found this spike looking metal object buried around 3 feet on a beach

[jezza85]

I was metal detecting a beach where i`m from and I found this strange looking object. It is completely covered with a thick layer of sand and stuff. Should I peel it off and clean it to see what the real object is or will I ruin it?
I found a coin next to where i found the object which seemed very old. It had a crust all around it which i peeled of but the coin is unreadable.

 

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[tamrock]

I believe that offset head is called a dog spike in railroad terminology, but that one's different. My guess it was used to secure something to heavy wood planking, but where and how it was used, might require the knowledge of a marine archaeologist.

 

[Noah_D]

Can you post a picture of the coin too? I'm just curious. In what area did you find them?

 

[jezza85]

I believe that offset head is called a dog spike in railroad terminology, but that one's different. My guess it was used to secure something to heavy wood planking, but where and how it was used, might require the knowledge of a marine archaeologist.

Im not sure it might be part of a railroad as we dont have any on the island My initial thought is that it has to do with the corsairs or an old ship visiting the island as there is so much history.

As for the coin I found around it, first picture is before i removed the crust. maybe you could help.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[HuntinDog]

Your second picture looks like it has a pivot in the middle.
Might have been some sort of latch hook for a gate or door.
I don't think you will hurt it doing more cleaning.
Do a YouTube search on electrolysis to get the rust off.

Just a suggestion...
When taking pictures try to take the on a neutral plain background, it will show the details better.

 

[Tony in SC]

I was gonna guess hatch hinge.

Your second picture looks like it has a pivot in the middle.
Might have been some sort of latch hook for a gate or door.
I don't think you will hurt it doing more cleaning.
Do a YouTube search on electrolysis to get the rust off.

Just a suggestion...
When taking pictures try to take the on a neutral plain background, it will show the details better.