Comments on: The Tale of Old Nails

By: Barb Becerra

Barb Becerra — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:40:23 +0000

Great article.
I found an old rusty nail in my yard the has a head on both ends. I live in farming country.
What was that used for?

By: ruth franklinn

ruth franklinn — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:40:42 +0000

i have a handmade fireplace bellow made in the 17th century because of the rose head sharp point nails. the leather is all hard, brittle and cracked and a lot of it is gone.
thanks,

ruth franklin
p.s. i would appreciate a response

By: Barbara Joseph

Barbara Joseph — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:43:58 +0000

I found an old RoseHead nail, 10 inches in langth out in horse pasture.Can you tell me what such a long nail was used for

By: Martin Green

Martin Green — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:28:19 +0000

I have an old Amati violin with (2) small trim nail heads visible, I’m sure for repairs.
The heads are diamond shaped. Any idea when this type head was prevalent?

By: James Cook

James Cook — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:37:28 +0000

Mr. Taylor, thank you for this very helpful and informative piece of work. You have a wonderful way of explaining things and I have really enjoyed reading what you write.
James Cook

By: Buddy Smith

Buddy Smith — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:12:38 +0000

Fred, I have been a collector of old nails for most of my adult life. You gave me the information I have been searching for to know how to identify the age of my furniture nails. Thanks for the concise, well written information. I look forward to seeing what else you publish.

Thanks again,
Buddy Smith

By: Mary Jane

Mary Jane — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:45:09 +0000

Mr. Taylor, thank you so much for sharing so much information with me. I learned so much about nails in one article. I never thought it would be possible and thought I would have to read a complete book to learn this much. I have forwarded your article on to my co-workers and we have all enjoyed the valuable information that you provide and look forward to examining all the furniture in our antique mall. We will keep our eyes open for more articles by you. You are a great teacher. Do you ever come to malls to teach classes about antique furniture?

By: Norbridge Antiques

Norbridge Antiques — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:31:11 +0000

This is an excellent article and resource. Thank you.

By: colin barr.

colin barr. — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:33:43 +0000

Hello can some one help me. I am looking for one Victorian authentic NAIL. We are having an Victorian Exhibition at the local Library which has been set up by the Primary School. The one we had has been stolen. Hope some one can help. Colin.

By: Sadie

Sadie — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:17:35 +0000

Loved this article! So well written! I learned so much and you made it so easy to understand. Can’t wait to check out my antique furniture to discover what kind of nails were used in the construction to help me in identifying my pieces. I look forward to reading more of what you write. Thank again for sharing your knowledge.
P.S. Also went to your http://www.furnituredetective.com website. Wow, you have a lot of information there! Plan to order your book and the rest of what you offer.

By: Tropical Twister

Tropical Twister — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:25:22 +0000

If you go to:

http://seabreezespinners.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/new-wheel-1.jpg

you can see the wheel. Ad see it spinning at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzVvHE8S1n8

Tropica Twister
http://Seabreezspinners.com/

By: Tropical Twister

Tropical Twister — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:20:44 +0000

Would you be will to speculate to the age of the nails on the flyer of a recently acquired spinning wheel. If you go to
http://seabreezespinners.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/nail-3.jpg

you’ll see the nails on the flyer of my Mystery Wheel. After reading Edwads and Wells and your article, I’m still at a loss. I’m thinking Victorian but could they be older. I did note a notched head nail on the wheel. Please go to hp://Seabreezespinners.com/ and check outmy Mystery Wheel and Nail articles and tell me what you think.Thanks
Tropical Twister
http://Seabreezespinners.com/

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:07:56 +0000

I have a piece with the rectangular holes from nails which I knew were old, but now I know this helps confirm that the piece was from approx. 1830. This type of information is very helpful, and I can learn how they determine age and value of a piece. I just knew it was old and worth more than I paid for it, even after the appraiser confirmed it for me. It’s great to have specifics with the piece.

By: Josh

Josh — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:07:13 +0000

What a nice article. I knew nothing about nails and and this was such a clear, well-written and well-illustrated introduction. Thank you, Mr. Taylor.

By: Ira J. Silberman

Ira J. Silberman — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:35:18 +0000

I am seeking information on the value of a large nail believe to have come from a building constructed in the 15th century. The building and location can be verified.

By: Leo McMahon

Leo McMahon — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:48:03 +0000

Great information. Discovered a machine cut nail with angled side and rectangual hole on our property in North Fork California on what was the old Teaford Meadow Ranch property while using our Metal Dectector. Five inches under the ground. Nail of about 4 inches long. At first thought it was an old shoeing nail, but was too big and long. Thanks for your “Site” Now we know we have a bit of old history on our property. Definitly looking for more.