Black & Decker Type A Electric Hammer, 1929-1930

01

Artifact Overview

Alonzo G. Decker and S. Duncan Black, who operated a small manufacturing company in Baltimore, Maryland, began designing and producing electric tools in 1916. Their pistol-style grip and trigger switch, patented the following year, set the standard for power tool design. Black & Decker developed new products as the company expanded through the 1920s, introducing an electric hammer in 1929.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hammer (Tool)

Date Made

1929-1930

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

73.171.4

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Black & Decker Mfg. Company.

Material

Metal
Wire
Rubber (Material)
Aluminum (Metal)
Brass (Alloy)

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 20.75 in
Width: 6 in
Height: 8 in

Inscriptions

on maker's plate: BLACK & DECKER / NO. 6 ELECTRIC HAMMER / A.C. D.C. VOLTS 110 / AMPS 7 / SERIAL NO. A832 / PATENTS 1245860, 1386329, 1410010, / 1415335, 1450072, 1452088, 1484490, / 1490006, 1489319, 1492095, 1574020, 1620831, 1657387, 1667546 on either side of grip: BD on plate on top of grip: Q / 23 on ring around oil plug: OIL LEVEL / STANDING VERTICALLY / USE MEDIUM MOTOR OIL ONLY