Man trap. An iron trap with sharp teeth on hinged brackets which are snapped shut by a leaf spring. The leaf spring has part of a chain at one end.

ABDUA:17614

Man trap, in iron, nineteenth century, type: gin trap. Would have been set, hidden in undergrowth, to deter and catch poachers. The jaws are set open by the shank of metal, and when the trap is sprung, by stepping on it, the toothed jaws snap shut, and are capable of breaking a man's leg.

Early: 1800 Late: 1900

metal iron, wrought, L: 550 mm W: 220 mm

Physical Object

Europe, Scotland, North East Scotland, Fyvie Aberdeenshire

Acquisition Source: Henderson, J.C. trustees