Heath --

That collar is in compression -

How is it joined to the rafters ? Is there any other sign of movement in the Barn ?

Where in Maine is it located ?

Do consider posting your sense of what are the norm in historic framing typologies in your area to this thread - >

http://www.tfguild.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=15056#Post15056

"We build too many walls and not enough bridges" - Isaac Newton

http://bridgewright.wordpress.com/