Searched along an old logging trail in the woods behind my house

[Radon]

The day was beautiful yesterday, so I took a day off of work and went out into the woods behind my house (eastern Connecticut). I know of an overgrown old trail that goes through part of the woods, so I focused along there. The finds came up in two's. Two complete horseshoes, two wedges, and two other items that I believe are maybe ox shoes? Also pictured is an iron ring that looks more modern to me. Not pictured is a crossbow bolt that I found by eye sticking out of the ground. It didn't fit in my pouch, so I stuck it in my belt, and when I got home it was gone again. Based on the finds, I'd have to say it was a logging trail. The shoes were each found in locations that were at the bottom of steep sections of the trail. The wedges were found near large rocks where someone might sit down to rest for a while.

The two complete shoes are different sizes and styles. The two partial shoes seem similar, and both look like they go on the same side of the hoof.

Can any of the highly knowledgeable folks on the forum give me a better idea of the age of the items? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, and HH!

 

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[lenmac65]

The day was beautiful yesterday , so I took a day off of work and went out into the woods behind my house (eastern Connecticut). I know of an overgrown old trail that goes through part of the woods, so I focused along there. The finds came up in two's. Two complete horseshoes, two wedges, and two other items that I believe are maybe ox shoes? Also pictured is an iron ring that looks more modern to me. Not pictured is a crossbow bolt that I found by eye sticking out of the ground. It didn't fit in my pouch, so I stuck it in my belt, and when I got home it was gone again. Based on the finds, I'd have to say it was a logging trail. The shoes were each found in locations that were at the bottom of steep sections of the trail. The wedges were found near large rocks where someone might sit down to rest for a while.

The two complete shoes are different sizes and styles. The two partial shoes seem similar, and both look like they go on the same side of the hoof.

Can any of the highly knowledgeable folks on the forum give me a better idea of the age of the items? Any info is greatly appreciated!
]

I think the two “incomplete” shoes are actually oxen shoes (as you noted). Not sure how to date all these items, but they are nice. Congrats.

 

[Digger RJ]

The day was beautiful yesterday, so I took a day off of work and went out into the woods behind my house (eastern Connecticut). I know of an overgrown old trail that goes through part of the woods, so I focused along there. The finds came up in two's. Two complete horseshoes, two wedges, and two other items that I believe are maybe ox shoes? Also pictured is an iron ring that looks more modern to me. Not pictured is a crossbow bolt that I found by eye sticking out of the ground. It didn't fit in my pouch, so I stuck it in my belt, and when I got home it was gone again. Based on the finds, I'd have to say it was a logging trail. The shoes were each found in locations that were at the bottom of steep sections of the trail. The wedges were found near large rocks where someone might sit down to rest for a while.

The two complete shoes are different sizes and styles. The two partial shoes seem similar, and both look like they go on the same side of the hoof.

Can any of the highly knowledgeable folks on the forum give me a better idea of the age of the items? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, and HH!


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Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[ticndig]

I found some wedges like those at a stone quarry , is there a quarry near you or a stone house. they seem too small for forestry work.

 

[pa plateau hiker]

They are felling wedges. The wedges would be pounded into the saw kerf to prevent the crosscut saw from being pinced. The logging era here in Pa was from the early 1880's to early 1900's. The items you found are same style I find here.

 

[oldmxrat]

Oxen shoes indeed, and the horse shoes have traction cleats for pulling heavy loads which is common in logging areas. Agree on the wedges being felling wedges. Good finds, congrats!