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Oneida Newhouse Community No. 150 Bear Trap

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 900.00 USD
Oneida Newhouse Community No. 150 Bear Trap
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Offered to you in this lot is an Oneida Community, Newhouse Number 150 bear trap. 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 is marked on the pan with; "S. Newhouse - Oneida Community, N.Y. - No. 150". Additionally, the trap is marked on the left spring with; "S. Newhouse Oneida Community NY.". The markings on the trap attribute its manufacture to the early 1900's. Overall, the trap shows good original condition. The trap measures 27" long, with a 3 7/8" pan.