Numerous patents were taken out for different patterns of barbed wire in the 19th century. These are just two examples. The wire on the left, shaped like a ribbon with barbs attached, was unusual. It would have had little tensile strength and would have been difficult to strain. The other type is a more traditional pattern. However, the barbs are quite widely spaced and their points are quite short – it would have not been much of a deterrent to stock.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
MA_F.004337/44 (left); MA_F.004337/5 (right)
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou