Tag Archives: Swage

Blacksmith Tools – Bottom Swage

One of the things I enjoy chasing are good quality old tools. Whether it be old chisels, hand planes, axes, socket sets, hammers, spanners, etc I really appreciate the workmanship and quality that old tools possess.

Alot of the time a large majority of the tools I buy (with the intention of selling) end up in my own collection. This one however, will be going to auction.

Its a half round bottom swage that a blacksmith would of used in his anvil to shape hot steel from the forge. The interesting thing about this swage though are it’s markings.

Clearly stamped with the Broad Arrow and ‘DD’ (standing for Department of Defence) this swage definitely has an Australian military history.

I wonder what early military tools this bottom swage helped create…….?

Broad Arrow Department of Defence Tool