Smallest Darbies in world?

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Here are the Thewlis and Griffith pictures that Chris sent.






My smallest Darby is a T and A Longmore cuff.
It measures 2 1/8 (54mm) x 1 5/8 (41 mm)

Here is its picture.




Joe

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

The smallest Darby of my collection is a Frogatt (the one on the top of the picture): 54 mm x 44 mm

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Hi,

I think some of the smallest Darby cuffs I have ever seen or owned were 2 pairs of old Indian darbies made during the early days of British Colonial rule there.

Perhaps that culture did need handcuffs for children.

Neat cuffs all. Thanks for the images.

Regards, Steve Santini

P.S. Hey Joe, how does that very small Froggatt darby you recently got from me compare?

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Steve
Good question.

The Froggatt that I just got from you measures: 2 1/4 x 1 5/8 (57 x 41 mm).
So it is about the same as Atame's.

To show the contrast here is next to a larger size Froggatt: 2 5/8 x 2 1/8 (67 x 53 mm).



Now that you mention it I have a very small Asian Darby as well. I will have to take a picture and measure it.

Joe

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Here is a set of Asian cuffs of unknown origin.

They are 2" x 1 5/8" (51 mm x 41 mm). They look particularly small, becaue the cuff is actually wider than normal giving an odd sense of proportion.



Next we have a relatively modern Hiatt. From the 1950s or 60s I would say.
It is 2 1/8 x 1 3/4 (52 mm x 43 mm).



Does anyone else have any small cuffs to show?

Joe

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Hi all:
I have 4 darbies that fit into this catagory. Old Hiatt, newer hiatt, Froggatt and old Indian darby. They can be seen at http://www.handcuffsandbadges.com/special.htm
Stan

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

I was looking at my pair of Hiatt darbies and they measure 55mm x 45mm give or take a mm

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

I was going over the numbers and noticed that they follow very close to the golden proportion. I wonder how many other restraints follow this proportion.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

FYI: The following verbiage is from a letter I have from the Hiatt Company(on Hiatt stationary),dated July 26,1965...in reply to an inquiry about their extra small-size darbies:

"...this handcuff is certainly very small indeed, but years ago we did make some very small ones for use on natives in certain parts of Africa where very small wrists are encountered. Handcuffs for children were never made in this country." Signed: H.H. LaTROBE

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Just got these cuffs from New Zealand with internal dimensions of 38 x 47mm!
Seems a bit harsh for child thieves but things were different in the old days.
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I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

I recently purchased some cuffs which contained a few surprises. Along with the usual darbies were a large pair, a small pair & a tiny pair. I have posted pictures below along with a standard pair. The tiny pair are 17cm in length, with internal measurements of 35mmx45mm. I will post pictures with a rule asap.


All four, large, standard, small & tiny.


Tiny pair below standard pair.


Tiny pair in my hand.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Another quick pict.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

You win. They are tiny. Any makers mark?

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Wow/awesome...Was there, or do you have a key that works on them? Do yours have any makers marks Paul?

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

No makers mark on Paul's. But the peining and V on the end look a lot like many of my old Hiatts.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Unfortunately there are no keys, but bolts are intact. They are marked HIATT BEST, WARRATED WROUGHT, HARD & have the number 4.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Not easy to get pictures, but the best I could get with my phone.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

They look incredible, can not wait to see them at the UKEA meeting at the weekend. They must be the smallest handcuffs that Hiatt ever made, looks like they are even smaller than their End Locks!
Having now established the smallest Darbies, wonder what the largest ones are? The pair at the top of the photo look huge, what size are they? Do they have any markings?
Chris

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Reposting pictures as they are not showing.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

My large pair as seen in the photo above of the four different sizes are 27cm in length, with internal dimensions of 8.6cm x 6.5cm.

Only markings are HIATT & the number 1.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Hi

I've got a small frogatt darby for sale. 5,5 cm by 4,5 cm
Key is not original. Some part are rusty Some Parts they cleaned i did not
Clean it
Mail me your offer.
Best. Patrick

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

It was great to see these last week. Really small but not just in size but everything is in proportion including the swivel and thickness of the bows. How much do they weigh?
Chris

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Yes Chris you are right, everything has been made to scale.
I weighed them and they only weigh 140 grams, (under 5 ounces)!!

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Hi

I've still got a small darby for sale. But nobody has interested in these
I Will wait a couple of days and then i Will destroi it. There is no interest in these

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Hi Patrick
I may be interested if you can email me. You have my email.
Paul Davies

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Nah, you go ahead and destroy them. Just like ISIS is destroying cultural sites in Iraq.

Dude, what IS your problem?

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Mij problem is THE a holes here if you want somthing from them you have to pay But if i have something to sale they do not want to pay. Now for me it is simple i nothing you nothing. I destroy them and more. I do not give them away.

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

If there's something you want to sell but can't find a buyer for, put it on an online auction. You can put a link here, and let the market determine the price.

Blackmailing the collector community with destroying your cuffs if nobody buys them sounds a bit, hm, juvenile?

People might also remember who they were treated by you in the past.

That said, good luck with your sales.

Nils

I have now nearly cataloged the collection I recently bought. One of the rarities is a VERY small darby handcuff made by Thewlis & Griffith. I do not know of any other handcuffs made by this firm but do have an old advert from them dating back to about 1880 illustrating their grip. There does seem to be a bit of controversy as to whether Childs cuffs ever existed or whether handcuffs had to made in small sizes due to smaller sized adults in Victorian time. Anyway the size of the cuffs (internally is 1 7/8 (48mm) by 1 3/4 (43mm). Unfortunately the key is not original and the old Hiatt will pull them open. Apart from End Locks I do not know of any smaller cuffs does anyone? Hopefully the attached photos can be seen.

Apparently destroyer afraid that someone withdraws his handcuffs because of its progressive disease

Hi-

   RE: Small Darbies - I have become re-interested in this topic from both 2004 & 2015., and so I will add a description of what I have to it:

I have a Hiatt small darby:

   *Total length:                           8  1/4"        (21 CM).

   * Inside width of a cuff:        1   7/8"         (4 1/2 CM).

Markings:  
Hiatt      (on each cuff)
Hard      (on each cuff)
2             (on each cuff)
G            (on each 'end cap')

As stated in the earlier discussion, I have a copy of a 1965 letter from Harry La Trobe...saying that Hiatt made small darbies for African Natives (and not for children).

Shall we assume that all of the various small darbies found in collections, had commercial-applications....or might some have been simply "salesman samples"?

I have a small set of adjustables marked for Sth African Railway. In the previous centuries people were much smaller. During World war One the British had a battalion of men who were all under 5 foot tall. So it is no wonder that small cuffs were made.