Historical Thursday: Prison-Made Tools: "
Photographer Marc Steinmetz did a photography project a few years ago where collected items from prisons around Germany. Turns out, not all inmates are as brilliant and good-natured as Clair Cline. All the tools Mr. Steinmetz found were used by inmates for all sorts of nefarious porpoises; escape attempts, drug use, weaponry, and even *gasp* cooking. Here are a few of the more ingenious creations, most of which come from the “Santa Fu” prison outside of Hamburg.
A radio receiver carefully cut into an encyclopedia from the prison library. Entertainment lies within.
Just because you see it in all the movies doesn’t mean it doesn’t work IRL. This classic rope made from bed sheets was used during an escape attempt from Santa Fu. Neither of the would-be escapees was very lucky; one fell while the other somehow managed to end up on the roof.
Now this is just plain sacrilegious. This crucifix hanging in an inmate’s cell contained a hidden surprise. Pretty evil in prison, but this would be one sweet vampire killer.
This is a working gun made from sawed off pieces of bedposts and powered by the AA batteries you see wired to the top. It not only worked, but was successfully used in an escape in 1984; inmates shot through a glass window and hopped into a getaway car.
Hey, sometimes you just needed a warm, home-cooked meal. This grill is kludged together from wire, foil and a broken heating rod. Perfect for that late night rat and cheese sandwich.
Another heating device, this immersion heater made out of an electrical cord and some razor blades was purportedly used to make some delicious prison moonshine.
Enjoyed what you read? Check out all whole compendium of Historical Thursdays!
Pictures and Information courtesy of: Marc Steinmetz and Environmental Graffiti.
As always, if YOU have an idea for a Historical Thursday, let me know at thereifixedit@gmail.com
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