[OR_Archaeology] Wagon Wheel information request

[John Pouley]

If anyone has any knowledge on wagon wheels, please respond.

A wagon wheel measuring about 3' in diameter was recently found submerged in one of Oregon's rivers.  It has 12 wood spokes with metal around the outer wheel.  The axle is wooden with a metal band.   Currently, it is being stored under water in a "kiddie pool" until a more appropriate preservation can be instituted (if necessary). 

Is it possible to determine the age of the wheel?
Is it significant or rare?
Is it possible to determine what type of wagon it came from?
What are the preservation options?

Any assistance on this is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
-John

John O. Pouley
Oregon SHPO
Assistant State Archaeologist
725 Summer St NE Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 986-0675 Office
(503) 480-9164 Cell
(503) 986-0793 Fax
john.pouley at state.or.us
http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/ARCH/index.shtml


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