Small metal dart found in yard Northeast USA
Finding a small metal dart in your yard in the Northeastern USA could be one of several things, depending on its size, shape, and condition. Here are some possibilities:
Old Lawn Dart (Jart)
Description: Heavier metal tip with plastic fins or remnants of fins. Common in the 1960s–1980s.
Danger: These were banned due to safety concerns.
Size: Typically 6–8 inches long.
Origin: Could be from a misplaced or lost toy.
Blowgun Dart
Description: Thin, sharp metal point with a cone or feathered tail.
Use: Recreational or pest control use.
Size: Usually 3–6 inches.
Crossbow or Small Arrow Tip
Description: Pointed metal tip, possibly barbed.
Use: Hunting or target practice.
Clue: May have residue of wood, plastic, or carbon fiber shaft.
Construction Debris or Masonry Anchor
Description: Can resemble a dart but lacks aerodynamic shaping.
Use: Used in building or repairing structures.
Clue: Blunter tip, sometimes threaded.
Additional Identification Possibilities
Vintage Target Dart
Description: Small metal dart, often brass, with plastic or feather flights.
Size: 3–5 inches.
Use: For indoor dartboards. Sometimes lost outside or discarded.
Clue: Look for threading on the tip or remains of the flight shaft.
WWII or Military Practice Projectile
Description: Small dart-like projectiles were sometimes used for training or as submunitions (e.g., flechettes).
Use: Military, especially in historical areas or near former training grounds.
Clue: Sharp, slender, and aerodynamic with fins.
Flechette (Military Dart)
Description: Thin, needle-like metal darts, 1–4 inches, with tiny fins.
Use: Deployed in artillery shells or air-dropped in Vietnam and Cold War era.
Unusual but possible: Especially if you’re near a military site or former training area.
Other Functional/Industrial Objects
Surveyor or Tent Stake Pin
Description: Narrow metal pin, possibly pointed, used in outdoor applications.
Clue: May have a loop or flat top for string or wire.
Fence Tension Wire Anchor or Fastener
Description: Narrow, dart-shaped or pointed fasteners used in chain-link fencing or similar structures.
Size: 2–4 inches.
Use: Outdoor hardware.
Fishing Spear Tip / Gig
Description: Multi-pronged or barbed dart-like object.
Use: Spearfishing or frog gigging.
Size: 2–6 inches.
Clue: Rusty, barbed, or forked ends.
Regional and Historical Considerations
Colonial or Revolutionary War relics – Northeast USA has many battle sites and settlements. Some musket shot or throwing darts may survive.
Native American tools – Though rare, small projectile points or hunting darts may turn up.
Metal detecting activity – Nearby residents may have used metal detectors and buried or lost items.
Next Steps for You
Take clear photos from multiple angles.
Note the material (brass, steel, iron?) and any markings.
Compare to local historical artifacts — consider calling:
Local historical society or museum.
State archaeology department.
Police (only if it appears dangerous, like a weapon or unexploded ordnance).
