Unusual solid Peerless key

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

It could've belonged to houdini, maybe smaller size to be easier to hide.

who knows, anything is possible. (sounds good doesn't it?)

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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do thay have the mfg by S&W logo on back , if not they might have been made by that ice skate co.

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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no logo. This model does not have the Peerless logo, but they are marked
"mfg'd by Smith & Wesson"
Stan

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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Stan
Very nice. I have not seen such a key, but your theory about it being the first design makes sense.

Does you cuff has a serial number. I have two of that have numbers near the key hole.

thanks
Joe

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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No serial number. I have another one of the first model cuffs and it does not have a number either. Can you post pics of yours. Of the cuffs I've seen, the first factory serial numbers appeared in the 2nd version of two link model. I've never seen a factory serial number on a single link model, and I have an early 2 link model without a serial number.
Stan

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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Hi Stan:

Small bit keys are very troublesome little devices to make. My guess would be that in very early production, Peerless subbed out key making to a company that already had the appropriate machinery to manufacture them, perhaps even selecting a "stock item". It does seem that Peerless quickly realized the variety of problems with the patent model and had no hesitation in making changes, perhaps including the key as well.

Nifty find.

Franklin

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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STAN & ALL:: i have to laugh at myself as i HAD (hopefully still have at least one floating around my house) at least FOUR or FIVE of the short PEERLESS keys.... i never thought much about their size... so i am sure that there are a few more of them out there as knowing me, i more then likely sent what i did have off with cuffs that i parted with.... so come folks, fess up... who has them ??? joe

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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So what's your opinion about when they were made ?
Are they first model keys ?
Stan

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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FWIW department, I have a set of second model Peerless with a short key, even shorter than what is pictured. However, I doubt the key was a factory key from Peerless as it looks roughly hand made out of brass and had the serial numbers stamped into it are not the same stamping dies as the factory. Sorry don't have pictures to show yet...

-Dorson

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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I think the subject here is original Peerless keys. Copies could be another thread.

I recently bought a first model Peerless handcuff on ebay. Single connecting link. DL through keyhole. The key that came with it appears to be the original key and wear pattern on the key matches the cuff. It is 1/2 inch shorter than the standard key. The tip is shorter and not rounded on the end. Also the tip is larger diameter than the next generation of key. The bit is also a little larger. I am convinced that this is the first key used by Peerless. I can't find an ad for the cuff showing a key. Does anyone else have this short key or another factory made variation of the common key ?
Stan

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Hey Mous. The subject is unusual solid peerless key.