Newhouse Oneida #41/2 Vintage Double Longspring

Been a lurker for awhile now. Thought I would post about this trap, my Mom has had at her house for a long time. My grandpa was a serious trapper who learned to trap from his government trapper friend . I think this trap was passed down from the government trapper to my grandpa and then to my Mom. I was alays told this trap was a bear trap, but looking at it closer I guess it's a wolf trap? I think it would be big enough for a black bear, but who knows? Any incites or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone on her for the wealth of knowledge.

That's a beautiful looking trap, hang on to it. I don't believe Newhouse advertised it as a bear trap though you could probably hold one in it with no problem. Looking at the traps below show the Newhouse trap sizes. You'll see the 4 1/2 follows immediately after the 50 which I believe was the smallest bear trap they made. The size isn't that far off with the 4 1/2.

Did the 48 come later?

Thank you very much Posco. Any idea on what something like this is worth?

114?

The photo Posco showed was used in a magazine ad by Oneida Community in Nov. 1906. The first Oneida Community catalog that the #48 was listed in is 1910. I have several #48's that are older than that but they have a #4 small pan and are not marked #48. The #114, even though some have Oneida Community marked pans, were not made until 1937. Oneida Community never advertised a #114 and Animal Trap Comp. of America, who bought out O.C. in 1925 did not advertise the #114 until their 1937 catalog. The #44 did not come out until around 1917. Although, the 1914 "Newhouse Trapper's Guide" shows a #4 with the chain off of the base.

Hope this helps, Dean

Snake collector, what era (year) do you think this trap is from?

I wouldn't be surprised if it went for $400 or $500, maybe more.

Flyman, My best estimate for your trap would be between 1900 and 1914. Your trap is in nice condition but like a lot of #4 1/2 Newhouse, it is missing the chain and drag. The complete chain with the drag and snap can be worth as much or more than the trap. Value is different for different people but I would put your trap, as is around $300 + or -, depending on the spring stamps.

Hi Flyman. I have a Hawbaker catalog that shows a black bear tangled up in a smallish tree with a 4 1/2 on its foot. While it was designed for wolves, They will hold a bear. I think a lot of the old timers used them for beavers. That may be why the factory chain and drag are missing.

Thanks Snakecollector...good info

Watching stuff that I view as grossly overpriced still seems to be selling on eBay and other auction houses. The serious collector might be being outbid by people with excess cash in their wallets.

Spring is stamped "S. Newhouse Oneida Community". I'll get picture posted later. This is great, my mom has always wondered about this trap and finds this information fascinating. Thanks for the info everybody.

There is one on ebay right now with the same pan yours displays and the asking price is $450. It's missing a spring and the chain, if original, has been detached and reconnected with tie wire. Has an old trappers tag on it which will add to the value.

What they ask and what they get may not be the same thing but then again, it might. A lot of people have it on their "watch" list so it's generating some interest.

Here's one that is "As Found". Butchered chain makes it pretty obvious it was used for beaver.


Snakecollector is right on about the chains. Most of them I come across have had the original chain setups altered. Easier to find the trap than the correct chain & drag parts.

I'm not a water trapper but why would you want such a large trap for a beaver?

Back foot catch and would drown very fast with the weight of a 4 1/2.

Lot of beaver trappers took off one spring also when using for beaver,,,they did the same with the 114's

I would think that size of a trap would sever a beavers leg?

Not with proper drowning set up, no damage at all. I was told they even used the 50 Newhouse for beaver minus one spring and teeth cut after Canada outlawed traps with teeth in late ‘60s

1911 was an important year in the Communities trap line up. The #31 & 1/2 and the #21 & 1/2 had been discontinued a few years earlier. The #21 & 1/2 was brought back into the line in 1911 as well as the #44, #48, and #81 & 1/2 was introduced that year. Dale, your #4 & 1/2 OC is an early one as it still has the Kenwood base swivel.

Your thinking is not accurate