Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight was established in 1838 as a juvenile penitentiary for male offenders sentenced to transportation. The prison aimed to reform young men through a strict regime of discipline, education, and industrial training before they were sent to colonies like Australia. Its harsh system, including wearing leg irons, strictly enforced periods of silence, and basic food, drew significant criticism from reformers and the public. By the mid-1850s, the practice of deporting "Parkhurst Boys" began to end and the prison's function broadened to include other male offenders sentenced to terms exceeding a year. This is an excellent Victorian Prison Officer’s hanger to Parkhurst Prison & scabbard. It has a fullered 21 ¾” swept blade which has staining to be expected with age (27 ¼” overall). The blade has a fine deeply etched panel on one side ‘Parkhurst Prison’ and the reverse has an etched foliate panel with crisp manufacturer detail ‘Parker Field & Sons 233 Holborn London’ (all illustrated). The fish skin handle with wire binding all present tight and intact is undamaged with just light areas of staining and light service wear. The hilt has the correct steel knuckle guard with stepped pommel. The original leather scabbard has the correct Prison Officer’s steel mounts. The throat mount has a fixed steel belt bar. All leather & stitching of the scabbard are clean & intact. The price for this rare hanger to Parkhurst Prison includes UK delivery. ED 3026
£795.00