The Forum at Handcuffs.Org

Rare version Towers Double Lock cuff

21 visible archived posts · 21 preserved total · topic ID 1617

Stan Willis 01 Dec 2006

As promised, here are pics of the Tower Double Lock cuff with 3 links. I have never seen this variation before, and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has this cuff with multiple links. Everything is identical to the standard Tower DL cuff with swivels and one link. Swivels are identical, and links are identical. Cuff is marked as normal. Plating is excellent.
Stan

www.handcuffsandbadges.com

Crux 01 Dec 2006

For Sale?

Stan Willis 01 Dec 2006

NO! Not for sale.
I just bought it, and in an earlier thread I was asked to post pictures of it.
Stan

Clouseau 01 Dec 2006

Especially in the 2nd picture, the middle link appears to be significantly thicker than the others. Illusion?

Stan Willis 01 Dec 2006

Illusion for the most part, unless you have a micrometer eye. Thickness of links vary from .200 to .220 inches. Length and with are also very much the same. There is that much variation in the standard links on the Tower Double lock cuffs I just checked.
Stan

anonamust 02 Dec 2006

clearly those other 2 links were added later. fake.

Clouseau 02 Dec 2006

Well, my eye is pretty good, but superb find, nonetheless, Stan. And, of course, you would be able to tell. In such great condition, too.

lauher 02 Dec 2006

Stan

It looks like a factory cuff to me Stan. Nice addition to you collection.

Joe

Brad Darling 03 Dec 2006

As we had said before, I think this is an important find as a variation of the Union Hardware Tower.

I think it is a Union Hardware with three links instead of one.

Stan, does it have the usual Union Hardware "Tower's Double Lock" stamp on it and are the three links the same specs as a typical Union Hardware single link? No welds?

That should solve it. I agree with Joe. Would like these final clues though.

Brad

Stan Willis 03 Dec 2006

#10

Yes!
Towers double lock is marked on one cuff, and the 3 links are identical to the standard link on the standard Union Hardware swivel model. The dimensions are the same.
Stan

Atame.Muc 03 Dec 2006

#11

Dear Stan,

very nice piece - congratulations!

I also think that this is a factory made restraint - factory made according to a special customer wish. Nowadays it is e.g. very simple to tell Clemen & Jung to make a No. 15 handcuff with a 30cm chain or even with a bar connection (Cuffsland sometimes orders such special pieces according to our customers' requirements). So I think that this has also been possible in the past and with US manufacturers like "Union Hardware" - it's just a matter of money .

Best regards,
Guenter

kuffs 03 Dec 2006

#12

Guenter,
I believe that you are correct on your assumption.
I believe that many of the older and newer handcuff facilities would take custom orders, especially if a chief of police or prison warden requested it.
I have a Tower Double Lock cuff with an 18 inch chain. Most likely it was used for transportation purposes, or for leg irons on very small people.

mark
"Kuffs"
O--O

Stan Willis 03 Dec 2006

#13

Mark's reply reminded me that I have another unusual Tower cuff, consiting of 8 single Tower Double Lock swivel model cuffs, with a lead chain. Second Picture shows detail. "DB" marking is for a New Jersey "Detective Bureau" that it came from. I assume this was also a factory item.
Stan

kuffs 03 Dec 2006

#14

wow!

A lead chain to hold back 8 nasty criminals at the same time?
I wonder who the poor detective was that got that detail.

mark
"Kuffs"
O--O

Brad Darling 04 Dec 2006

#15

Stan, thanks for the info. That was what I was expecting, good to hear it. Now we know such a critter exists. Now if we could just redo the auction....

On that gang chain. Is that confirmed that it was "Detective Bureau"? Could it have been Detention Bureau? Or some facility name? I can't imagine a high and mighty detective (I was one, once) hauling around a bunch of prisoners. Definitely a job for jailers and transportation folks.

Thanks again, Stan, for posting the pictures and sharing the info with us on the long chain UH's.

Brad

Stan Willis 04 Dec 2006

#16

Hi Brad:
I did some checking and you are CORRECT. The city they came from has a "Detention Bureau". I always wondered why a Detective Bureau would need such a cuff. I also found another oddball Tower DL. Pic is attached.
Stan

Crux 04 Dec 2006

#17

Ummm, Stan, after you clean the rust off that triple cuff, you will be selling that to me, right? (-:

Stan Willis 04 Dec 2006

#18

It's hard to sell anything to someone who doesn't use his name or leave his email address.
Stan

Crux 04 Dec 2006

#19

Stan, do you mean to say that if I send you my email (and name), you will consider selling me the cuffs?

Stan Willis 04 Dec 2006

#20

Sure!

For the right price.

Crux 04 Dec 2006

#21

You don't have to tell me twice. (-: Incoming.