I have two Newhouse 3 1/2 stamped over 4 traps. The traps are nearly identical except one has a stamped spring and the other does not. Neither of them appear to have ever been taken apart or messed with in any way.

Does anybody know the history behind the 3 1/2 stamped over 4 traps? Thank you!

Surprised nobody has commented on this yet...
I could be wrong but didn't the 3 1/2 start out with a #4 pan, Then before the actual 3 1/2 pan they just stamped 3 1/2 over the 4 for a while..

Dale,
No, the first #3 1/2 had a #3 1/2, lip edge pan like the riveted tooth #2 1/2 has. That lip edged #3 1/2 pan was actually stamped #2 1/2 and the 2 was over stamped with a 3. It is not a #2 1/2 size pan though, the pan shank would be too short. I believe that the # 4 pans were just a substitute pan when they needed to fill orders. The #3 1/2 over 4 is an early trap but again they were just using a #4 pan and substituting it when it was needed. It must have been too much trouble to over stamp them because the #4 pan 3 1/2's are latter traps.

I will post some photos soon when I get time.

Here is the first model #3 1/2 Newhouse, lip edge pan that is stamped with a 2 1/2 and then the 2 is over stamped with the 3. This is not a #2 1/2 pan as the pan shank is longer, strait teeth and short chain.





Here is the #3 1/2 over 4 pan, second model, small pan, strait teeth and short chain. Small pans, strait teeth and short chains are earlier than large pans, bullet teeth and long chains.


Here is an earlier version with square corners on the pan slots rather than the rounded corners.



Here is a #4 small pan #3 1/2. These seam to be of different ages, most have a small pan but I have seen a Canadian trap with a large pan. And, most have strait teeth and a short chain.



Here is a #4 pan 3 1/2 with an arched Kenwood, N.Y. spring stamp. It has a small pan, bullet teeth and a short chain.




Here is another small pan 4, 3 1/2, with an Oneida Community spring stamp, bullet teeth and a short chain.



Just for comparison, here is a #3 1/2 large pan, no patent date Newhouse trap, bullet teeth and long chain.




There are many more models and variations but this covers most of the early #3 1/2 Newhouse and the #4 and 3 1/2 over 4 pans.

Great Post Dean, You beat me to the punch, and yes there are many more, especially if you get into the Canadians.

A LOT of great info on 3 1/2s!!!
If I was more puter literate, I would print that and add it to my "Steel Traps in North America" book.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge Dean....

Dean, thank you for great post and pictures.

“Control P” will print it for you Dale.

WOW! Learned somthin new today! Used up a pile of paper but I got er dun!!!!
Now if I could figure out how to print these instructions, I would be ready for the next time