UNUSUAL SHEET METAL BARBED WIRE

During the period when barbed wire proliferated an item only had to be new or novel rather than useful in order to receive a patent. Over 500 patents were issued by the US Patent Office for barbed wire designs. Many were not useful or too costly to manufacture which adds to their charm and rarity. The bow tie wire is one of my favorites (seventh from the bottom). It was a variation of patent #193,557 July 24, 1877 by Hiram B. Scutt of Joliet, IL.