The Forum at Handcuffs.Org

Working on another super rare cuff

63 visible archived posts · 63 preserved total · topic ID 2685

Steve Santini 15 Aug 2008

Hi all,

I just wanted to give a "heads up" that I may very shortly be coming into another super rare handcuff and that if I do I will be offering same for sale.

The vintage cuff I am currently working on getting is pictured in Alex Nichols book on page 274 and is Swiss in origin.

The book pictures a real one and a mock up Ian McColl made for Alex.

The ones I am working on are 100% original and outside of the ones pictured in Alex's book I am not aware of a pair in a private collection anywhere.

I am "jumping the gun" and mentioning this cuff because I want to give everyone interested a fair chance to possibly add it to their collection.

I found with my recent sale of my Hiatt bar cuff that some folks got a hold of me a little late and the cuff was sold almost instantly.

So, please keep in mind I may very well get this rare Swiss cuff and if you are in fact interested please contact me at bookings@thedarkmaster.com

Cheers, Steve Santini

Anonymous 16 Aug 2008

yawn

Michael Busch 17 Aug 2008

Hi,

I do not have Alex' book here, but is it this cuff you talk about?

What will be the price?

Best wishes,

Michael

Unresolved image reference ↗

Steve Santini 17 Aug 2008

Hello Michael,

I am still working on getting the cuff and yes it is the same as the one you show only I think the example I am chasing is not broken and has it's original locking bar.

As for price, I am not certain yet.

Cheers, Steve Santini

atlanta*casting 17 Aug 2008

So what is rarer, Super rare or Ultra rare?

Michael Busch 17 Aug 2008

Hi Steve,

when you have the cuff in your hand please mail me some pictures, I am interested.

Best wishes and thank you very much,

Michael

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

I just thought I would post that I did in fact get this cuff.

Better yet, I got TWO.

One is in slightly better condtion than the other so the prices for each will differ when I sell them.

So, Michael and Lars, once they get here I will send detailed pics and you will both have a chance to add a good version of this rare cuff to your collections.

Cheers, Steve Santini

Anonymous 28 Aug 2008

If you already have buyers why do your self promotion on this site ?

annoy 28 Aug 2008

reason he is posting here is that he has 2 possible buyers so he had two of them recently made. he figures to hopefully get a couple more suckers & then have some more made. he really should grind down the gobs of weld thou. tacky very tacky

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

#10

Jealousy...

Such an awful thing.

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

#11

The guy I am getting these from collected such things for over 25 years.

In all that time of collecting he had only seen 2 which are the 2 pair I am getting.

What is interesting are the slight differences between the two sets.

Very small differences such as slightly more rounded corners, etc, but differences all the same.

This suggests there may have been one maker or firm building these Swiss restraints or that the same company made them but they were built some years apart.

Anyone setting out to make copies would make mirror copies of an original.

They would not have these slight differences.

Nope.

These are authentic, both pairs, and once these are gone I personally know of no more examples to be had (either from my source in Europe or else where).

It really does not matter what the naysayers may post here.

Serious collectors know I only deal in authentic restraints and in fact I have provided some very rare restraints to some of the leading collection in the world.

Fact.

Not flights of fancy like the "annon" posts by the web trolls that lurk here.

Steve Santini

coldsteelcuffs 28 Aug 2008

#12

I thought the purpose of a forum is to share information on handcuffs. Not to be distracted from attention seeking anonymousi'(s) who have nothing better to do than pick fights due to bordem, mental illness and/or low self-estem ?? Why don't you add something positive to this forum versus negative, distracting and senseless dribble or is that drool from your chin??

Please KNOCK OFF your Non-sense / Bullshit !!

And Steve Please continue to Self Promote and Share all/any information you can regarding pictures and descriptions of items you either to sale or just giving us the opportunity to see some Rare/Ultra Rare/ Hard to Find Collectibles that are out there!!

Thanks

Anonymous 28 Aug 2008

#13

If its about sharing, where are the pictures of the cuffs so we can see these slight differences ?

Mick Hanzlik 28 Aug 2008

#14

Anonymous....If you bothered to read Steve's post, you would have noticed that although he had "got" the cuffs. i.e. the transaction has been uccessful, he doesn't have them in his hands yet, THAT IS WHY HE CAN'T SHOW YOU A PICTURE OF THE DIFFERENCES!!!

