The first hammer forge was probably built in 1482[1] along the Ohra River. In 1592, the facility was purchased by Tobias Albrecht. Since then, it has been called the Tobiashammer. The hammer facility originally consisted of three powerful iron hammers, which were raised by the power of a waterwheel.
Iron products such as scythes, sickles, plowshares, lances, and swords were produced. Later, copper processing was added, and washtubs, kettle drums, brewing equipment, pots, jugs, and pans were manufactured. The kettle drums, manufactured until the late 20th century, were struck "from a single piece" of copper under the tail hammer and still set a standard in terms of sound today.
Until 1816, the Tobiashammer was owned by the Albrecht family, who sold the facility that year. After that, the owners changed frequently. In 1839, Carl Friedrich Maelzer acquired the business, which remained in his family until 1972. Starting in the mid-19th century, the new owners significantly expanded the production facilities. A sheet metal rolling mill and a second hammer mill were built. The office building, built in 1882, now serves as a hammer inn.
In 1972, the old, then-dilapidated hammer was purchased by the then Ohrdruf steel forming plant. In 1983, the Tobias Hammer was opened to the public as an exhibition facility.
Source: Wikipedia