Hi All.. I am not a trapper, but my grandfather was for sure. I love the trapper stories and photos in the forums. It's nice to see such an old tradition carrying on like this.
While cleaning out my grandfather's shop attic we came across some OLD bear traps, still in great condition. I know it's not legal to "use" them, but is it ok to sell them for display & collection. One is for sure a ONEIDA NEWHOUSE #5. I think the other may be as well. I thought maybe some of you who are more familiar with these traps may be interested or know more about them.

Any suggestions on the values and how to go about selling them?

Your traps are Newhouse, made by Animal Trap Company of America. These were made between about 1930 and 1960 when the #5 Newhouse was discontinued. The one is a #5 and the other one that you did not show a photo of the pan , looks to be a #15. The #15 Newhouse is the same as the #5 but has an offset or gap in the jaws. Your #15, the offset has been welded over. The #5 is worth around $800 and the #15, a bit less because of the modification.

Thank you so much Snakecollector. I appreciate the info. You sound like a wealth of knowledge about traps. It is so neat that you can tell what it is by looking at them like that. I guess that's much like a car collector would be with vintage cars too. There is one more smaller trap too. I think my mom may keep that one to mount in the Den, but I will get a pic of it so it can at least be identified. It's in really good shape and should be about the same age. I noticed that weld that my grandfather must have done on that trap. I figured something broke it, but it sounds like it was just a modification of some sort most likely, huh?
Any suggestions of a place/way to sell these? I am in Florida.
THANKS AGAIN for the help and info.
Rob

Im guessing whenever/wherever teeth became outlawed he had to do something with to keep it legal.

Aaaaah, so that is why they all seem to have a flat jaw nowadays.. I didnt know teeth were outlawed. that makes sense.

I confirmed, there are 4 of them. I didn't see the 4th the other day. I will get better pics asap.

Interested in seeing those in some better lighting.

Here are better pics - TRAP 1

Here is TRAP 2

Here is TRAP 3 (Modified)

Here is TRAP 4 -- My mom is keeping this one for Sentimental value (they were her Dad's)

I see my theory is wrong, it still has teeth with the jaws flled up with weld.

Yeah, I saw that too. I was surprised when I flipped it over and saw the teeth under the welded area. Would that have made it "legal" still maybe?

Nice find

Take a close look at the tops of the springs for any markings. If you find dancing bears you’re going to be happier. Just don’t use any steel wool or abrasive materials to try and “clean” or the traps.

Thanks for the tip Muskeg. I looked around all the springs, but don't see any dancing bears.

Trap #2, shown here, is the only one left now. Let me know if anyone is interested in it.

those are so cool