Old jailers jetting maybe??

[Rseod]

Old jailers keyring maybe??

This was dredged up from the ocean floor about 10-20 miles off the shores of Virginia Beach, in the same area where the Revolutionary War Battle for the Virginia Capes took place. Last week I came into possession of an 18lb cannonball from the same area. Anyway, when I saw this the first thing I thought was some kind of key ring, what do you all think??

 

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[jambone]

Possibly, though I've never seen keys joined to the ring with chain links. I was thinking maybe part of shackles/chains from the slave trade. Or maybe a horse harness.

 

[Ditlihi]

I agree with Jambone, looks like part of a set of slave shackles. Yours has four separate links, for both wrists and ankles.

 

[creskol]

Can you please provide some measurements and post additional photos of the ring.

 

[ARC]

Not a key ring.

 

[Reanm8er]

Welcome Rseod, interesting find. Since the links have been cut or broken some kind of a device for binding someone.
It doesn't necessarily have to be slave trade. I know the British used prison ships and perhaps the colonials did as well.
Best wishes!

 

[Icewing]

Scallop fishing drag chain seems like less of a leap.

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