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ITEM NUMBER: AG0983

Hand Wrought Iron Runaway Slave "Rattle" Anklet

$3,000

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Description

Details

Dimensions

18th century, Black History Hand-wrought Iron Runaway Slave “Rattle” Anklet. This Slavery related device measures 4.75” x 7.5” overall for its Iron metal with central opening for a Slave to wear on an ankle. It has and oval opening and two wide hollow flanges on each side with metal balls sealed within which rattle around to make noise when moved. Such anklets were used to deter Slaves from running away. Small metal rings at one end of the anklet could be secured with a lock to pin the ankles together, this making walking difficult and running impossible, especially without creating significant noise to alert the slaveowner. Normal signs of overall natural rust and age are present. This type is described as, “Crab-shaped Rattler Leg Shackles” as illustrated on pages 20-21, in the reference book “THE ART AND HISTORY OF BLACK MEMORABILIA” by Larry Vincent Buster. About the size to be used upon children. We previously sold a similar example in our April 19, 2017 EAHA Auction, Lot 227 at $1,080. This Anklet is a fully intact example of this cruel, sturdy reminder of the trepidations of American Slavery.

PERIOD: 18th Century

ORIGIN: Unknown, United States

SIZE: 4.75” x 7.5” overall

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