replating info. must read!

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

I'm fairly new to handcuff collecting but I have had some experience with plating firearms. The older cuffs are nickel plated which seem to give a slightly duller but deeper almost thicker looking finish. Expensive to do now a days. You can't dip away a pitted finish. What ever the surface is when you plate it is what you will have as a finished product. If you want it to look good it has to be polished completely smooth which can be very time consuming and could be very hard in locations like the links and swivels. I suppose it's possible to replate a beat up set of cuffs but from what I have heard there is a much higher market for making things look old and it's probably easier and cheaper. Too bad it doesn't work with people-I'd be worth a million.

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

Hi Derek,

Replating vintage handcuffs is according to my opinion to destroy their value, from both historical and economical point of view. A set of handcuffs with poor plating is usually pitted and full of scuffs. To get a mirror like plating they first have to be totally smooth in all details. Even if you are able to make them that smooth, modern plating will not get the original looking shine to them.

My piece of advice; never alter antiques. If you, like me, like to have your vintage handcuffs in extremely good condition; upgrade your collection by buying specimens in better condition when finding them. Some of my handcuffs are upgraded several times until finding a set in real great condition. Sure, it will take some time but that's what collecting is about, isn't it?
Some collectors might disagree but I would never add a replated pair of handcuffs to my collection.

/Lars.

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

well if it was a set of tower cuffs or bean giants yes id have to agree and leave them alone. i dont see why people would pay so much cash for cuffs rusty,keys stripped broken off or missing,plating flaking everywhere if not entirely missing.
It really trips me out how real old antique handcuffs that are beat up and basically seen their day fetch as much money at auctions as same cuffs in 10 times better condition. I wish they graded cuffs like coins. like proof 67 68 etc. or even had a blue book people used as a guide.
actually i wish i was rich and none of this shit would matter.

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

I would NEVER re-plate an antique cuff. Become a California locksmith, and then you can afford good handcuffs.

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

Better yet----learn Spanish first, then become a California locksmith. You can have 3 times the customer base and then you could never get outbid on ebay and buy ALL the good cuffs

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

to Anonymous
Speak spanish? Get a better job? Buy good cuffs? I know a few spanish words for you.... but id rather tell you in english!

As far as saying i cant afford good cuffs? How would you know?
Your ignorance and arrogant ways are exceeded only by your obvious inability to make wise decisions.

What do you consider GOOD cuffs? Do you consider the $200 rusty junk with 99% plate missing cuffs on ebay good? surface rust, no keys, dents, broken/weak internal springs?
face it, Everyone of you say it in not so many words.....I will clarify!
You cant polish a turd. you call those good cuffs? I call them crap.

I dont consider a pair of cuffs that look like they were found 100 years later in the bottom of a rusty sewer pipe good cuffs or cuffs buried in the backyard a great historical find. They are not dinosaur bones!

I took a shit that had a nice brown patina and was more solid then half the antique cuffs on ebay and you dont see me acting like a know it all. You wanna buy it to add to your collection? $200? no wait, $300 since you buy good cuffs!
speak spanish????
Next time its beans for dinner. I will do the hula and make my own bean giant just for you! can i have your address?

You take a rare comic book and if it has a wrinkled cover,dog eared pages,or the least bit scribbled in its almost worthless. You take a proof 69 coin and nick the face of it and what do you have? a baseball card that was obviously in a basement flood etc. The value decreases tremendously. Why would handcuff collecting be any different?

I thought lock jaw was a part on a handcuff not the result of using them.

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

Whats with this?

Maybe you should quit collecting handcuffs and start collecting antique crack pipes. At least you could benefit from using them!

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

Look at how your comment can be interpeted or misunderstood?
Sorry if you had good intentions but it sure seemed rude to me.
sorry if i misunderstood


p.s I dont smoke crack!

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

collecting crack pipes? ahhh jeeezus just when i thought i seen it all here.
sorry anonymous for jumpin the gun. wish i can retract that post.
rough day at the office i guess.
sorry man! no offense taken?

Yesterday i had the honor and priveledge to visit Hiatt Thompsons headquarters in Illinois. I live about 45 minutes away. I was interested in buying Thompson models 1010 and 1010c both stainless steel. They usually dont let anyone drop by and i guess i was fortunate enough to have such an experience. I met Chuck Thompson (president)and his wife Dawn and they were some of the nicest people i ever met.
I asked a few questions and one of the answers i got was very interesting to say the least. Alot of us have handcuffs that are in piss poor shape and that is putting it mildly. Well i asked Chuck about Hiatt Thompson cuffs and he told me alot of interesting info. The main thing he said was the cuffs are assembled first then plated. This opens many doors for collectors. It makes perfect sense. if cuffs were stamped after plating they would get smashed by machine and plating would be ruined. If a car can get dunked in a chemical bath and every impurity removed why cant cuffs? If Hiatt Thompson (which has the nicest nickle plating in the business)can plate with cuffs assembled this means all of us with less then quality cuffs have options to bring back the beauty they once possessed. i have many cuffs like peerless, hiatt,s&w and with in same models so many different styles of plating. for example my 300 model peerless... i have 5 pair and each one has its own plating style. It was mentioned that plating cover up stampings and serial#'s. thats obviously bullshit and i heard it from the man himself.
so in a nut shell, Cuffs can be replated and the results will be almost undetectable if original plating is removed via chemical bath. the same way cars are restored.
i hope this info helps. It was an eye opener for me. Also i scored a rare pair of hiatt 2010c that has 3 rivets holding the insert high security plate in place. Possibly a prototype? i have other hiatt models but they are different.
The 2010c i have has a longer security plate installed. It is almost the entire length of the double bows where every pair ive ever seen only goes half way. its held in by 3 rivets instead of 2 and its way heavier of a handcuff due to the extra steel used.They are heavy duty to say the least!!! Also it stops and there are 5 teeth showing unlike my other c models that swing through then stop. Anyone know anything about this type of handcuff? Anyone have the model i have? i might have just scored a prototype with sentimental value? that would be great!!!!!
All in all i had a great time and it was an experience i will never forget. I only wish they had rare stuff lying around. I think i bought the rarest thing they had. Chuck said they only had one. i didnt ask if it was only one left or only one they ever received. maybe you guys will know.
Thanks and hope my latest discovery helps you guys out.
Derek Hoffman

Click to expand...

Anonymus,
I acted like an asshole and here is a public apology....
I found out yesterday i didnt get a job i desperately need. i have a girlfriend that is counting on me to get that job.I thought for 100% i had it in the bag!!!
Ive been spending alot of money on cuffs cause im obsessed and cant control my spending spree plus i thought id be working and making good money finally so i really honestly thought i had everything under control. well everything fell through and my plans came to a screaching halt. You came along and told me to become a locksmith (get a job) and buy good cuffs.then speak spanish. I know now you didnt mean anything by it. I just felt like a failure for not getting that job,letting down the one person i love more then anything in life and for buying cuffs you and everyone else here probably think is junk. It just hit home man. i took it personal. my first reaction was oh hell no!!!!
i became extremely defensive for nothing you did intentionally.
takes a real man to tell the truth and do the right thing.
I AM SORRY! PLEASE ACCEPT!
I am really embarrassed,i cant believe i am here digging my hole deeper and deeper.now everyone here knows my business. i am a fuck up and I wish i could remove this entire post.
I probably wont return here again. sorry to everyone who read this crap. I am not a bad person and i am truly sorry.
i came here to smile and forget my problems.
looks like i failed once again.