell face - round ribbed neck and poll - highly polished
2 SERIES: same as 1 SERIES except ripping claw instead of curved
No. 100 plus 11½
# 1 configuration: bell face -
octagon neck and poll- highly polished
W/L code 1½: Head weight: 16 oz - Overall length:
13"
white lacquered hickory handle with octagon
neck.
No. 100 plus 11½
# 1 configuration: bell face -
octagon neck and poll- highly polished
W/L code 1½: Head weight: 16 oz - Overall length:
13"
The handle on this specimen has been replaced at some time in its working life.
"100 plus" series hammers were designated "the Aristocrats" of Nail Hammers by Stanley.
4 SERIES: plain face - plain neck - highly finished
No. 43
# 4 configuration: plain face -
plain neck - highly finished
W/L code 3: Head weight: 7 oz - Overall length:
12"
5 SERIES: bell face - round black neck - polished round poll
No. 51½
# 5 configuration: bell face -
round black neck - polished round poll
W/L code 1½: Head weight: 16 oz - Overall length:
13"
No. 53
# 5 configuration: bell face -
round black neck - polished round poll
W/L code 3: Head weight: 7 oz - Overall length:
12"
Series 5 Stanley Nail Hammers - with the 51½ (16 oz) leading the way - were the most popular and best selling models. They were always featured on the first hammer page in the main Stanley Tools Catalogs.
10 SERIES: bell face - round black neck with polished ribs - polished round poll
No. 101
# 10 configuration: bell face -
round black neck with polished ribs - polished round
poll
W/L code 1: Head weight: 20 oz - Overall length:
13½"
Series 9 Stanley Nail Hammers were essentially the same as series 4 except not as highly polished.
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