Vintage/Antique Cuffs: Better to Keep Locked or Unlocked?

Given age and possibly worn condition (pun), what's better for preserving the innards - especially the spring? Or, does it matter?

Thanks.

Hi Monica,

I can fully recommend to keep both modern and vintage cuffs opened. I have done it also for a long time, all my cuffs are stored in opened position. It is better for the springs.

Best wishes

Josef

Given age and possibly worn condition (pun), what's better for preserving the innards - especially the spring? Or, does it matter?

Thanks.

I am going to go off subject just a little.
I wonder how many of you are ok with not having keys for their unusual or vintage cuffs.
I have seen many prized cuffs in many collections, but the collector did not have a strong desire to have keys made for them as they are going to be on display or put away and will never be used to lock anyone up.
Personally, I just have to have a key for every cuff I own. Since I have the ability to make keys for them, I am able to satisfy my own request. I usually try to upgrade cuffs when I see one that comes with original keys. Being able to make sure that the cuff is in full working order is another reason that having a key is important to me.
I can't imagine having a super nice cuff and no key to go with it.


mark
"Kuffs"
O--O

Given age and possibly worn condition (pun), what's better for preserving the innards - especially the spring? Or, does it matter?

Thanks.

I agree with Mark, and I also can usually make a key (I am not a locksmith). Since many of my cuffs are displayed on the walls of my display room, it would not be practical to leave them "Unlocked". For the most part, there should be no long term difference if the cuff is stored locked or unlocked. I have many cuffs that have been locked for over 100 years and still have strong springs. Most modern swing thru bow cuffs just compress the spring when it is unlocked or locked, and there is little or no difference in spring tension when the cuff is in the locked or unlocked postion. I would be more concerned about dirt and rust than the springs.
Stan

Given age and possibly worn condition (pun), what's better for preserving the innards - especially the spring? Or, does it matter?

Thanks.

hi


I also made my own keys and for me is it more important to have a good working cuff that is complete with keys
I prefer the original keys
I'm not affraid fot the springs but mention what stan says
dirt dust and rust can lower the value of a cuff

regards

Patrick

Given age and possibly worn condition (pun), what's better for preserving the innards - especially the spring? Or, does it matter?

Thanks.

Season’s greetings to all!

I would have trouble sleeping if I didn’t have the keys to my rarely (read hardly ever) used antique or vintage cuffs. In fact, from what I’ve discovered about springs in general, is that the wear is actually caused by work and or bad temper (causes premature failure) of the spring. So, Monica, if you wish to preserve the functionality of your antique cuffs, you would be better off to keep them clean, well lubricated and use them as infrequently as possible.

Happy collecting…

Jason