I need many opions about these handcuffs!

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Guenter

I would say they were made at the turn of the century - give or take a five or six years.

Joe

P.S. Of course I mean the turn of the 21st century.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Guenter

I would say they were made at the turn of the century - give or take five or six years.

Joe

P.S. Of course I mean the turn of the 21st century.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

> Of course I mean the turn of the 21st century.

<Phew> Your first line had me wide eyed. Don't do that before my first cup of coffee.

These are typical of the village industry Darbies coming out of India or Pakistan. They aren't horrible cuffs, per se, and are low-end servicable, but they are crude. Antiques, they ain't.

Things to look for:

Cuffs that look like this. They're almost all knockoffs, especially if they come from e-Bay or antique dealers. I'll be charitable and say they don't know what they're talking about. Or I could be less charitable and call them thieves.

The cuffs show marks from electric grinding, all over them. The swivels look like they're chopped out by a blindman. The chain rings look to be electrically welded. The chain staples appear to be better fitted than most - a plus. The crudely made and fitted keys are very typical of these.

I wish I knew who was importing these. I think I have a source in Nepal. I know they didn't come from random estate sales, like the vendors claim.

If he paid more than about twenty bucks for them, he was had.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

The keys are wrapped and braised (brass soldered) sheet metal formed to make a crude tube.

The interior of this tube usually is not tapped and threaded properly but instead has a wire wrapped around it's interior and braised in place to make the thread.

Steve Santini

P.S. Also, the end plugs have punch marks around thier edges as opposed to "crows feet" marking commonly associated with a number of European Darbies.

The cuffs are often so sloppily made that they will not ratchet properly on hand pressure to different degrees of tightness and the key must be used to loosen the bolt so they can be tightened.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

The mere statement that an "antiques dealer told him otherwise" speaks volumes.

I cannot count the times I have seen "antiques" of many forms that were in fact not but the people who bought them for some silly reason instantly took the dealer at his word for what he said because, as an antique dealer, he must somehow be an "expert".

Not to slam antique dealers, but if your specialty is antique china or rusty farm tools, what expert knowledge do you have of handcuffs and restraints?

The same thing can even apply to world reknowned museums.

I have numerous times seen objects in well known museums with an incorrect attribution.

Yet, people take the description at it's word because, after all, this is a "museum" and of course, they would know.

Not always...

Steve Santini

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Dear Guenter,

If they were free, I would not pay the shipping to receive them.

There are, however, two good things about them: Eventually they will "rust in peace" (or into tiny pieces); If thrown into a lake or a river, they will stay down, emerging never again (unless they fall prey to a rogue magnet).

Does this help?

Cheers,

Jack

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Looks exactly like the first pair I ever owned, only difference is that mine where literally spray painted silver, I think they are in my son's room somewhere if the guy wants a photo to compare his so called antique to.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

I also have a pair of these. They are identical except that the key has a different bow (head) on it. I will post a picture later if I have time. I bought them in the early 1990's, so they are probably at least 15 years old now.....not exactly an antique, but better than being made last week! LOL!

Cheers, Mike

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

yep I bought a pair like this on ebay before i knew any better, tell your mate I am sorry but I would have to agree with all the other comments on here these are definately fakes

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Hi Atame, yes of course you know the answer. European/English cuffs have the hinge block coming of the lube at an angle, All reproductions made in India/Pakistand have this at 90 degree, It's easier to make.

Your friend has bought a product with a story of it's history. Both are what he purchased, and he now doesn't like to hear half of it, ie that the story wasn't true. The cuff are cuffs but the tale isn't real.

Ian

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Could someone possibly post some detailed comparison pictures of authentic ca. 1900 Hiatt adjustable darbys and key? That might help Guenter out since his friend could then compare them. To me, the best way to spot a reproduction or fake is to first know what the genuine article looks like. Additionally, that might help the guy get his money back from the antiques dealer.

What is absent can sometimes be just as instructive as what is present. There appears to be no maker's name stamped on the item; while certainly not definitive, it is another indication of modern make. Lastly, again as an indication and not conclusive, the numbers stamped on these are in a modern sans serif typeface rather than the a serif typeface you usually see on antiques.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

Hi All,

I thank you all for your comments. Of course, you wrote what I have already told my fellow at this German treasure hunter Forum. I have also shown him pictures of real old quality Darbies from England and Germany.

Now I guess that he simply has to believe! Like Ian said, it's hard when you think that you have bought a goodie for a bargain price and than someone brings your feed back on the ground the hard way.

Best regards and have a nice Sunday,
Guenter

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

thanks for the determination of the handcuffs I become it kept and the antique dealer the money leave

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

nasty indian or pakistan c#*p.....pure junk, in it's worst form. ttfn.chris.

Dear fellow collectors,

a guy I know from a different Forum (for "treasure hunters") bought a pair of Darby style handcuffs and ask me about my opinion, which I told him. Needless to say that he did not like, what I explained to him about his piece, because an antiques dealer told him something different.

So he (and I) want to ask you for third opinions. Please write a short respond here at the Forum and tell what you think about where the shown handcuffs were made, how old they are and what their value is. Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Guenter

PS: I know that there have been many similar requests before at this Forum, but we really need as many opinions from handcuffs-experts worldwide to clear our difference of opinion.

Click to expand...

I have one or two pairs of these cuffs. An antique dealer in Plymouth (UK) bought a case full of them a few years ago. There are from India and were made in the last 20 years or so. The dealer sells them as curios/paperweights to the tourists, but he doesn't represent them as antiques. I think I paid around £12 for them. The keys are as Steve Santini describes, and the workmanship is very rough. Some are roughly plated, some not, and non-adustable "Derby" styles are available.

Riley