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Nails and rivets were, of course, essential in joining woodwork and metalwork, and the Dominys made them as needed. This versatile combination tool provided heads for nail rods and rivets. Heated nail rods were clamped in a vise and sections driven through the two diamond-shaped openings at the center. The hot nail rod was slightly larger than the opening; and as it was forced downward, metal was thus pushed upward to provide a head for the nail. For rivets, iron or steel wire somewhat bigger than the openings was forced into the round holes at either end, pushing excess metal up to form a shoulder on one end. Only small nails and rivets were obtained because the depth of this tool is only one-half inch.

Nail and Rivet Header, East Hampton, Deacon David Talmage, blacksmith (probable maker), 1786. Nathaniel Dominy IV (purchaser, user), 1786-1812. Iron. 3.7" (L). Museum purchase with funds provided by Henry Belin du Pont, 1957.0026.485