My brother has given these to me to list (you know where) for him. He has had them for many years and I've always marveled at the size. If they had ever been modified by shortening the tangs, it was long ago and I see no saw marks. If there was a key, the tips of the tangs would need files as they have mushroomed a bit over the years from banging around. They are rather rough with pitting and I can find no makers marks. Would anyone care to comment on them in the hopes of me properly describing them? Thanks, Jeff
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Jeff,
That was incredibly brusque of me. Please forgive me. You were only looking for help in how to describe them.
So, being an occasional eBay seller myself I have given it some thought on how to best present them, consistent with the spirit of eBay selling. Here we go:
"Adams antique handcuffs, c:1862. (Police, fire, magicians, escape artists, locksmiths, circus clowns, weirdos).
Have eloquently aged to perfectly express the era in which they were created. The bows have been expertly cut off to make the cuffs smaller when carried in the pocket, probably for use by old west undercover officers. The ends of the bows have been carefully peened over where cut off to assure that the cuffs will not accidentally open.
The quality of this workmanship is so high that, although we have not been able to confirm it, we believe that it could have been done by renowned handcuff artisan Ian McColl. We will be seeking a letter from Mr McColl, or his heirs, in an attempt to confirm this.
Additionally, the cuffs have been professionally whupped with an ugly stick which only adds to their uniqueness.
These cuffs will make an outstanding addition to any advanced rust collection"
First bid $10,000.00.
