Railroad Spikes Value Guide

These forged iron and carbon steel railroad spikes represent the industrial backbone of the American westward expansion between 1900 and 1950. Originally patented by Robert Livingston Stevens, their distinctive dog-headed design and square shanks were engineered to withstand immense lateral forces on wooden sleepers.

What affects the value of Railroad Spikes?

• The presence of specific manufacturer markings or date stamps on the head can increase collector interest.
• Overall physical condition, including the level of surface oxidation and whether the shank retains its original forged shape.
• Historical provenance, such as spikes sourced from notable American rail lines or expansion routes.
• The specific metal composition, as carbon steel variants may be more desirable than standard iron examples.

How to Identify Railroad Spikes?

• Look for the characteristic dog-head offset design specifically engineered to grip the rail flange.
• Verify the square shank construction which was the global standard for providing resistance against shifting rails.
• Check for signs of heavy iron or carbon steel composition consistent with early 20th-century US manufacturing.
• Examine the head for any embossed letters or numbers that indicate specific steel mills or production batches.

History of Railroad Spikes

First patented in 1831 by Robert Livingston Stevens, the dog-headed railroad spike became the global standard for rail construction. Its offset head is designed to grip the rail flange, while the square shank provides maximum resistance to lateral forces. These spikes are synonymous with the westward expansion of the American frontier.