Nails

Cut nails (square nails) were popular between approx. 1820-1910
Wire nails (round) were used from the early 1900s-on. Wire nails are cheaper to produce, but not as strong as cut nails.
Hand-forged nails, of course, aren't too common. They'd be used for special purposes, or restoration, etc.


From top to bottom: wrought handmade, cut nail, wire nail.

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More tools

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Siding and flooring saw: "Especially designed for cutting openings in sidings and flooring. A handy saw for repair work."
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Pulley: "~4" diameter wood pulley on metal axel in wood housing with metal eye."
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Shipwright's plane. More examples and other shipwright tools.




Square, forge tool tongs, hand drill, wooden level.
Plenty more

Some info here about old tools.

Tool Boxes/Trays/kits/etc

Left: 19th Century. Halifax County, VA. Yellow pine. Cuttlery or small tool tray. Handle is re-used 18th Century thumb latch. Cut-nails throughout; reinforced over the years with some round nails. Center divider runs the length of the box.
Center: Late 19th Century. Halifax County, VA. Yellow pine. Primitive center handled carrier/box. Wood has been re-used; round nails throughout.
Right: Late 19th Century. Halifax County, VA. Yellow pine. Primitive carrier with 3 compartments. Round and cut nails.



19th Century. Southern. Yellow pine. Large tool tray. Cut-nails throughout; reinforced over the years with some round nails. Original green paint with nice wear and wonderful patina.

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Large tool set

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A tool play set, 1910.

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Small vintage Mahogany tool box. 30" wide, 8 3/4" high and 6 1/4" deep.

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If this is something he takes with him on his travels, I'd think it would close or have some sort of lid on it. Something to make sure the tools don't fall out. But a design that can be easily accessed, one that we can see what's inside is also important.