2-798-393 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Nasmyth's patent steam hammer, 1844. Diagram of the '...novel machine, which has just been set to work at the Royal Dock-yard, Devonport [in Devon], for the purpose of forging in the most rapid and perfect manner all descriptions of large wrought iron-work required for the naval service. The machine is Mr. James Nasmyth's Patent Direct-action Steam Hammer, by means of which, no mass of wrought iron, however large, is beyond the compass of its powers; while such is its managability, that at one moment it may be heating about the paddle shaft of a 500-horse marine engine, like as much clay; or, at another time, forging a nail, or even driving one into a piece of wood with all the simplicity of a joiner’s hammer'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.