Newhouse traps and ...lock washers....did ALL Newhouse traps leave the factory with lock washers in place, just some? Or was there a year/time when they stopped using them? And are there advantages to using them?

Good question, I've wondered too, I have some with and without!

The only size Newhouse traps that I know that had lock washers, were the 3's, 4's, 14's and 48's ATC Newhouse models after 1925. IMO

Anyone else? Is this a good way to check to see if the trap was monkeyed with...lock washers missing?

Based on my personal experience handling many hundreds of Newhouse traps, I do not recall any Oneida Community traps that had washers and that is essentially the same information trapper48 gave above. Traps of 0 through 2 sizes did not have lock washers under the post nuts and I do not recall that traps larger than 4 size had lock washers either.

Just my opinion, And I don't have any proof to back it up... I think the early ATCs didn't come with lock washers. Maybe that started when ATC came out with the dirt space in the jaws, or the spot welded cross.

Here is a #3 that is the exception.

Dale,

That trap with the O.C. pan was made by ATC. It was a transition between the ATC stamped pans and the raised letter pans because of a broken pan stamp die. It does have a spot welded cross.

You are correct that the early ATC traps did not have the lock washers, I an not sure of the actual start date for washers but I think you are close that they came our shortly after the welded cross.

DARN! You posted that too quick snakecollector. I thought I had a chance (SLIM chance) to stump old cohunt...

Thanks again guys! Man you guys ARE GOOD!

MChewk: Your question drew informed responses from trapper48, DiggerDale, and snakecollector, three of America's advanced trap collectors. Sometimes one just lays a good scent trail and then observes what follows.

Cohunt, I couldn't agree more... these guys know their business.... Oooops I mean their hobby.

Jim, Your spelling was way off... But I fixed it for you!