Ship plank? Help with ID

[TurtleWhisperer]

Hi guys. Found some pieces buried under the surf line on a Florida beach and wondered if anyone could guess at the age because of the bronze square pegs. Hope the pics are alright. Also, Anyone know how to preserve these?
Thanks, Randy & Charlotte

 

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[pcolaboy]

I'd certainly say the probability is very high based on the use of the bronze tree nail.

 

[Alexandre]

At least, it's younger than the mid-1770's.

 

[Moe (fl)]

Keep wood in fresh water until find out how to preserve it.

 

[Salvor6]

You have to "cook" the wood in Polyethelyne glycol for 3 days to drive out the water and replace it with wax. For small wood pieces I use a crock pot.

 

[The Hun]

You have to "cook" the wood in Polyethelyne glycol for 3 days to drive out the water and replace it with wax. For small wood pieces I use a crock pot.

I am sorry , but what did you mean "cook" in PG? Just drop in it or need to warm it?

 

[Salvor6]

It needs to be hot. The heat helps drove out the water.

 

[firstbiggestmost]

Ive read that PEG is corrosive to metal. I havent proved it to myself though.

"Before a decision is made to conserve wood with PEG, it is important to consider the fact that PEG is corrosive to all metals, especially iron. For this reason, PEG treatments should not be used on wood that will be in contact with any metal"

http://nautarch.tamu.edu/crl/conservationmanual/File6.htm

HH.

 

[cuzcosquirrel]

Definitely looks like a lot of stuff I have seen while beach walking and combing. I think the brass points to it being later than earlier. Metal nails will tend to expand when immersed in sea water for a very long time with no way to short out their surface corrosion. They will disappear leaving round or square cavities.

There was a site showing polyethelene glycol replacement. I think Texas AandM had some information on it.