This is just a sample of the many
antiques & collectible animal traps we have sold.
Click link to see other
Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Vintage & Antique Traps
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website.
Prices seen
span a long time and may not reflect current values. Some are selling
for more, many now sell for less.
On other pieces you will see no price, or a price range,
with or without an explanation. The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
Primitive Wooden Base Rat Trap
This thing would get the job done. Not sure if it is manufactured,
cobbled together, or what. It is big enough, strong enough, and
mean enough to take out the cat or small dog as collateral damage. Nice!
Good . . . . . . $35.00 SOLD!!
U
- Neek Mouse Trap
The glass jar
of this antique mouse trap is marked Otto Kamphe Mfg. Co. Newark NJ. The lid is marked
Pat App'd For and the door is marked with the patent date of June 8
1909 and the Uneek name. It measures approx. 5 1/4 long and
there are a couple small chips in the rim under the lid. The biggest
ones are actually part of the design so the lid will fit. Remains of
the original box. Nice!
Good + . . . . . . $125.00 SOLD!!
#
1 Sure Death Trap by Davenport Trap Co. This is a # 1 Sure Death Small Animal / Rat Trap
by Davenport Trap Co. pictured. It has a 4 1/2" diameter ring and 6 finger trigger to spring the trap. Overall nice condition. Strong spring and
is fully functional.The Davenport Trap Co. was formed in 1909. Bruce Shaw introduced the No. 1 Sure Death trap in 1909 as “sure death” for mink, marten, muskrat, weasel, rabbit, pocket gopher, moles and rats. He was granted a patent for the idea in 1912. In 1912 the # 2 & # 3 models, which were slightly different, were introduced and this style trap with the 6 finger trigger was dropped. This is an early version marked Pat Apl'd For on the trigger arm.
Good + . . . . . . $150.00 SOLD!!
So - Ezy Mouse Trap by Wolverton Mfg. Co. of Holton Kansas
The label is a bit faded, but readable. Good thing as that is the only
marking on this rare and unusual mouse trap. It is on trap peoples
want list, but not in any collections I know of. It was made by the
Wolverton Mfg. Co. out of Holton Kansas. To operate you squeeze the
arms at the rear, raise the bait tray arm, and it is set. Not the most
powerful trap ever made, but one of the hardest to find. Very nice.Fine . . . . . $495.00 SOLD!!
C. Jillson's Patent Jan 6 1857 Rat Trap by Dresser & Jillson Worcester Mass.
This is a rare patented rat / mouse trap. It
has a 2" ring and is approx. 7" long. This is an earlier model as
I had another one with a later 1858 date and different location. You can see that
later one in my sales archives. The brass trigger on this one is marked with the single 1857 patent date, the
maker name, and location of manufacture, Worchester Massachusetts.
I have read that they came in sizes up to 8" but have never seen one that big. There is a larger 5" one in my past sale archives at AntiqBuyer.com.
To set, you pull back on the spring loaded bar till the brass trigger sets. Then when the unwary critter passed through the hole the idea was that he would scratch his belly on the small point at the bottom, lift up a bit to get away from that, hit the trigger and Whap, the two spears come down!! The spring is good, and the trigger works as it should. This one would do the trick. A careful look at the pics and one can see a hairline crack in the frame where one spear goes through. There is no movement with pressure, but you can see the crack line. Priced accordingly. A rare piece!!
Good . . . . . $450.00 SOLD!!
C. Jillson
Patent Killer Mouse Trap
This early, unusual and rare killer mouse trap was first granted a patent on
January 6th 1857 and another in 1858. The brass trigger parts are
stamped with the inventors name c. Jillson, the 2 patent dates, and the maker
name Dodge & Wellington of Worchester Mass. This small killer trap is in
very nice condition noting the tip of one of the spears is a bit turned. These
were offered is various sizes from small 2" Dia. models like this and up to 6 inch or
larger ones for really big critters. This one is 7" long. All are hard to find. Good + . . . . . . $800.00 SOLD!!
Dr.
Hodge Fly Trap
This is an early and unusual fly trap!! Look at all the pics to see
the instruction sheet still attached to the bottom. A Google search turns
up info about Dr. Hodge traveling around the country and about the sales
pitches he delivered back near the turn of the century. Claims were made
of being able to rid entire cities of all flies if enough of these were put into
use. Wow!!
Fine . . . . . . $35.00 SOLD!!
StepOnIt Mouse Traps
w/ Original Box
Here is a store display box of 3 unused mouse traps. The box is OK
with some minor tears and weakness. The traps are new / unused and in
excellent condition. Nice!
Good + . . . . . .$75.00 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.
Good + . . . . . SOLD!
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.
Good + . . . . .$2800.00 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.
Good + . . . . . $750.00 SOLD!
1872
Patent Model of Folding Trap I have never seen
this trap and although there are similar ideas that were produced I doubt
this one ever was. It was designed as a live trap to be set in a run
in or near the water. It would work when the critter was on his way in
or out. Different!
Good . . . . .$500.00 SOLD!
Chasse
Patented 1903 / 04 Mouse Trap This one looks
to have never been used. A better idea that never caught on.
Good + . . . . . $28.00 SOLD!
Heavy
Duty Primitive Rat Trap This early rat
trap is very well made. The edge brackets are cast iron.. This
trap is so powerful it would about cut the critter in half and would
certainly break a finger if you slipped up setting it.
Good + . . . . . $20.00 SOLD!
Patented
Royal Mouse Trap The Royal
Mousetrap is one of the rarest and most desirable of all mouse traps.
There are but a handful recorded examples. It has a great look w/ the
lattice work cast iron cutout design, and the heart is an added nice touch.
They came in several sizes. I have heard of
examples being offered for twice what I sold mine for. Good + . . . . .$2500.00 SOLD!
