Days before the battles of Lexington & Concorde the British army had blacksmiths make "crow's-feet" in anticipation of conflict. What were they making.

by BuytheWhey
WillyPete

Caltrops
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caltrop

It's used to disrupt cavalry primarily, but can also work on infantry if they have thinner boots and the caltrops are deployed on hard ground.