Plank...Beach Washup, any ideas as to age?

[Trez]

Here is a beach wash-up...plank about 7' long, filled with many square-shank copper/bronze nails.
Any ideas? Has some toredo worm formations but those little buggers don't need long.
In overall pretty nice shape.
Possible shipwreck piece or dock?

Trez

Thanks for the replies and information provided...it will look great hanging from the wall, next to the dart board.
Time for some oil...bring some luster back on that wood.
Thanks again.

 

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[thetigers2]

Very interesting Trez,let us know what you find out about this piece....Mike

 

[huntsman53]

I would venture to say that the board was used as a hull patch! Either that or a nail holder.


Frank

 

[mr_rich]

I think it was in the early 1800's shipbuilders figured out using copper nails on the copper sheathing to cut down galvanic reaction and you may even find old tar on it. And I believe the square nails would be oldest. I have a book by Steven Singer that goes into detail on nails I'll check it tomorrow if no one answers the correct dates.
If it turned out to be older and Spanish I would check it over because some times silver nails and spikes have been found at wrecks sites.

Ok, looked at book

From what I gather using mostly copper/bronze went from mid 1700's to early 1900's Only thing British Navy used on the underwater portion after 1783. I imagine the copper "sheathing" probably deteriorated after time. Probably and old wreck out there somewhere. Some guys can also look at the wood and tell quality and type but I don't know anybody off hand. Wheres a good marine archeologist when you need one...