Pleaase excuse me for another strange query that isn't really
archaeometalurgy.
I have had an interesting (to me) query from a Mr. Tandy about chained
books. Again I don't know whether he found me as the rep. of HMS. He has
found a chained library (which he is restoring) with knotted chains holding
the books. I think these are like the chains we sometimes use for dogs etc.
made from twisted wire. He is sending me a picture but doesn't know how to
send it in an e-mail. Most book chains are made from from his description
(over the 'phone) slit iron nail rod welded into links. This would seem to
be
an acceptable way of making small cheap (rough!) chain. He cannot find any
record of knotted chain before 1790. Does anyone know of anything earlier?
It is possible that the books were re-chained in the 19th century.
Of course if it was late in the 19th century it may be that this is steel
wire. I have suggested that a micro. might help to sort this out.
Peter
Peter Hutchison
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