Rabbit Trap

Huge quantities of these rabbit traps were exported to Australia during the late 1800s.This rabbit trap was made in the late 1800s by an employee of James Roberts Co of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. When used, the jaws were forced open and held down by the springs. When the animal stepped on the plate, the pressure on the plate released the springs forcing the jaws shut and trapping the creature. Originally, each trap was made entirely by one man, a highly skilled craftsman. Later, pressed parts became available and reduced the manufacture time considerably. At the Midland counties Trades and Industrial Exhibition held in Birmingham in 1892, James Roberts, one of the larger trap makers, was advertising 27 different traps ranging in weight from a quarter ounce to 140 pounds. The trade ended with legislation banning gin traps.

Huge quantities of these rabbit traps were exported to Australia during the late 1800s.