The Forum at Handcuffs.Org

Thanks to everyone at Indy

40 visible archived posts · 40 preserved total · topic ID 4016

Clyde from Kansas City 17 Apr 2011

I want to thank everyone I met in Indy for making my wife and I feel welcome to your group of handcuff collectors, you are a great bunch of people, we had a great time. John Bushey's lecture was great, not only to the handcuff people but I heard several lock people talking about how good it was. Clyde & Diane Lowe

John Bushey 18 Apr 2011

HI everyone.
Thank you all so much for the great time at Indy. There were more Handcuff collectors than ever before. Great to meet Joe Giunta,
Clyde Lowe, and see everyone else. Paul Reardon - thanks for showing those beautiful Mitts! Thanks Clyde for bringing the great Adams
and paper and mailbag for us to see. Bruce - fantastic seeing you again and seeing your new material. Michael Busch - thanks for coming all
that way, it's always a pleasure. And my special thanks to whoever it was that snuck the original Lorey combination Handcuff into my display case and allowing me to use it in the talk. Also Thanks to Mauri for bringing all those handcuffs, nippers, and restraints which gave us all so many to choose from. Before the convention several of us had a fantastic visit at the two homes of Ken Klosterman, and getting to see his world famous magic collection. Freddy - Great seeing you again, and it's only a warm up to the summer! Mark Lyons, always a pleasure - and thanks for idea of the "Mitts Club". There is too much and too many great moments to mention here. I'm sure photos will be coming. To Joshua and Sarah - I can almost see the practicality of those little gadgets you always seem to use and thanks Sarah for using it to help with a few sales to a friend in NY. I would have called on the way home but mhy phone wasn't working. Elliot and Gordon - thank you so much for driving us all over the place, and Damon as well. Joe Lauher won third place for best display and deserved it. WOW what great items. Great seeing Mike England, Karl, and all the lock collectors too. I had a great time and will say it's just what I needed. More to come. John Bushey

Mark Lyons 18 Apr 2011

I just got back.
It was great seeing all of you again.
For Michael B., twice in 1/2 year was good but still not frequent enough...
Paul R. We have known each other for a wile, but never got to hang out too muh before, so this was great fun....nice Mitts...
Elliot, Thank you!
Terry, Extra nice to have you there as we did not think you could make it. We all hope you will have many, many more shows to attend....and bring some cards when you do!!!
Joe L, Thanks for showing off the extra special DARCY collection. You continue to amaze me...and everyone else! I wanted to check out your new ride...next time. Say hi to your companions...Very nice. Congrats on your accolades!
Mike E. FINALLY, we got to meet. Your son was cool to meet too. I wish my younger son will get his act together so that he can come travel with me and have some fun with yours. Nice collection!!!
Damon, I will be your best friend if I can have your circle cuff!
Fred, Extra special to hang with you one more time. Next time you come visit me and I will make you the waffles....and even better! ....and I won't forget to REMEMBER!
Joe G. A pleasure to meet you. Can't wait to read your literary works!
Mauri, Great to see you again and hang in there. Hope you have a nice dinner tomorrow!
Mark L. (not me...the other one) It was fun hanging with you. We never really had the time to talk too much before. Thanks for guiding me on the safe book acquisition. I only hope to be as good a safecracker as you one day!
John, Thanks for my Club affiliation certificate. Now we are a legitimate club! Please send your annual dues to me now!
Gordon, Thanks for letting me pry open the Lorey Cuffs so I can see how they work! They went back togeter with hardly any gaps. I found an extra ball bearing, though.
Vince, Nice meeting you....save a potatoe skin for me.
Joshua and Sarah, Thanks for picking me up at the airport. Glad you watched Pawn Stars that day and I was able to spark your interest in the hobby. You can show your apprciation by sending me some little ole brass French cuffs that you may have at the bottom of an old box.
Murrey, you were not there and I appreciated that fact. However, we had fun without you!
Joe Fox, you were not there and we certainly would have had much more if you were....next time?

mark
O--O

Mark Lyons 18 Apr 2011

Oops, last but not least, I forgot to say hi to Bruce Thompson.
Always a pleasure to see you again and I hope you will reconsider coming down from Canada for the next show, even though the hotel, had torn curtains, ripped lamp shades, drug dealers selling crack cocaine outside, elevators that don't work, not enough napkins, a perpetual waiting line for the buffet breakfast, orange juice that probably came from outer space, cardboard pancakes, 108 degree thermostats in all of the rooms, cold rainy weather. Other than that, it was perfect!

