Questiona about cuffs.

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

As soon as I saw the "Dodge City" and "Handcuffs" in one sentence, all the fakery alarm lights came on, but then you did say you got them from your grandfather, so that turned them all off. Hell, I have inlaws from Dodge, whose name you've heard, so who the hell am I to talk. <grin>

Anyhow, the real experts here may recognize the patent date from memory. For the rest of us schlubs, a photo would really help. Seriously. They'll also let us comment about the condition.

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

Dennis,
I offer a little history:

Dodge City was founded shortly after the completion of the Santa Fe Trail, an important commercial trade route between the cities of Franklin, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since all of the trade was being conducted on horse back or wagon trains, robberies and Indian attacks were becoming more frequent, so Fort Dodge was established and offered some protection. About 5 miles from the fort a stopping spot for couriers, traders, and buffalo hunters became popular and this evolved into a trade center that became Dodge City.
A year later the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad was established and grocery stores, restaurants, barbers, casinos, and saloons sprang up to become what we think of when the "Wild West" is mentioned. The town had blacksmith shops, dancing halls and the red light district. There was no law enforcement and the legendary shootouts were common. Eventually, a cemetery was available for those who had family or enough money for a funeral. Otherwise, you were buried in any hole that was dug.
Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp were real figures that came to the town to provide law and order. Their stories became forever told in countless books and movies.
Around 1875, the buffalo hunters had pretty much wiped out the herds and the town peaked with lawlessness as money was getting harder to acquire. Eventually the Texas Longhorn cattle drives terminated in the city and the cattle got sold and shipped by train to points east and west. Most of the railroad workers were already gone by this time and growth had passed its peak. By 1886 the cattle drives had ended and the fort was closed. Most of the towns inhabitants slowly moved away.

Why did I offer this tidbit of history? Well, the Bean Cobb cuffs you mentioned as being connected to Dodge City history, were patented in 1899 and most of Dodge City's legendary history was well over by the time the cuffs became available. Not to say that the story you were told is not true, but I thought I might offer a little perspective and a time line.


mark
O--O

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

I meant to direct this to Ron as well

m

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

Ah, you recognized the cuffs as Bean Cobbs from the patent date! You're sharper or more dilligent than I. And that puts them past the "glory days" of Dodge City. They still can be an interesting piece, and filled with sentimental value.

I'm passingly familiar with the history of Dodge City. My late wife was descended from Virgil Earp.

I hope some pictures of the cuffs can be posted, so we can comment about their quality. Bean Cobbs are one of my favorite old cuffs.

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

H & R SUPER HANDCUFFS

MANUFACTORED BY WORCESTER, MASS U.S.A.

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

You cuffs were made 1930's thru 1950's. Several varaiations were made, as well as a leg iron. Value depends on condition and which model you have.
A picture would be helpful.
Stan

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

If they have the May 2, 1899 patent date then they aren't Supers they are the "Bean" Cobb (have no idea what Bean had to do with all that except that he apparently marketed them for a while - patented by Lyman Cobb and manufactured by H&R). Not too much variety to consider, other than the the latter day H&R with the non swivel, so condition will determine value.

The non swivels don't have the patent date, just H&R and made in USA, so it is undoubtedly the garden variety Bean Cobb.

Brad

I have a set of old handcuffs given to my by my grandad. I received them from a sheriff in Dodge City Kansas about 1899. A long story goes with that. All I can find on them is Pat. May 2 1899. And 'something' D. Can any one help me with any info on these cuffs.

Thanks Ron Stanley rl.stanley@netzero.net

Ron,

Take a look at eBay item #200071633353.

If that's what you have then it should give you an idea of what to expect. However, keep in mind that cuff cases add some value and keys, especially three originals, add a lot of value.

And with this particular model condition is everything and the one there is very nice.

If that isn't what you have, you probably should post a pic here through the site administrator.

Brad