Description:

Western Europe, probably England, France, or Italy, ca. 17th century CE. An intriguing iron brand with a large 'A' on the end used to physically mark those guilty of committing adultery. The large letter is attached to the body via three projecting arms, and the body spirals gradually towards a conical socketing shaft used for attaching a wooden pole. The distinctive curls at the points of the letter were intended to create an immediately noticeable mark that could not be simply be obscured or manipulated to appear as something else. Thick layers of patina cover the tool. Size: 16.4" L x 4.2" W (41.7 cm x 10.7 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in September 2016; ex-Antique Weapon Store, Cape Coral, Florida, USA

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#152052

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form of handle and 'A' brand, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.

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May 21, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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