HUGE 6" Original 1930s Golden Gate Bridge RIVET Red Lead Orange Paint Provenance

Description

COLLECTION UPDATE:
The collection is fast coming to a close. This beauty stands alone and is the largest rivet in the entire collection. I do not have any, nor have I ever offered any of this size before. I will be listing a few additional very large rivets, but they are just shy in finish and size to this one. After these next few rivets are gone, I will no longer be offering any for sale.
Thank you eBay community
!
Over the years you have brought me so much joy sharing your Golden Gate Bridge stories with me. It has been my pleasure to take these trips down memory lane with you, read about new memories you plan to make surprising loved ones with a piece of the bridge, and hear your connections to The Golden Gate.
HUGE Original 1930s Golden Gate Bridge RIVET Red Lead Orange Paint Provenance
A piece of history that is getting harder and harder to find. Some people were able to pick up and fish for these rivets from under the bridge. Since 9/11, security at the bridge no longer allows pedestrians to go under the bridge.  This rivet was collected and saved by the original ironworker who
removed it from the Golden Gate in the 1970s. It did not come out of the bay.
Measurements
-
This rivet is in a class of its own and weighs approx. 18.5oz, has a 6" length with a 1 1/2" diameter head.
Condition
- Beautiful! Please take a moment to look over photos as each rivet is unique.
I have a small collection and will be listing additional rivets ranging in size. Check back soon or message me if you are interested in a specific size. Thanks!
About the Collector
The man who collected this rivet worked on great bridges and buildings as an iron and steel worker from 1970-2000 living in Washington until the 90's when he moved to Michigan. In retirement, he continued to work with his love of building items out of steel and iron even venturing into blacksmithing.
Golden Gate Bridge Paint/Rivet History
The Golden Gate Bridge opened on May 28, 1937. The fabricated steel used in the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was manufactured by Bethlehem Steel in plants in Trenton, New Jersey and Sparrows Point, Maryland and in plants in three Pennsylvania towns: Bethlehem, Pottstown, and Steelton. The steel was loaded, in sections, onto rail cars, taken to Philadelphia and shipped through the Panama Canal to San Francisco
Paint
: In 1965 a process began to replace the original lead-based paint with an inorganic zinc silicate primer and acrylic emulsion topcoat. The original lead-based paint was 68% red lead paste in a linseed oil carrier. In the 1980s, this paint was replaced by a water-borne inorganic zinc primer and an acrylic topcoat. The Bridge is constantly being painted to protect from the salty air. You will notice there are paint layers in some rivets.
Rivet Replacement
: In the early 1970s, corroded rivets were replaced with ASTM A-325 high-strength bolts dipped in organic zinc rich primer prior to installation. C
orroded rivets were replaced w
hen galvanized ASTM A-325
high-strength
bolts became available in the mid-1970s.
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out my other items!
I want you to be happy with your purchase so please contact me if you have a problem with your order! Please read description, view photos, and feel free to ask any questions before purchasing. Items are authentic and sold as is. Most items are pre-owned and gently used unless otherwise stated. Items returned due to insufficient address will be refunded minus shipping charges and any nonrefundable eBay fees.
Vintage & Antique Items
These items have had a previous life and will naturally show signs of wear and age. I do my very best to make note of any flaws in the item description, but may overlook small flaws. A refund will only be given if an item is grossly misrepresented.