Rare Old Plug 8 Childs Handcuffs Figure of Eight cuffs

I recently purchased these cuffs with the following description....

Old Plug 8 Childs Handcuffs Figure of Eight cuffs

""These restraints are child size - Total width 4¼ inches each wrist loop is 1½ inches wide - 2½ deep.
These ones are very old possible Victorian and sadly are rusty, NO KEY""


I was a little sceptical, but took the chance. I couldnt see any evidence that they ever had a plug & thought they might be the Victorian equivalent of a sales reps demo.

Anyway, they arrived & they are great. I thought I would start by soaking them to see if they could be opened, but could not resist giving them a try first. I couldnt believe they opened straight away with no effort needed.

I soaked them overnight & gave them a wipe down in the morning, where I noticed two markings. They are stamped HARD on the top & they have a 7 by the hinge. They also have the tang where the thread screws in. Maybe Hiatt, maybe Froggatt???

They are 4.3/8 (11cm) long & are 2.5/8 (6.5cm) deep. The wrist apertures are 1.1/2 (4cm) across & 2.3/8 (5.5cm) deep.

Anyone have any more info?

I have added some photos.

Well done Dan, they look great. It's always difficult to decide on the manufacturer, all I know is that most Hiatt plug '8' cuffs were marked HARD and I have seen Froggatt plug '8' cuffs also marked HARD. Either way they are very nice and the small size is probably 20 times rarer than the 'normal' larger size.
Look forward to seeing them when we next meet up.
Chris Gower

I recently purchased these cuffs with the following description....

Old Plug 8 Childs Handcuffs Figure of Eight cuffs

""These restraints are child size - Total width 4¼ inches each wrist loop is 1½ inches wide - 2½ deep.
These ones are very old possible Victorian and sadly are rusty, NO KEY""


I was a little sceptical, but took the chance. I couldnt see any evidence that they ever had a plug & thought they might be the Victorian equivalent of a sales reps demo.

Anyway, they arrived & they are great. I thought I would start by soaking them to see if they could be opened, but could not resist giving them a try first. I couldnt believe they opened straight away with no effort needed.

I soaked them overnight & gave them a wipe down in the morning, where I noticed two markings. They are stamped HARD on the top & they have a 7 by the hinge. They also have the tang where the thread screws in. Maybe Hiatt, maybe Froggatt???

They are 4.3/8 (11cm) long & are 2.5/8 (6.5cm) deep. The wrist apertures are 1.1/2 (4cm) across & 2.3/8 (5.5cm) deep.

Anyone have any more info?

I have added some photos.

Click to expand...

Great looking cuffs Dan, well done!

Mike Riccard
a.k.a. Mikeintightpants
Centre of England