Two spikes found on beach. Railroad? Shipwreck?

signal · Jan 17, 2015

On a South Florida beach, within 200' of the pier, I found two spikes. There was a deep cut, probably 3ft' or so, and I was searching the wet and pulling out a find every few feet, was ridiculous. Then further down into the ground I pulled these two spikes, different areas. The curved one was down a good ways, maybe 12"+ down.

I am wondering if anyone can identify the likely type these are? The small spike, which is straight, has an X pattern on it, almost like rebar. (I can see it where some of the crustiness has worn off).

I plan to subject both to electrolysis to get a better idea of what I am looking at. Not sure if they are iron, brass, etc.

Kmercer87 · Jan 17, 2015

I believe and spikes that would've been on a ship or railroad would most likely have been brass. Im not a expert in spikes but would guess these are more modern

ikesdad · Jan 17, 2015

The cross hatch pattern on the larger piece tells me that it is modern rebar

imagearhead · Jan 17, 2015

It does appear to be modern rebar. Also keep in mind that iron and salt water doesn't mingle well. So it is most likely parts of construction debris left behind or relocated debris from past hurricanes. Even that railroad spike looking one could still just be a stake that is normally nailed into concrete blocks or slabs. Hopefully these suggestions are helpful in some way. I don't want you to think that I'm shooting down the possibility for it to be part of a ship. Typically, those used on ships, I thought, are shorter in length and usually made of wood. BUT IM NO EXPERT... I DO hope that you come across a really old and wealth filled shipwreck someday. HH and Good luck.

signal · Jan 17, 2015

The cross hatch I posted is a blow up of the smaller bar, not the larger (bent) bar. I agree cross hatch seems modern rebar. Magnet to both indicate likely iron, as the magnet adheres strong to both. Thanks for the tips!

I am still going to use electrolysis as I have not done that on anything yet, and can't wait to start using it to clean my encrusted pieces of stuff I am constantly finding in the ocean!