Sponge or growth on hammer?

[wdcmarine]

I have had this hammer for about 4 months or so. I do not know if the white stuff growing on it is a sponge or its just starting to grow. Any ideas?

normal pe
http://s1233.photobucket.com/albums...view&current=65d70149.jpg&mediafilter=noflash

pe after slighty upsetting it
http://m1233.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/willdchoy/b34f846f.jpg.html

 

[cloak]

I think it's just some type of sponge. If you think it might be irritating the hammer, just use a wire brush and get rid of it.

 

[wdcmarine]

Thanks Cloak. I think it's preventing the hammer from growing upwards. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't the beginning of a skeleton. I will scrub it off and see what happens.

 

[StephLionfish]

I agree on sponge.
Gorgeous Hammer, BTW