7304-066 Lot of two patented hammers. One is DEXTER patent millstone pick, patented 3/12/1845 by John C. Dexter of Ionia, MI, and marked "JC Dexter, March 12, 1845" on the head. The Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents (datamp.com) says it was not known to have been manufactured so unsure if this was a production model or if it was actually manufactured with few examples surviving. It has a detachable 11" wooden handle with brass ferrule. The handle screws into head and can be easily removed which matches the patent drawing. Tight crack at top of handle and mild wear otherwise a nice example and clearly uncommon. Other is RANSOM patent strapped claw hammer, owner marked the tool as "Patented by Hans Ransom of Cattaraugus, NY, on 10/9/1900." The Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents (datamp.com) says it was not known to have been manufactured so unsure if this was a production model or if it was actually manufactured with few examples surviving. It features one claw with a cutaway pointed end and conical face along with 3-1/2" straps riveted to sheath that goes down the top 4" of the 14-1/2" long wooden handle. Some surface rust and chips to face as well as overall dinging. Uncommon. (HSS345, HSS347)