I just found a twin to Bob1454's trap. Spring is extremely strong, and lightly stamped. It also has the original chain which has a little wire/spring clip and the spike on the loop. The chain is attached to the trap with cast fittings. The pan is the same as bob454's, but I can read a date of "Oct. 10" under the "No. 11/2". The pan looks cast to me with the letters indented.
Will the original chain increase the value by much?
Along with the above I got another one in pretty much the same condition, with original chain. The pan looks like sheet metal with what looks like a hammered rivet holding it to the latch. I can barely make out the "S. Newhouse". It also has the original chain, has the spike on the loop, but lacks the wire/spring clip. There is stamping on the very strong spring, but again, very light. I am not even sure what I should be looking for on the spring.
I cleaned both of them with WD40 and a toothbrush. Been tempted to go at the pans with 0000 steel wool and WD40 but have not unless you folks tell me it's okay.
I bought these for resale so I'd really appreciate a ballpark value on them. If they aren't worth much, or they don't sell, it's not going to break my heart or the bank if I wind up keeping them. If I could post pictures I would...
Thanks!
Moosetrot