S&W handcuffs of mine

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Not to be confused with the original lady in distress photographer of late! But rather, we need a Photo Man ??

A picture is worth Many Words and some unsolicited nonsense by ANON Holes who regular crash the party at here!

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Hi Tim:

It seems you've got an early Model 90. The main indication is the detent (the indenture stamping that creates a dog to engage the pawl ditch) is above the keyway rather than further up on the cuff body as in later production. The early Model 90 was slightly smaller in size and it seems had 5 digit serial numbers.

Unfortunately, even with the serial number, Smith & Wesson will be of no help in dating your cuffs. After Bango Punta (which bought the company from the Smith family in 1965) sold the business, most of the company's archives were donated to some university.

S&W patterned their handcuff boxes after their handgun boxes. Two piece construction with metal reinforced corners, dark blue color on outside, brown on inside with instructions printed on the inside of the lid. Initially, the model number and other information regarding finish and such was printed on the end of the lid; later on, they used white paper labels. Unlike Peerless, S&W never listed the serial number of the cuffs on the box, so there's no way to know for sure if a box is indeed the actual box used for the cuff.

There's a later Model 90 with box currently on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Smith-Wesso ... 286.c0.m14

The early Model 90 box didn't have "A Bangor Punta Company" printed on the lid.

Lastly, they also used the same type oil paper to wrap their cuffs as used for handguns, printed with a picture of a pistol, "World's Finest Handguns", company logo, "Since 1852", and "Place Opposite Side Against Metal".

As for value? If you're happy with them, that's what counts. Due to the wear you described on your set, were you to sell them, you might be able to afford a dinner at a nice restaurant. If I were you, I'd keep the cuffs.

Franklin

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Thanks for the replys and I'll try to find a way to post a pic. I really like them and wouldn't sell them. I like the mirror finish and the way the action feels. Too bad I don't have the original box though as that would really be great.

Tim

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Also, you'll probably notice that the "@" symbol in the stamped text of "Smith & Wesson"...is much "fatter"/"wider" than seen in the later models.

Just as an aside, if I recall correctly, the serial number that I have on my own set of early S&W 90s is #8041.

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

As if "photoman" isn't anon (and a 'hole).

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Me Thinks people are missing a key ingredient in what this man says.. "SHINY MIRROR FINISH".

Wouldn't that make these handcuffs a different Cuff than the Model 90? Such as the Model 91 ??

And "we" only assume his pair Looks like the picture; does the body dimple appear set back or is it forward of the keyway?

I really think we still need a PhotoMan !!

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

Old model 90

Nickel Plated - 90
Regular Finish - shiny
Polished - very shiny

Not Nickel Plated - 91
Polished - very shiny

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Okay I'm trying to load a pic with a "regular" pair of model 90s. I put them in a copier / scanner so the shininess of the smaller pair did not show up at all.

Hope this works. As for the finish, I can hold one of the cuffs up and read something (backwards) placed behind me.

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

HI ! ALL :: for those that may be interested, the EARLY S&W -- BOXES -- have a solid border on the box where as the later boxes had the ////////// border..... i believe same with the pistols.... joe

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

the serial number that I have on my own set of early S&W 90s is #8041.

____________________________________

>>>>Correction: my serial # is: #7081

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

So Anon Hole; Apparently Yossie's Wrong in his Model 91 Description?

http://www.blacksteel.com/hcs/index.cgi ... =14&mode=1

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

So are mine the model 91 or model 90? If the model 91 was in existance when mine were made then I don't see how they could get any shinier.

Sorry I didn't log on but I'm at work.

Tim

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

Hi Tanner:

You are correct about the solid border as opposed the the /////// on the handgun boxes.

I didn't know they did that on the early S&W handcuff boxes as well, but it makes sense.

Okay, here's the $64,000 question:

In what year did S&W come out with the Model 90?

I don't know, but would like to.

Franklin

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

According to several Smith and Wesson history books that I have seen, the Model 90 and Model 91 handcuffs were introduced in 1952. Smith and Wesson made Peerless handcuffs from approximately 1920 until right before WWII.

Hello,

I have several pairs of model 90 handcuffs and a couple years ago I bought this set as model 90s but they are WAY different, at least to me. For starters they are smaller in size, the swivels are older looking and the chain links are smaller. In short, if you cuff somebody with these, your hands would feel noticably closer together.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/261154/m ... 59031/Help

They look like the cuffs in this pic only in much better shape. Also, the finish isn't typical. The finish is wore but where it's not, you could comb your hair in the shine. Really good condition for the age but not new. Serial number is 63555 if that helps.

They are some of my favorite cuffs in my small collection and they have a good feel compared to today's models.

Any ideas on age or value? Are they a variation of the model 90? No extra engraving or anything like that on them other than the factory markings.

Also, what did the boxes look like on these older models? I have the model 90 boxes with the ...punta lettering but were these different? I almost wished there was a gallery somewhere that showed the packaging too.

Thanks all for any input.

Tim

Click to expand...

PhotoMan is anon hole. Or just plain hole.