2023/18

Mole tunnel trap with wooden base and snares made of horse hair underneath wooden arches. It has the initials 'GP' stamped on the base. Two of the wooden fixing pegs are missing. It was initially donated to Epping Forest District Museum by Mr Vernon-Harcourt.

1 mole trap

Pre-MERL label - '78/8 mole trap three pieces only (see over) piece from June '78. From Mr Vernon-Harcourt. [reverse] Whilst on display in Forest exhibition both fixing pegs stolen (4 inchs long approx with hooked end).', Pre-MERL label - '1981.80 // Mole trap // Mr Vernon', Email from Jeff to MERL, 23 May 2023 - 'GP would have been the initials of the name of the mole catcher'., Email from Jeff to MERL, 23 May 2023 - 'How old it is is hard to say could be a couple of years old if an old molecatcher was using it or maybe 100 years old? the metal tunnel trap used to day was first patented in 1923 so that is 100 years ago now if it was before that date it has survived very well as made from a piece of wood may well have rotted or been thrown away - old molecatchers spent alot of time making their traps and the harsh environment they were used in required new traps every season or every second season ', Museum Object Entry Form - 'Description of object/collection - Wooden mole trap with metal parts. GP stamped on base. Has wooden base, two wooden hoops and thin wire snares. Incomplete. Originally donated to Epping Forest District Museum by Mr Vernon.'

Wood, Hair, horse