Antique & Militaria

**VERY HEAVY 25.573 Lbs**Original**Victorian British Prison & Its Penal Colonies Convicts Ball & Chain With Leg Iron Marked ‘21AH’. Sn 23185 - 23185

In Victorian Britain and its penal colonies, the ball and chain was a heavy iron restraint used primarily for troublesome convicts, especially those trying to escape, making movement extremely difficult with a weighted ball (5-26 lbs) attached to an ankle shackle, becoming a potent symbol of brutal control in the convict system. While standard leg irons were more common for hard labour, the ball and chain was reserved for serious offences or repeat offenders, often in Australia, where convicts built roads or worked in iron gangs. This is an original Victorian era convicts Ball & Chain. The heavy iron ball is 19” circumference , although partially hollowed out to allow the Chain to be bolted to the top, the whole set weighs a hefty 25.573 Lbs (11.6 Kgs). The heavy iron link chain is 11” length and is attached to the hinged leg irons which are adjustable to a minimum of 3” (the locking bolt is absent). Each half of the leg iron has cast marks ‘21AH’ (unknown). The set has original black paint finish which has even aged patina. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23185

£495.00