Unusual Iver Johnson or Bean cuff

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

Mark, Gordon and I were just discussing those. Couldn't come up with an answer between us.

The clevis looks to be either Lovell or Cobb.

My theory is they are cobbled together. The clevis pins have been punched around as if to resecure the pin as might be done with a clevis change. The cuffs look chrome plated to me, which means they have been replated as the originals only came nickel or polished. Chrome plating didn't exist then.

If I'm all wet then one of the rarest cuffs this year went for $200.

No idea why anyone would do such a thing, but then I never understood jumping out of airplanes either.

My two bits,
Brad

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

Brad

I am the fool who bought them and my thoughts are pretty similar to yours. I stared at the pictures long and hard before bidding. I will let you know what I find when the cuffs arrive.

This purchase is similar to the Tower leg iron purchase that I made a couple weeks ago from Michael Griffin. That was the one with a 19th century set of Tower legirons, complete with patent numbers, mounted on a 20th century welded chain.

I am very pleased with that purchase.( Thanks Michael ) As Michael said the thing is absolutely factory perfect in appearance. You can tell the clevises were formed around the welded chain, because there is no sign of tampering with the end chain links. My best guess is that it was a case of factory refurbishment, perhaps by Hugo Foth himself.

cheers and Happy Fathers Day.

Joe

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

Er...sorry Joe.

Do let us know what you got. And I hope you have the last laugh and ended up with a rare variant and it is nickel plated. You are, for sure, getting an original key, anyway.

And Happy Father's Day from here, too, to all the dads.

Brad

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

The cuffs have arrived. They are a bit strange and I do not know the full story, but this is what I can see.

They are Iver Johnson cuffs. The name can be seen around the hinge pin, but the cuffs have been plated and the plating partially obscures the name. The clevises are normal ones that have been rounded off on each side. I can't tell if this was done at the factory or perhaps later by who ever did the plating.

Compared to two normal Iver Johnson cuffs this new cuff has some other differences. I don't know if these other differences are significant because I don't know how variable Iver Johnson made their cuffs.

Some of the differences. The key hole is closer to the edge. The hinge has a spacer. (See our discussion of Bean Giants). The profile of the cuff at the hinge is a bit different.

Overall the cuff is in brilliant shape, it works well and looks very nice. The plating has been done very well. I am pleased with it even if I don't know the full story.

Joe

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

They sound very interesting, Joe. Pics to follow?

Question: Is the plating nickel or chrome?

Brad

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

Joe, a couple other thoughts.

All of my three pairs of IJs all have Bean style clevises on them. Yours, as I recall, had the rounded Lovell style clevises, or if round enough Cobb style.

They are actually marked "Iver Johnson"? If so, I think you do indeed have the last laugh coming.

The only real variations I have found in my sets is weight, which is all over the place, and the post for the key.

B.

I am not an expert, so could someone identify the cuff that was just sold on eBay #320124686784? It looks like an Iver Johnson, but the clevis/hinge is different than the ones I have seen before.

Marc

Brad

I think the plating is chrome. It is nicely done. The cuff has the Iver Johnson name around the hinge pin. I have two other Iver Johnson cuffs. The clevises on this one look the same except they have been rounded off. This cuff is a bit lighter than normal.

Joe