In 1923, Bobby Kay became a famous whiteface circus clown who toured with a number of shows, including the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. In addition to his Ringling Brothers circus appearances, he served as goodwill ambassador for the circus, traveling in advance of the show some seasons. He joined the Ringling Brothers Clown College staff in 1971 and four years later had charge of all make-up classes. Bobby Kay was one of only four individuals to share the title of “Master Clown” at Ringling.
The hammer has been in my family since the late '70s, given to my grandfather from Bobby when they became good neighbors in his later years of life. Bobby also gave him the ID card and several other pieces of history that have since been lost over the years. At the time, Bobby claimed the hammer was from his touring days in the late 60's with Barnum and Bailey. In one of the pics, it looks like the B&B stamped or carved on the base of the handle. The ID and hammer are being sold together as a lot.