60.83

Hammer, Trip

1920 Approximate

Trip Hammer or Helve Hammer. Material: metal, textile. Size: 18" W. x 24 1/2" L. x 64" H. Description: tall metal machine; belt at top; print raised letters on front: "The New Little Giant Trip Hammer, Mayer Bros, Mankato, Minn."; print raised letters on side: "Mayer Bros., Mankato, Minn."

The "Little Giant" trip hammer was used by Emil Schlinger in the Schlinger Welding Shop in Waseca, MN. Purchased circa 1920 by Mayer Bros. Co., Mankato, MN. Louis Mayer invented and began manufacturing this famous power hammer in 1895. It became the Mayer Brothers' most successful product. Its reputation made it the one Mayer invention which was retained throughout the years after the brothers lost control of the business in 1915. The greatest demand for it came in the time of the two world wars. When Leonard Fazendin became manager of the Little Giant Company, an improved model of the hammer was widely advertised and continued to be a mainstay of the company's business. Government contracts in wartime specified "Little Giant or equal."