Colonial America
Horrific 16th Century Iron Torture Tongs with Fang Jaws
16th Century, Rare Hand-Wrought Iron Torture Tongs with Fang Jaws, fully about 29.5" long with the fang jaws 1.25" wide, Choice Very Fine.
These 16th Century Iron Torture Tongs measure about 29.5" long with the end fang jaws each 1.25" wide. The Hand-Wrought Iron surfaces have an overall smooth deep patina as expected from age. The two long Iron handles pivot to provide extreme pinching pressure to the "fang" shaped jaws which have a proper shape and operate by opening and closing as intended. This device would have been used for torturing both women and men by applying the fire heated jaws, like clamps, onto certain "loose" vulnerable and sensitive areas of the body and pulled. Photocopied image of similar style torture tongs used to torture St. Agatha accompanies this item. Some glossy areas noted where the metal was coated for its protection from oxidation corrosion. Overall, a very rare and important original "museum quality" example that remains excellent in its appearance and operation, perfect for display.