Civil War Era Leg Irons, Based on Philadelphia Rankin Co. Patents, c. 1861-1865

These are authentic Philadelphia Civil War-era leg irons that are based on the Rankin hinge, and lock patents (not marked so we are unsure who made them). These differ from other examples of Rankin leg irons in that the bar traverses completely through the lock mechanism, rather than terminating at the lock, thereby allowing them to adjust to some degree for size.

The leg irons are coated with an early form of galvanization to prevent rusting. These use a standard bent ring format to allow the chain to be flattened for better movement and less binding - simply by rotating one end of the iron and folding the chain upon itself (just like the curb chain on a horse bit). This was a significant and specific ergonomic design that was impressive for the time period. The length of the chain is 12.5.

Total length end to end is 21. They truly are in good overall display condition; however, both hinges are frozen and locks are frozen, with one being slightly deformed from rust (cover plate is deformed upward), both bars appear to be unlocked (not through the lock body - but instead resting right before the lock latch). There is moderate patina and pitting throughout.

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