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

#15

Yes indeed.

I was sent some initial pics of the 2 sets and I did notice small differences but the pics were not a good as I would like to shoot here with my Cannon Rebel.

I want to be sure that what I am seeing is not due to poor lighting or a restricted angle.

The only way to do that is with my own eye and my own camera.

One thing I can say is that one set seems in amazing condition and "may" even be plated or just higly reflective bare metal.

The second set looks very much the same surface finish as Michael's but does not have the broken off section.

Kind of a grey look to it.

Both sets should be here within 10 days and when they are I will post pics when I find time to take them.

Steve Santini

Michael Busch 28 Aug 2008

#16

Hi Steve,

I will be out of town from coming Saturday till Wednesday, so I probably will not have any Internet access during these days. Just wanted to make sure you know that I am still interested.

Best wishes,

Michael

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

#17

Thanks Michael,

I was contacted first by Lars so he will have first choice of which of these cuffs he wants.

I am going by a "first to contact me gets first chance" plan to be totally fair and you were second to express interest so you and Lars will be the only people I will be contacting when these cuffs come in.

I will send you both pics when I take them and since there are 2 of these you both will likely end up with one.

I have not forgotten you.

Cheers, Steve

Steve Santini 28 Aug 2008

#18

Hello Michael,

Please drop me an e mail at bookings@thedarkmaster.com and I will let you know the price I had in mind for each set.

I had already quoted Lars a price when I thought I was only getting the one pair but now that I am getting 2 and know what I had to give for them I have a price in mind for the second set too which is not in as great condition as the first set.

Like I said before, from the limited pics I was sent it looks like the second set has basically the same surface finish as the set you already have.

Once you know the price you can let me know if you are still interested or not.

Cheers, Steve

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#19

Having worked in factories most of my adult life I have noticed the same type of device used
to suspend electrical conduit from ceilings.. hence the need for the very large half ring
that is welded to the top of the device.

Just my opinion ..

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#20

So what is rarer, Super rare or Ultra rare?

Amused 29 Aug 2008

#21

"Having worked in factories most of my adult life I have noticed the same type of device used
to suspend electrical conduit from ceilings.. hence the need for the very large half ring
that is welded to the top of the device."

Just my opinion .."

Yeah, your "opinion".

Were your "opinion" an educated one you would know the difference between a rare restraint and an oridinary pipe clamp.

Perhaps this is why you have worked in factories most of your life.

Too funny.

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#22

something wrong with working with manufacturing machinery?

I wouldn't mind working in a handcuff manufacturing company, A respectful job.

Big difference between restraints and torture devices.. and the people who collect them I suspect...

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#23

If you are so smart, then why don't you have your own website?

maybe because nobody would go there?

Steve Santini 29 Aug 2008

#24

In fact, 2 of them.

www.thedarkmaster.com

and

www.tortureexhibit.com

Steve Santini

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#25

does anyone ever go to them?

if so, then why are you always here?

Steve Santini 29 Aug 2008

#26

I keep pretty busy my friend.

Always have a pile of projects in the works.

But thank you for your concern anyway.

Steve Santini

atlanta*casting 29 Aug 2008

#27

You are welcome, Have a great day ...

Steve Santini 29 Aug 2008

#28

You have a great day as well.

Steve Santini

S. Scamtini 29 Aug 2008

#29

What the heck is this? LMAO!!

http://www.stevescamtini.i8.com/

Observant 29 Aug 2008

#30

Great thing about this thing called internet.

Cowards can hide behind a screen and say anything they want about anyone online.

Edgeplay_Cgo 29 Aug 2008

#31

It has been said that a thousand monkeys at a thousand keyboards will eventually produce the works of Shakespeare. Whoever said that obviously never used the Internet.
- Anonymous

Buddy 30 Aug 2008

#32

Forgot to list one of your websites, Mr. Adams:

http://www.titanicmuseum.de/Titanic_Con ... _inc_.html

I'm sure the appropriate authorities will be more than happy to know you're still around.

Steve Santini 30 Aug 2008

#33

Not my website but still thanks for the promo that once again clearly shows how often I have worked with museums and historical research groups.

Keep looking.

You will no doubt find even more.

Cheers, Steve Santini

Steve Santini 30 Aug 2008

#34

"Appropriate authorities?"

Yes, by all means tell them to come knocking.

