S. Newhouse #5 Kenwood Bear Trap

Hello,
I'm new to the forum and hoping for help with a question. I have an S.Newhouse #5 Kenwood bear trap that has a bolt through the cross below the pan on the tapered end (see photo). It appears to be period correct with a square head bolt and nut. I have not come across a photo of any others with this modification. Would anyone out there know it's purpose? Is it a modification or were some of them made that way? Any help would be greatly appreciated. [Linked Image]
Thanks,
livingwell

The bolt is a trapper modification, not factory. I am not sure of the purpose.

Dean

Thanks Dean,
Paul

Might be for a pan tension device, flat stick under pan resting on the bolt, keep the trap from tripping while being set on land. In 50 years a HTT, Woodcock tried to set in springs so he did not have the issue of covering the trap.

Thanks for the reply Henpecked1, makes sense. Could you please enlighten me on HTT meaning?

"50 years a HTT" is a book, "Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper: Experiences and Observations of E. N. Woodcock, the Noted Hunter and Trapper". He just added an extra T, HTT is "Hunter Trader Trapper" magazine.

Couldn't you use the jaw instead of the bolt just as easily for the stick to rest on a pan tension device? A rock could be used just the same under the edge of the pan. I just don't see what that bolt could possibly be doing?.