Antique Forged Iron Fireman's Pike Tool; Old, Primitive Firefighting Hook

Here's a 19th Century iron fireman's pike in very good, well-preserved condition. It was forged by a blacksmith and was originally mounted on a wooden pole. It has a wonderful, old patina with original hammering marks still visible in the iron. Pikes were used to pull walls and debris down in burning buildings to help stop fires from spreading. Guaranteed old and authentic! Modern-day examples are made of fiberglass and still used for the same purposes and for breaking windows. The pike is the 'hook' referred to in the term: 'hook and ladder'. Measurements: 14" long by 9 1/4 inches wide. Great example of an early, primitive, hand crafted tool!