Lot 2552

Description

Leg irons, set of heavy leg irons of period 1824-1840 as used in the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement with various markings as described below in the footnote. The lot includes a detailed discussion and reference, very fine and very rare.

Ex Stewart McLeod Collection, and from an early shop in George St. Brisbane in early 1880's and after to Mr. Leo McCarthy. The location of the find was in an area known as the 'Lumber Yard' and in convict days was first used as a Military Barracks and within this area were made products for the settlements. Tom Petrie writing in 1904 that as a boy he recalls seeing the blacksmith making leg irons and rivetting them on prisoners sentenced to work in irons. On the irons are a broad arrow over BO (Board of Ordnance), D stamp denotes size and three stars denote a pair.