SHIPWRIGHT'S CAULKING MALLET (1)

A caulking mallet is a specialised heavy wood and iron hammer traditionally used in wooden shipbuilding and boat maintenance. Its primary purpose is to strike caulking irons (broad, chisel-like tools) which drive fibrous material — such as oakum (tarred hemp or jute fibres) or cotton — into the seams between wooden planks on a vessel's hull or deck. This process, known as caulking, seals the seams to make them watertight, preventing leaks while allowing the wood to expand and contract with moisture.

This particular vintage mallet features a double ended, 46.3 cm long head, made from a dense hardwood (e.g. mahogany), with steel bands, or rings, at each end to prevent the head from splitting when it strikes the caulking irons. The tapered round handle is 45.5 cm long and is made from a lighter wood. Its diameter is 3.3 mm at one end, and 2.5 mm at the other end. The steel bands (rings) have some rust (see detailed images).

The slots and holes in the head of the mallet serve two functions: 1) to reduce vibration, and 2) to give the mallet a distinctive "ping" sound when striking a caulking iron. Caulking mallets have been used by shipwrights for centuries, particularly during the era of wooden sailing ships, and they remain in use today for the construction, restoration and maintenance of traditional wooden boats.