What Shipwreck Timbers Can Tell Us

Two ship timbers on the grass with identification tags attached to them.

If you’re here, you likely found a piece of a ship’s timber on a beach and scanned the QR code to learn more. Identifying and documenting ship timbers helps us understand what remains of historic vessels and why they matter. The person who tagged this timber shared information with MHT about its construction material, fasteners, and other materials, cutting method, and the timber's possible original location on the ship. This information helps us track what is out there and understand its significance as part of Maryland’s maritime heritage.

Construction material, fasteners, & other materials

Large, square brass spike held in a person's hand. — Brass spike found on timber in January 2024. Credit: Roger McGraw

Ships have been built from different materials over time, and four of the most common are wood, iron, steel, and fiberglass.

Wood was used for centuries and is the material most often found in historic shipwreck remains along Maryland’s shores.
Iron and steel became common in the 19th and 20th centuries as shipbuilding technology changed, and pieces from these vessels may appear as fasteners, plates, or other structural parts.
Fiberglass is a modern material used in many recreational boats and may be found in more recent wreckage.

Identifying a ship’s construction material helps archaeologists better understand a vessel’s age, how it was built, and its historical context.

Ship fasteners are used to join and secure a vessel’s structural components and are key indicators of construction methods. Treenails are cylindrical wooden fasteners typically used in wooden hulls to connect planking to frames. Square spikes and round spikes are metal fasteners that reflect later shipbuilding practices and changing manufacturing techniques.

Ship timbers may include other attached materials in addition to the fasteners. These can include wood from repairs or interior components; iron or steel used for brackets, straps, or structural reinforcement; copper sheathing or tacks applied to protect hulls from marine growth and shipworm.

Wood timber cutting methods

Close-up of two weathered wooden surfaces with sand and treenails. — Left: hand-hewn timber. Right: machine-cut timber.

Wooden ship timbers can show different cutting methods that reflect how and when they were made. Hand-hewn timbers were shaped using tools such as axes and adzes and often have irregular surfaces and tool marks. Machine-cut timbers were produced using saws or milling equipment and usually have straighter edges and more uniform surfaces. Some timbers show both methods, which may indicate a period of transition in shipbuilding technology or later repairs using different tools.

Clues to a timber’s original location

wooden ship timber on the beach with person standing next to it — Ship timber with frame/rib attached. Credit: William Steckman

Some features on a ship timber can strongly suggest where it came from on a vessel. These clues are often visible even without specialized training and help archaeologists make informed interpretations about a timber’s original function.

Large size or heavy thickness – Very large timbers are more likely to come from major structural parts of a ship, such as the keel, frames, or beams.
Strong curvature – Timbers with pronounced curves often come from the ship’s ribs or frames, which were shaped to form the hull.
Regular rows of fasteners – Evenly spaced fastener holes may indicate hull planking, while irregular or clustered fasteners can point to repairs.
Copper sheathing or tacks – Copper attached to a timber is a strong indicator that it once formed part of the outer hull below the waterline.
Heavy wear or marine damage – Rounded edges, abrasion, or shipworm damage can suggest long exposure to water and wave action, typical of exterior hull components.