PRISONER’S FEARS 18TH CENTURY 1 - ODDITIES

Prisoner's irons from the 18th century, heavy ankle restraints with key, entirely in wrought iron.

The first ring closed around one of the prisoners' two ankles, by passing the chain through the long links, the second was then padlocked. Oddities collection

An example of the same type is on display at the maritime museum in Paris.

Good condition, works.

PERIOD : 18th century
SIZE : 35cm
SIZE : 13.7"

Prisoners' irons forged in the 18th century, cut from a raw and robust metal, embodied the harshness inherent in justice of the time. Made with meticulous mastery of wrought iron, these shackles were often devoid of superfluous ornamentation, highlighting their brutal functionality. The thick links and massive handcuffs were forged from raw metal, giving these instruments of containment unwavering strength. The rough surface of the raw metal recalled the harshness of prison life and underlined the severity of the sentences inflicted. The craftsmen of the time paid particular attention to the robustness of the irons, knowing that their primary function was to deprive prisoners of their freedom in an uncompromising manner.