Description

In the past, many windows were not meant to be opened. Blacksmithing was expensive, so normally only a few sashes were cut. This was common well into the 19th century, but has survived into the present day on outbuildings and farm buildings. Nails used for nailing window frames must be conical in shape so that they can be pulled out easily without chipping the wood of the frame (modern wire nails are completely unacceptable in this context). Furthermore, the nail should have a blunt head, so as not to damage the sashes when it is bent in. Therefore, horseshoe nails were often used, or sometimes stingers, both of which have these properties.