Date nails were used in the early 1900s to date railroad ties and utility poles. I found this railroad cross-tie near my home. I like it better in color :-)
Lens: EF 50mm f/1.4
crop, levels, USM
Statistics
Place: 191 out of 636 Avg (all users): 5.4712 Avg (commenters): 5.7143 Avg (participants): 5.3488 Avg (non-participants): 5.7423 Views since voting: 893 Views during voting: 376 Votes: 312 Comments: 10 Favorites: 0
This nail is most likely not marked 1951 but number 51. These type of nails were often used to mark old wooden storm windows and screens to match up with the proper window. One would be nailed into the window frame and the duplicate number nailed into the storm window frame. The old wooden ones were taken down in the summer and put back up in the fall.
I still have a cardboard package that contains such matching number nails.
When I first saw the image I thought 'cool' and then I scrolled down and saw the portrait orientation and found the nail quickly losing the dynamic impact that I originally saw. I like the diagonal of the wood, the tonal range looks good, the wood also has a good texture to it, and the nail adds interest. I think it would likely have more impact in a landscape orientation.
Nice subject. With something like this, I almost want the picture to be more macro, though. Really make the nail impressive and imposing. Maybe I'm young, but 1951 should carry a little weight. :-) Still, nice picture.
Excellent use of high contrast to really show the texture of the worn wood and accretions. Love that nail with the number on the head. How intriguing. An excellent image.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
