Collection of Torture Instruments
from
[Illustration: A grainy, vintage black-and-white photograph of a
medieval European castle complex, likely the Nuremberg Castle. The
structure features a large main building with a steeply pitched roof, a
tall square defensive tower, a smaller pointed turret, and stone
fortifications rising out of lush foliage in the foreground.]
The Royal Castle of Nuremberg
[Illustration:
_See Catalogue, No. 1016._
]
ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE
OF THE
HISTORICAL AND WORLD-RENOWNED COLLECTION
OF
TORTURE INSTRUMENTS, ETC.
FROM THE
ROYAL CASTLE OF NUREMBERG
AMONGST WHICH WILL BE FOUND THE CELEBRATED ORIGINAL IRON MAIDEN (EISERNE
JUNGFRAU)
LENT FOR EXHIBITION BY
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE
EARL OF SHREWSBURY AND TALBOT
NOW ON VIEW AT
115 AND 117 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET
NEAR SIXTH AVENUE
NEW YORK
Copyright, 1893
BY JULIUS D. ICHENHÄUSER
Press of J. J. Little & Co.
Astor Place, New York
These torture instruments were purchased on behalf of the Earl of
Shrewsbury, by Mr. J. D. Ichenhäuser, expert in works of art and curios,
68 New Bond St., London, by whom this catalogue was compiled.
The entire collection was removed from the Royal Castle of Nuremberg, in
April, 1890, since which time it has been exhibited in all the principal
cities of Great Britain by special permission of Lord Shrewsbury.
It is the original and only genuine collection of its kind, and what
adds to the impressiveness of the exhibition is the fact that _every one
of the barbarous implements have been in actual use_.
THE RENOWNED COLLECTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE FROM THE ROYAL CASTLE
OF NUREMBERG.
Nuremberg, the old Reichstadt, the cradle of the Hohenzollerns, the
birthplace of many of the fine arts, has a history which dates back to
the earliest times. One of its oldest monuments is the burg or castle,
of which the five-cornered tower existed in the days of the heathen.
Here for many years this collection of torture instruments was an object
of interest, not only to the inhabitants of the town, but to all
travellers whose wanderings brought them that way. No journey to Bavaria
could be counted completed until the burg had been visited and the “Iron
Maiden” interviewed. The fiendish ingenuity displayed in the
construction of these instruments so that they should inflict the
greatest amount of suffering, shows that the question of torture must
have not only been well thought out, but that it must have had the
sanction and, if we may use the term, patronage of the law-makers and
municipalities. As we look through this collection, we see that neither
tender youth, weak old age, delicate female, or ailing man was spared
its horrors or its shame. And we cannot be too thankful to think we live
in an age where more enlightened and humanitarian principles prevail.
This collection, so complete, may be to many somewhat grewsome, but it
is of the _highest educational value_, as showing us the great strides
which have been made, not only in arts and sciences, but in the
interests of truth, humanity, and justice. No more does the _Iron
Maiden_ clasp her unhappy and unwilling victim in her deadly embrace; no
more are men and women broken on the _wheel_, tortured on the _rack_,
branded with _red-hot irons_, driven mad with _thumb-screws_, stretched
on _ladders_, or suffer the terrible and lingering “_peine forte et
dure_;” and never again will the laws allow tender women to be mutilated
by the horrible and sharp-clawed _spider_. These and hundreds of other
instruments of the greater tortures will be found catalogued hereafter.
For the punishments of lesser degrees or shame tortures, as great an
amount of ingenuity is also evident. Shame masks and stocks for scolds;
masks and cages for fraudulent tradesmen; for drunkards and brawlers,
the drunkards’ mantle, various masks, stocks, branding-irons, collars,
bracelets. For thieves and thief-children there are also torture
instruments of various designs, all cruel and pitiless.
Religious or penitential torture is very rich in examples. Here we find
branding-irons, for burning on foreheads and backs; martyr lashes, which
at every stroke tear away the flesh; pear-shaped screw gags, which
entirely prevented any cries or exclamations; iron-spiked collars;
torture seats; feet squeezers; iron boots, which were filled with hot
water or molten metal; thumb-screws, etc., etc.
The executioner’s axe or sword ended all torture, and no doubt in many
cases came as a happy relief. Space forbids our enlarging further upon
this interesting subject. To the student of bygone generations, and
their cruelty in the dispensation of justice, we commend an inspection
of the torture instruments catalogued herein.
CATALOGUE.
1 =Heavy Iron Shackle and Long Chain= for fastening prisoner up
to a wall.
2 =An Old Roman Pair of Martyr Pincers, or Flesh Tearers.=
3 =Mouth-opener= with gradations, to open a mouth to a certain
size. Was used to slit the tongues of blasphemers.
4 =Pair of Iron Wrist-holders= for securing prisoners.
5 =Perforated Spoon or Sieve=, through which boiling water, oil,
or molten lead was poured on to various portions of the body.
6 =Long Iron Gallows Screw.=
7 =Iron Brank=, with eyebrows, mustache, and three iron bars,
worn by a parricide.
8 =Iron Body Ring=, with chains and hook to fasten up the
criminal in a public place.
9 =Iron Crown= studded with round knobs, worn by Christian
martyrs on their way to the auto-da-fé.
10 =Spanish Gaiter for Torturing the Leg=, with very formidably
uneven shinbone presser.
11 =Branding Iron= from Bayreuth, with letter B.
12 =Long Gallows Screw.=
13 =Iron Spoon= for boiling pitch or tar, which was dropped
through the perforations on to the naked body of the victim.
14 =An extra long Iron Chain=, with shackle at one end and
padlock at the other.
15 =Pair of Hand-fasteners or Iron Bracelets.=
16 =Strong Venetian Iron Collar=, with high iron crown and
letter S.
17 =Strong Iron Manacle and Long Chain.=
18 =Pair of Iron Thumbscrews.=
19 =Shame Mask or Brank of Iron.= Devil’s head, painted, with
movable tongue. For punishment of scolds.
20 =Broad Spanish Wrought-iron Collar= filled with sharp iron
spikes.
