Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

The better 1880s mouse trap, just add revolver

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


From time to time everyone has had experiences with unwanted pests and varmints of all kinds.

In 1882, in Fredonia, Texas, one very inventive homesteader by the name of James Alexander Williams decided to go to the next level in the war on vermin by bringing in the big guns.

Literally.

Williams’s animal trap delivered its punch line at point blank range. Curiously, the cap and ball revolver in the technical drawing does not appear to have its rammer rod attached. (Photo credit: National Archives)

According to the application filed that August with the U.S. Patent Office, William’s animal trap design coupled a “suitable frame upon which a revolver or pistol is secured, a treadle which is secured to the front end of this frame, and a suitable spring and levers, by which the firearm is discharged when the animal steps upon the treadle.”

In short, as long as the handgun fit the frame, your trap was good to go.

At the time, Chester A. Arthur was president, horses and steam locomotives were the main sources of transportation, the flag only had 38 stars, and most European countries were still led by a monarch. This left pest control firmly in the hands of the everyman.

The gun used in the exampled drawing was a blackpowder Colt such as the one seen with this Civil War soldier. Made from the 1830s to the 1880s, these were the most common handguns of the age and Texas was no doubt awash with these revolvers at the time of Williams invention. (Photo credit: Library of Congress)

“The object of my invention is to provide a means by which animals which burrow in the ground can be destroyed, and which trap will give an alarm each time that it goes off, so that it can be reset.” Williams continued.

While we cannot conclude that the varmints in central Texas were bigger in 1882 than they are now, we can surmise that they must have been pretty ornery to warrant the use of such heavy artillery as the Colt cap and ball revolver shown in the patent application drawing.

The typical .36 caliber pistol balls of the time, pushed through by a blackpowder charge strong enough to leave the barrel, still packed about 100 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle– comparable to a modern .32 ACP of today.

Of course, by the 1880s when this invention was designed, more modern cartridge revolvers like the Colt Peacemaker and Smith and Wesson Model 3 were around, and could have substituted for the war surplus cap and ball revolver in the drawing.

This gives the animal trap more flexibility for larger caliber pests. This is pointed out in Williams’ application.

“This invention may also be used in connection with a door or window, so as to kill any person or thing opening the door or window to which it is attached.”

Did we mention it was 1882?

After $35 in fees and much correspondence with Washington, Patent 269766 was granted to Mr. James Alexander Williams the day after Christmas of that year.

While we can’t find any information on if Williams’s animal trap was ever put into production, we can tell you that there were several alarm guns that were manufactured at about the same time. Often these were used to protect bodies from theft rather than to control nuisance wildlife.

They, like Williams, have vanished into history.

The post The better 1880s mouse trap, just add revolver appeared first on Guns.com.


Source: http://www.guns.com/2014/01/25/better-1880s-mouse-trap-just-add-revolver/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=better-1880s-mouse-trap-just-add-revolver


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.