Anyone know how old this horseshoe is?

BJohnson

Newbie
May 22, 2024
2
8
I found this horseshoe in Sterling Heights Michigan. There was a farm on the land from at least early 1800's until about 1950. It was right next to a big tree which helped move it close to the surface. I didn't clean it at all because I'm new at this and wasn't sure what to use and if something particular would ruin it. So I'll take any suggestions on how to clean if anyone has any.

Horseshoe 1.jpg
Horseshoe 2.jpg
Horseshoe 3.jpg
Horseshoe 4.jpg
Horseshoe 5.jpg
Horseshoe 6.jpg
Horseshoe 1.jpg
Horseshoe 2.jpg
Horseshoe 3.jpg
Horseshoe 4.jpg
Horseshoe 5.jpg
Horseshoe 6.jpg
 

I found this horseshoe in Sterling Heights Michigan. There was a farm on the land from at least early 1800's until about 1950. It was right next to a big tree which helped move it close to the surface. I didn't clean it at all because I'm new at this and wasn't sure what to use and if something particular would ruin it. So I'll take any suggestions on how to clean if anyone has any.

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Nice find! In my experience a nice vinegar soak should do the trick.
 

I found this horseshoe in Sterling Heights Michigan. There was a farm on the land from at least early 1800's until about 1950. It was right next to a big tree which helped move it close to the surface. I didn't clean it at all because I'm new at this and wasn't sure what to use and if something particular would ruin it. So I'll take any suggestions on how to clean if anyone has any.
Welcome to TNet. At least no-one can accuse you of not providing enough pics! 😉 🤣

Here's an older thread that might help you date/identify it.
 

Welcome to TNet. At least no-one can accuse you of not providing enough pics! 😉 🤣

Here's an older thread that might help you date/identify it.
I was going to ask for a few more side shots just to get that 360 degree view. :laughing7:
 

Welcome to TNet. At least no-one can accuse you of not providing enough pics! 😉 🤣

Here's an older thread that might help you date/identify it.
Thanks for posting I thought same thing impossible to date! I have a few I know are very old that were dug in a colonial cellar hole. And others that I can’t ever recall where they came from.
 

Welcome to TNet. At least no-one can accuse you of not providing enough pics! 😉 🤣

Here's an older thread that might help you date/identify it.
Judging from your picture I would say it’s the bottom right. So late 1800s
 

Based on its shape and condition, it looks like it could be from the late 1800s to early 1900s. For cleaning, you can start with a gentle brush and some warm, soapy water to remove the loose dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the metal. Once it's clean, you can use a bit of mineral oil to preserve it.
 

I believe they were melted and cast to fit so technically the only way you could date it would be based off of the rusting or Surface patina and comparing it to known examples that are dated kind of like how archaeologists come up with dates based off of the different layers of deposits good luck and let your next find be a gem
 

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