Did any of you buy anything? I bought one lot.

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Joe Congratulations with your Purchase. Don,

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Nice choice.

I didn't buy anything, but if I had it would have been those openers you bought, for the same reasons you mentioned!

Regards

Riley

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi Joe, a nice purchase, type of thing I would have gone for.
What is the common TPI ? or are they all different?

hour of fun just in working out what they fit and don't fit.

Lucky man!!
all the best

Ian

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi Joe (and everyone).
It seemed all the cuffs went lower than expected. I bought a lilly iron, with an altered locking mechanism. It doesn't have the typical bolt in the lock case, but instead a flat piece of steel with two holes (like a plug 8 plug). The key has two prongs which fit into the holes. It is thought Houdini had several handcuffs altered to use as "Handcuff King" breakers. After people paid and got their merchandise several of us "handcuff collectors" examined many lots purchased by many buyers. It was a blast. We found several gaffed handcuffs, explained what and how a chain twister works (the buyer didn't even know what it was), and just had a blast! Also, GREAT job on the book Joe. I love it. I picked up a copy from Mark and Shiela Cannon of Cannonsgreatescapes. My lot number was #139. Oh, I also won lot #61. It's a neat cuff. Joe, sorry to say I bid against you on your lot too. It really looked neat. Let me know how it is when it arrives. John

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hey John, so you bought #61, wasn't going say anything but I made and sold that to Sid years ago.

Ian

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Ian does have a sense of humor.
Stan

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi Ian,

That cuff was awesome! It was really a thing of beauty in design and workmanship. It was the coolest cuff in the house.
So you say that you made that cuff years ago, huh.
I callenge you to make 1 of them for me now.
m

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi John,

Please post a big close-up picture of the German cuffs for us all to see.
According to the small picture on the web and in the catalogue it must be an awesome item.

Cheers,

Lars

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi, No I didn't make the cuff, it was a reply to a joke I had with John on the phone, seeing it was a very expensive cuff, I thought it would be funny if it was one of my items.

Good call Stan, I hope you had a laugh too.

Ian

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi all,
I've been overwhelmed with emails regarding the cuff.
thanks. Sorry for delay in responding. I will respond here.
I mailed the cuff, didn't trust checking it through the airport, and couldn't bring it on the plane. So, it should arrive soon. I'm looking for any information on it. If anyone knows anything, please let me know. One person I spoke to said it was once in Houdini's trunk # 8. Anyone else ever see it in there? Is it German?? What the opinion out there. I was surprised to see it was in such wonderful condition, nearly fully plated. I'm wondering about the age of it. Workmanship is incredible! It's apiece of art. Lookd like a production cuff, not one-of-a-kind. But, it seems to be the only one out there. I'll see about the photos. Hey, here is a question. As your cuffs arrive (for those who bought something), any surprises. Are you happy, unhappy. Keep us posted. I saw some that were broken, and still went for a lot, and others were gaffed. What about yours out there?? Give us your lot number, and tell us about your item. Thanks, John

Happy Halloween.

Well the auction was exciting. Whether you participated or not it was fun to watch.

Ahead of time I decided to bid on one lot. I figured that the auction was a historical event in our world of handcuff collecting and that I needed to participate in one way or another.

Looking over the various lots and projecting what the prices would be I decided not to bid on any of the cuffs. I figured the ones I really wanted would go for exorbitant prices and I couldn't imagine paying such a premium for a common cuff since there was no guarantee that Houdini ever touched them.

So looking things over I place my lone bid on Item 16. A lot of T-handled keys for Darby handcuffs. I chose this one, because it looked like it had some chance of being genuine. At least they are the kind of item that would have belonged to an escape artist, so there is a reasonable chance that Hardeen and/or Houdini might actually have used them. Who knows for sure? And since I have a strong interest in British cuffs they are a perfect item for my collection.

So are they worth the money I paid for them? Good question. I don't have them in my hand yet so perhaps I should withhold by final judgment, but I am satisfied. I bought something I like. It may be a Houdini/Hardeen souvenir. It certainly is a souvenir of the Sid Radner collection.



So what did you buy? And why?

Joe

Click to expand...

Lot #36: Johnson, white metal with patina, patrolman style handcuffs, marked Iver Johnson Co. Boston

I learned of the auction by reading an article in the paper the day of the event. I bid on the item through eBay.

As a background, I was not previously a collector of handcuffs. I have a number of antique collections and my attraction was the ownership by Houdini. One of the things I most enjoy about collecting is reading and learning about the item or subject. I am now on my second book about Houdini and searched the Internet for antique handcuffs. Also, Mark & Sheila Cannon have provided me with a key and information on how to restore/preserve the handcuffs. I believe that the description states "patina" but I think should read "rust".

That said, with reading the posts in the forum, am I happy with my "investment". The answer is yes. Were they owned and used by Houdini? I hope. Was this the best chance for me to purchase a pair owned by the "King of Handcuffs"? Yes. It comes with at least some provenance and documentation. In my mind, the best item to own were handcuffs because they were such a part of his performance and persona.

Just like Houdini, it is all in the publicity and telling of facts (fiction?). The way I see it:

My handcuffs are of an age that he could have used in his act

If he did use handcuffs for multiple shows a day and traveled around the world, then they would not be in mint condition. Probably beat up. Also, he may of used common handcuffs that his audience could associate with i.e. patrolman.

If they were exposed to water, they would probably have a nice patina (rust). Also, on a common pair of handcuffs, why would the item include an original a key when a pick would be used?

I am going to display the handcuffs with pride and enjoy letting my friend's imagination wander and wish the cuffs could speak.

Hopefully, they wouldn't say that they came from an antique stall in Indiana 20 years ago

If anyone has any more information on these cuffs than on this web site, it would be appreciated.