Hamburg 8

I bought these Hamburg 8 handcuffs some 35 years ago - I cannot be sure, but I was a magician at the time and bought up odds and ends from our local magic club. I think these have been adapted for escape artists. I never used them and they just sit in a box.

I thought your members might be interested in seeing them.

They do not have any makers marks, and sadly no key.

They open when closed together as normal Hamburg 8 - I saw a video on youtube showing them - but these also open when 90 degrees from folding onto themselves - if you put them on one way round you cannot open them when on - but if put the other way you can release yourself.

Do you think they are from the 1930's? And are they worth anything?









I was very impressed with your comments on my primitive padlock - so dug these old handcuffs out to see if I could find out a bit more about them.

There is the extra notch that allows the cuff to spring open when adjusted to that point. Not sure if just plain cuff collectors like that or not but escapology types take it in stride.

I bought these Hamburg 8 handcuffs some 35 years ago - I cannot be sure, but I was a magician at the time and bought up odds and ends from our local magic club. I think these have been adapted for escape artists. I never used them and they just sit in a box.

I thought your members might be interested in seeing them.

They do not have any makers marks, and sadly no key.

They open when closed together as normal Hamburg 8 - I saw a video on youtube showing them - but these also open when 90 degrees from folding onto themselves - if you put them on one way round you cannot open them when on - but if put the other way you can release yourself.

Do you think they are from the 1930's? And are they worth anything?









I was very impressed with your comments on my primitive padlock - so dug these old handcuffs out to see if I could find out a bit more about them.

Click to expand...

Hi Brian

The Hamburg 8s were a favorite of Houdini's , he loved the design.

What are they worth ?? , Well whatever some one is willing to pay to add them to a collection..thy sell today for on or about $250.00-$325.00 is a fair price to ask.

What you have are a gaffed cuff for use in performance by Magicians

Hope this helps

MICHAEL LEE

I bought these Hamburg 8 handcuffs some 35 years ago - I cannot be sure, but I was a magician at the time and bought up odds and ends from our local magic club. I think these have been adapted for escape artists. I never used them and they just sit in a box.

I thought your members might be interested in seeing them.

They do not have any makers marks, and sadly no key.

They open when closed together as normal Hamburg 8 - I saw a video on youtube showing them - but these also open when 90 degrees from folding onto themselves - if you put them on one way round you cannot open them when on - but if put the other way you can release yourself.

Do you think they are from the 1930's? And are they worth anything?









I was very impressed with your comments on my primitive padlock - so dug these old handcuffs out to see if I could find out a bit more about them.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your comments - I never thought they would be worth anything like $200 or more.

It is also interesting to have them confirmed as adapted for escapology, I had always thought they were, but never managed to find anyone who had come across them before or knew about them.

You may well see them on ebay.

Thanks

Brian