Classic Fully Functional Vintage Iron 18th Century Large Bear Trap

This hand forged iron animal trap is a unique and functional piece of history that would be a great addition to any collection in your rustic man cave, mountain home or business. This well-made trap is still fulling functional despite the rust. It has wrought jaw and a single chain with a hook. Once used to protect families from grizzly bears this piece of rusted history measures 28'x 15" and weighs almost 20 lbs. 

 This unique iron bear trap was brought to the coast of California during the Gold Rush. Rumored to be found near the local Holcomb Valley mines its assumed to be from the 18th century.

The Holcomb Valley Mine was the largest source of gold than any other part of Southern California.  Holcomb Valley was named after William F. Holcomb, who found gold there in 1860. Holcomb's discovery spurred the largest gold rush in the Southern California region. While tracking the local bears, Holcomb kept his eye out for gold. About five miles from Bear Valley, he found what he had been searching for. Known as "the best sharpshooter west of the Mississippi", Holcomb was asked by the miners to shoot some of the grizzly bears living in the area for their meat. Holcomb was able to bring back dead bears to feed the starving miners during supply shortages. He was nicknamed "Grizzly Bill" because he was known to have killed many bears in the area. Local rumors claim he just about "finished off" all the bears in the Bear Valley with the help of his traps and bullets.