21 =Similar Iron Spiked Collar.=
22 =Small Iron Collar=, covered with leather.
23 =Similar Neck Iron=, with bell and padlock. (See engraving,
No. 1015.)
24 =Heavy Iron Shackle with Chain.=
25 =Iron Thumbscrew.=
26 =Strong Iron Manacle and Long Chain.=
27 =Similar Iron Manacle and Chain.=
28 =Long Gallows Rope=, with hook at one end and pulley at the
other.
29 =Iron Shame Mask or Brank=, painted, with long ass’s ears,
for drunkards or lazy ne’er-do-wells.
30 =Large-sized Strong Prison Padlock.=
31 =Flagellant of Iron Wire=, with spiked ends to tear the
flesh.
32 =Heavy Iron Chain=, flagellants with five iron lashes.
33 =Curious Bronze Double Cross=, with inscription. This cross
was supposed to have been used by witches when invoking their
charms and incantations against any one they were bewitching or
overlooking.
34 =A Large Iron Mouth Opener=, used to fix the tongue before
tearing it out.
35 =An Iron Implement, affixed when Cutting off the Tongue.=
36 =Double Scolds’ Collar of Wood=, in which two women were
fixed facing each other, hands and neck fastened, and so marched
round the town.
37 =Iron Spoon= for melting lead, which was dropped on the naked
bodies of the victims.
[Illustration:
_11. Calm, del._
_See Catalogue, No. 970._
]
38 =Old Roman Martyr Pincers.= With these terrible tongs or
pincers were culprits and Christian martyrs tortured. Not only
did they pinch the skin, or flay, but entire pieces of flesh
were pulled away with them from the ribs. In the old Roman days
they were known as “Ungula,” and the early Germans knew them as
“_Klaue_,” because of their roughened or teeth-like appearance.
38a An old book on Martyrdom and Torture, with illustration of
these Pincers and description of their use.
39 =Condemned’s Crucifix.= Crucifix made of wood, which the
condemned criminal carried in his hand on his way to execution.
40 =Pair of Iron early Handcuffs or Wristlets=, with lock
fastening.
41 =Cruel Iron Flagellant=, with five woven iron tails, each
studded with a sharp spur-shaped star to cut into the flesh.
42 =A Jointed Iron Handcuff=, by which the wrists were fastened
together.
43 =Strong Iron Double Hand-fastener and Thumbscrew= combined.
44 =An Iron Implement affixed to the Ears before they were cut
off.=
45 =Strong Iron Body Ring=, with long centre chain and a couple
of strong iron wrist-fasteners.
In the Treatise on Instruments of Torture, by Antonio Gallonio,
published in Rome in 1591, in which the author discourses upon
the true way in which the followers of Christianity were
martyrized, we find diagrams showing the use of this belt and
wrist-holders. The victim was suspended thus, fastened to a beam
or cross-bar, and weights were hung upon his neck and feet until
his body was almost torn asunder.
46 =A Pair of Finger-screws.=
47 =Handscrew=, with coarsely roughened plank, so as to hurt the
hands as much as possible.
48 =Iron Gallows Hook.=
49 =Extra Strong Wrought-iron Spiked Collar= studded with spikes
inside and out.
50 =Iron Mail Chain Foot-glove=, which was placed on the foot
when red hot.
51 =A similar Instrument.=
52 =A Branding Iron= from Bamberg for marking the letter B.
53 =Large Pair of Iron Martyr Tongs= for tearing the flesh.
54 =Large Ball-shaped Iron Ladle=, into which boiling oil was
poured and then dropped on to the body through the perforations.
55 =A Pair of Manacles= with strong iron bar between, by which a
prisoner was fastened to a horse.
It seems beyond a doubt that manacles originally came from Spain.
In the history of English torture these instruments were quite
unknown until found in some of the ships of the Spanish Armada
in the year 1588. They were immediately adopted as a means of
securing a prisoner, and those now shown in the Tower of London
are of Spanish manufacture, and date back over 350 years.
56 =Spanish Wrought-iron Collar=, completely studded with sharp
spikes inside and out.
57 =Branding Iron= which marked the letter U.
58 =Strong Iron Body Belt= with long iron chain and the side
chain fixers to fasten to wall or to a running horse.
59 =An Early Spanish Pair-hand Handcuffs= with lock fastening.
60 =A somewhat similar one= of different formation, early
Italian.
61 =Early German Copper Mask, Devil’s Head and Horns=, all
embossed with small heads over the nose, mouth, and eyes,
typical of a slanderous backbiting personage.
62 =A somewhat similar same-period Copper Mask=, likewise with
small embossed faces on end of nose, etc.
63 =A somewhat similar Mask=, but with frog’s eyes.
64 =Curious Iron Brank=, shape of devil’s head, with stumpy
horns, and small faces on the nose and cheeks, and with trumpet
ears, for listeners, backbiters, etc.
65 =Strong Wooden Roller=, which was placed on the rack or on
the stretching gallows, and over which the victim was rolled and
stretched.
66 =Mask worn by the Judge of the notorious Vehmgericht=, of
copper, pierced with five breathing holes, also with small
perforations all round the edge so as to permit of a leather or
cotton cap being sewn on.
As is well known, the accused before the Vehmgericht (secret
judgment) did not see his judges. All were masked completely,
the head being covered with a cap, and the face with such a mask
as here shown. The accused may have been before his dearest
friend, brother, or father, but he could not tell; and so sacred
was the judge’s oath, and so strong the influence exercised by
the awe-inspiring tribunal, whose inexorable judgment none might
gainsay, that the judges themselves dared not reveal their
identity.
Voltaire, in his commentary on the Marquis de Beccana’s _Essay on
Crimes and Punishment_ (1749), says: “Charlemagne established
the most cruel and most horrible tribunal that ever existed. It
was known as the Vehmic Court, or the judgment of Westphalia. It
went so far as to punish with death those who broke fast during
Lent. When an execution was ordered and no executioner was
forthcoming, the youngest judge had to officiate. Delegates from
this court spread all over Germany, taking information secretly
and unknown to the accused, who was often condemned without
being heard. There was no appeal except to the emperor, and his
commands of mercy were not always effective. This tribunal was
finally abolished in the reign of Maximilian I. The Venetian
Council of Ten was, in comparison, a court of mercy.”
