[TheForge] Question about "Novelty Ironworks" line-driven hammer

[Ben Barrett]

Howdy, does anyone know heads or tails of "Novelty Ironworks" from Dubuque?
I am looking at buying a line-shaft-driven hammer, which looks to be
in the 25-50#
range.  I don't remember hearing anything about this company name, and it sounds
a little funny... I was hoping someone out here might help me with some info.

I was able to find some interesting historical information, just
enough to see that
they had multiple locations and were involved in making the turret for
the USS Monitor,
the first iron-clad turreted boat of war, vs. the Merrimac...
fateful.... but does NOT
tell me much unless I read between the lines (a losing battle?).  I am
not familiar
with line-shaft equipment, but I read on TheForge about restoring with either
a motor & belt (easiest) or even a tire-hammer-style arrangement.  Assuming
the orig clutch is good, I think the easier way would win out.

thanks!

Ben

PS - I have more pictures, so email me directly please, ASAP, if you know
something about this type of beast, and I can send more pics if it will help
you help me assess this :)  thanks!!