Leg Irons
This style is also know as an "Oregon Boot." The Oregon Boot or "Gardner Shackle", was patented by Oregon State Penitentiary Warden J.C. Gardner in 1866. The shackle consisted of an iron band of varying weights that was locked around one of prisoners ankles and supported by braces which went down and under the prisoners foot. The shackle's weight hobbled the prisoners' movements to prevent escape and long term use would cause severe injury to the wearer. Use of this type of shackle was ended by the mid-20th century. While we may not know whose ankle this leg iron was used on, we do know that they were not going very far, or very fast.
Donor: Bonner County Sheriff's Department
Adopted by:
This style is also know as an "Oregon Boot." The Oregon Boot or "Gardner Shackle", was patented by Oregon State Penitentiary Warden J.C. Gardner in 1866. The shackle consisted of an iron band of varying weights that was locked around one of prisoners ankles and supported by braces which went down and under the prisoners foot. The shackle's weight hobbled the prisoners' movements to prevent escape and long term use would cause severe injury to the wearer. Use of this type of shackle was ended by the mid-20th century. While we may not know whose ankle this leg iron was used on, we do know that they were not going very far, or very fast.
Donor: Bonner County Sheriff's Department
Adopted by: