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Prototype Nolan Hammer

By Administration
Image: Prototype Nolan Hammer
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Detailed Description

A standard tool of hard-rock geologists, this long-handled, medium weight hammer-shaped sledge is called a Nolan hammer. Thomas Brennan Nolan (1901-1992) worked as a geologist and served as seventh Director of the U.S. Geological Survey from 1956 to 1965. Nolan developed this hammer in the early 1930s while doing field studies in what is now the Boulder (Lake Mead) Nevada area. The head weighs 3.7 lbs.
Object ID: USGS-000732

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.