Mountain West
Malachite’s Big Hole
Steel Traps:
Because the Mountain Men were so transient, it was important that their traps be as light as possible, without sacrificing either durability or effectiveness. Trap designs were numerous, and the well designed trap would fold in on itself for transport. Most traps weighed about five pounds, however traps as light as
one and three-quarters pounds were used. Generally the traps used two powerful springs mounted at the hinges to snap shut the jaws, although single spring traps were manufactured and some traps had as many as six springs. The six-spring bear-traps were so powerful, that special screw clamps were required to depress the springs when setting the trap.
Trap prices varied depending on size and make. In 1822 both British and American beaver traps were selling for $3.00 a piece, an expensive item at a time when gold was worth $20 an ounce. Traps, spare springs and other trap parts were common items on inventories of goods shipped to the annual rendezvous.