67 =Scold’s Wooden Collar=, with two places for the hands. See
note below.
68 =A somewhat similar Collar=, with four places for hands, used
for a man and his wife.
NOTE.—Mr. William Andrews, in his interesting book, _Old-Time
Punishments_, says: “Scolding women in the olden times were
treated as offenders against the public peace, and for their
transgressions were subjected to several cruel modes of
punishment. The corporations of towns during the Middle Ages
made their own regulations for punishing persons guilty of
crimes which were not rendered penal by the laws of the land.
The punishments for correcting scolds differed greatly in
various parts of the country.... The free use of the tongue
gave rise to riots and feuds to such an extent that it is
difficult for us to realize at the present day.”
69 =Long Wooden Roller=, studded with spikes, and known as a
“spiked hare;” used on the rack.
70 =A similar Roller=, with raised edges.
71 =Scold’s Pillory=, shape of a violin, made of wood. In this
the woman charged with being a scold was affixed, and so driven
round the town, or whipped at the cart’s tail, accompanied by
the public executioner, or a drummer, who beat his drum to call
the public’s attention.
72 A ditto, somewhat longer.
73 =Scold’s Collar of Oak=, in the shape of a ruff. This was
fitted round the neck and had to be worn as shame or penitence
punishment for a certain time in a public place.
74 =Spanish Iron Collar=, studded inside with iron spikes and
with sharp saw-toothed edges; worn by religious martyrs.
75 =A very similar Iron Collar.=
76 =Malefactor’s Collar Pillory=, with places for both hands.
Made of wood, with very broad collar board so as to show out
well in a crowded market-place or church-porch.
77 A ditto, smaller, with sexagonal rim.
78 A ditto, round edge, with notched ornamentation.
79 =An Executioner’s Sword= from the town of Bamberg, the guard
embossed in representations of the Passions; wire-woven guard,
to prevent it from slipping through the executioner’s hand, and
sharp double-edged blade.
80 =Headsman’s Sword= from Nördlingen, with iron grip, engraved
with gallows and wheel on the shield; also three perforations
typical of the Holy Trinity, and armorer’s mark.
81 =Small Iron Memento Mori=, worn with a chain round the neck
on the way to execution.
82 =A Pair of Early Iron Handcuffs= fastened with chain.
[Illustration:
_See Catalogue, No. 953._
]
83 =Executioner’s Sword.= Belonged to the Nuremberg executioner,
Franz Schmidt. It has a gilt metal top and guard. On the side of
the blade are the following verses:
“Die Herrn steuern dem Unheil
Und ich executire das Urtheil
Wenn ich das Schwerdt thu aufheben
So geb Gott dem armen Sünder das ewige Leben.”
TRANSLATION.—“The world steers towards mischief, and I execute
the judgment. When I lift up my sword, God give the poor
sinner eternity.”
84 =Executioner’s Extra Heavy Sword=, with sharp-pointed blade,
straight long guard and wire-covered hilt, strong iron-pointed
ferrule top.
85 =Executioner’s Sword.= Thuringen executioner, Balthasar
Glaser. With gilt metal work, and the motto:
“Hüte Dich, Thu kein Böses nicht,
So Kommst du nicht ins Gericht.”
TRANSLATION.—“Be careful, do no ill, and you won’t come to
judgment.”
Under the verses are engraved “Justice & St. Michael.” On the
handle is the letter “G.”
86 =An Extra Long and Extra Strong Iron Chain=, with foot
shackle at one end and strong iron bar to fasten on to a wall at
the other end.
87 =A Heavy Hempen Scourge or Whip=, with numerous lashes, each
one having a steel barb woven into it so as to cut at each
stroke.
88 =A similar one, not so Heavy.=
It was a common thing in England for prisoners to be whipped with
a three-cord whip knotted at each end, and in the feudal times
servants were often whipped to death. Whipping vagrants at the
cart’s tail was also greatly resorted to, and in many a country
town or village a whipping-post exists until this day. In the
penitential cell the scourge was also greatly used, and from
what we can gather was of the utmost severity. Many of the whips
and rods in this collection seem to be of unusual strength, and
were doubtless used by the public executioner on criminals
without the slightest mercy.
89 =Long Spiked Wooden Roller=, with numerous rows of long
spikes. Known as a “spiked hare.” The victim was laid on a bench
or stretched on a ladder, and the “spiked hare” was rolled over
his naked body, or, to vary it, he was rolled over the spikes.
Some of the old writers describe this torture as being most
fearful.
90 =Thief-catcher.= Very curious instrument. Was used with a
long iron handle, terminating at the top with a round hoop,
garnished inside with triangular iron spikes. The front of the
hoop is made to push open, so that the officer of the law can
push it round the neck, arm, or leg of whoever he wants to
catch, who on his or her part has no possible means of getting
away, the ring having closed on him and preventing any effort to
escape.
91 =Iron Manacle.=
92 =Manacle=, somewhat similar.
93 =A Pair of Wrist-fasteners=, each at the end of a long iron
bar so as to keep the arms wide apart; were used when prisoners
were being whipped.
94 =Similar Instrument=, somewhat shorter, with two padlocks.
95 =Very Powerful Spiked Hare=, with sharp iron spikes. When the
victim was rolled over this terrible instrument he was
completely impaled and disembowelled.
96 =Strong Coupling-iron=, with manacle at each end to fasten
two people.
97 =Large Heavy Hand Axe=, with metal grip, used to cut off the
right hand of those convicted of treason, or parricides.
98 =Headsman’s Sword=, from Bayreuth, with brass grip, and with
the motto:
“Ich stehe hoff nebst Gott zu richten recht,
Jesus du bist der Richter und ich der Knecht.”
TRANSLATION.—“I stand under God to execute aright,
Jesus, Thou art the Judge and I the servant.”
Under this a figure of Justice and some ornamentation; also:
“O Herr nimm Diesen Sünder auff in dein Reich,
Damit er kann werden vor einem glücklichen streich.”
