Vintage worker installing drywall with axe - GIF

[Jon]

Vintage worker installing drywall with axe hatchet drywall hammer.

[Toolmaker51]

I believe this is a marketing film, but obviously long after invention of drywall by US Gypsum in 1916. His technique is good, but not really an all day type installer....to many hits on individual nails. Pros are one-hit wonders in a positive way, not same as certain musicians.

[Haroun]

Looks like plasterboard, the stuff used in the 50's & 60's as a base for 1 coat plaster. Great technique, the curve he made will be filled by the plaster topcoat.

[Toolmaker51]

I agree plasterboard is likely, but I'm only familiar with it known as 'button board'. The panel was interspersed with 3/4" holes. Wet plaster would mushroom through for retention. There was a coarse mortar like coat covered with one of basically plaster.

[Elizabeth Greene]

It looks like he's had a lot of practice. It's weird that the sheets are so small though. I'm used to seeing 4x8 or 4x12 sheets.