Obviously, as you have tried to show, I am very much "visible".

That, combined with my various interests and accomplishments is no doubt making you simply furious.

Good.

Twist in the wind.

Steve Santini aka. Stephen Adams.

Steve Santini 30 Aug 2008

#35

http://www.titanicmuseum.de/Titanic_Con ... cepts.html

Scamtini in action 30 Aug 2008

#36

http://www.clownmaster.i8.com/photo6.html

Steve Santini 03 Sep 2008

#37

Hi Michael,

I got the cuffs in and sent pics to you and Lars.

You may want to check your e mail because 2 of the pics I sent you bounced back and it said the e mail account was over quota.

Cheers, Steve

Steve Santini 03 Sep 2008

#38

I now have both of these cuffs and I noticed slight differences in both condition and small manufacturing cosmetics so I contacted my source today in Switzerland and he filled me in a bit on the approx age of these restraints.

The obviously older one I have and which looks very much like Michael's dates to the late 1800's.

The one I have in near mint condition was given to my source by a very old man who was issued them when he joined the Swiss Police just post WW1.

My source is of the opinion that the basic design dates back to the mid to late 1800's and that these were still being made just prior to the 1920's.

I wish I could find out more but this is at least a start for a handcuff design about which little is known.

Steve Santini

Edgeplay_Cgo 04 Sep 2008

#39

Steve,

Thanks for providing that snippet of provenance on the cuffs. Frankly, their design is not inconsistent with an industrial product, as Atlanta suggested. Absent documentation, oral history is our only link with the past. Documenting that is of immense value.

Thanks again.

atlanta*casting 04 Sep 2008

#40

Thank you Dennis.

I being just one of those "factory worker type" people, and not "Ivy League" may sometimes come across as
just being a pest to some but find nothing wrong with asking objective questions.

It is when the original poster then tries to tear down, belittle, berate the re:poster for any kind of question or comment on their post that they expose their true self.

That in itself can be the answer to many questions.

Jesus 09 Sep 2008

#41

How dare any of you to question this man

He knows more than most of you will forget.

You should be ashamed of yourselves to question him.

His knowledge is perfect and complete.

Your claims of knowledge are garbage. And you know it, before someone such as He.

Do not challenge His wrath, because it will be full and complete.

And then YOU will be the one lacking. YOU will be the one wanting. YOU will be the one with nothing.

Simply see His message, as He does is it in His way.

LISTEN TO HIM

edri 09 Sep 2008

#42

Nice to see steve that things never change here, you're still being an asshat.Way to win friends and influence people It goes to show just because someone has some knowledge on a particular subject doesnt mean they arent the most egotistical and self absorbed and profiteering. It amazes me that the few individuals with descent knowledge of restraints havent left you on your own long ago. Honestly what reaction did you think you were going to get when you try to put someone down because of their profession?

shakes head

Edri

Steve Santini 09 Sep 2008

#43

Both of these cuffs have now been sold.

I will leave it up to the buyer if he wishes to identify himself.

Thanks to all interested collectors who contacted me.

Steve Santini

atlanta*casting 10 Sep 2008

#44

Presto, Change O, Alakazam,

Poof..

You never saw a thing ....

Anonymous 10 Sep 2008

#45

"If its about sharing, where are the pictures of the cuffs so we can see these slight differences ?"

I'm still waiting to see the pictures, so people on the forum will learn something from them. No one learned anything about handcuffs at this point.

Ivan 10 Sep 2008

#46

So, having so many interests in so many areas of history:

How's the sale of all your "Bonnie & Clyde" items going?

Including the one and only known combined signatures of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow (with Dallas, Texas written beneath it), inscribed on a scrap of unique cash register tape from Henry Barrow's gas station, on Fish Trap Road in West Dallas?

Perhaps Frank Hamer's handcuffs?

Maybe even Clyde's saxaphone?

All to be included in that "National Museuem" thereby giving provenance to all of it.

Solomon Fan 02 Oct 2008

#47

On Santini's Attrocities website, posted earlier in this thread, is this sentence:

Since the dawn of time man has thought of numerous diabolical ways to inflict intentional suffering and cruelty on his fellow man.

Does this remind anyone of a line of Thomas Solomon's patter? Extremely similar IMHO...