TRANSLATION.—“O God, take this sinner into thy kingdom,
That he may know happiness.”
Under this a knight with dagger, and some ornamentation.
99 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Munich, with iron guard shagreen
handle, in leather sheath and original belt. On the blade is
damascened in gold a man being beheaded and St. George, also the
verses as per Nos. 233 and 272.
100 =Headsman’s Sword=, from Augsburg, with extra long and
straight guard, the hilt of leather wound round with wire to
keep it from slipping.
101 =A Pair of Iron Bracelets= with aperture to fix on to a
chain.
102 =A somewhat similar Pair of Handcuffs=, with lock and key.
103 =Iron Brank or Shame Mask=, with ass’s ears and painted
face, from Regensburg; worn by drunkards.
104 =A similar Iron Mask=; worn by females.
105 =Iron Crown=, with interior four-cornered knobs to press on
the head. Was used for females.
106 =Relief Carved Portrait=, in wood, of the Nuremberg hangman
of the year 1578, with manuscript of the period. Very
characteristic.
107 =Foot Padlock.= An instrument in which the feet were locked,
as holding them tighter than a chain, when the culprit was
placed in a frequented spot loose or fastened to a wall or tree.
108 =Iron Mail Chain Glove.= Was made red hot before being put
on.
109 =A similar Mail Glove.=
110 =Hiesel’s Gun=, a very heavy and massive arm with very large
bore, the stock so arranged by Hiesel himself that he could fire
it off from either shoulder. The lock was also engraved by him.
Hiesel was a notorious bandit whose name spread terror through all
the hill-lands of Upper Bavaria. For many years he was able to
elude the vigilant hunt made for him by the soldiery or police,
but at last he was taken and executed.
111 =Strong Iron Foot Presser or Foot Screw=, the cruelty of
which is apparent.
112 =Set of Irons=, consisting of two strong iron bands, two
shackles, a pair of handcuffs, padlock, small weights, and
twelve-link chain; with this a police officer was enabled to
couple a pair of prisoners.
113 =A strong Iron Leg Shackle, long Chain and Padlock=, used
for chaining prisoner in a dungeon.
114 =Long Iron Bar=, with manacle at each end, was used at the
whipping-post.
115 =Similar One= with ornamental iron bar.
116 =A Small Iron Thumbscrew=, early Italian.
117 =A similar Thumbscrew.=
118 =Executioner’s Sword=, belonging to the last headsman of
Nuremberg, beautifully damascened blade, the armorer’s mark and
inscription, straight guard and wire-woven hilt.
119 =A Dutch Executioner’s Sword=, with strongly ribbed blade
and leathern hilt.
120 =An Executioner’s Sword=, from the Low Countries, strongly
ribbed and pointed blade.
121 =Headsman’s or Executioner’s Sword=, from Eichstaedt,
round-pointed blade, wire hilt, long guard.
122 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Erlangen, with shagreen
scabbard, the blade engraved with “St. Michael & St. James,” and
with the following inscription: “Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judæorum,”
and “Et verbum caro factum est.—I.H.S.” Beyond which the sword
is beautifully ornamented.
123 =A Gallows Rope.=
124 =A similar Gallows Rope.=
125 =An unknown Fragment of a Sharp, Dangerous Torture
Instrument.=
126 =A Pair of Strongly Locked Handcuffs= fastened on to a long
iron bar.
127 =Venetian Bandit’s Dagger.=
[Illustration:
_See Catalogue, No. 905._
]
128 =A similar Dagger=, smaller.
129 =Branding Iron=, marks the letter V.
130 =Another Branding Iron=, from the town of Fuerth, marking
the letter F.
131 =A different Branding Iron.=
132 =Long Iron Whip=, black wood handle and three chain iron
lashes; would not only tear the flesh, but break a bone when
applied with force.
133 =Scold’s Collar=, perfect fiddle shape, with following
inscription:
“VOR DIE SCHWATZHAFT—UND UNZÜCHTIGEN WEIBER ZU POEN. SIRAH
NAGELNEI GEIGENMACHER.—_Allerertn Wohnaft, d. 28 Jan. 1683._”
“For talkative and scolding women as a penitence.—Sirah
Nagelnei, fiddlemaker, 28th Jany., 1683.”
134 =Prison Warder’s Weapon= in the shape of a hammer; strong
wood handle and iron head.
135 =A Jointed Chain Hand-fastener= to bind both hands together.
136 =An Iron Tongue-tearer= in the shape of a pair of tongs with
screw. With this instrument a strong hold could be taken of a
tongue so that it could be torn right out by the roots. Was used
on blasphemers, heretics, etc., etc.
Louis IX., King of France (St. Louis), made a law against
blasphemers. He condemned them to a new punishment. Their
tongues were to be torn and pierced with red-hot irons, and so
terrorizing was this mandate that many of the expletives and
oaths which had hitherto been used were moderated and changed.
Tête de Dieu became “Tête bleu,” Corps de Dieu “Corbleu,” Sang
de Dieu “Sangbleu,” etc., etc. By this means the nobles hoped to
escape the wrath of the King and at the same time make their
peace with the offended clerics. Many of these so changed words
are in vogue now, though few imagine the source whence they
came.
137 =An Iron Armlet and Lock Combined=, with inscription of
maker’s name.
138 =A Very Early Strong Iron Double Hand-fastener= with lock
and key.
139 =An Iron Whip= with six sharp-edged iron tails.
140 =Spanish Mouth-Pear or Gag=, made of iron and in sections,
so that it may be squeezed together in the shape of a pear,
hence its name. This was used for those condemned to torture or
those privately seized. The instrument was forced into the
mouth, and then, by touching the screw, it springs open, and the
victim could utter no sound.
141 =An Iron Winder or Gallows Hook.=
142 =An Iron Winder or Gallows Hook=, larger.
143 Another.
144 =An Iron Gallows Screw.=
145 =A Strong Iron Gallows Swivel Screw.=
146 =A Constable’s Staff= of heavy metal, the grip covered with
leather, the end in the shape of a man’s fist, a blow from which
would break the hardest skull.
