My son and I found this trap at an antique show last year (he's getting close to the age I was when my Dad got me started trapping), I took a few pics of the trap and I remember I was surprised by the price tag (I think $900!). Anyway, I've been interested to learn more about trap collecting and we are going back to the same antique show again this weekend. The dealer is usually there w at least one trap and so I wanted to be a little more prepared. From what I've been able to learn so far, this is the latest version of the Newhouse #15 (made 1925-1976).

What else can you guys tell a beginner like myself about this trap? How can I tell if it was made closer to 1925 or 1976? (I didn't know to look for Newhouse stamped on the springs, but will this year.) Any idea of approximate value? ( I assume that the dealer will give at least 10% On the price). What else do I need to have on my check list to inspect on a trap before I buy to minimize the chance of buying a fake or less desirable trap? Any other advice?

Thanks in advance! I've really enjoyed reading the topics here and appreciate all the info on this site!

L46

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't a way to narrow down the date of manufacture. Animal Trap Company made Newhouse bear traps from 1925-1976. And the molds were the same throughout those 50 years.

Since it is a newer model, there should not be stamping on the springs. Spring stampings were on the older trap - Oneida Community and Kenwood.

I suppose there is a slight chance the springs could be stamped if the trap was made during the transition from OC to ATCo.

In my opinion, the trap is not worth $900.00. Probably closer to $700.00. But if you want a genuine Newhouse bear trap, that appears to be in very good condition and you could consider the $900.00 to be a long term investment.

When looking at traps at antique shows, don't overlook the small traps. That is where the sleepers are. Every body notices bear traps. Not everyone notices the little guys - rare # 0 and small Newhouse with bears.

Sort of like a treasure hunt. Have fun.

As you progress towards the later years on the ATC models you will also start finding Hex nuts rather than the square nuts that were on the earlier models. No spring stamps on the ATC's. Personally I do not fool with the ATC's. Too much thrown together remanufactured parts on them. Just don't get bit when you see a good buy on a #6 ATC and buy it only to find out it is a #41AX Herters with a #6 ATC pan on it. There are a lot of those floating around. Buyer beware and if you do not know, "ASK" before you open your wallet.

Bruce, There is an ATC #6 on EBay right now that is fake.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272098020846?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The first thing I noticed was the chain did not look right but then I could see that those are not Newhouse jaws either. There are getting to be a lot of fakes out there, any were there is money there are dishonest people. If you don't know what you are buying, ask for some help or information.

In the "real world" that trap is worth $1250 or so to a retail buyer. In the realm where most collectors dwell that trap should bring 750-900. Before you haul off and buy your first bear trap I would suggest that you do a bit more studying. The factors to consider when buying a NH Bear Trap Include but ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Condition, Condition, Condition (yes I stated that three times on purpose), Spring/Pan Markings (Slick Pan/Community/OC/Kenwood/ATC), Trap variants (limited editions, bears on springs, canadian marked traps, rome marked traps), Sizes (50,150,250,350,15,5,6). If you are unwilling to devote the time to make sure you don't get burned on a trap I would advise against buying a Newhouse, there are many modern made bear traps that would look decent on your wall that would not cost you an arm and a leg. Just my two cents on the issue. Andreski and Parr's "The Trap Collectors Guide", ISBN:978-0-9849493-1-1 would be a great first step to help you become familiar with trap variations.

Best Regards,
William

Thanks for everyone's input here, very helpful for a beginner like myself. I've ordered a copy of Andreski & Parr's book and also have been reviewing Gerstell's book too. I'm interested to keep learning more before I make a purchase.

Today I saw a Kenwood #15 for sale, it looked like it might have been painted (is that typical? I'm assuming that hurts the value but how much?) the chain didn't appear to have the same finish. No engraving on the springs or any other marks that I could find on the trap. Any feedback you guys could give me on this one would great. Thanks.

Super nice pan L46. The jaws are right with the flat outer face jaws. Measure the base plate to see if it is 1 & 3/4 or 2 inch as if it is two inch the spring stamps may be light as more than likely it will have arched Kenwood stamped springs. Looks like a nice trap. Check to see if there is a "ROME" or two anywhere on the base plate, dog, or jaws. Paint is easy to remove if you do it right. If you do it wrong, you will ruin the value of the trap.

On a side note traps were usually painted for a reason, more often then not to hide damage. Just a heads up, look for areas of possible concealed damage.

What would you estimate the price on this Kenwood, given the condition? Thanks