It is possible that they cut the bottom off, but with the craftsmanship of the posts, I wouldn't think they would have been that intuitive. The problem with using the brackets made for 4' x 4' posts is that half the posts are 6' x 6's and the other half have decorative tops attached to the 4' x 4's. i am beginning to think I may just use some center U-channel type brackets and drill holes in all the signs to be mounted with nuts and bolts rather than set screws. This job has turned out to be a major headache.