The Dating of Old Houses

"The Dating of Old Houses" is a seminal study in the field of architectural history and historic preservation, focusing on the methodology for determining the age of early American structures. Written by the renowned antiquarian and archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer, this work explores the evolution of building materials and construction techniques as chronological indicators. The text pays particular attention to the transition from hand-wrought to machine-cut nails, the development of door hinges, and other hardware details that serve as vital clues for dating domestic architecture.

Mercer's rigorous approach provides a framework for researchers, homeowners, and historians to analyze the physical fabric of colonial and early federal-style buildings. By examining the minutiae of construction-from the shape of a nail head to the casting of a latch-the author illustrates how industrial progress is etched into the very walls of historic homes. "The Dating of Old Houses" remains a foundational reference for those interested in the preservation of American heritage and the scientific classification of architectural artifacts. This work is an essential guide for understanding the tangible history hidden within the structural elements of old dwellings.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.