"ROOSTER COMB" BARBED WIRE

These are variations of the patent #490,187 issued to Arnold Delffs of Bedford, Tennessee on January 17, 1893. One half of the patent was assigned (sold) to Thomas F. Parks, of Bedford, Tennessee. It is thought that the early barbs were produced as piecework by young boys using a nibbler as the barbs are not uniformly cut as would be the case using a die. The center photo was most likely used as a warning device. It was most assuredly produced with a die.

Note the metal post which is part of this patent. Posts were patented by a number of the early barb wire inventors to provide a complete fence system. The patent states that the posts negate the need to dig post holes. Don't see how a tripod post sitting on top of the ground would be much of a deterrent.