19th century. This was lifted beyond the head. Surviving nose helves and those in pictures appear to be of cast iron. Demise The steam-powered drop hammer replaced the trip hammer (at least for the largest forgings). James Nasmyth invented it in 1839 and patented in 1842. However, by then forging had become less important for the iron industry, following the improvements to the rolling mill that went along with the adoption of puddling from the end of the 18th century. Nevertheless, hammers continued to be needed for shingling. See also Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Dorfchemnitz Iron Hammer Mill Finch Foundry Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill Frohnauer Hammer Mill References Bibliography Sim, David and Ridge, Isable: "Iron for the Eagles" (2002) Burnham, Barry C.: "Dolaucothi-Pumsaint: Survey and Excavations at a Roman Gold-mining Complex" (2004) Needham, Joseph; Wang, Ling. (1986) [1965]. Science and Civilization in China: Volume 4, Physics and Physical Technology, Part 2, Mechanical Engineering. Taipei: Caves Books Ltd (reprint edition of Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press). . Song, Yingxing, translated with preface by E-Tu Zen Sun and Shiou-Chuan Sun: T'ien-Kung K'ai-Wu: Chinese Technology in the Seventeenth Century''. (University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press 1966). External links Articles containing video clips Chinese inventions Hammers Metalworking tools Power hammers