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How to Identify Antique Barbed Wire

The American West is filled with adventure, intrigue and barbed wire. While "wide open spaces" might define the West in many people's minds, the reality is that those wide open spaces are segmented by barbed wire. That barbed wire is a window into the past and is considered a collector̵7;s item. Antique barbed wire is defined as barbed wire produced before 1925. If you̵7;re ready to hunt for antique barbed wire in the American West, there are a few guidelines to consider that will help you identify antique barbed wire and separate it from modern barbed wire that is just old and rusted.

Things You'll Need

Barbed wire identification handbook with price list

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a barbed wire identification handbook with a value-guide price list from either the Antique Barbed Wire Society, Devil̵7;s Rope Museum or the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. Study the handbook to properly identify the different types of barbed wire including barbless ribbon wire, ornamental fence wire, punch strap metal wire and planter wire. Familiarize yourself with the history of patented barbed wire types between 1853 and 1925.
- 2
  Contact a barbed wire collectors̵7; organization in your state. Attend a meeting or upcoming auction in your region to locate antique barbed wire and possibly sell or appraise barbed wire you̵7;ve collected.
- 3
  Travel to states in the American West and ask local farmers and ranchers for directions to old dumping sites and downed fencerows that might contain barbed wire that was strung before 1925.
- 4
  Gain permission from landowners to cut 18-inch segments of barbed wire fencing that you believe to be antique, using a pair of wire cutters. Take fence stretchers, pliers, a staple puller, gripper, tightener and barb applying tools with you to cut out a small section of old barbed wire and replace it with a new section of barbed wire if the fence is still standing. Compare the wires you collect with wires cataloged by the Glover or Hagemeier numbering systems, which are printed in the current barbed wire value guide, published by the Symposium. Identify the Glover or Hagemeier number of your barbed wire to ensure it̵7;s antique.
- 5
  Cut a section of wire with barbs that are evenly spaced from each end. Avoid sections that contain broken barbs and badly rusted wires as these are undesirable for trading. Straighten the wire while wearing a pair of gloves.
- 6
  Locate a barbed wire appraisal specialist through the Antique Barbed Wire Society or your state̵7;s barbed wire collection organization. Arrange a price for appraisal of your piece(s) of barbed wire. Request a signed appraisal form and a copy of the value guide used by the appraiser to value the item from the appraiser.

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