I hope you stood around long enough to enjoy the matrimonial festivities of the wedding that took place immediately after we vacated the banquet hall.
I'm sure the happy couple are off to a fine start with their marital bliss by sharing this sacred day with their loved ones at the Indianapolis Ramada Inn!

mark
O--O

Edgeplay_Cgo 18 Apr 2011

It was great putting faces to the names on this board, and great to be able to see some of the rare cuffs we only get to read about. Thanks, guys.

Ian McColl 18 Apr 2011

Glad everyone had a great time and when are the photos coming??? Any group shot?, so we can all put faces to the names.

Ian

Bruce Thomson 18 Apr 2011

I agree with Mark about the hotel. Its unfortunate they are keeping with it.
I don't think there have ever been that many McKenzie Mitts in one building since they left the factory.
Waiting for my ride out of here then a fuller comment when I am back home.

ushandcuffs.com 18 Apr 2011

Thanks to everyone that bought super rare cuffs for display. Hard to imagine a Griffin bar cuff, a Lorey cuff, and a Wisner patent model in the same room. John Bushey was a hit with his handcuff presentation and of course there were tons of nice handcuffs to purchase.

Great cuffs. Great people. Thanks to everyone.

Damon

Dorson 18 Apr 2011

Some great pictures Damon, bring more on and who are some of the people in the pictures?

holstcollection 18 Apr 2011

#10

Damon,

Thanks for great pictures!

As we all understand you all had a great time with lots of fun.
Accodring to the posted pictures, my favorites are the Hiatt and
the Griffin bar cuffs. So very nice! I also would like to see more pictures of
rare cuffs and good friends.

Not only Damon took pictures... Come on folks, post more pictures!

Cheers,

Lars

ushandcuffs.com 18 Apr 2011

#11

Here are a few more photos. It takes forever to get them to a friendly size.

The lobby photo from right to left is our forum host Joe Lauher, Mark Lyon, Ron Spitz, Joe Giunta, and John Bushey.

Mauri Willis and Vince are seen helping John with his presentation.

That is Joshua's wife Sarah trying to convince John Bushey that computers are not evil.

Damon

Michael Busch 18 Apr 2011

#12

Hello everyone,

the lock show was a great event, I am very happy that I was able to participate in it and I would like to thank everyone who was there! It is just a great experience to be with a bunch of friends thousands of miles from home, and it was nice to finally meet people personally that I had known from the forum for quite a while!

Thanks to everyone who brought rare cuffs to look at and handle, and special thanks to those (John & Bruce) who brought their original rare documents.

Thanks go out to Joe Giunta for the ride to the airport, my kids are very happy with the toys we found!

And before I forget it, thank you very much again for the BEANS, and no, I do not talk about the handcuffs...

Best wishes to all of you,

Michael

grenchat 19 Apr 2011

#13

Great pictures!

I recognize Joe Lauher, Mark Lyons and Mike England seated next to his son.

Keep 'em coming!

Jason

joegiunta 19 Apr 2011

#14

Good times, good friends, lots of real cool stuff, and partying with everyone in Mark's room, I can't think of a better way to have spent the weekend. If you missed Indy you missed a GREAT time! Thanks to everyone for bringing all that cool stuff to play with. Looking forward to next year. Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet?

Joe G.

Oly83 19 Apr 2011

#15

I would like to thank ALL of you for showing my wife and I a fantastic time while in Indy. It is always great to spend time with those of you that have quickly become friends of ours. It was equally as exciting to meet so many new people that I have not had the oppurtunity to before this weekend. The cuffs were fantastic, the conversations were priceless, the entertainment second to none. Below I have posted a few photos of this weekend.

I would like to give a special thanks to Mauri Willis not only for providing so many cuffs for us to see and add to our collections...but also for keeping Sarah from going insane around all of us crazy guys. Also to Ken who welcomed us into his home for a once in a lifetime oppurtunity to see an unblievable magic collection (Thanks a billion to Terry Roses and John for getting us an invite. Lastly I too would like to thank Gordon and Joe L. for brninging a few cuffs that most of us would never even get a chance to see in real life let alone pick up and hold.

