Brass knuckles

During the 18th century, cast iron, brass, lead, and wood knuckles were made in the United States during the American Civil War (1861–1865).

[citation needed] Some brass knuckles have rounded rings, which increase the impact of blows from moderate to severe damage.

[citation needed] Brass knuckles are illegal in several countries, including: Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Bosnia, Croatia, Estonia, [3] Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany,[4] Greece, Hungary, Israel, Ireland,[5] Malaysia,[6][7] the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain,[8] Turkey,[9] Sweden, Singapore,[10] Taiwan,[11] Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates[12] and the United Kingdom.

[citation needed] In Canada, brass knuckles (Canadian French poing américain, which literally means 'American fist'), or any similar devices made of metal, are listed as prohibited weapons;[16] possession of such weapon is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code.

In Russia, brass knuckles were illegal to purchase or own during Imperial times and are still forbidden according to Article 6 of the 1996 Federal Law on Weapons.

[citation needed] In Taiwan, according to the Law of the Republic of China, possession and sales of brass knuckles are illegal.

Without the permission of the central regulatory agency, it is against the law to manufacture, sell, transport, transfer, rent, or have them in any collection or on display.

According to Article 32 of the "Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China",[22] citizens can legally own them for self-defense, but they are prohibited items in certain places.

In ancient China, brass knuckles were popular, and were used regularly as a concealed weapon or self-defense tool.

Brass knuckles can readily be purchased online or, where legal, at flea markets, swap meets, gun shows, and at specialty stores.