"Who would not confess...
when metal meets flesh."
A rare zoomorphic (snake) Pear of Anguish
Probably German 17th century
The "scales" were designed to catch and hold the teeth.
This mouth breaker caused great distress and damage.
Related to the Scavengers Daughter,
this screw holds the ankles and applies crushing pressure to the fingers.
this screw holds the ankles and applies crushing pressure to the fingers.
German, 17th century.
Similar to one in the Rothenburg Torture Museum.
Jougs with Ball Lock
Unusual example with toothed border
Netherlands, 16th century
Torture Press for Hand and Foot
Once secured, this devise allowed the torturer to amputate
fingers and toes, one joint at a time, while the victim is questioned.
The cross bar has an executioners wheel engraved on one end,
and a ridicule mask or brank engraved on the other.
German 17th century
The Famed Nuremberg Castle
Collection of Torture Instruments
For many years, Nuremburg was an important stop on the "Royal Tour."
Collection of Torture Instruments
For many years, Nuremburg was an important stop on the "Royal Tour."
Catalogue for Nurnberg collection in German ca. 1870
Rare publicity booklet for British exhibition, 1892
Catalogue for the New York City exhibition, 1893
What follows are photos of nine specimens
from the Nuremberg Castle collection
from the Nuremberg Castle collection
The captions and numbers are taken directly
from the 1893 New York City catalogue.
7. Iron Brank, with eyebrows, mustache, and three iron bars, worn by a parricide.
64. Curious Iron Brank, shape of devil's head, with stumpy horns, and small faces on the nose and cheeks, and with trumpet ears, for listeners, backbiters, etc.
147. Large Gag, with wooden handle and with spring movement, so as to open forced into the mouth. Spanish. This gag, although of a different formation from No. 140, was equally as effective in subduing all cries and in preventing any resistance on the part of the condemned.
216. Copper Boot, which was filled with boiling water or molten lead.
Freak Museum's note: Lead was never used, once cooled and solidified,
lead would have been impossible to remove.
238. A Curious Yoke, this was worn by the father and mother of a child born out of wedlock.
When yoked together they were forced to carry water up to the top of the hill,
doubtless up into the old Castle of Nuremberg.
281. Curious Wooden Mask or Brank for horse-stealers.
Freak Museum's note: This probably dates to the 12th century.
Wood punishment masks are extremely rare.
Wood punishment masks are extremely rare.
483. Curious Mask without any face, with long speaking-trumpet and snake
on which to hang any stolen property; for thieves.
570. Spanish Gaiter for torturing the leg, with strong screw and roughed inner
movement for crushing the shin bone. (larger and more powerful.)
This mask is from the Nuremberg collection,
but it's number is yet known.
Iron Maiden
Souvenir cdvs sold in Nuremburg, 1875
Iron Maiden
Souvenir cdv of Torture Chamber in Nuremburg 1880's
A Rare cdv showing the Torture Chamber,
Nuremburg 1880's
The following items are not Nuremburg collection material
Free Standing Pillory
Probably German, 1850's
Brank with large nose and fangs
possibly an anti-Semitic item
German 17 century
The bar to torment the mouth is visible in this view
Punishment Mask
18th century, possibly English
This mask is illustrated in William Andrews, Old Time Punishments, 1899 pg. 293
Exhibited in the Dungeon of Windsor Castle 1983-1989
Ex. Forman collection
The mouth insert is visible in the view, not visible is the armorers mark on rear strap.
Please come back, more to come as time permits.
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