Catchpole
Culture
European
Dateprobably 1800s
Mediumsteel, iron and wood
Dimensions236 × 18 cm (92 15/16 × 7 1/16 in.), 6 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.226
Label TextThe catchpole was used to immobilize targets by catching a person’s neck or leg in the U-shaped head while the spring-loaded prongs prevented escape. There is a longstanding myth that catchpoles were used to drag knights off their horses. In reality, this would be nearly impossible. Instead, the catchpole was wielded by police or other civil officials to apprehend criminals or control prisoners.ProvenanceHearst collection (#1033-12)
purchased by Museum from Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on October 31, 1941.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.On View
Not on view
