Barbed Wire: The Devil's Rope That Tamed the American West
Barbed wire -- known to collectors as "the devil's rope" -- is the fencing material that transformed the American frontier. Patented in over 570 distinct designs between 1867 and 1900, barbed wire ended the era of the open range and fundamentally changed Western settlement patterns. Today, a dedicated community of collectors pursues rare wire types, with the rarest examples selling for hundreds of dollars per 18-inch strand. The hobby is supported by extensive research, published identification guides, and annual conventions.
Types and Classification
Barbed wire is classified by several design elements:
- Barb style: One-point, two-point, four-point, flat, round, half-round, and sheet metal variations
- Wire configuration: Single strand, double strand (twisted), and multi-strand designs
- Barb attachment: Wrapped, crimped, locked, welded, and knotted methods
- Notable patents: Glidden's "The Winner" (1874), Haish's "S-Barb," Kelly's "Diamond Point" (1868), Brinkerhoff's "Riveted Spur," and Merrill's "Twirl"
- Decorative/ornamental wire: Elaborate designs produced in small quantities, often for exhibition or patent demonstration
- Flat strip/ribbon wire: Sheet metal designs with punched or cut barbs, predating twisted wire
Identification and Authentication
- The Barbed Wire Bible: The standard reference is "The Barbed Wire Bible" (Clifton), cataloging over 2,000 wire variations with identification numbers
- Patent research: Original patent drawings and dates help authenticate specific wire types
- Rust and patina: Genuine antique wire shows consistent, deep oxidation; artificially aged wire has superficial, uneven rust
- Wire gauge and composition: Early wire is typically heavier gauge with higher carbon content than modern fencing wire
- Cut ends: Collector specimens are traditionally 18 inches long, cut with the barb centered
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Common two-point varieties | $1 - $10 per 18-in. strand | -- |
| Uncommon single-strand types | $10 - $50 | -- |
| Scarce early patents (pre-1875) | $50 - $250 | -- |
| Rare ornamental/display wire | $200 - $1,000 | $2,500+ for extremely rare patents |
| Flat strip/ribbon designs | $25 - $200 | $500+ for rare types |
| Complete barbed wire collections | $5,000 - $30,000 | $50,000+ for museum-quality assemblages |
| Barbed wire tools and stretchers | $25 - $300 | $1,000+ for patented rarities |
Condition Factors
- Rust level: Light, stable surface rust is expected and acceptable; heavy flaking rust that obscures the wire design is undesirable
- Barb integrity: All barbs should be present and properly positioned; missing or bent barbs reduce value
- Wire straightness: Specimens should be reasonably straight; severely kinked wire is less displayable and less valuable
- Galvanization: Some wires retain original galvanized coating; this is desirable as it preserves design details
- Strand twist tightness: Original tight twist is preferred; unraveled or loose twist indicates damage
Collecting Tips
- Start with a reference guide: The classification system is essential -- learn to identify wire by barb type, strand configuration, and patent before buying
- Mount specimens properly: Most collectors display 18-inch samples on labeled boards; proper mounting and identification is part of the hobby's appeal
- Focus on pre-1880 patents: The earliest designs are the rarest and most historically significant
- Attend the annual conventions: The Antique Barbed Wire Society and regional clubs hold shows with trading, identification help, and auctions
- Document find locations: Wire found in situ at historic ranch sites, battlefields, or homesteads carries provenance value
- Related collectibles add context: Barbed wire fencing tools, stretchers, catalogs, and advertising signs complement a wire collection and are collectible in their own right