They may be hinge pins for small decorative boxes or drawers.

Jeanette McKenna


> [Original Message]
> From: Susan Walter <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 7/8/2008 10:50:49 AM
> Subject: pins? nails?
>
> July 7, 2008
> Hi All -
> During that last wildfire tragedy here in San Diego County, we lost one
of our rural treasures - the Sikes Adobe.  (Plans are to reconstruct it.)
>
> We did some test pits last month and I have these odd little things:  
> They are ferrous, 1 inch long and the thickness and shape of sewing pins,
but in cross section they are square.  (We also have brass sewing pins.) 
They have heads, and the "point" end is blunt, like a square nail.
>
> Mary Beaudry's book does not mention square sewing pins.  
>
> Does anyone know what they might be for?
> Thanks,
> S. Walter