I just scored a neat little #1 hand forged trap. It originated in NY.

I do not think the trap is a Hart but I do believe the spring is.

I have seen a number of New England blacksmith made traps that you identify as a Hart at first glance because of the narrow eye spring.

My thoughts are that Chauncy could have been selling his springs to smaller trap manufacturers.

I welcome any input on this subject. It would have taken a highly skilled blacksmith to copy a Hart spring.

Any information or your thoughts are welcome.

Pete, I agree that the spring does have Hart characteristics, I am just curios why you don't think that the trap is a Hart? I am not saying that it is or is not, it can be difficult to tell from photos. Also, not all Hart traps were marked on the bottom of the base. Could I see more photos, like the jaw post and the underside of the pan? Some of the small details can help in identifying the maker.
Here is a typical #1 Hart jaw post.


There can be multiple variations, These are aii Hart cast pans, the underside.



Some Hart cast pans have "C.HART & SON" and the size # cast into the underside of the pan. It is genraly not readable.

Thanks for the info Dean. I will add more pics tomorrow.

Here is a picture showing the casting marks on my traps jaws. Because the marks were not on the outside above the spring I decided the hand forged trap I got was not 100% Hart.
Has anyone else seen the inside center casting marks like this on a Hart?

Here is a known Hart with the casting marks that match my other Harts.

Here are some side by side pictures. The known Hart has a pointed cross and swivel.
The jaws on the HF are not as tall. There is an 1/8" difference when you measure them.
I originally thought that the pan was not a Hart pan. But Deans pictures show a pan that does match mine closely.

You can see that the spring does not expand as much on the HF trap compared to the Hart.


The 2 traps are so similar that maybe the unstamped trap does belong in the Hart collection. I realize that there are many variations in the time line progression.

More pictures. My picture quality is not as good as it could be.