Included for auction in this lot is an original Oneida Newhouse Number 15 "Patent Date Model" bear trap, dating between 1911 through 1925. The Number 15 is a variation of the Number 5 trap, but utilizing offset teeth. By the early 1900's, the Oneida Community was the worlds largest animal trap manufacture, with 2 out of 3 traps bearing the Newhouse or Victor name. Newhouse traps are the brainchild of blacksmith Sewell Newhouse. Sewell was born in Brattleboro, Vermont in 1806, and moved to Oneida County, in up-state New York at 14 years of age. Newhouse crafted his first trap of scrap metal, found in his fathers workshop at the age of 17. It was in 1849 Sewell was approached by John Humphreys Noyes - Creator of an experimental communal living venture, which was intended to save mankind. The commune was based on the idea that a perfect life could only be achieved if people sacrificed everything to the communities interest. By 1855, the Newhouse steel traps created such a demand that the community leaders decided to begin manufacturing on a production scale. This trap has markings attributing the manufacture to the first quarter of the 1900's. The pan is marked with raised lettering; "S. Newhouse - Oneida Community N.Y. - PAT SEPT. 26. 1911 - No. 15". Overall, this collectable trap shows good original condition. The trap measures 34" long, with a 4" pan. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer