PIRATE'S DUNGEON HANDCUFFS (A) 29-715
Replica antique handcuffs. As used in the Old West. Metal with antique finish. Weight: 1.4 lb.
PIRATE'S DUNGEON BALL N' CHAIN (B) 29-720
Ball and Chain. A great gag gift for bachelors, anniversaries, employees or for theatrical use and piratical re-enactments. Comes hollow, fill with sand if weight is desired. Aged iron finish. Nine inch diameter ball 33" chain with cuff. Empty weight: 3.7 lbs.
PIRACY - A CRIMINAL ACT
By definition, a pirate is any person committing a criminal acts against public authority, on the high seas outside the normal jurisdiction and laws of any state (country). By law, they can be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced by any state that captures them. Also, by definition, the criminal act is of a private nature, that is personal gain, and not for political reasons.
The end of the 17th century saw the greatest outburst of piracy in the history of seafaring. Ironically called 'the Golden Age of Piracy', the era lasted for around 30 years, from around 1700-1730. Although the most troubled area was the Caribbean, piracy was also prevalent off the Eastern seaboard of America, in the Indian Ocean and off the West Coast of Africa (where the 'Pirate Round' followed the trade routes from India to America via Africa). The piracy boom was the result of circumstances: the end of the War of the Spanish Succession (between France and an Alliance of England, Holland and the German States) meant that ports were full of unemployed sailors and there was a general lack of legal employment. The majority of the pirates who have gripped the popular imagination operated during this period.
If captured, pirates often faced two charges: piracy and murder (the more serious charge). The vast majority of trials lasted no longer than two days, and although tried before a jury - at least in English courts - their fate was usually a foregone conclusion. Ye and each of ye are adjudged and sentenced to be carried back to the place from whence you came, thence to the place of execution, and there within the flood marks to be hanged by the neck till you are dead, dead, dead, and the Lord, in His infinite wisdom have mercy upon your souls…After this ye, and each of ye shall be taken down and your bodies hung in chains…. (from the sentencing of fifty-two pirates in April 1722)
|
