New York visit with Fred and Joe

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Wow!!! Darn, I was hoping the picture of you and Joe at the table was a display of what Joe was taking to sell at the convention.

Very, Very, Nice. Thanks for Sharing.

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Yes,
I thought this was the Table-O-Bargains that Joe always talks about!

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

I, too, have had the oppotunitiy to visit Fred and Joe's collections.
Both are simply astounding, and mind-blowing in their respective scopes.
Fred's collection of escape artist memorabilia is 2nd to none, and Joe,
or should we call him "Darby Joe" not only has cabinet drawers full of Darby's, but a fantastic collection of other cuffs as well. Both Gracious hosts, and Thanks for the visits the past two years. Also, Fred and I had the chance to see a collection I've dreamed of seeing for many years, the Houdini collection of Kevin Connolly. I never in my life thought I could be tired of seeing Houdini stuff, but between Mario Carrandi, Roger Dreyer, and then Kevin; well,
too amazing to even begin to describe. Also, looking so forward to seeing many
of you at the Cannon's convention. Best Wishes, John Bushey

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

It is always great to have friends visit, particularly such good people as Stan and John and Fred. We are all so fortunate to have a hobby represented by such nice people.

The far end of the table has marked Darbies from 25 different firms. Can you name them?

Joe

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Hi Joe, is it a plug eight leg iron on the table (near your watch)?
and a Wisner hoyt in the foreground?

Ian

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Ian

You are correct on both counts. The leg iron is a Hiatt plug 8. It is the same one that Chris Gower discussed in the 2006 annual.

The Wisner and Hoyt has one of your keys, filed to fit by John Bushey. So thanks very much to both you and John.

Joe

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Joe,

Do you have four (4!!!) different Bean Giant or should I get myself new glasses?

Lars

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Lars
actually 3 plus a paper weight
Joe

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Joe,

Three versions of Bean Giant, not bad at all.

Have you considered updating your web site? I think you have a great number of
nice cuffs not yet on your site.

Lars

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Dear Lars,

Joe has been considering updating his Web site collection almost as long as I can remember, certainly more than half a dozen years. If you can get him to do it, great.

Cheers,

Jack
http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/collectibles.htm

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Thanks Joe, i will have to read the 2006 annual again.
Are these plug eight leg rions the ones Chris owned , made by Froggart with triple helix keys?

Ian

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Ian
They are the same cuffs. The one you made the nice key for.
Joe

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Just got back home....
WOW, it was great spending time with Stan and Joe!!!
Stan sure knows his cuffs I really enjoyed talking over the collection with him!!!
But, thanks to Stan and John Bushey I found out I'm missing two of the Romer's the small handcuff (which I thought I had) but there is a smaller one that Stan has and the brass legiron which Stan and Gordon have????? The fun of collecting!!!!!

I been to see Joe's collection a few times now (he lives so close and the only time I seem to visit is when someone comes to town???)
I'm always amazed to see Joe's collection! I always seem to mange to see something new!!
The nickname "Darby Joe" sure fits you really have to see all the Darby's he has!!
Between John's and Stans visit and seeing Joe I can't wait to see everyone at the Cannon's!!!!!
See you in Ontario!!!
ALL THE BEST
Fred

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

I'm planning on taking my older son to NY for his high school graduation (if he doesn't ship off immediately to boot camp, basic training, or whatever he decides). Wonder if he'd like to see a bunch of handcuffs??? Or, maybe I could set him loose on his own while I look at handcuffs....if you guys would let me!!

I've been trying for a few years to be in New York City when Fred Pittella and Joe Lauher are available. This was the year. Fred picked me up at my hotel in mid town Manhattan early Sunday morning and we went to his home to stare at some really rare handcuffs and an obscene amount of Houdini and other Escape artist materials. Then Fred drove to Joe's house, and after lunch we spent a few more hours looking at handcuffs. I don't think there are any British Darbies or Plug 8's left in the UK. I think Joe has them all, as well as a fabulous array of other cuffs. As much as I like looking and touching them, I was overwhelmed by both collections and I was too tired to look any more, so Fred took me back to the hotel. I want to thank both Fred and Joe for their hospitality and for the opportunity to finally see their collections in person. It's always great fun for me to see other collections and I always learn a lot from other knowledgable collectors like Fred and Joe.
Next to the handcuffs, the Pastrami sandwhiches at Katz Deli and Roxy Deli were the other highlights of the trip, as well as 4 Broadway plays. It was a great trip.
Stan


FRED and his Milk Can, etc.


Me (on the left) and Joe. The cuffs on the table are normally in cabinets. Joe took them out so it would be easier for me to see them. Then we went through the cabinets.

Click to expand...

Margarette

It would be great to see you and your son any time.

Joe