antique barbed wire society

Barbed Wire has been an integral and important part of the history of the west. It has provided many functions, which include physical barriers, historical information, and artistic interests. Over the years, wire has evolved from a single type to a wide variety of patents and variations...

Prior to 1863, several individuals created forms of fencing that could be considered as barbed wire. It was not until 1863 that Michael Kelly patented a fence with points affixed to twisted strands of wire. Had his invention been properly promoted, he could have gained distinction as the "Father of Barbed Wire"...

The “Antique Barbed Wire Society” is committed to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the historical heritage of barbed wire and related items and enlisting interest and support for an on-going organization into the next century. We invite you to help to preserve this important part of history...

The Antique Barbed Wire Society will assist the museums, The Symposium, and all participating barbed wire and related collector organizations. All of the mentioned entities, with their elected and appointed officials, are committed to collecting, displaying, and preserving the history of barbed wire and related items...