179

c. 18th Century Iron Slave Leg Shackle with 40” long Chain and 30.7 pounds Ball

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
c. 18th Century Iron Slave Leg Shackle with 40” long Chain and 30.7 pounds Ball
Black History
c. 18th Century Iron Slave Leg Shackle, 40” Chain and Ball
c. 18th Century Iron Slave Leg Shackle, with its original 40” long Chain and 30.7 pounds Ball”
An impressive “Ball and Chain” consisting of a leg shackle connected to a heavy (30.7 pounds) iron ball by a chain measuring approximately 40” long. The whole setup is in good condition and visually impressive for display with an old, original natural patina, the shackle has rusted shut long ago and is now inoperable. These were very effective in slowing down any escape attempts. It doesn’t take much of an imagination to realize how difficult it would have been to travel any length of distance with this attached to one’s ankle. Even carrying the ball would have been difficult for any length of time. How many slaves or prisoners did this ball and chain encumber? Regardless of the answer, this exceptional artifact belongs in a museum or advanced Black History or Slavery collection.