Old wood kegs

[mydogisscout]

These are located in the tower of a church that was built in 1893. The door to the top part of the tower is too small to get them out. Any ideas of year they were built, what they might have been used for, or what they're worth? They are approximately 5 gallon sized and appear to be oak. They are empty and have no lid

 

[mcb66]

I have always heard the term "nail kegs". Maybe they left there from construction? Literally nailed themselves into a corner?

 

[trdking]

They are nail kegs for sure

 

[HAPPYCAMPER]

Agree nails kegs,but noticed they had round nails holding them together,wouldnt that kinda date them after say 1920?

 

[RW]

I have seen the larger size (50-80g?) go for $200 at the antique malls around here. Yours appear to be in much better shape that the larger ones I have seen. I sell cheap and I think I could get $50 for one of those. Ask $100 and see where it goes... If one sells for $100 with no bartering ask $200 for the next one. Be sure to say where you found them, people love to put history with an item. Cool find.

 

[Doubter in MD]

Agree nails kegs,but noticed they had round nails holding them together,wouldnt that kinda date them after say 1920?

From Wikipedia:

"In the United States, in 1892 more steel-wire nails were produced than cut nails. In 1913, 90% of manufactured nails were wire nails. Nails went from being rare and precious to being a cheap mass-produced commodity."

So maybe the kegs could be from the 1890's.

 

[Kevin in IN]

I seen some sell at a local auction last fall. The ones in good shape sold from 17 to 20 dollars each. The ones in your pics, look older and may be more valuable.

 

[huntsman53]

Although the ones you found are in need of a little maintenance, they are in much better shape than similar aged ones that have sold for $100 or more. A little cleanup and repairs will go a long way in getting a nice price for them. Here is one at the link below that appears somewhat similar in age.

Antique Vintage Primitive Wood Heavy Keg | eBay


Frank

 

[Kevlardini]

I recently sold some nail kegs for $20 a piece. Yours, however, have wooden bands while mine have metal bands. The wooden bands definitely are rarer and can be hard to find intact like yours. That might cause them to be worth more. At a bare minimum, I'd guess $50 a piece to an antique collector. Try craigslist or Ebay and see what happens.