Some of us guys
?t=1303183430

John showing his mini-cuffs to Ken
?t=1303183497

Damon, me and Joe L.
?t=1303183577

Paul sneaking cuffs while we were all distracted
?t=1303183651

John performing his exorcist routine for me and Fred
?t=1303183738

Some of the pieces I was able to pick up this weekend
?t=1303183816

Cheers,
Joshua

Margarette 19 Apr 2011

#16

Wow! Looks like you guys had a great time without me! Maybe I'll skip the next get-together, too! I don't want to risk spoiling everyone's fun!

My son had a great birthday party. I still can't believe he would rather have his birthday at Playtime Pizza playing laser tag with his friends than in Indy. Maybe one of you guys would want to take him to the TNA Wrestling event I got him tickets for!

Margarette

The Amazing Michael 23 Apr 2011

#17

Wow, what a show!!!! I had a GREAT time seeing all the really rare cuffs and all the great collectors! Most of the collectors I have met before but I got to meet some new folks and meet face to face for the first time some old acquaintances. It was great to finally meet Mark Lyons in person after a long e-mail, telephone, and forum friendship. I got to meet Michael Busch, Paul Reardon, Joe Giunta, Clyde, Dennis, Raymond, Mauri Willis, Elliot, and Ron Spitz for the first time and also got to see some old friends there as well. It was good to see Joshua and Sarah, Mark Lundblad, Joe Lauher, Howy, Bruce Thompson, Damon Shields, Vince, John Bushey, Gordon Gluff, Terry Roses, and Fred Pittella again. If I forgot anyone, my apologies.....there are so many to mention, it is hard to keep track!

Lots of great cuffs there......I had on display and for sale or trade, around 150 pairs of cuffs, most were common but I had a few gems like the Chubb Detainer Youth model, the Froggatt Civil War Leg Iron, the Bean Prison Ball and Chain, and the infamous Tower 3-Way Single Lock cuff. However, my display was put to shame by all the other far more desirable handcuff displays! I got to see a Hiatt Bar Cuff, a Griffin Bar Cuff, a Griffin & Nichols Darby, a Gotcha Cuff, two pairs of McKenzie Mitts (one black and one nickle plated, a Lorey combination handcuff, an Oregon Boot, a Horst Moabit leg iron, a really wild Luna cuff that words could not describe, a couple of Berliners, a double hinged Darby (or Darcy) leg iron, a really tiny screw locking figure 8 cuff that Damon has, a giant set of plug 8's made for the feet, Marlins of all types, Pratt combo nipper/cuffs, a plug neck collar.......gosh, I could go on for days!!!!! Needless to say, I was blown away!!!!

Here are some photos:

I should mention a few things here......the photos of the young man in the straitjacket is my son, Keegan England. He was put in several of Joe Lauher's jackets by Joe himself (who really knows how to strap someone up) and Keeg got out every time! Joe put him into a tie-up Posey jacket in a way that I thought to be impossible to get out but he did it. WOW, I thought I was a badass when it came to straitjackets but this kid is unreal! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

The screw lock I am holding in one of the photos is an original Houdini owned Siberian Cell Padlock. The gentlemen that is holding the Houdini lock in another photo is the owner, Jeff Strumberger and yes, he has documentation on this lock.....far more documentation than I have ever seen to support the fact that Houdini owned this lock.......it is quite possible that this lock was one of the locks in the famous Houdini "shackled head to toe" photo. Jeff was kind enough to bring this lock at my request.....much thanks Jeff! And at the end of the show......Mark Lyons got his White Castle fix! =)

I hope you all enjoyed these photos!

Cheers, Mike D~C/

Mark Lyons 23 Apr 2011

#18

Yes, seeing the unbelievable handcuffs was a special treat for the eyes.
The White Castle trip was a special treat for the taste buds.
Even Michael Busch got a special treat of a nice bowl of string beans.
A good time was held by all!

mark
O--O

Mark Lyons 23 Apr 2011

#19

This is the picture which Michael is referring to.

What a special privilege is was to be able to handle this historical artifact.

We are not sure if this lock is at Houdini's knees or at the ankles.

mark
O--O

John Cox 23 Apr 2011

#20

Wonderful photos! Thank you.

Mike, can I post the pic of you holding the Houdini lock, and what you've said about it here, on my blog?

