51/529

A mole trap with 8 prongs and a spring release, designed to kill the mole instantly, without regard for the pelt.
This mole trap has eight prongs and a spring release and was designed to kill the mole instantly, without regard for the pelt. Traps like this fell out of use at the beginning of the twentieth century when moleskin became valuable.

1 mole trap: metal; good condition.....on the outside there is a two pronged case which steadies the trap when it is in the ground, it also holds the trigger; When the mole touches the trigger the prongs are released and impale the mole; It bares the maker's name and patent number, but they are illegible

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This is an 8-pronged mole trap. // The prongs are drawn back against a strong spring and held in place by a trigger. When the mole touches the trigger the prongs are released and impale the mole. // It bears the maker’s name and patent number which are, however, illegible. // The trap measures 19 inches in length. // See also 51/423.', Lavinia Smith No. 392., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // 392. One unusual mole trap.'

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)