Histarch -

Thanks to everyone who helped with the Artifact IDs. I totally agree with
the comments about casting a very wide net in trying to identify artifacts,
including trying both written sources and individuals with familiarity in
the industry, etc.

Responses I received on these artifacts (
http://www.trcgarrow.com/artifact/artifact.htm) are as follows:

Artifact 1 (brass/iron object) is part of a scaling stick used to estimate
board feet of lumber in a log; the numbers (12, 14, 16) refer to the length
of the log. This was identified by two people, including an archaeologist
and my 80-year old father, who worked at a sawmill briefly in the late
1930s. A modern version of this is called the "Conway Cleveland Log Rule",
and is for sale from Forestry Suppliers for as low as $44.90.

Artifact 2 (metal strips) - Several people suggested that these are nailers
used to hold wooden boxes together, while others like the roofing idea.

Artifact 3 (goggles) - no comments . ..

Thanks again.

Paul


-----Original Message-----
From: LOCKHART BILL [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 5:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Help with Artifact Ids

I would also add to read as many pertinent studies (both academic and
popular press) as possible.  I was able to identify a hammer found in
context with a home forge by reading a book from a popular author
that had a photo of a Spanish forge hammer that was made very
differently from any I had otherwise found.  It fit the rusted object
perfectly.

Bill