Instep borer

Instep borer

The instep borer was a mediaeval German instrument of torture that externally resembled an iron boot. It was hinged to permit the free insertion and removal of the bare foot. A crank projected from a housing over the instep, which concealed a long, thick, serrated iron blade, grooved so as to inflict maximum damage and promote liberal blood flow.

Turning the crank slowly advanced the blade into the boot, punching a hole through the center of the instep. The resultant wound was so large that it was not unusual for the prisoner to die of toxaemia soon after.

It seems that the instep borer was used only in Nuremberg.

References

"The Book of Torture and Executions" (Arnold Hirsch, M.D., "ed."; L of C cat #HV8593 .S3)


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