Photograph of the hammer resting on the koftgari casket. The hammer has scrollwork and acanthus leaf design. Casket has scrollwork.

The hammer remains in the Royal Collection today (see RCIN 11248 for full object record).The casket and hammer were presented to the Prince of Wales by the Chief Engineer of the Punjab Northern State Railway on the occasion of the opening of the Alexandra Bridge over the River Chenab, Wazirabad, 22 January 1876.

In an effort to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Indian rulers and the British Crown, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, embarked on a tour of the Indian subcontinent in October 1875. The Prince visited 21 towns and cities across parts of modern-day India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, where he exchanged and received gifts from each ruler he met during his tour. The Prince returned to England in May 1876. As a result of the visit, six photographic albums were compiled of portraits, groups and views. Some of the photographs were commercial prints already available; others were specially taken to commemorate the tour.