Jim Garman observed square lead fragments that he thinks may have been placed
under monuments, noting "that's the theory, at least."
 
He is entirely correct. Monument companies used stone wedges throughout the
nineteenth century and, in some locations, probably into the twentieth. The
wedges served to level the dies placed on bases, particularly if dowels
weren't used to connect the different pieces. Sometimes fragments of slate
were used for the same purpose. Today, of course, monument companies simply
used a caulk to set the stones and finding wedges to use in stone conservation
can be a real problem (its usually easier to make your own!)
 
Best,
 
Michael Trinkley, Ph.D.
Director
Chicora Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 8664
Columbia, SC  29202-8664
803/787-6910
Email: [log in to unmask]