Peerless

Kind of a dumb question.

As addressed before here, many collectors want an "aluminum" set of Peerless cuffs.

It seems there were about 9,400 of those made.

Rather rare, perhaps.

But what about the original Peerless set of cuffs? The first ones.

Any comments?

The first ones were really nice cuffs. I had a set that were like new at one time. When I sold them, they fetched quite a tidy little sum. If you watch eBay, you'll see them in just about any condition you can imagine. If you're patient, you can probably get a set that are like new. It's late, and I can't remember for sure, but I think there were about 4 or 5 variations of the early Peerless handcuffs. Someone else correct me if I'm wrong. They're definitely worth collecting, and not hard to get.

Phil

Kind of a dumb question.

As addressed before here, many collectors want an "aluminum" set of Peerless cuffs.

It seems there were about 9,400 of those made.

Rather rare, perhaps.

But what about the original Peerless set of cuffs? The first ones.

Any comments?

Thanks Phil:

I was thinking about the very first model Peerless, the ones that were not mirror imaged, had no pawl ditch, long link in the middle, marked as being manufactured by Smith & Wesson, and double-locked with the key.

All in all, rather a lousy handcuff by today's standards, but something that strikes me as historically significant.

I wrote Peerless about this and while their response was quite courteous, it was basically "we don't know". I was hoping someone out there might have some insights.

Thanks.

Kind of a dumb question.

As addressed before here, many collectors want an "aluminum" set of Peerless cuffs.

It seems there were about 9,400 of those made.

Rather rare, perhaps.

But what about the original Peerless set of cuffs? The first ones.

Any comments?

Franklin
You are correct. The first Peerless model should be represented in any collection. One could argue that it was the most important single cuff ever sold.

The earliest ones are rather rare. They have a curved lock case that matches the original patent drawing. After a short time they design was changed to the more common rectangular shape.

Joe



http://www.google.com/patents?id=NV1QAA ... ll#PPP1,M1

Kind of a dumb question.

As addressed before here, many collectors want an "aluminum" set of Peerless cuffs.

It seems there were about 9,400 of those made.

Rather rare, perhaps.

But what about the original Peerless set of cuffs? The first ones.

Any comments?

Thank you Mr. Lauher.

I like to collect, simply to collect. I think it's fun. At least it is something I enjoy.

To me, it strikes me as rather sad that when you tell someone you collect something, and they ask to see it, and you show it to them, the only question they seem to have is, "What's it worth?"

Of the variety of items I've collected over the years. I like to think I've never collected artifacts. Rather, I prefer to believe that I've been able to assemble a little bit of history, either good or bad, and the items I've got are a link to something; both our past, but also our present.

Yes, handcuff collecting is a bit odd. But it is indeed fun, partly because of the unknown. With stamps or coins or the like; there is no fun anymore for me simply because everything is now known all about those things.

True, handcuff collecting may one day be like stamps and coins. But at least I have the satisfaction of knowing I got into it before the rest of the "collecting" world did. I'll always know I did it because to me, it was fun, and not simply "what it's worth."

Kind of a dumb question.

As addressed before here, many collectors want an "aluminum" set of Peerless cuffs.

It seems there were about 9,400 of those made.

Rather rare, perhaps.

But what about the original Peerless set of cuffs? The first ones.

Any comments?

Franklin,

Joe's right. That first model is a must have. I wish I still had mine, they were very nice, but had to sell some things to pay medical bills.

If you have a pure joy of just learning about the things you collect, handcuffs will keep you busy for many years. There are so many different types, models, brands, designs, etc. etc. etc. from all over the world which all have a bit of their own history. Just ask Stan Willis. Better yet, visit his web site at http://www.handcuffsandbadges.com (HOME OF THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HANDCUFF COLLECTION!) and buy his CD-ROM. Another good site to visit is http://www.blacksteel.com/hcs.html to see quite a variety of cuffs. Be sure to follow the Links on the different web pages to see lots of other collections located around the world. There's several excellent web sites that show some large collections that people have built.

Yes, handcuffs might seem like an odd item to collect to some, but there's sure a lot of interesting history associated with them, and the people who made, carried, or wore them.

Phil