NAILS
CultureNorth American
Dimensions10 x 7 x 4.5 cm (3 15/16 x 2 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.)
Nails: 6.5 x 0.8 cm (2 9/16 x 5/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2019.13.12
DescriptionA box of galvanized 8d Clinch Rose head 2 1/2" nails in a white paper box with brown design and lettering. On the front of the box is "America's Oldest Nail Manufacturer 1819 / Old Fashioned Cut Nails / Galv. / 8d Clinch R. H. 2 1/2" / Net wt. 16 Oz. (1 LB) / Tremont Nail Co. Wareham, Mass. 02571." The back of the box has an image of nails with "Decorative Wrought Head Nails / 5/8" 1" 1 1/2" 2" 2 1/2" 3" / Fashioned After The Hand Forged Nails of The Late 1700's For All Antique Nailing Effects and for all Restoration Work" underneath the image. Both sides of the box has "Applications / Furniture & Cabinet / Work / Wrought Head Nails / Clout Nails / Fine Finish Nails / Headless Brads / Hinges / Wrought Head Nails / Hinge Nails / Exterior Siding / Standard or Galvanized / Wrought Head Nails / Clinch Rose Head Nails / Common Siding Nails / Clout Nails" printed. Inside the box are four galvanized 8d Clinch R.H. 2 1/2" nails. Narrative
Clinch rose-head nails have a button head and are soft enough to be "clinched" - bent to increase strength. Before durable screws became widely available, "clinching" was a commonly used technique. The process involves knocking the nail through the wood enough to make the first 90degree bend at the end. Then, once the first bend has been created, the top of the nail is knocked flush with the wood causing a straight length to be exposed through the wood. This straight length is bent causing the tip of the first 90degree bend to curve into the wood, creating a secure strong construction. The flexibility of screws also allow for movement in the wood, reducing splitting or cracking.
The Tremont Nail Company has been making nails for over two centuries! Established in 1819 by Issac and Jared Pratt, the Massachusetts based company was originally known as Parker Mills Nail Company. The present day factory was built in 1848 after fire destroyed part of the structure. Tremont Nail Company is America's oldest nail manufacturer.
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