Lafleur Outbuildings

Lafleur Outbuildings - Nails

Oversized spikes, stakes, or pins were often made for a single or specialty application. Large spikes are suitable for framing while smaller nails were used to affix boards to a structure. Smaller specimens served lighter purposes. The peculiar shape of the horseshoe nails met the special purpose for which they were intended.

Horseshoe Nails

Collection: Lafleur Barnyard and Outbuildings
Object: Nail
Material: Ferrous
Period: Early 20th Century

A small collection of 6 cm-long horseshoe nails found inside a pail. The nails were used to fasten a horseshoe to the animal's hoof. They have a thin cross-section, so that the farrier can easily clinch them, ensuring that the shoe remains securely fixed to the hoof.

Nails

Collection: Lafleur Barnyard and Outbuildings
Object: Nail
Material: Iron
Period: Late 19th Century

These cut nails were manufactured by a machine, that cut them in a guillotine fashion from a thin blank of iron. When one aligns the nails with tapered ends facing in opposite directions, it is possible to note the raw stock's dimension. The sharp edges and taper allowed them to cut through the wood grain and afforded excellent grip. This size, 7.5 cm, was useful for affixing boards to framing.