The 19th century witnessed an elevation in concern about the dangers of spermatic “loss”. Semen, considered to be a “vital fluid”, was not seen as an infinite resource and its excessive ejaculation could result in enervation, disease and even early death. Marriage manuals instructed women on how to detect the signs of masturbatory indulgence when searching for a mate. Such men were to be avoided at all costs, unless a woman wanted to face the likelihood of childlessness and early widowhood. To protect males, especially adolescents, from nocturnal emission (aka: “wet dreams”) and masturbation, various devices appeared in the medical marketplace, most notably the spermatorrhea ring. The first patent for spiked ring to prevent nocturnal emissions was issued to L.D. Sibleyin 1856 ( patent # 14,739). It is worth reading his description of the device*. Like the ring on offer, it was placed at the base of the penis, where it would stand guard against tumescence: should an erection begin to occur the sharp spikes would penetrate the flesh and quickly put paid to it. Ouch! 

The ring that we are offering was probably made around 1900 and is in excellent condition.