Macabre 16th C. European Iron Heretic's Fork

Europe, Italy or France, purportedly found in the ruins of a basilica, ca. 1500 to 1600 CE. A macabre iron torture device of the Spanish Inquisition, known as a "heretic's fork", featuring a loop for attachment to a collar and two sets of dual spikes, one at each terminal; the iron is bent but has enough give that the spikes can be pressed downward and spring back upward. According to Amsterdam's Torture Museum, "The design of such forks are simple, and not very pretentious. The bound person… will be made to suffer continuous pain, unable to move their head and lower jaw. Four sharp spines pierce his neck… two near the chin, two near the sternum. Attempts at speaking result in abrupt pain." Size: 5.1" L x 3.95" W x 5" H (13 cm x 10 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in August 2016; ex-Heinrich Kramer collection, Klettgau, Germany; ex-private French collection, found near a Roman basilica

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#152053 Dimensions: Condition Report: Excellent condition.