Walker
Patent Mouse / Rat Trap The Walker Mouse
Trap is one of the most desirable and sought after of all cast iron mouse traps
that was offered for sale and patented in the United States. It has a
unique style and look, and is a very difficult trap to find. This example
is missing the mirror which would be inside the
igloo shaped body of the trap. The idea being that the mouse / rat, on his way
by, would see his reflection, become curious, and take a better look inside to
see who that was inside that was staring out at him. If he was dumb
enough to go there, he would probably also take the bait hanging inside, and
WHAP!! the double pronged spear would drop down finishing off the little
critter. This one seems to have been lost and forgotten over the years in
a not ideal storage place as there is considerable rust and pitting to the
body. The patent info on the back side is still readable and there are no
breaks in the casting, but it is rusted. The prongs are original and
rusted as well. The brass spring on the spear has deteriorated and is in
several pieces, making the operation somewhat sluggish.
SOLD!!
Evan's
Patent 1877 Fish / Mouse Traps These
early fish traps were originally offered for sale by the Eagle Claw Co. the
famous fish hook Co. and are commonly referred to by that name. They are
becoming very difficult to find, but presented here are both of the smaller
sizes that are available. First is the smallest version offered, and it
measures in at just 3 inches without the ring. It is in superb condition and
everything operates as it should. It is marked "Pat Apl 17-77". It also says
"G. W. Evans and Son Frankfort, PA". The larger trap measures just about 4
inches without the ring and it is marked the same way. The trip wire on this
trap may have been replaced as it is a different material than the wire on the
small one. There is also some visible solder at the joint where the arms
attach, but everything is tight and operates as it should, although it is very
sensitive and somewhat harder to set.
BOTH
SOLD
1842
Patent Model of Rat Trap Ebenezer Oliver of
Philadelphia, PA pulled a patent for this trap on Oct. 22nd 1842. His patent
model is a prime example of why collecting these interesting pieces of
Americana is so much fun, and such an enlightening look back into the way it
was. Ever since man first thought of trapping or ridding himself of pesky
varmints like mice or rats the race has been on to develop or invent the
"better mousetrap". This fellow's novel idea, while admittedly borrowing upon
an already known cage like affair, went a few steps further, and was way ahead
of his time and probably an inspiration to the Rube Goldberg's of a different
era. Ebenezer's idea allowed for several different initial access points, and
then through a series of spring loaded and revolving one way doors, the poor
creature, who was just looking for a bite to eat, was literally pushed into and
through the one-way door and thus captured alive in the central area. His
momentum of falling through the trap door actually re-set the trap so it was
ready for use on one of his relatives who was following close behind. The
patent papers describe in detail the events and scenario leading up to the
capture, but in the end you are left to deal with a cage full of trapped rats
to dispose of as you deem fit. Perhaps he was against the death penalty, even
for rats.
SOLD
Special Note: We have more patent models / salesman samples, traps and
related antiques for sale on our sister site
www.patented-antiques.com.
Please take a look if interested.
Note: To see more sales results we have had over the years visit
the Past Sales Archives on our sister site
www.Patented-Antiques.com
BACK