Michael Busch 06 Oct 2008

#48

Hi Steve,

this morning I received your package with the two Swiss handcuffs and I am absoutely happy with them! The cuffs are exactly as desribed by you and will make a fine addition to my collection.

I would like to thank you very much for making these cuffs available and for the smooth transaction we made.

Whenever you come across other rare items please drop me a line.

Best wishes,

Michael

P.S. I will make photos in the next days and post them here.

Michael Busch 16 Oct 2008

#49

Hello everybody,

here are some pictures of the Swiss cuffs.

Best wishes,

Michael

Atlanta*Casting 16 Oct 2008

#50

Michael,

Thanks for sharing pictures.

JT 17 Oct 2008

#51

A truly nice, 20th century BDSM item.

All nice sharp edges, no wear whatsoever. All nice and crisp. Absolutely perfect in every way.

Indeed, a great find.

Anonymous 17 Oct 2008

#52

So;
Michael was the dumbass

Anonymous 17 Oct 2008

#53

^ What he said.

Michael Busch 17 Oct 2008

#54

Yes, possibly a dumbass, but one with two more rare antique handcuffs...

and an identity...

Best wishes to everybody, I look forward to read more comments,

Michael

Anonymous 17 Oct 2008

#55

gee, a identity. that and 2 front teeth for xmas.

Ian McColl 18 Oct 2008

#56

Hi Michael, nice additions, I never thought I would see any outside of Alex's book.

What material and finish on them?

Ian

Michael Busch 18 Oct 2008

#57

Thank you very much Ian! Both handcuffs are made of steel, at least they both strongly are attracted by a magnet. Both cuffs are not plated, the newer is quite shiny and looks polished, the other one has the kind of surface that occurs on cheap metals due to oxidation, however on the cuff it does not have the typical smell.

The older of the cuffs appears to be rather fragile due to its construction. I am quite sure that without the slider in place it could easily be bent and broken without any tools (no I did not try and I won't). The newer one is by far stronger. As it seems the loops on top are not welded but soldered (hope this word is correct).

Best wishes,

Michael

Steve Santini 18 Oct 2008

#58

Hi Michael and Ian,

Michael, if you look down where the chain attatchment ring is on the newer version of the cuff you will see a dark surface rust patina.

When I had the cuff my feeling is that at one time they had been buffed and then coated with a clear surface laquer to prevent rusting.

This area shows a section which the person who cleaned them was not able to reach.

The owner of both cuffs told me this was exactly how he got them and obviously on the newer model someone had cleaned them a long time ago and then had taken steps so they would not rust again.

As for the "solder" you mention Michael, I would be inclined to say it may be braize "sweated" in some areas but I could not see any trace of brass on either cuffs.

Both cuffs also showed no evidence of electric welding.

I am almost of the opinion that certain parts on these cuffs may have been cast.

Steve Santini

Steve Santini 18 Oct 2008

#59

Michael,

Just for interests sake, both of the "loops" you mentioned are not soldered but instead are hammer peened in when the metal was hot.

When I had both pairs I wondered what these loops were for.

One logical thought is that they were there so a chain could be locked to them for "chain gang" transport.

Another thought is that they doubled as a sort of fixture to help when removing the cuffs.

Once the slider bar is removed one needs to pull free the top sliding wrist section.

The half circle loop at the bottom of the cuff gives the officer something to hang onto when this function is performed.

Steve Santini

JT 19 Oct 2008

#60

Oh, the half circle loop gives someone something to hang on to.

You can lock that thing around my penis and testicles and I will follow you anywhere.

Just tell me what to do.

Please. Don't leave me, Steve.

Michael Busch 19 Oct 2008

#61

Hi Steve,

I used to think that the loop was for fixing the cuff to some other object (leg-irons e.g.) only, but providing a grip for the officer is another good reason to have it there.

Thank you very much for the additional information!

Best wishes,

Michael

Ian McColl 19 Oct 2008

#62

Hi Michael and Steve, thanks for the added info. The areas where the cuffs are either soldered or brazed do look fragile and if it wasn't for the cuff being assembled the way it is when locked, this would be a weakness.

For some reason I think this would be more likely to be a restraint within a comfined area, eg. in a court room. I could see the cuff being attached by a chain to the dock to hold the accused.

I could see it being used on the 'beat' to many parts to loose.

Very nice cuffs!

Ian

JT 20 Oct 2008

#63

So

Something unique or just another bullshit item