Fastener Identification

[pcolaboy]

Does anyone know of a good online resource for identifying origins of ship fasteners such as spikes, nails, drift pins, etc? Over the years I've stumbled across many different types of brass/bronze items of this nature and figured that different nations used different fastener techniques. I'd love to get an idea what nationality and/or period they came from.

Thanks,

Pcolaboy

 

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[stevemc]

I dont know of a site, but I do know that each ship used many types of nails and spikes and even iron, copper and bronze on same ship. English ships usually had a broadhead stamped in any nail or metal item in ship fasteners. They all do look very similar.

 

[piratediver]

Get a copy of " Ships' Fastenings, from Sewn Boats to Steamship" by Michael McCarthy.It is published by Texas A&M press and can be ordered on-line from them. Best single source treatment on the subject!


Pirate Diver

 

[pcolaboy]

Thanks for the information!

Most of my nail/spike heads are square with the shaft being square also.

Another observation....a few of the broken fasteners I have appear to have an iron core to them while most of the others appear to be solid brass or bronze. I wasn't aware that cupperous metal would coat ferrous metal very well.

Thanks again,

Pcolaboy