147 =Large Gag= with wooden handle and with spring movement, so
as to open when forced into the mouth. Spanish. This gag,
although of a different formation from No. 140, was equally as
effective in subduing all cries and in preventing any resistance
on the part of the condemned.
148 =An Old English Executioner’s Axe=, with date 1539, under
which coat-of-arms with lettering; also the three perforations
which signify the Trinity.
149 =Executioner’s Axe= with long wooden handle and metal
ferrule. French.
150 =Headsman’s Sword=, from Ulm, with iron grip, long leather
handle, with a wheel and a gallows inlaid in the blade.
151 =Curious Finger Axe=, heavy iron blade.
152 =A Venetian Executioner’s Sword=, short, with brass grip;
gallows and wheel on the blade.
153 =Large Leather Collar= of Hiesel’s big dog, with large brass
nails and owner’s monogram.
154 =Pair of Manacles and a Shackle=, with thirty-jointed chain.
155 =A Scold’s Wooden Collar=, with pillory for neck and both
hands.
156 =Another=, very similar, iron bound.
157 =Heavy Iron Wire Penitential Rod.=
158 =Iron Whip=, with five iron wire lashes, each one with rows
of spur-shaped spikes to cut into the flesh.
159 =A Penitential Iron Whip=, with twelve sharp-edged flat iron
lashes.
160 =Iron Wire Whip=, with five lashes completely studded with
iron spikes.
161 =Hempen Whip=, with six lashes and barbed wire ends.
162 =Very curious strong Prison Padlock.= Early Spanish.
163 =Neck Iron and Pair of Shackles=, with seventeen-link chain.
The prisoner was fastened by the feet to the iron round his
neck.
164 =Strong Neck Iron=, with padlock and double-length iron
chain.
165 =Iron Thumbscrew.=
166 =Another Thumbscrew= of different shape and stronger.
167 =An exceedingly powerful Pair of Iron Wristscrews.=
168 =A Pair of Iron Handcuffs= or double bracelets.
169 =An Executioner’s Rapier=, with silver guard. This sword was
worn by the hangman on his right side.
170 =A Similar Sword=, with embossed guard and pommel,
silver-mounted grip.
171 =Curious Wooden Devil’s Head Mask=, with real goat’s horns,
for dishonest children.
172 =Hempen Whip=, with six thongs, for youthful offenders.
173 =Small Shackle and light Chain=, for youths.
174 =A Manacle=, with ten-jointed chain, for young people.
175 =Prison Warder’s Weapon= for self-defence, in the shape of a
whip, with a heavy weight at the end. Short, strong handle, with
a twisted chain terminating in the weight.
176 =Mask=, worn by the poison-mixer, Rudhart, of Stuttgart;
made of leather and arranged with small holes over the mouth and
nose for breathing purposes.
177 =A curious Double Scolds’ Collar=, in which two women were
pilloried, fastened necks and hands, and marched together, thus
involuntarily united, round the town.
178 =Another=, somewhat similar.
179 =A very curious Wooden-handled Whip.=
180 =A Whip=, somewhat similar.
181 =Iron Prison= in the shape of a body ring, handcuffs, and
foot shackles, with chain to fasten to a wall.
182 =A very long and extra strong Iron Chain=, with shackle and
long iron security bar.
183 =Venetian Iron Collar=, with projecting rod terminating in a
bell, so that the prisoner could not move without giving notice
to the warders and watchers.
184 =A very curious and ponderous Iron Instrument=, so
constructed as to hold feet, hands, and neck, keeping the
prisoner in a most painful and awkward position.
185 =A Venetian Iron Collar and Belt=, somewhat similar to No.
183.
186 =A strong pair of Iron Wrist-pressers.=
187 =A small pair of Finger-screws.=
188 =A Hempen Rod=, with numerous lashes, each terminating in a
spiked barb.
189 =Another Hempen Rod=, with knotted lashes.
190 =Another=, somewhat similar.
191 =Belt of Chastity=, with the symbol of love—a heart pierced
with two arrows—ornamented with green velvet and gold bordering
of lace; constructed with double lock.
192 =Belt of Chastity=, sharp-edged and the ironwork jointed.
193 =Belt of Chastity=, somewhat similar, covered with red
velvet.
194 =Long Iron Flagellant=, with five iron lashes completely
studded with spikes and barbs.
195 =Another Iron Whip=, with six spur-shaped ends.
196 =Strong Gallows Hook.=
197 =Another Iron Gallows Hook.=
198 =Another=, larger and stronger.
199 A ditto, smaller.
200 =A Long Iron Gallows Screw.=
201 =A Similar Screw=, smaller.
202 =Another.=
203 =A Long Straight Gallows Nail.=
204 =Thumbscrew= of the oldest and most simple construction, for
the most painful pressing and screwing entirely through the
thumb.
205 =A Curious Pair of Thumb-holders.= The thumbs were fastened
to this, and the culprit easily led along or fastened up in a
public place; resistance was impossible.
206 =A Pair of Manacles and Chains=, completely confining both
hands.
207 =Double Scolds’ Collar.= In this the women who had
quarrelled were placed, neck and hands, and were forced to stand
thus facing each other until they were, or pretended to be,
friends again.
208 =A Double Scolds’ Collar= somewhat different in shape and of
a later date.
209 & 210 =Two Iron Manacles.=
211 =Strong Iron Pillory=, with places for the neck and hands,
surmounted by a bell and a weathercock; worn by turncoats and
unreliable people.
212 =A Penitent’s Girdle=, made of barbed wire, which, when worn
next to the flesh, caused the most unpleasant and uncomfortable
irritation.
213 =A Long Iron Chain= for fastening up a prisoner securely.
Heavy iron padlock at one end, strong ankle ring at the other.
214 =The Russian Knout=, made of bullets of lead, covered with
leather, and strung together. With this terrible instrument
slaves and prisoners of all kinds were scourged.
215 =Copper Boot=, which was filled with boiling water or molten
lead.
216 =Another=, similar.
217 =A Hempen Whip=, with six knotted lashes.
218 =Another=, with very numerous lashes, spur-iron edges.
