Very rare example of a blacksmith spring gun man-trap used against poachers & trespassers, made illegal UK in 1827. Unique example mimics a double barrelled shotgun when triggered, a second shot followed. Deactivated now, but took 16 bore cartridges.

This design dates from late 1800s, available into the 1940s. The brutal action would have damaged the mole’s velvet pelt, valued in the 18th/19th centuries. Used for pest control rather than the fur trade.

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