Hand-forged leg manacles
Object No. H9558
This object is part of the Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) collection which was donated to the Powerhouse Museum in 1981. The Society was formed in 1901 and is the oldest historical society in Australia. As a result many of the objects they collected are of great significance to Australia and to New South Wales. Some are associated with people and families like the Marsdens, Henry Parkes, Mawson, and John Verge. Others like the convict handcuffs and the Ben Hall 'Wanted' poster aresignificant relics from Australia's past. The importance of the entire collection and the way in which it was acquired adds to the significance of this object.
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Summary
Object Statement
Leg manacles, iron, maker unknown, Australia, 1788-1868
Physical Description
Leg irons consisting of two hand wrought iron, hinged circular rings, joined by a link chain. Each leg iron comprises two semi circular parts, overlapping at the hinges, joined by a bolt running through both pieces. One bolt on each manacle is corroded solid, the other is loose. The chain consists of a round central link with four links on each side joining to leg ring. The chain is attached to each leg ring through a hole in the ring.
DIMENSIONS
Width
170 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Hand forged by unknown maker
HISTORY
Notes
These manacles were acquired by the Museum as part of the Royal Australian Historical Society Collection in 1981 (RAHS #188). It was lent to the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, 13/10/1999 until 31/12/2002 for display in the Barracks, Convicts exhibition.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Royal Australian Historical Society, 1981
Acquisition Date
23 June 1981
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