Not a Cob by I think it's some type of spike.

[SFLOcenEng]

Found this "Spike" while detecting one of the well know "treasure beaches" between Ft. Pierce and Jupiter. Any idea as to what it is, how old, or what it was used for? Almost looks like a rail road spike but kind of short I think? Any input would be appreciated.

[ivan salis]

rail spikes are iron not brass / bronze ---brass / bronze was used on ships due to salt water eating up iron very rapidly * -- looks like a ships spike to me --- I see what looks like a nark near the head --any marks on it the english navy used a "broad arrow" mark on items meant for royal naval use to prevent their "theft" and use by non govt vessels --but many still found their way to the regular vessels anyway.

[SFLOcenEng]

Thanks for the reply Ivan sails, under in close inspection what appears to be a mark is corrosion i think. If it were only that easy. Anyway its my best spike / nail yet and was a surprise to fined in the scoop. also found two highly corroded rings a good day all in all. Thanks

[bigkid4]

I think I have found them on almost every beach I have ever hunted. Wooden shipwreck planks with bronze spikes floated for miles before washing up on shore and the wood rotted away leaving the spikes. Bronze was mostly used in ships after the heyday of the treasure fleets. I would guess that some spikes also come not from shipwrecks but from old docks.

[divewrecks]

Very cool looking find. Sounds like a good day at the beach.

Stan

[Bigcypresshunter]

Shipwreck spike.

[divewrecks]

Those round things look like the "Holey Dollars" that Sam (Ossy) started the other thread on.

Stan

[lucky d]

nice find ant ! hh