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DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-07-18 11:00:00 2026-07-18 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-1-historic-arms-armor-revolutionary-america-23506
Treasure Trove Auctions proudly presents Day 1 of our premier militaria event, featuring an extraordinary selection of historic American arms and relics, including some of the finest documented Revolutionary War material we have encountered, significant Civil War artifacts, American Indian pieces, and frontier-era history. Complementing this remarkable offering is our signature selection of medieval, Renaissance, and antique arms & armor, creating a truly exceptional sale spanning centuries of warfare. Now is your chance to acquire tangible history from all eras of military history!
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Lot 736

18th-19th Century Antique Leg or Hand Cuffs with Lock, Justice System Relic - Museum Provenance

Current Bid
$100

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This set of antique leg cuffs or handcuffs with lock is a rare justice system and police restraint device, probably European or American, dating circa the 18th to 19th century. The set measures approximately 23 1/4 inches in length, with each cuff measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches wide. The cuffs are associated with institutional restraint use and are noted in connection with the Museum of Torture and Death Penalty in San Gimignano, giving the piece a strong museum and penal history context.

Iron restraints of this type were used by police, prisons, courts, transport officers, and justice systems during a period when physical confinement was central to law enforcement and punishment. Leg irons and heavy hand restraints were employed to control prisoners during detention, movement, sentencing, and incarceration. Surviving examples are historically significant because they represent the harsher material reality of criminal justice before modern restraint systems and prison reforms.

This is a powerful and unsettling artifact of legal authority, punishment, and confinement. Its heavy construction, lock, early date range, and museum-associated context make it a compelling object for collectors of law enforcement history, penal artifacts, judicial relics, and unusual institutional antiques.

Provenance: Associated with the Museum of Torture and Death Penalty in San Gimignano.

Dimensions: Approximately 23 1/4 inches long. Each cuff measures approximately 3 3/4 inches wide.

★ ★
Honest Wear or As Found - Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item’s character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as “salty”. For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

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