219 =A Pair of Wooden Pinching Shears= to pinch the fingers or
toes.
220 =Iron Body Ring=, with pair of hand bracelets and
eleven-linked chain.
221 =Implement for fastening the Ankles together=, with place
through which to fix an iron chain.
222 =Catgut Head-tormenter=, with iron handle for the
executioner; with this he drew the cords backwards and forwards
across the forehead until the victim was almost scalped.
223 =Iron Penitential Whip=, with five sharp-edged iron tails.
224 =Very Powerful Screw Iron Foot Breaker or Toe Screw.=
Entailed the most terrible pain.
225 =Powerful Iron Handscrew=, with differently roughened base.
Who can tell the fearful torture of the thumbscrew, which was so
freely used in all European countries? Was a man charged with
any crime or supposed to know of any plot against the Church or
the Government, the ordeal of the thumbscrew made him confess,
even if he was innocent. It was not in human nature (except in
_very rare_ cases) to stand this ordeal long; and under its
baneful influence, its heart-breaking torture, who knows how
many perfectly innocent people were accused and convicted of
crimes they had never thought of?
226 =Branding Iron=, from Utrecht, brands letter U.
227 =Branding Iron=, brands with mark of the gallows.
228 =Large Gallows Screw=, from which the condemned was hanged.
229 =A curious Iron Cupping Machine=, with which letters or
designs were burnt into the flesh.
230 =A Spiked Roller=, over which a man was rolled when on the
rack.
231 =A Pair of Shackles and strong Chain.=
232 =Leather Head Halter=, which was placed on the head of the
condemned and held by the executioner’s assistant.
233 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Regensburg, with engraved blade
and motto:
“Die Herrn steuren dem Unheil
Ich exequire ihr End Urtheil,”
and a figure of Justice. On the other side—
“Wann ich das Schwert thu aufheben
Wunche ich dem Sünder das ewige Leben,”
a figure of Justice, and the armorer’s mark. (See No. 83.)
234 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Crailsheim-Ellwangen,
Würtemberg; with broad blade.
235 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Brannenberg, in Upper Bavaria;
with iron guard and strong swept blade and armorer’s mark.
236 =Double Thumbscrew.=
237 =Another=, somewhat similar.
238 =A curious Yoke.= This was worn by the father and mother of
a child born out of wedlock. When yoked together they were
forced to carry water up to the top of the hill, doubtless up
into the old Castle of Nuremberg. (See engraving, No. 996.)
239 =Long Chain of Nine Links=, with shackle or foot fastener.
240 =Another long Chain and a Shackle.=
241 =Curious Shame Mask or Brank=, female head worn by dishonest
or immoral women.
242 =Very curious large Iron Brank or Mask=, with goggle-eyes,
large open mouth; worn by blasphemers.
243 =Iron Mask=, with painted face; worn by youthful criminals.
244 =Curious pair of Iron Braces=, with front and back bars,
body ring, and padlock, in which a man was tightly held and had
no power of resistance.
245 =A pair of round Wrist-holders=, with lock and key.
246 =A similar pair=, not so heavy.
247 =Strong Iron Ankle Fasteners=, by which prisoner was secured
so as not to be able to move unless released.
248 =A heavy Iron Shackle or Leg Iron.=
249 =A painful double Handscrew=, constructed so that the whole
ten fingers could be squeezed at the same time.
250 =A Double-handed Headsman’s Sword=, extra long blade, with
armorer’s mark and sign of the Trinity.
251 =A Military Executioner’s Sword=, with princely and military
ornamentation, as well as the three perforations (the Trinity)
in the blade.
252 =An Oriental Executioner’s Sword=, with brass guard and
hilt, ribbed blade, pointed end.
253 =Pair of Hand-bracelets or Handcuffs=, with long chain and
padlock.
254 =Another=, somewhat the same.
255 =A Gallows Rope.=
256 =Another Gallows Rope.=
257 =A Chain= to bind two prisoners by the ankles.
258 =Very powerful Iron Foot-presser or Foot-screw.=
259 =Another, somewhat different=, with sharp internal
spur-shaped screw to mutilate the foot.
260 =A Penitent’s Girdle=, made of iron wire, with sharp points,
to press into the flesh.
261 =Long Iron Chain Whip=, with five thongs barbed.
261a =Iron Torture Stocks=, three feet high, with divisions for
neck, hands, and feet. In consequence of the shape of these
stocks, when a man’s hands and neck were fastened, the position
was an exceedingly painful one.
261b =A Pair of Iron Pincers=, which were made red-hot and so
used. There were various different marks awarded in the
punishment, and the victim had to be burned so many times an
hour. For each time he branded, the executioner received a
certain fee.
262 =Tongue-tearer.= A pair of tongs so arranged with screws and
sharp teeth that it took a firm grip of the tongue. Used on
blasphemers.
263 =Similar Pair of Tongue-tearers.=
264 =Iron Spider.= This instrument, somewhat like a spider, with
long sharp claws, was used to grip the flesh of various portions
of the body and then tear it away. Was very frequently used on
women, whom it horribly mutilated.
[Illustration:
_See Catalogue, No. 949._
]
265 =Smaller Iron Spider.=
266 =Mecklenburg Torture Stocks=, supported by a round strong
iron stake, with hand and foot fasteners and padlock.
267 =Very Curious Iron Pillory=; place for the neck and for the
hands was fastened with a padlock. The culprit was condemned to
wear this terrible instrument so many days, weeks, or years.
Early German.
268 =A Similar Iron Pillory=, somewhat lighter.
269 =Spanish Gaiter= for torturing the foot, with strong screw
and uneven tread.
270 =A Strong Iron Criminal Coupler or Whipping Stocks.=
270a =A Pair of Fine Steel Pincers=, for flaying or cutting away
the skin, with inscription of Justice, etc.; also armorer’s
marks and ornamental design, etc.
271 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Buchloe, in Swabia, with
exquisitely engraved blade. On one side is the motto:
“Wann ich das Schwert thu aufheben
Wunche ich dem armen Sünder das ewige Leben.”
Translation:
“When I raise my sword, I wish the poor sinner eternity.”
