Man Catcher, Germany, 1601-1800

Made:
1601-1800 in Germany
Mancatcher consisting of heavy spiked metal collar with hinged

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Mancatcher consisting of heavy spiked metal collar with hinged
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Mancatcher consisting of heavy spiked metal collar with hinged mouth, on long wooden pole, German (?), 1601-1800

It is believed this hinged spike metal collar on a long wooden pole is a man catcher. It is one of the more unusual items in Henry Wellcome’s vast collection. Man catchers were used in Europe in the late 1700s during times of war. The terrifying collar pulled riders off horseback. In peacetime, it is thought the device may have caught and held escaped prisoners. Henry Wellcome was interested in all aspects of life, including crime and punishment, as well as medicine.

Details

Category:
Wellcome (general)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A129511
Materials:
iron and wood
Measurements:
overall: 1575 mm x 320 mm 245 mm,
type:
man catcher
credit:
Zwanziger