Mole Trap?

The pan reads Triple J No 2. The trap is 6.75” long with a jaw spread of 7” and the pan is 4”x3”. There is more text on the pan but the rust is preventing me from reading it, is there something I can used to remove rust without causing damage? I did search online but wasn’t successful at finding any similar. Any details would be much appreciated.

Triple J Traps Inc, 1977-1980 made in Erskine MN. Came in sizes #1.5, #2 and a #2X. The #2X looks to be a rare trap. Both Andreski /Parr & Gerstell mention them in their books but not a lot of info beyond that or photos. Lot of varying opinions on cleaning but you should at least keep the wire brushes and bead blasters away from it. Maybe a WD40 soak and some fine steel wool or a toothbrush to clean it up a little IMO.

Thank you for the info.

WD 40 and an old toothbrush are a he best way to clean up a rusty pan. Some pan stampings are so light (B&L for instance) that no amount of cleaning will make the pan 100% readable.

Weren't these traps used like a trail trap? Muskrat, mink maybe. Something like the Cooper traps?.?

Im not 100% but I think the made a single jaw for pocket sets and 2 jaws for trail sets. Maybe Im thinking of something else? Sure doesn't look easy to set.

A year or so ago (maybe longer) there was an article in FFG about this trap. Written by Tom Parr for his trap collecting column.

That article probably answers a lot of questions, if you can find a copy..

Thank you all for the information about the trap and cleaning instructions.