I got a little history when I bought the trap. No info about the bullet hole though.
I think I could repair that hole so you would never know it happened.... Or I could just leave it for conversation.
What would you do?... Dale

I would leave it the way it is. Kinda a neat "feature". Would be even neater if you knew the story behind the bullet hole.

Lots of folks have a # 5 Newhouse trap. Not every one has one like this one.

Dale, you could say that you had just picked up the trap and when you got home and as you were going in, some robber said give me that # 5 Newhouse or I'll shoot and you said no way and you blocked the shot with the trap...lol

At one time I had another old bear trap that had been struck by a bullet. Makes me wonder if trapping bears gets a little dicey at times.

This one got hit on the other end of the cross....Apparently not as high powered of a bullet

I would leave it also.

Here's another one that I have. The bullet did not go all way through the pan, just mushroomed the top of the pan. Its a shame it happens to be on this #5.

You just send that one to me Bruce. I could fix it right up, But it may take a LONG time...

Maybe happened during dispatch?

Those are cool Dale. I think I would leave them.

Don't figure a bear trapper runs a catch pole......

I've had bullet dented traps it's a real part of the history of the trap. When metal is permeated straight through it doesn't look as nice though.
I've seen your work Dale, Iam sure you could make that as good as almost new.

A more likely story would be that his bride took a shot at him for dragging home more traps!