18th C German Leg Shackle

Description

Single leg shackle with two-piece hinged cuff. The cuff is attached to the prisoner’s ankle and then an iron sleeve with cross-shaped opening is slipped over the two cuff flanges which have matching openings. Then the 40” chain is slid through the cross-shaped opening, securing cuff to the prisoner’s ankle. A plate on one end of the chain and the other end being fastened to a wall or other solid object prevents removal of the chain. This example of hand-forged iron, having been cleaned and showing a silver-gray patina. Total weight 3 pounds, 4 ounces.