Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Trapping Can you tell me more about this trap?

A few years back I found this trap in the middle of nowhere Wyoming. Other than knowing it's a Oneida Newhouse No3 made in NY, I really have no clue about it. Origin/age/worth. I was just looking for some guidance.

Thanks!

Newhouse is the best double long spring ever made. Used by Govt. trappers and other serious trappers for decades. Is the pan readable? If so, a pic of the pan and the springs may be stamped. Check the base for stamps. Even with no collectable value it could be worth $20-35 as a user. IMHO. Don't clean it up more than being able to see the stamp a little.

Here's what I can get without doing any cleaning

No other stamps? Got bobcats?

It's stamped NY on the bottom. Will snap a pic for you.

Thanks...

We do have bobcats by the way. Not a high concentration of them.

I lied, it's stamped WYO on the bottom....

Probably State of Wyoming Govt. trap. Govt. stamps can be very desirable for collectors. Are the tops of the springs stamped? Some are lightly stamped S.Newhouse etc. I have some stamped U.S. on the top of the jaws and the base(like yours). Great find, it's a keeper!

how did you know that it wasn't set for something?

It's generally not a good idea to take traps that you find, even if they do appear to be in the middle of nowhere. Obviously they didn't get there by themselves. Most people refer to such taking as a trap theif. And just about every trapper has had traps stolen.

From what I can see, this trap has been in the elements a very long time, plus no ID tag. I scarcley doubt a man would be considered a trap thief for picking it up. I found an old trap in a pond one time. It had a name on it and I knew the fellow had not trapped the pond in several years. I took the trap to the old gentleman knowing that he would never use it again and hoping it would bring back fond memories.

not all states require trap tags. if it has been in the elements a long time it is likely not worth much

Guy I know here in WI snapped off another trapper's traps and got an $1800 fine and lost his trapping privileges for 5 years.

For the record guys, the trap was at the bottom of a pile of scrap steel. Not set, and buried at least 3 feet deep in steel. If it was set, it was set probably more than 30 years ago and it had been piled on to with scrap for a LONG time.

looks pretty old. stake and chain look much different than any modern traps. the stale looks like something an old blacksmith would have made. cool find

Plus one. I would love to have found it. I would not sell it, I would display it!

I trusted the "Grunt" from the git-go. Trap collecting is a fun hobby.