Object number
54/436
Description
This mole trap was made by blacksmith in Holne, Devon. The smith was from a family of blacksmiths, and learnt to make traps on this pattern from his grandfather. It has sprung jaws. It is not known whether or not the trap was also used in the area around Holne.
Physical description
1 mole trap: metal
Label Text
Mole trap. Made by a local blacksmith in the Holne area of Devon, this trap was used to capture moles by killing or dramatically harming them, unlike other contemporary mole traps which swiftly killed the captured animal. This may be due to the rising value of mole skin in the early twentieth century rather than concerns of animal wellbeing. Moles have considered pests on the farm for thousands of years, with molehills destroying pasture, encouraging weed growth and damaging crops. Mole catchers would travel from farm to farm, and would traditionally hang dead moles on fences as proof of their work. The use of lethal traps was made illegal in 1996 and further controlled in 2006.
Archival history
Object research project, Further Afield, November 2024 - 'The smith learnt his trade from his father (the present smith’s grandfather).'
Production place
Holne
Object name
Material
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