ONE OF MY FAVORITE BARBED WIRE DESIGNS

Patented by Richard B. Perkins of Hornellsville, New York on July 5, 1892, patent number 478,170. Sometimes it takes years to locate and acquire that certain item for a collection. That is the case with the wire in the first photo. I was able to obtain the third one several years ago and had just about given up on the first when suddenly it appeared in a collectors auction. I was the fortunate bidder. This wire was designed as both an ornamental fence wire and barbed wire. The edges of the sheet metal strip were rolled over to add strength to the fence and the holes drilled in it were intended to reduce the weight of the finished product, and provide convenient holes for nailing the wire to posts.
This is one of the rarest fence wires. Either it cost too much to manufacture or was designed too late in the game to be widely accepted. In any event I am thankful for the person or persons who saw fit to preserve specimens for future generations to enjoy.