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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Unknown [Hand-forged iron shackles, 18th-19th century]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09709 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Type: Object Date: 1700-1800 Pagination: 1 shackle ; 44 x 11 x 6.5 cm. Order a Copy

One set of hand-forged iron shackles, dated 18th-19th century. Consists of two c-shaped iron cuffs attached with heavy iron links to two round rings. One ring is larger than the other and creates a point to link the shackles to another set of shackles or a chain. At the opening of the cuffs there are oval shaped links that close the shackles off and allow for a lock to be placed. Possibly used on enslaved people.

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