The Fe nail, which was removed from an old altar painting, was found to have the following composition: C 0^.46 S 0^.01, P 0^. 0175, Si 0^.053, Mn 0^.056, Cu 0^.85% and traces of Ti and Al. The surface of the nail was relatively good, of dark brown color. The low P and S contents, along with the high Cu content, accounted for the fine state of preservation. Metallographic examination showed unequal distribution of C. There was also evidence that the nail was forged, followed by case-hardening, to yield a hard surface with a soft, ductile core. -- AATA