Europe, circa 1900
Steel
Length: 17; L.: 4.5 cm
Considered an instrument of torture, the pear of anguish is a steel tool articulated in the shape of a pear. Once placed in the victim's cavity, by means of a screw-key system, the pear opened and expanded like an articulated sphere.
The barrel of this key is particularly long, and its head features an openwork design with stylized floral motifs.
Illustration: Drawing by Janet-Lange, engraved by Laisne-Hans.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref.LP3634