Here is the only pair of Handcarved Honey Locust Hammers that I will be selling this year for your Hammered dulcimer.
These hammers were carved from a broken archery bow that I carved years ago. Although Honey Locust is not native to this area, I had one in my yard for years. I grew the tree from a seedpod picked up from the road in Bristol, RI. many summers ago.
In this part of New England we have a lot of Black Locust, especially near old farmsteads and surrounding areas. It is native, and also planted much in the past for its ability to resist rot when on, or in, the ground. I tried Honey Locust as a bow because Black Locust makes a wonderful, strong bow. Honey Locust: not so much.
They are very close to 7 7/8" long and weigh about 0.8 ounces. They are perfect for instruments of 2 and 3 strings per note.
The wood of Honey Locust is very pale. The annual rings are also very light, but you can see them clearly on the top and bottom edges and the heads. Opposite sides of both grips are curved, because a selfbow is carved curving along the annual ring on the front, and flat on the back side. Just a reminder of their previous incarnation that does not impede performance in any way.
They will arrive just as you see them, but I always include a packet of leather strips of various thicknesses if you ever decide they just have to be glued on.
Buyers who choose 'buy it now' price will have their shipping charge refunded when they pay their invoice. Auction winners who reach or exceed that price will also enjoy free shipping.