Business Details
Premium Specialty Tacks & Nails Since 1825
Established in 1825, D B Gurney has dedicated over two centuries to crafting specialty cut tacks and nails of unparalleled quality. Our legacy began with David Gurney's pioneering work in mechanized tack production, a tradition we uphold using original equipment and methods refined through seven generations of family leadership. Our products have played pivotal roles in historical milestones, from equipping Civil War soldiers' boots to securing the USS Constitution's restoration and even supporting lunar exploration in 1969.We maintain the same exacting standards that made us a trusted supplier to early American industries, including automotive pioneers like Ford and General Motors. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering, serving specialized trades such as upholstery, shoemaking, and boat construction while preserving our historic Whitman, Massachusetts factory as a testament to American industrial heritage.
Services
Specialty Cut Tacks
Historical Nails
Shoemaking Hardware
Restoration Supplies
Marine Fasteners
Highlights and features
- We have 200 years of continuous operation in specialty tack manufacturing.
- Our products maintain the same quality standards since 1825 using original machinery.
- We supplied hardware for historic applications including NASA moon missions.
- We specialize in niche markets requiring precise historical accuracy.
- Our seventh-generation family ownership ensures traditional craftsmanship continuity.
Services
Specialty Cut Tacks
Precision-manufactured cut tacks produced using 19th-century machinery. Ideal for historical restoration projects requiring period-accurate fasteners. Available in multiple metals and sizes to meet specific application requirements while maintaining traditional manufacturing integrity.
Historical Nails
Authentic reproduction nails matching original specifications from the 1800s. Used by museums, preservation societies, and reenactment groups for accurate historical projects. Maintains the same quality standards used in Civil War-era footwear and transportation equipment.
Shoemaking Hardware
Specialized tacks and nails for traditional shoemaking applications. Supplies premium fasteners for heritage footwear brands and independent cobblers maintaining pre-industrial craftsmanship standards in modern footwear production.
Restoration Supplies
Exact replica fasteners for historical building and artifact restoration. Meets strict preservation requirements for museums, historical societies, and government-regulated restoration projects needing period-correct materials with documented manufacturing provenance.
Marine Fasteners
Corrosion-resistant tacks and nails designed for traditional wooden boat construction. Supplies specialized fasteners for canoe makers and marine restoration experts requiring durable, historically accurate hardware for watercraft applications.
People
David B. Gurney Jr.
7th Generation Owner
Overseeing operations at America's oldest tack factory, David maintains family traditions while managing modern production needs. He actively engages with historical preservation groups and industry partners to maintain the company's legacy.
Questions
What makes D. B. Gurney's products historically significant?
Our tacks and nails have been used in Civil War boots, Antarctic expeditions, Apollo moon missions, and USS Constitution restoration.
Do you offer factory tours?
Due to operational safety requirements, we cannot offer public factory tours at our working manufacturing facility.
Are your products available internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally though customers are responsible for customs duties and import taxes.
What specialized trades use your products?
Our specialty fasteners serve shoemakers, restorers, boat builders, trunk makers, and historical reenactment specialists.
How has your manufacturing process evolved?
We maintain original 19th-century machinery while incorporating modern quality controls to preserve historical authenticity with consistent reliability.
What caused shipping delays?
Delays may occur due to raw material transportation issues or New England weather-related factory closures.
Reviews (2)
Kevin Dineen
Mar 06, 2020
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Great people working at staying in business great work ethic there is not many great people like this out there anymore
Thomas Damon
Mar 26, 2019
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I worked for these people over 10 years.and although its been over 30 years.i miss them they were nice people. God bless RIP mr david Gurney and mr Bud sheman.and they were very fair to me.and young Dave if you happen to see this review.you are a nice young. God bless you and your family.
