Nasmyth Steam Hammer

Steam hammers like this one were used during the Industrial Revolution to forge increasingly large iron components. As I understand it, the lower portion of the central piston would be filled with air, which would drive the hammer (centre top) upwards. When this air pressure is released, the hammer drops under gravity onto whatever is resting in a mould on the anvil.

It is generally agreed that James Nasmyth of Britain (his name can be seen on the left arm of this hammer) and Francois Bourdon independently created the Steam Hammer in 1840, although the concept was first invented by James Watt in 1784.

This one had been plonked at the back of the car park in the picnic area of the Telford Motorway Services on the M54!