Chinese Iron Hand Cuff

A few weeks ago Paul Davies posted the link to this cuff. It arrived today taking only one week from China. The listing stated it was a "foot cuff", however due to its size I think it is more suited for the wrists. Anyway it's in great condition for its age with expected flaking on the surface. It is quite heavy 2318 grams and measures 28.5 X 3 X 16 cm. The lock is in great shape and works fine. The seller states its from the 1850- 1899 period.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to its age. And thanks Paul for your posting.

Ron

I think the clue as to whether or not it was primarily wrist or ankle is in the dimensions and compensating for the average person in that time frame.

A few weeks ago Paul Davies posted the link to this cuff. It arrived today taking only one week from China. The listing stated it was a "foot cuff", however due to its size I think it is more suited for the wrists. Anyway it's in great condition for its age with expected flaking on the surface. It is quite heavy 2318 grams and measures 28.5 X 3 X 16 cm. The lock is in great shape and works fine. The seller states its from the 1850- 1899 period.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to its age. And thanks Paul for your posting.

Ron

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And judging by the construction and overall wear on mine I have a feeling they are even earlier, like perhaps circa 1800 if not even older.

These are definately not some East Indian made dipped in camel urine to make them rust kind of items. Mine has a true and deep patina that shows honest age.

Mine is for the wrists as well.

Cheers, Steve Santini

A few weeks ago Paul Davies posted the link to this cuff. It arrived today taking only one week from China. The listing stated it was a "foot cuff", however due to its size I think it is more suited for the wrists. Anyway it's in great condition for its age with expected flaking on the surface. It is quite heavy 2318 grams and measures 28.5 X 3 X 16 cm. The lock is in great shape and works fine. The seller states its from the 1850- 1899 period.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to its age. And thanks Paul for your posting.

Ron

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I don't think these are fake. The workmanship is much higher quality than the usual junk we see.

The inside diameter of the holes are 6 1/2 cm top to bottom. I agree small ankles could fit but very close together. It is a neat piece. Thanks for your comments.

Ron

A few weeks ago Paul Davies posted the link to this cuff. It arrived today taking only one week from China. The listing stated it was a "foot cuff", however due to its size I think it is more suited for the wrists. Anyway it's in great condition for its age with expected flaking on the surface. It is quite heavy 2318 grams and measures 28.5 X 3 X 16 cm. The lock is in great shape and works fine. The seller states its from the 1850- 1899 period.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to its age. And thanks Paul for your posting.

Ron

Click to expand...

I know that the Guiness Record holder has a pair, so if he kept his, then you should too. I believed them to be genuinely old and because they were listed on ebay badly, they were there for months if not longer. Glad they found a good home. China is a gold mine for antiques and knockoffs alike.