Buddy of mine sent me these pics.....I looked up as much info as I could on the Texas Trap/Alamo's....while they mention the foundry stampings, they do NOT mention anything about a stamping shaped like the State of Texas. No foundry stamps/numbers that start with A, only stamps are shown, Property of US on bottom, US on jaws, and then the cute little State of Texas.

Any input would be appreciated!







Zagman

Texas Specials?

That's the question! Not sure.....

MZ

This is probably not a full answer for you but does have some information.

http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthrea...ol_#Post5214742

I see in the new Tom Parr book that the stamp I thought was the State of Texas......isn't!

Hmmmm......

MZ

What are you thinking....not Tx.....western states?

No, the foundry stamp on the jaw that "looks" like the state of Texas isn't Texas at all....it's a foundry stamp that is a "cross"....

Tom's book says, and I am paraphrasing somewhat: "Some over-zealous collectors think the "cross" mark is actually the State of Texas.....or something along those lines....

Ironic, still, that the "Texas Special" has a stamp on it that looks like Texas, but isn't Texas at all........

You know, I don't answer every "how to make a dirthole" post on here, so I guess I see why none of the Newhouse collectors or experts chimed it to straighten me out on my original post!!! Still, I wish someone would have typed: That IS a Texas Special and NOT an Alamo Trap, or the converse of that....

MZ

Thanks trap looks cherry...nice addition to the collection....Happy New Year!

To the original poster
I've seen that foundry mark on other traps than #4
Definitely a foundry mark IMO
Quite often there is further numbers cast into the jaws A233 or something similar to that shows up in atc traps.
I use to work in a foundry and some of those numbers can mean who made it, what day it was made and the mold or casting number.
A233 could be a mould number for number four Newhouse jaws.

If you collect enough SNOC traps sooner or later you will find numbers also stamped inside of springs on pat dat traps even ones with bears on them will quite often have a number inside of the spring.

I'm not sure if it is common or not, but I have a #114 ATC with those marks and some numbers in the jaws.

Houts

Me too

Anyone know if these foundry markings add or take away from the value? Is it something I should keep my eye on when picking up traps?

Thanks,
Houts

I wrote those sections published in Tom Parr's book. I have researched Gov't traps for 27 yrs and am about to finish a book on such.
Because there is so much confusion on the subject lately (especially Ebay), I will do another article for "Traps" mag explaining differences.

Dan VS

that's good to know.....let us know when the book is done!

MZ