On the reverse:
“Durch die Schärfe dieser Klingen
Muss der Kopf vom Leib Wegspringen.”
Translation:
“From the sharpness of this blade the head must leave the body.”
272 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Ansbach, with twisted and gilt
top; also pair of shears for cutting the hair on neck and
engraved with the following verses:
“Die Herren steuren dem Unheil
Ich exequire ihr End Urtheil.
Wann ich das Schwert thu aufheben
Wunche ich dem Sünder das ewige Leben.”
Translation:
“The world steers toward mischief, and I execute judgment.
When I lift up my sword, God give the poor sinner eternity.”
275 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Passau. On the blade is
engraved: Christ on the Cross, and under it, “Crucifixio Christi
Et Verbum Caro.= + Z + IA + BLZ + St + A + B + Z + H + GF + B
factum.” Under this is a medallion. On the reverse Virgin and
Child, and underneath is + Z + IA + etc.
274 =A Double Scolds’ Collar= for women, with pillories for
heads and hands.
275 =A Scold’s Collar= for one woman only.
276 =A similar Collar=, but of different shape.
277 =Hempen Whip=, with numerous barbed ends.
278 =Cat-o’-nine-tails.=
279 =Long Chain=, with heavy iron shackle.
280 =Lighter Chain= for female offenders.
281 =Curious Wooden Mask or Brank= for horse-stealers.
282 =Headsman’s Sword=, leather hilt.
283 =Headsman’s Sword=, from Ingolstadt, with a pointed button,
leather handle, a gallows and wheel damascened in copper on the
blade.
284 =Headsman’s Sword=, from Amberg, with iron grip, St. Michael
and St. James. Under St. Michael there is Jesus Nazarenus Rex
Judæorum, and under St. James an inscription.
285 =A Pair of Wrist-holders=, with padlock and key.
286 =Wire Flagellant=, with numerous thongs.
287 =Jointed Iron double Hand-fastener.=
288 & 289 =Gallows or Choking Rope.=
290 =Portion of the Flooring of a Prison.= Oak cut into
diamond-shaped points, so as to be as hurtful to the prisoners
as possible, and as in many cases the walls were also of the
same material, it was very painful to lean, sit, lie, or stand.
291 =Iron Brank or Shame Mask=, with small ass’s ears.
292 =Iron Mask=, with mustache. Highwaymen or freebooters were
carried round the towns with this mask on, on various days
before their execution.
293 =Whip= with which those who were exposed in the stocks were
soundly thrashed in public according to sentence.
294 =Long Twisted Whip=, with heavier handle and thong, used on
more hardened criminals, few of whom survived a sound
application.
295 =Strong Rhinoceros-hide Whip.=
296 =Three-tailed Cat= (whip).
297 =Iron Braces and Body Ring=, with pair of manacles. (See No.
298.)
298 =Curious pair of Iron Braces=, with neck collar, handcuffs,
and pair of shackles. This instrument fits over each shoulder
round the waist, and when the victim is fastened by a collar
round the neck, handcuffs, and shackles, he may be said to be a
walking prison. He was literally bound in iron.
299 =Finger Pillory=, or flute-shaped instrument, which opens in
a similar way to the collars, but this has ten partitions or
divisions for the ten fingers; thus the offender stood in a
public place exactly in the position as if playing the flute.
Was used for various offences.
300 =Thieves’ Wooden Lantern=, three-sided, and with movement to
darken or show light at will.
301 =Branding Iron=, to brand culprit on shoulder or forehead.
302 =Branding Iron=, from Munich, brands the letter M.
303 & 304 =Two Branding Irons.=
305 =A Branding Iron=, brands E. C. O.
306 =Witches’ Idol.= A small carved wooden figure of the devil,
said to have been worshipped by witches.
307 =A small but formidable Pear-shaped Gag=, to prevent
prisoners from screaming while under torture. (See No. 140.)
308 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Augsburg, with shagreen handle
and flat blade.
309 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Weissenburg, with verses. (See
No. 272.)
310 =Executioner’s Sword=, from Ansbach, with the following
verse on the blade:
“Die Herren steuren dem Unheil.
Ich exequire ihr End Urtheil.
J. N. R. J.”
311 =Gallows Cord.=
312 =Turkish Bowstring, or Executioner’s Cord.=
313 & 314 =Two Double Hand-fasteners.=
315 =A very strong solid Iron Double Manacle= at the end of
strong iron bar.
316 A ditto, with long iron chain.
317 =Iron Mask=, with coat-of-arms and long speaking-tube in the
place of a nose, worn by libellous persons and backbiters.
318 =Iron Polish Torture Stocks=, with two hand and two foot
fastenings, double lock with keys; date 1472. When the prisoner
was fixed in this, the position was most painful and unpleasant.
319 =Wooden Pillory for Hands, and Long Chain.=
320 =Long Wooden Hand or Arm Breaker.= By pressure of powerful
screws the hands or arm could be crushed completely.
321 =A Thieves’ Wooden Lantern=, three-sided and with movable
slides.
322 =Spanish Boot=, made of two strong pieces of heavy wood,
fitted inside with protruding iron knobs or buttons, and made to
screw up so as to completely break the foot and inflict the most
agonizing torture. (See Engraving, No. 1033.)
323 =Large Curious Prison Padlock and Key=, of extra strength.
324 =A Pair of Pincers=, for tearing out the tongue by the
roots.
325 =A Cupping Machine=, which, when red hot, impressed the
letter T.
326 =Very Curious Iron Brank=, with ass’s ears and movable
tongue and jaws, curiously embossed. The movable jaw denoted the
scold or libeller.
327 =Iron Mask=, with ass’s ears, small bells, and protruding
upper lip, worn for immorality.
328 =Large old Swedish Scold’s Collar=, in the shape of a
fiddle, with large bells and bell ropes; very curious.
329 =Strong Double Manacle=, with heavy iron bar and long chain.
330 =Venetian sharp Foot-presser=, of wrought iron, studded
inside with spikes, which lacerated the flesh.
331 =Manacle=, with twelve-linked chain.
332 =Heavy Iron Whip=, with six sharp-edged iron lashes.
