Description:

MIDDLE PASSAGE SLAVE SHACKLES
Extraordinarily rare hand-forged slave foot shackle, ca. 1700's, designed for incarcerating newly-captured slaves in the holds of Middle Passage ships. Fetters used to restrict slaves working in fields by attaching leg irons to a short length of chain are somewhat common, but Middle Passage cargo hold shackles are much rarer. Male slaves were generally held captive with the right foot of one shackled to the left foot of another, with each leg iron attached to the straight bar and then tethered with the iron ring to another straight bar. All four parts of the shackle system are present and original: two leg irons, straight bar, and iron ring. De-accessioned from the Slave Relics Museum in Walterboro, South Carolina and accompanied by a letter describing the item and confirming the sale and authenticity. Lightly oxidized as expected with an excellent patina, otherwise intact.

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May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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