Any way to date horseshoes?

[silversnacher]

I found one and am just wondering if there are any ways to tell age. After I clean it up a bit I can post pics, thanks

 

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[bevo]

im not sure how to date them,but if its asymetrical then its been used.I think.

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

I've dated a few dogs, but never a horseshoe!

 

[TerryC]

How to date a horse shoe? Easy! If you get it from the blacksmith... new. If on the horse... old. If in the ground... older. That's how I see it, anyway. The three I've found were older. TTC

 

[stefen]

Several ways to date a shoe...

1st is by lab analysis of the steel...

Secondly, an approximate age can be determined by style and was it hand-wrought or factory stamped. If factory stamped, its possible to determine the manufacturer by shape and nail slit or valley.

A stamped size on the hoof face (back) usually means its factory made. Sometimes a ferrier will stamp his initials...if so look for a local ferrier from the local region...

Factory shoes have been on the market since around 1910 or so...

A large shoe may be from a Percharen or a draft horse of some breed...a smaller shoe may be from a trail horse, mule or pony...toe or toe and heel cleats, bars and other modifications also can tells a story...such as is there still a leather plate attached?

Gotta remember, many times a farmer or ranchers did their own shoeing.

For instance I carry a spare pair of shoes, nails, rasp and hammer in my saddlebags in case my horse loses a shoe....thats quite common.

By its inherent silence, a shoe gives up few clues.

 

[doc801]

I am not sure and have found many of them myself. One good thing I found out with them is that I donate to a Blacksmithing club. They like this kind of metal for they projects. Kinda nice to see it recyle and become something else. Keep on Digging ! Doc