Yeesh, this looks pretty hardcore. At least they were “kind” enough to design it with air-holes…

Apparently this copper anti-masturbation device was up for auction on eBay in 2008:

The rare 19th century item is made of copper and was designed to be worn by boys so they could not commit the ‘sin’. Attached to a belt it would have encased the genitalia. The bizarre antique dates back to around 1880 and was used in Catholic France. It is being offered for sale on auction website eBay with a starting price of £750.

Seller David Burns, of Curious Science, says that during a quarter of a century dealing in medical curiosities he has never had one for sale… “This is the first example we have offered for sale in 24 years. The condition is excellent. Three and half inches top to base.”

I wonder how much it eventually sold for?

Via Nerdcore