Brown & Michaels

"Squeak when you say that, varmint!"

US Patent 269,766  - Animal Trap - James Williams, Fredonia, Texas - 1882

Texans seem to have a much more direct method of dealing with unwanted rodent guests. In the words of the patent, "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." 

Of course, Texans don't think small, and a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do... "This invention may also be used in connection with a door or window, so as to killany person or thing opening the door or window to which it is attached." 

Can you imagine the cost of product liability insurance for one of these today? 

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