Additional photos available upon request. Listing is for one rivet. If you have a rivet preference, please let me know at checkout in the "leave a message to seller" box or send me a message before purchase. Thanks!

Available: SM1

Unavailable: SM2

Original Golden Gate Bridge Rivet Red Lead Primer Orange Paint

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 bridge in the 1970's.  It did not come out of the bay.

2 available in this size.

• Measurements -  Each one weighs approx. 2.75 oz. They are both approx. 2.25" long with 1" diameter head. I would consider these as small/medium in size. 
• Condition - Each one is different. Please see all photos. Additional photos available upon request.

We have a small collection of these 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. Corroded rivets were replaced when 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!

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.  All items are 100% Authentic. Please read entire description, view all photos and ask any questions before bidding. Items are sold AS IS. Most items are pre-owned and gently used unless otherwise stated.  I try to describe each item to the best of my ability.  Please see all pictures and use zoom feature to evaluate condition.

International Buyers: Please note: import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyers responsibility. Please check with your country's custom office to determine what these additional charges will be prior to bidding or buying. Thanks!

SM1, SM2