European Convention Pics

Mark Cannon and Mark Lyons at the Antwerp grotemarkt.

Mark, "The Hugo Stanley people told me that they want you to be the exclusive dealer for their new product"

Mark Cannon and Peter in the GroteMarket (sp?) on our first day.

The elevator ride to the Cuff Convention. One has to press "-1" to go to the basement. We don't have that here in the states.


Alex Nichols tried one on for size. Glad he didn't bring thumbcuffs!


An example of the beautiful architecture in Antwerp.

More to follow

Mark
O--O

Belgium has the finest beer and Duval is the finest of the fine!
Here is to Peter for putting the convention in order
and here is to Mark (and Shiela) for making the trip so enjoyable and organized!


The Dutch Connection and Tour Guides extraordinaire!

Thanks to all of you guys for an EXCELLENT time!


Mark
O--O

Enough beer and achitecture. Wanna see what we came here to see?
Check out some of these rarities!



Ever see a picture with a Hudson (left) with a First Model A. Swartz beside it before?
Now you have!


Have you seen a bit or barrell key Hiatt 1960 before?
Here is 3 known variations!



La Pegy with rare round key




Me with Michael Busch's Rare Super Cuffs

Still more to follow

Mark
O--O

They finally rounded me up!


As I was trying to make my escape, this member of Holland's finest was shocked when Patrick produced a working key to unlock his early model (1980's)manacles.
He was even more shocked when Dirk and Patrick whipped out their Hagge cuffs.
There was a rather large demonstration going on that they were patrolling over and did not know that there was a handcuff convention going on quite a few kilometers away too!


Some real bad guys rounded up at the Old Hague Prison.







Some REAL Bad Guys
The "New" Hague Prison. Opened in 1884. When Guenter, Petra and I saw the open door, we deceided that it would be best if we went in. We found out that this is an actual prison where the inmates get sent to when they reach the end of their sentance. They are allowed to leave the facility to work or visit friends and family and must be back at curfew. After talking with the guy in the middle for a while, we learned that he was convicted in Germany for dealing and possession of 100 Kilos of cocaine. He told us that he will be returning to a life of crime when he leaves the prison because the money is just too rewarding. Spending 5 or 7 years in prison is "just the cost of doing business" he rationalized. The lady on the left is a prison guard. The other fellow was hanging around because he acquired a vested interest in the criminal justice system within the last few years.



Gent's finest! A polite Politie!


And last of all, we have the US Embassy Detail's Finest.
I was told that these guys don't play around and won't deal with picture taking. After asking nicely, the cop on the left said that he would be happy do it. I then told him that the female cop was prettier than he was and I wanted her picture. The guys had a pretty good laugh. She did it but her crossed arms indicate that she wasn't exactly OK with the idea. I later found out that she was the sergeant of this detail. The guys were alot of fun to hang out with and they had very much the same training as I did in their police academy. We compared notes and they were quite memorable.

A super time with all the people I met on this trip!
Mark
O--O

Still more great architecture.


Belgium has the BEST chocolate in the world

And...




The prettiest girls

Mark
O--O

I took this picture in a market center in Amsterdam.
I am not sure what it represents (slavery or bondage of someone or group)but I thought I would share a statue with restraints you all of you.


mark
O--O