Editing Legcuffs (section)

== History ==
[[File:Leg Cuff.JPG|thumb|Wooden legcuff at a museum, Sri Lanka]]
The earliest fetters found in archaeological excavations date from the prehistoric age and are mostly of the puzzle lock type.{{clarify|date=May 2015}} Fetters are also referenced in ancient times in the Bible ({{bible|2 Samuel|3:34}}, {{bible|Job|36:13}}, {{bible|Psalm|149:8}})

A variety of restraint types already existed in Roman times. Some early versions of cup lock shackles existed at this time. These were widely used in medieval times, but their use declined when mass production made the manufacture of locks built into restraints affordable.

Simple fetter types continue to be used,{{Clarify timeframe|date=July 2021}} like puzzle lock shackles as the typical slave iron, or irons riveted shut for prisoners being transported to overseas prison camps.

The first built-in locks often were of a simple screw-type, but soon developed into the "Darby" type. In Europe these continued to be used into the middle of the 20th century, whereas in the U.S. from the late 19th century onwards many new designs were invented and produced before handcuffs and leg irons of the Peerless type became the standard several decades ago.{{When|date=July 2021}}

One type of shackle, called an "Oregon Boot" or "Gardner Shackle", was patented in 1866 by the warden of the Oregon State Penitentiary, J. C. Gardner. The shackle consisted of an iron band supported by braces which went down and under the prisoner's foot. The shackle's weight [[Hobble (device)|hobbled]] the prisoner's movements to prevent escape, and long-term use would cause severe injury to the wearer. Use of this type of shackle was ended by the mid-20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DOC Operations Division: Prison A Brief History of the Oregon Boot |url=http://www.oregon.gov/doc/OPS/PRISON/pages/osp_history3.aspx |access-date=10 December 2017 |website=www.oregon.gov |language=en-us}}</ref>