Very rare set of Civil War shackles, Patent 1861, recovered in Pennsylvania (SOLD)

This is another great piece out of the 60-year collection I am working on. It is only one of a few Civil War pieces in the collection. They are leg shackles and measure 22" overall, with the cuffs having a 3 ¼” diameter. These shackles were made by Andrew Rankin Manufacturing of Philadelphia. Although surface rust prevents seeing the stamping, it is “A. Rankin Philadelphia” and PATENT DEC 10 1861” (see sample). As common with most examples, there is no key.

The US Patent 33,917 was issued on that date to Alfred Delestatius of Philadelphia, who assigned the patent to Andrew Rankin of Philadelphia. The patent is for "improvements to manacles and shackles." Marked on the shackles is “PA.”, which would be for recovered in Pennsylvania, but there is no other history.

These shackles appear to be an early pickup or barn find. There is slight surface rust and where the chain attaches to the cuffs, the swivels are frozen in place. I show a non-dug example of these shackles with the markings for comparison, which is identical. Finding a real 100% pair of Civil War shackles is very difficult, and this is the first set I ever came across. As with everything in this esteemed collection, a certificate of authenticity will be provided.