Mark Lyons
#1Hi all,
I see leg hardware being sold on eBay frequently. They are listed as slave shackles or leg irons. These items are also described as horse locks or animal hobbles. They are very similar in construction and size to actual slave trade items, but without the "puzzle" locking arrangement on the one side and any locking device on the other. The "locks" are tapered ends that have been bent onto and around a link. (a picture should be forthcoming) I have seen these in a single cuff with chain (like the picture will show) and as a double pair just like a real pair of leg irons. If one were to be unfortunate enough to be restrained with one of these, I believe it would be tough to escape with out some sort of metal prying tool or separator. On a slave ship or plantation, I think they would be an effective restraint. If used for animals, I suppose that one end can be open and the link could be squeezed on and off with a specifically designed tool.
I never really heard of locking up a horse or other animal with such a devise and wonder if any of you know of any history using this sort of restraint. I wonder if it more common in other countries and rare in the United States to lock up animals in this manner. I would think that if it were common here, there would have been several patents issued and a few companies producing these. There seems to be an abundant quantity of these items and it seems odd that so many survived if they are old. One would think that many would be lost and buried in the dirt. Most examples seem to be in good shape and not rusted to bits if found in the dirt. Any of you know more about these items? m
I see leg hardware being sold on eBay frequently. They are listed as slave shackles or leg irons. These items are also described as horse locks or animal hobbles. They are very similar in construction and size to actual slave trade items, but without the "puzzle" locking arrangement on the one side and any locking device on the other. The "locks" are tapered ends that have been bent onto and around a link. (a picture should be forthcoming) I have seen these in a single cuff with chain (like the picture will show) and as a double pair just like a real pair of leg irons. If one were to be unfortunate enough to be restrained with one of these, I believe it would be tough to escape with out some sort of metal prying tool or separator. On a slave ship or plantation, I think they would be an effective restraint. If used for animals, I suppose that one end can be open and the link could be squeezed on and off with a specifically designed tool.
I never really heard of locking up a horse or other animal with such a devise and wonder if any of you know of any history using this sort of restraint. I wonder if it more common in other countries and rare in the United States to lock up animals in this manner. I would think that if it were common here, there would have been several patents issued and a few companies producing these. There seems to be an abundant quantity of these items and it seems odd that so many survived if they are old. One would think that many would be lost and buried in the dirt. Most examples seem to be in good shape and not rusted to bits if found in the dirt. Any of you know more about these items? m