Abstract
A selection of fragments of steel files excavated from dated western Canadian fur trade sites has been examined metallographically to assess their value as chronological indicators. It was possible in some, but not all, cases to identify the steelmaking process, distinguishing between cementation steel and crucible steel. In other file fragments manganese was detected in the steel both as manganese sulphide inclusions and in solution in the steel matrix. The identification of crucible steel provides a terminus post quem of 1740 for the fragment, and the presence of manganese a terminus post quem of about 1840. The site occupation dates were consistent with the dates deduced from the steelmaking technologies.
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