Curious if this is a #114 first model with the #4 springs? Has 4' of chain, attached with a slide/ swivel, on the spring, instead of the base connection, like on later models. Also has anti-pan breaker, smaller jaw posts and nuts. Found it while going through the totes of #114's I had in storage, and I think I had earlier assumed it was a #14, due to the smaller springs, but it definately has jaws more like the size of the #114's. Or is there another model I am unfamiliar with?? Any input, or value assesments? THANKS!!

I think there was a 114 newhouse transition trap with #4 springs that was made. But with the chain attached to the spring the way it is, someone probably just put #4 springs on it. On the transition traps the chain set up was the same as on all other 114's. There are others that would be able to tell you a lot more than me tho.

Seems to me that the hole for the springs would be different sized.

never really thought of that. I know just enough to get me into trouble lol. They do look to have different size jaw posts.

The first model #114 has #4 springs and jaw posts. The chain should be off the base but it may have been changed. It is a desirable trap but condition is a factor in the value. Your trap looks to have a fair bit of wax on it, is the pan readable and in good shape under the wax?

Why is it referred to as a transition?? Wasn't it the first model of #114, that was then improved upon, and beefed up? This particular trap has the same jaw dimensions as a #114, but the jaws seem to me to be a bit lighter than later models? Also the base seems lighter/ thinner stock, similar to a #4,#14, or #48. I suppose in theory, it could be that someone put a jaw set from a first model #114 on a #4 base and springs? It appears to me the first model has lighter/ thinner jaws, so as to fit the #4 jaw posts. The later model #114's have much heavier posts. The 4' chain is also interesting, as all my #48' have 5', and my #4's all came with shorter than 4' lengths. I've had the trap for at least 20 years. It certainly appears like all original parts, but being of 1930's era, I guess it's possible it's been changed around?? Jaws, jaw posts and jaw pins all look correct, as they would have to be, to fit the #4 spring eyes. I can see some letters around the perimeter of the pan, but yes, it has been waxed, so can't tell how well the pan would read, if cleaned.

Upon further investigation, the jaws, posts, and base all must be original, due to the length of the cross necessitated for, due to the higher jaws of the #114. Note in the photos, the cross arm that holds the dog, is about 1/2" longer than a #4 or #48, so it has to be original to the #114 jaws. I also noticed the point arm of the cross is much shorter than the later #114's, similar to the one in cascade's post, but mine appears to have lighter jaws, posts, and base than his?? I'm thinking this is maybe the very earliest phase of the #114? The swivel/ slide/ chain all appear un-tampered, and original. Not as if it was a cut down #48 chain, as the ring is intact, and the swivel doesn't look like it's ever been opened and reclosed. The swivel and slide on the trap in question, appear identical to #48's of the same vintage. Here are a few more photos. I guess my only question now is whether the chain/ slide/ swivel is original, as it doesn't seem to be a cobbled together trap. I'm personally of the opinion it appears all original to me. Has no one ever seen an early #114 set up with this type of chain?? I'm theorizing here, but is it possible this was the original prototype, and when the heavier base was added, like in cascades photo, they went to the base plate connection?? I also noticed cascades early #114 doesn't have the anti-pan breaker, like mine does??



from the bottom to top: newer #4, older #48, trap in question, newer #114




trap on the left is a #48, trap on right is the (#114) trap in question, notice the longer cross arm the dog attaches to, on the #114, showing it can't be a #4 or #48 base.

This is the first model #114. The first model #114 has #4 springs and jaw posts and the pan reads "S. Newhouse-Animal Trap Co., Lititz, PA". Some people mistakenly call this a transition trap because there is a second model #114 with a "S. Newhouse-Oneida Community, N.Y." pan. They assume that the O.C. pan trap is older which would make the #4 spring trap a transition between the O.C. trap and the latter "Oneida Newhouse-Animal Trap Company, Lititz, PA" trap. The 4 foot chain is likely from a #3 1/2 Newhouse.

There are 4 models.

1-#4 springs and jaw posts, pan- "S. Newhouse-Animal Trap Co., Lititz, PA"
2-#4 1/2 springs and jaw posts, pan- "S. Newhouse-Oneida Community, N.Y."
3-#4 1/2 springs and jaw posts, pan- "Oneida Newhouse-Animal Trap Co., Lititz, PA"
4-#4 1/2 springs and jaw posts, pan-raised letter-"Oneida Newhouse-Animal Trap Co., Lititz, PA"

This trap has 2 more chain links than my #3 1/2's do. Anyone else care to count chain links on there #3 1/2's? THANKS for all the input thus far.....

My #3 1/2's with long chains. Early models have short chains.

large pan, no pat date-30 links
'02 pat. date, cast jaw post-31 links
'02 pat. date. split jaw post-31 links
"pat." pan, cast post-31 links
Canadian-31 links

Well, a bit of an update...
Upon cleaning the trap up some, and close examination, I think snakecollector is correct. It has 31 links in the chain, and the spring the chain/slide/swivel is on appear to have less use (and no minor pitting like the original spring does) making me suspect a #3 1/2 spring and chain was used to replace one of the original #4 springs. The pan isn't very readable, which was kind of surprising, as it doesn't seem to have rusted all that much. It must have had a weak stamp. Pretty much just make out TRAP CO, some of LITITZ, and decent on the PA. Most of the rest isn't really visible. Thanks for all the info, from those who provided it! Anyone have any idea of how many of these first model #114's were made?? Also were some made with, and some without the anti- pan breaker?? Or is cascades just missing his, or maybe mine was added??