ROYAL
#1 Mouse Trap Patented Nov. 4 1879
This rare and unusual mouse trap was granted a patent on November 4th 1879 to a
Mr. J. M. Keep of New York. The Patent # is 221320. The patent can be viewed
and read using
Google Patent Search. It is a very close match right up to illustrating
the cast out heart design in the body of the cast iron trap. There are no cracks or other damage.
There is some minor rust, but no pitting or corrosion to speak of. It is a
wonderfully detailed casting in super condition. All of the writing
is clear and legible. A rare and desirable antique mouse trap!!Fine . . . . . . $1995.00 SOLD!!
Patented
Cast Iron Rat Trap Small animal traps
made of cast iron are very difficult to find. The trap on the left is not just bent
steel, each major part is a separate casting . It is unmarked,
but it a rare and well known and highly sought after antique rat trap.
Good + . . . . .$1200.00 SOLD!
"The
Unique" Patented Glass
Fly Trap This use to be a pretty rare
and hard to find fly trap. Then about 10 years ago similar ones started
showing up on eBay, first just a few that brought big bucks, then when it
slowed down dozens. We went into a shop in IN one day and saw a small
mountain of them. They were new, or being imported into the country by
the boatload. The market was flooded, and real US made patented ones
like this were no longer "Unique". Why pay $400 when you can get a purple or
green one for $9.00.
Good + . . . . . SOLD!
Jillson
Patent 5" Spear Trap The Jillson patent
trap is a very rare trap that is most often found in the 2" mousetrap size,
but this is the 5" inch size that looks to be more in line with large
rats or gopher size critters. To set, you simply pull back on the
spring loaded bar till the brass trigger sets. Then when the unwary
critter passed through the hole the idea was that he would scratch his belly
on the small point at the bottom, lift up a bit to get away from that and
hit the trigger. Whap!! I have read that they came in sizes up
to 8" but have never seen one that big. The brass trigger is marked
with the 1850's patent date and the location of manufacture or maker in
Massachusetts. The spring is good, and the trigger works as it should.
This one would do the trick. A rare piece!!
Good + . . . . . $1200.00 SOLD!
2
Patented Jan 7 1913 "Ideal" Gopher Traps There
are very subtle differences in these two traps. They are a rare trap!!
They are a California patent, where the search today continues for the
perfect gopher trap. The cat just can't keep up with the population.
This year they took to taking out full grown tomato plants overnight.
You can hardly walk in the side yard without falling in a hole. Water
runs through and floods the basement coming out their holes they dig from
outside to inside.
Good + . . . . .$1000.00 SOLD!
Antique
19th c. French Clockwork Mechanism Mechanical Fly Trap
Be sure to view all the pics to see this unusual trap set up. It is a great mechanical
trap w/ clockwork mechanism that I have never seen before. It even includes the original
instructions in case you can not figure it out. You will need to be able to
read French though.
Interesting!!.
Good + . . . . . .$400.00 SOLD!!
Eel
Gig
This is a 6 tine w/ center spear. I see no markings
Good . . . . . .$95.00 SOLD!!
"Economy Gopher Gun" Trap Patented November 11th 1902
These "gun traps were designed for use to try and help control the large gopher populations
that were a constant concern for farmers and ranchers alike. This
version is
mounted on a wood base. I have been told that the parts were sold
separately and that the buyer could them make up his own. Wonder how many
dogs,
kids or others got maimed and or killed before this idea went away. Good . . . . . .$195.00 SOLD!!
2
"Economy Gopher Gun" Traps Patented November 11th 1902
These "gun traps were designed for use to try and help control the large gopher populations
that were a constant concern for farmers and ranchers alike. Even
though both examples are marked with the patent date, I had no luck finding the
actual patent. I have a feeling that the collateral damage they caused led
to their demise. They look like they could have been hung or mounted for
use with other large animals as well. I have also seen the basic idea here
mounted on a wood base, and have been told that the parts were sold separately
and that the buyer could them make up his own. Wonder how many dogs, kids
or others got maimed and / or killed before this idea went away.
Good + . . . . . .$295.00 SOLD!!
3
Antique Mouse Size Live Traps This
style live trap came in a number of different sizes and as can be seen here in a
number of different grades that I assume were offered by different makers. They were
designed to be able to trap more than one critter at a time with the trap door
closing after one entered allowing it to reset so that first one could not
escape, and another could enter. None are marked as far as I can see.
The nicest one is very well made, and on a completely different level from
the others.
Interesting!!. Left . . . . Good . . . . . .$40.00 SOLD!
Middle . . . . Better . . . . . . $60.00 SOLD!
Right . . . . Best . . . . . . $80.00 SOLD!
Yellow
Kitty Got - Cha Mouse Trap The bottom of this
unusual plastic mouse trap has all the maker
and Patent Pending info. It even points out where to put the bait. Not sure if one would call it a live or killer trap.
These came in a number of different colors and I have read that yellow is the hard one to find!! Nice!!
Interesting!! Fine . . . . . .$60.00 SOLD!
Primitive
Wooden Base Live Mouse Trap w/ Exercise Wheel
I never really understood the logic behind this style trap. Catch
em, and then exercise them to death. Nice!Good . . . . . .$40.00 SOLD!!
9
Antique Mouse Traps As a lot!!
Interesting!! Good . . . . . .$90.00 SOLD!
Shooting
Gallery Target This Chipmunk
or Ground Hog figural shooting gallery target is in very nice condition. Hit the two outside
targets and they go down, then hit the bullseye in the middle to make them pop back up.
It works well, and has a great look. The perfect thing for some display or use. Good + . . . . . .$80.00 SOLD!
This is just a sample of the many
antiques & collectibles we have sold.
Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Quality Antiques
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker