At the FTA this year my son bought me a duke bear trap. He wanted to thank me for always supporting him and being there for him. I always wanted one to sit by the fireplace and he knew I wouldn't ever buy one for myself. But my question is what should I do to it to protect it so it doesn't rust up and I also want the oil off of it because I might set it on a couple beaver hides.

I'm no expert on collectible or wall hanger traps but I think seasoning it the same as you would a cast iron or carbon steel pan should do it. Strip it to bare metal heat in oven then wipe on the thinnest possible coat of high smoke point oil, flaxseed (edible version of pure linseed) would be perfect for this but grapeseed would work just as good. Heat to the smoke point, 425-450° but don't go above 500°, for an hour and then let return to room temp slowly in the oven. Repeat at least three times to build up and darken the coating. The trick to a smooth even non sticky coating is several thin coats vs one heavy one.

The heat should not effect spring temper as long as you stay below 500°.

Actually flax has a much lower smoke point than the grapeseed that I use, 225° and 425° respectively so you could use even lower temps to season with less worry about the springs.

I’m not saying warrior is wrong but you maybe should get some other opinions before proceeding. Try asking this question on the Trap collectors forum. That’s where snakecollector and the other experts hang out.

I was always told that “old traps” should have a patina (sort of a light rust). Your trap isn’t old but a nice patina would make it look a bit more authentic, if that is what you are going for.

That's why I make no claim to what's best for that trap. I know that it's not "collectible" as an antique but it does have considerable value as a unique trap in this day and age.

If patina is wanted then I would go for the classic light rust then dye and wax with a focus on getting it dark as possible with as thin and hard a wax as possible.

As a display
I would go with a heavier rust, then either dipped in a ;logwood,walnut or other dark tannic acid stain then dipped in ZEP ( Home depot flooring sealant)

Why don't you call Bill Duke.

Several different ways to do it, I would first take it to a self serve car wash and take and wash it good to remove the oil after it dries I would find a container big enough to hold it such as an old cooler or one of those totes for storage then place it inside and place a jelly jar half full of muratic acid, close everything up, if your using the tote run a strip of duct tape around the lid to seal it and wait for a week or so, when you open it up it will have a nice even coat of rust on it,

After rusting put it in a pot and boil it and that light coat will come off leaving a nice rich blue black coating you can now dye and wax it or just wax it if you want

Or if you just want something quick and easy after it drys from the car wash just spray paint it with flat black rustoliem paint and your good to go

WD40, rag, air compressor, hot day, repeat as needed.
For you rust lovers, I have a used car for sale.
Pre-rusted saves you time.

I bought a #15 from Bill Duke back 26 years ago. I hauled it to Maine and used it to trap a bear. My All Purpose Boy also trapped a bear with it a couple years later. All I did to mine to prep it was bury it in the back yard for a bit. Seems I washed it with dish soap to get the oil off first if memory serves me. It looked vintage after a short while in the elements without oil. I also, later, filed a couple notches on one of the springs.....one for each bear trapped with it. I'm saddened that neither of the All Purpose Grandboys will be able to trap bear with it now that Maine banned the use of all except foot snares or culvert type live traps. I don't know if my 3rd Great Grandad was a bear trapper over in Canada, but his one son, my Gr. Gr. Grandad was, as was my Grandad. Good luck, Sigpros!

That was always my bucket list thing was to trap a bear. It would be an awesome experience and a life long memory for sure. I am glad you and your son at least got to experience it


And thank you guys for the replies