Mitzi Rossillon asked} What were lead rivets used for?

jb} Another question is, "Why are rivets {v.s., other attachments} used at all?"

Because the ends of rivets are "hammered" together .. they "swell" to fill the holes that
contain them.

In this manner the rivets deny the joining parts any freedom of movement.

Lead would be excellent material for a rivet used in ceramics because it flows so easily {even
better when a little warm} that it would reduce the possibility of further damage.

P.S. Lead has been known and used forever.

jb
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