I found this yesterday on my ranch in northeast Montana. On the pan I can make out the words “Newhouse”, “community”, and “No. 4” (I think). There’s more words around the pan but the corrosion is too extensive to read. There’s also scribing on the spring but I cannot make out any definite letters. What is the time period, and what animal(s) was this trap likely intended for? I’d appreciate any insight at all. Thank you.

Welcome to Trapperman. You didn't win the lottery and it is missing a spring but the fine gents on the trap collectors page will be able to answer any and all of your questions.

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/29/1/trap-collector-forum

Thank you for the warm welcome, I’m happy to be here. And thanks for the redirection, I’ll try there.

I think it's a #4 and if it was complete it would look similar to this one... maybe a value of $30-40, not a rare one.

If there is scribing on the spring try laying a thin sheet of paper over it and rubbing paper with a pencil, it may bring the lettering out enough to read.

cool old trap, like said about 30-40, dollar's value

On the spring it probably says, Property of the US Government.