Prison chains?

[joncooper1986]

Hi everyone. This chain is about 6 feet long, and has four numbered medallions (two different numbers). The font looks old, and the number plates are riveted on. I can’t tell what this could be. Anyone know? Some of the links are of the twisted variety and there is a unique latch at the end.
[/ATTACH]

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[xaos]

Looks more like trapline chains...trapping in that area?

 

[Fat]

.....I don’t think trap chain.. No swivels and not a trapping link, the numbers aren’t correct...
I’m going to guess some sort of logging choker chain...

 

[GoDeep]

That's a cool find. I worked in logging for a few years and it doesn't look like any choke chains we used at the time, plus the gauge is relatively small to be pulling any big logs. I don't know squat about trapping, but those would have held the misses in line pretty well, she liked to role play now and then...

 

[DizzyDigger]

I agree with Fat...definitely not trap chains.

Trapping chains have swivels in them so an animal can not twist and
break their leg. It's also too large of chain links to be used in trapping.

 

[GoDeep]

Perhaps cattle chains like these: