TCCason
#1Lately, my sister has shown an interest in my modest collection of Smith & Wesson handcuffs.
So for her birthday (Jan. 1st), I wanted to get her something of her own. The auction gods were not exactly smiling on me and her b-day came and went with no handcuff. Then when I was about to give up, I came across a pair of Smith & Wesson 'first version' Model 90 handcuffs. I was able to purchase them at a very good price.
Serial number 33915, stamped H.P.D. 340. Not pristine, but very nice and there isn't a much more defining example of 'vintage S&W' than a '50s M-90.
Since I was already almost two weeks late, I took them, over to her within hours of receiving them in the mail. They were not in my possession long enough for me to take any photos, but here are the photos from the auction:
She was ecstatic. I couldn't have chosen a better gift, but it was incomplete without documentation.
Over the next couple of weeks I created and printed a bound 5-page report documenting the history of this particular model, when it was introduced, and how it differed from later Model 90 handcuffs. I used the photos above and others from my own collection. I leaned heavily on the knowledge I've gained here, and to all that have contributed, I thank you.
So today I went to deliver the report. I also gathered the other cuffs that were shown in the report, all Model 90s from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and even the early '80s. Everything went into the saddlebags and the Harley roared to life.
On the way there, I had to wonder what the reaction would be if I got stopped, or (Heaven forbid) got into an accident. My CCW would explain away the .357 Magnum in the saddlebag, but what about all the handcuffs (enough for a real kinky time)? LOL!
When I arrived we sat down and went through the report and as we came to each photo, I would bring out the actual handcuff for her to hold and examine and compare to hers. When it was done, she had a better understanding of the technical side of collecting, and just why I have so many handcuffs that seem at first glance to be exactly the same.
I think she's hooked.
So for her birthday (Jan. 1st), I wanted to get her something of her own. The auction gods were not exactly smiling on me and her b-day came and went with no handcuff. Then when I was about to give up, I came across a pair of Smith & Wesson 'first version' Model 90 handcuffs. I was able to purchase them at a very good price.
Serial number 33915, stamped H.P.D. 340. Not pristine, but very nice and there isn't a much more defining example of 'vintage S&W' than a '50s M-90.
Since I was already almost two weeks late, I took them, over to her within hours of receiving them in the mail. They were not in my possession long enough for me to take any photos, but here are the photos from the auction:
She was ecstatic. I couldn't have chosen a better gift, but it was incomplete without documentation.
Over the next couple of weeks I created and printed a bound 5-page report documenting the history of this particular model, when it was introduced, and how it differed from later Model 90 handcuffs. I used the photos above and others from my own collection. I leaned heavily on the knowledge I've gained here, and to all that have contributed, I thank you.
So today I went to deliver the report. I also gathered the other cuffs that were shown in the report, all Model 90s from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and even the early '80s. Everything went into the saddlebags and the Harley roared to life.
On the way there, I had to wonder what the reaction would be if I got stopped, or (Heaven forbid) got into an accident. My CCW would explain away the .357 Magnum in the saddlebag, but what about all the handcuffs (enough for a real kinky time)? LOL!
When I arrived we sat down and went through the report and as we came to each photo, I would bring out the actual handcuff for her to hold and examine and compare to hers. When it was done, she had a better understanding of the technical side of collecting, and just why I have so many handcuffs that seem at first glance to be exactly the same.
I think she's hooked.