Neck Irons Manufactured circa 1850's

This set of irons was used to chain a group of men together. The large loops were placed around the necks of two men, locked and then were linked together with another pair of unfortunate souls by a central chain that passed though the linking loop in the center. This is the origination of the "Chain Gang" phrase that meant the entire group was linked by chain. This particular pair saw use by slaves as they pre-date the 1860's and then for use by prisoners thereafter. Neck irons were considered cruel and unusual punishment and were later replaced by leg irons. Most often they would have been used in the transport of slaves or prisoners from one location to another.