“Looking for any possible info” sorry for the long winded message.
So I was lucky enough to pick up some amazing deals on traps at an estate sale recently. But besides that part, above the old timers fleshing table he had one solo trap tacked up on the wall for display. Obviously it was of importance. Long story short I was able to purchase it as I never seen a base plate like it drew me to it. Unfortunately it’s missing the pan usually where you find some kind of identification. It appears to be hand forged with hand pounded rivets. Looking to put some kind of identification to it cause it’s driving me crazy. Also among the goodies there was years of Fur Fish and Game and Fur Takers magazines in mint condition every edition I picked up. Among the editions was his subscription card stating in 1973 he’d been trapping for 45 years already. From my research he’d be 111 now a days and so happens to be from just miles away from me. It’s blowing my mind the history I picked up. But then to top it off while watering my garden today the dust bowl out front my chickens started I noticed something metal. And it instantly looked familiar. To me it looks like another base plate to another trap. Unfortunately haven’t found the rest yet. But looking to put a possible date to the trap to learn some history because it’s super intriguing to me. Trap is from Baldwin, Michigan. Thanks in advance

I think what you have there is a 300 yr old trap from the French fur trapping boom. Looks very similar to one I have from Quebec area, makers mark on bottom indicates it was made by a blacksmith named Hedge or something very similar.

Check your baseplate for a makers mark?

Nice Trap- Welcome to the Cool Kids Club