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.
