Not a expert , but been collecting for lots of years . Wondering time period of flat fiq 8 forged chain ? Also forged wedge loop time . Was also wondering when the 48 started , seen quite a few pat date but have one that is before pat and just has ny on bottom line of spring stamps .

Good looking stuff, maybe ol Peter wright invented the cast ring with the wedge built in,is there a patent date on it?

Both the fiqure 8 and wedge -ring are on a couple of 0's that are small pan , tall letter traps so I would guess earlier than patent .5

The Cast Eight Chain started to be used in 1872 and lasted until around 1882, then the cut link chain was used up until 1937. The 48 was made from 1910 to 1976.

Good info, I would like to add; after the introduction of cut link chain in 1882, traps could still be ordered with the cast chain. I am not sure how long that lasted but makes it a little more difficult to date a trap by just the chain...

Yes, the cut link American chain was first put on Oneida Community traps in 1882 but it did not replace the cast figure 8 chain for a long time. I have several traps that have cast figure 8 chain, factory original, that date as late as 1890. The #3 and #4 Newhouse clutch traps (#23 and #24) were patented in 1886 and first came out with cast 8 chain. The Victor traps were first made in 1886, a few of them have cast 8 chain. I have a first model The Sure Grip #4 with 1889 and 1890 patent dates on the pan and it has a very unique, cast 8 chain on a Kenwood swivel that was patented in 1890.

The cast ring , wedge combination was patented in 1887 and was made in three sizes, #0, #1 and #1 1/2.

Thanks Dean