BEAR TRAPS what would you pick

Any trap collectors still active? I have a chance to get one of three bear traps, all old. I can only get one and I really don't know if one is a better investment than the other. There is an Oneida Newhouse #15 with teeth can't make out any stamping on springs. Chain is there and looks original. The other is a Newhouse #5 NY (not community). Both springs stamped looks all original with the chain. Third is a Mackenzie #15. Teeth and chain. Can't see stampings on springs. A little rusty but looks all original. If you were to get one only, any insight on which one to take?

I'm not a collector but I know these have value. I would just like to get one to add to my old wolf traps and would like to get what would be the best choice. They all look cool and are all about the same size. But which one?

I'd get the one the best condition. My 2 cents

LOL. The first two are in really good shape. Makes it very hard. The #15 has a curious history and some US Govt stamps underneath. Not sure if that adds value or takes away. Thank you for those cents.

Is the #15 (Animal Trap Company) ? Is so it would not have spring stamps. I assume the #5 is Oneida Community NY. You do not want the Mackenzie #15.
It really depends on the history and US marks on the #15. The #5 is older .

Yes, the #15 is an ATC trap. The #5 just has s Newhouse Kenwood NY. Both springs are stamped and it has "rome" underneath. Some pitting but not too bad. I have not been able to determine if either has weak springs. I know now about the Mackenzie which I was unaware of until joining here. I am grateful for that.

I have a 15 NewHouse with a #5 pan. it was made that way . it is a good one offset with teeth Father used it in Canada

What's up with the Mackenzie, I've never heard of one, thanks

All things being equal I would go for the Kenwood. The Mackenzies are nice if you want a well made cheaper bear trap.

I have a Newhouse # 5 and I’m happy with that ..
I wanted a Newhouse # 6 , but that was not in my budget :-)
I have mine displayed under my full size mounted black bear .
The bear is holding his rear leg up , and the trap is sprung under his foot ..
I put black hairs in the trap jaws ..

I’d go with the 5 just because it’s older as long as the springs are strong. The 15’s are cool because you can see the teeth while the trap is closed. I have one of each.

Pictures always help but from your description, the Kenwood 5 will be the more desirable trap and have the most value, especially with the ROME markings -providing it is complete with original parts IMO.

The Mackenzie is a reproduction made by Jim River Supplies out of SD. Less than 60 years old. Worth about $400.00. It is a nicely done reproduction but why not go for an actual Newhouse, if you can afford it.

Either of the Newhouse traps. Skip the McKenzie.

Sleepy Creek bear trap coil spring if you can find one.

I would have said the number 5 all things being equal but the govt stampings might wing it in favor of the 15.

That said buy them both