333 =Shackle=, with long iron chain.
334 =Curious very old Chain= for securing a prisoner by hands
and foot.
335 =Iron Necklet=, with leather thongs and sharply-toothed ring
for hanging or fastening the victim to a beam, or where he could
just reach the floor on tip-toe.
336 =A Prison Warder’s Weapon=, to be used on obstreperous or
mutinous prisoners. It is in the shape of a whip, but the lash
is of iron, with a weight at its end.
337 to 340 =Four various-sized Iron Shackles.=
341 =Iron Mask or Brank=, with female face, long horns, and
donkey’s ears.
342 =Curious Shame Mask of Iron=, with long protruding beak and
small mustache; also short ass’s ears.
343 =Scold’s Collar=, shape of the ruff worn by the women of the
16th and 17th centuries, but made of wood, hung round with 21
small bells and one larger one, and ornamented with a red and
white tassel. In this the scold was led up and down the town or
neighborhood as a warning to her neighbors.
344 =A Pair of Strong Iron Martyr Tongs or Pincers= for tearing
the flesh or for flaying.
345 =A Pair of ditto.=
346 & 347 =Heavy Wooden Hand Pillory=, bound in iron.
348 & 349 =Pair of Wooden Finger-squeezing Shears.=
350 =Judge’s Staff=, an attribute of the presiding judge. The
handle is handsomely ornamented.
351 =Long Iron Wire Punishment Rod.=
352 =Very Heavy Iron Double Foot Padlock.= With this fastened
on, the prisoner could not possibly run away.
353 =A very similar Instrument.=
354 to 358 =Five Scolds’ Wooden Collars=, with aperture for head
and both hands, slightly of different construction and periods.
359 =A Curious Yoke=, in which a couple found guilty of any act
against the strict morals of the time were fastened and driven
round the town, or stood in a market place. Early Swiss.
360 =A Long Iron Coupling Chain= with manacle at each end.
361 =Very Curious and Rare Pighead-shaped Wrought-iron Mask=,
used for disgraceful offences.
The collection of branks or shame masks of various kinds and
periods, many although but sparsely described here, will be
found to be of the greatest interest to the student and the
historian. The brank was very well known in England, and records
of its use are kept in many townships, and here and there in the
museums a specimen of it may be found.
362 =An Extra Large-sized Collar=, constructed for a male
slanderer or libeller, who, with head and both hands fixed in
this uncomfortable appendage, was pilloried for a lengthened
period in the market-place, an object of derision to all.
363 =Wooden Liar’s Knife=, with burnt mark denoting a dragon. In
the handle a whistle and bells with a set of printed verses
pasted on, from the poems of Nuremberg’s great writer, Hans
Sachs.
“Dass aufschneidt Messer
Wers kann machs besser.”
On the blade.
“Was soll ein Messer wanns nicht schneidt,
Oder steckt allzeit in der Scheidt?
Also was soll auch sein ein Mann,
Der nicht weitlich herschneiden kann.”
On the other side.
“Hettest du jetzt fein still geschwign
So wär das Messer blieben lign,
Die Pfeiff kein Schall het lassen hörn
Das Glöcklein teht sich dran nicht kehrn.”
Translation same as No. 413.
NOTE.—This knife is very curious as showing the style of
treatment in those days of the drawers of the “long bow.”
364 =Large Hand Axe or Heavy Knife=, used to chop off the
fingers or hands of those found guilty of treason, killing a
parent, and various other crimes.
365 & 366 =Two Strong Hand-screws=, for squeezing the fingers.
367 =Chinese Executioner’s Knife=, with engraved handle.
368 =Constable’s Staff of Iron=, the end terminating in the
figure of a man’s fist. Could be used with serious results.
369 =Leather Body Ring=, with iron fastener. When the criminal
was fastened with a ring round his body, shackles fastened from
it to his feet, handcuffs to his hands, and a collar to his
neck, he had little chance of escape or resistance. Slaves were
frequently sold thus bound.
370 & 371 =Two Strong Iron Bars=, each with a manacle at each
end, used for various purposes.
372 & 373 =Two very Curious and Powerful Thumbscrews.=
374 =Very Curious Iron Shame Mask or Brank=, with long straight
protruding ears, long snout, and overlapping lip (a sign of
drunkenness), two curious round raised and blotched ornaments
under each eye, and a deeply furrowed forehead. This was worn by
confirmed topers, who were frequently condemned to stand exposed
for perhaps a week, or longer, according to the gravity of their
failing.
375 =Another Iron Mask=, worn by thieves.
376 & 377 =Two Hempen Penitential Whips=, with strongly knotted
lashes.
378 =Iron Body Belt=, with a manacle or handcuff fixed on to
each side, and strong chain to fasten prisoner up to a wall or
dungeon floor.
379 =A very powerful pair of Ankle Fasteners and Padlock
combined.= With this on, the victim could not possibly walk a
single step.
380 =Long Iron Chain=, with strong leg fastener at one end,
padlock at the other.
381 & 382 =Two Strong Iron Shackles.=
383 =Curious Iron Brank or Shame Mask=, square face with turned
up mustache and flattened nose, worn by people who were found to
be very quarrelsome or combative.
384 to 388 =Five Wooden Scolds’ Collars= of various sizes and
designs, presumably from different towns.
389 & 390 =Two Gallows Choking Ropes.=
391 =Iron Body Ring with Long Iron Chain.=
392 & 393 =A Pair of very Powerful Iron Finger-screws or Nail
Breakers.= Inflicted most terrible pain.
394 =A very rare and uncommon Iron Brank=, made only in
skeleton, but so constructed that parts cover the mouth, nose,
and eyes, and with long outstanding head top. Was worn by a
prisoner perhaps for years, until his identity was almost lost.
395, 395a, 396 =Three Long Iron Chains=, each with an ankle
fastener at the end; worn in prisons while the inmates were at
work, so that they could be fastened to their barrows, spades,
or benches.
397 =A smaller Chain with Leg-holder and Padlock=, worn by a
woman or child.
398 & 399 =A Pair of Double Thumbscrews=, with semi-circular
tops and rings.