I bought this in SoCal ~50 years ago from the widow of the fellow who made it; H.C. Cuff; a machinist, sculptor an' carver. Since then I believe I've seen or heard the name of the head-shape, which sets it apart from ordinary mallets. Obviously my alleged memory fails to recall that particular descriptor, an' now it's time to sell it, an' I'd like to be as accurate in my listing as possible. Please, if there are any of y'all that know about these tools, enlighten me on this issue...an' thanks for lookin'!
I believe it could be a joiners mallet used to hit the head of a wood chisel with out damaging the chisel head.
Nice mallet! Woodworks or jointers mallet. Curved head has to do with swing angle, removable head for storage. Handle slides on through top of mallet head to prevent it from becoming air born. Most traditional woodworkers would make their own mallets.
The handle is inserted into the rectangular mortise from the far side, and is so well fitted that it wedges solidly with almost an inch of material proud to that side...the tenon of the handle, and the mortise of the head are very slightly tapered. When fully seated they form a solid, immovable fit. No flying off the handle possible, Bronwen!
Looks like it was made by and signed by an apprentice joiner when they made all their own tools, back in the good old days.
As a side note, I don't doubt Mr Cuff made this handsome mallet, but it was long the practice of tradesmen to stamp their names or at least initials on their tools if they worked in a larger shop - the workman usually owned his tools, and clear markings led to fewer problems.