The Amazing Michael 23 Apr 2011

#21

John, you may indeed re-post any of the pics I posted here on your website along with any quotes. Great website BTW, thanks for taking the time to host it for all of Houdini nuts!

Cheers, Mike D~C/

John Cox 23 Apr 2011

#22

Cool. Thanks.

For the blog, where was this convention held. And does it have a proper name besides "Indy." Any links I should include?

The Amazing Michael 23 Apr 2011

#23

John, it was the 30th annual Crossroads of America Antique Padlock Show and it was held in Indianapolis, Indiana USA.

Cheers, Mike D~C/

John Cox 23 Apr 2011

#24

Great. Thanks, Mike. Here you go. Don't let the fame go to your head! ;p

http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2011/04/real-deal.html

Ian mcColl 23 Apr 2011

#25

Great to see the photo of Houdini's lock. If only it had surfaced back in 1998 when I made all the padlocks for the Houdini movie that year. The movies PR department wanted Jonathon Schaech to model them in the same Houdini pose.
Back then, all I had to work of was a 4x6inch photo of Houdini which I enlarged on a photocopier over and over until it was a close as I could get to full size. Then I measured each lock and copied the design and shapes as best I could from what I saw.
Here a photo of Robert Gallup and I hold up the laminated photo.
?t=1303600762

?t=1303601902

Unresolved image reference ↗

John Cox 24 Apr 2011

#26

You did a sensational job, Ian! I've often marveled at that pic of Schaech.

The Amazing Michael 24 Apr 2011

#27

Ian, I must say that you did a great job in reproducing all those locks and restraints for the movie. I love the attention to detail in re-doing this classic photo.

Cheers, Mike D~C/

Ian McColl 24 Apr 2011

#28

Hi guys, thanks for the comments, I wish I still had the drive to create. It's only in the last few years that new information has come to light and I wish I knew back then what I know now.
When I have been in the States I havent been able to meet up with some of the people who have interesting things and when I cannot make it to shows, this is when the others can be there. Like ships in the night,
I made the Siberian lock with screw keys locks ( going off only my experience as a locksmith) so I was only slight right) Turns out the lock is inverse to what I made and has quad helix key. Close but no cigar!
At least I got to make the tri helix key to plug eight leg iron which is beautifully displayed in Joe Lauhers collection of plug eights and other rare English cuffs.
The leg iron are reportedly made by old made Froggart to challenge Houdini with.

Ian

The Amazing Michael 24 Apr 2011

#29

Ian, I got to see the tri helix key at the show....Joe had it out showing off the tri start feature. Nice work!

Cheers, Mike D~C/

Mark Lyons 24 Apr 2011

#30

Ian,

I was wondering what happened to the locks you made for the movie.
Did they production company buy them from you or did you rent them out?
Where are they now and lets see a close-up picture of them.

mark
O--O

lauher 25 Apr 2011

#31

The Hiatt leg iron is one of the prize items in my collection. I think the cuff itself is older than the 20th century. The Hiatt mark is the small one that was used on early cuffs. But it is quite possible that the unusual locking mechanism might have been added later by Froggatt. The replacement key works great. Ian you did a great job with it.

Joe

Anonymous 11 Jul 2011

#32

Hi,

I bought this key at the show and with the help of Ron Spitz who drove it out cross country for me, I finally hung it up in my store.
I found a 12 volt motor and made a bracket for it. I made a pin hole in my drop ceiling for the cable to go through and suspended the key from it.
The keys spins very slowly and I put some insulation above and below the moter to make it quiet.
The customers compliment me on it but wonder if it is wind powered.
The hardest part was to accurately measure where the hole was to in the ceiling panel within a 16th of an inch.
It was tricky, but I got it.

Thanks to whoever it was that sold this key to me.

mark
O--O

Ron Spitz 11 Jul 2011

#33

Mark, It really looks good in the picture. Where did you put the other red key?

Ron

amazing01 11 Jul 2011

#34

Looks nice Mark!

Cheers, Mike D~C/

Vince 11 Jul 2011

#35

Hey Mark, looks GREAT! I've seen numerous cast display keys "hanging around" in many shops, however your approach BY FAR, takes the cake. Too bad though, to the casual customer, they will never realize the "heft" of those display pieces.

How 'bout a suggestion? A playmobile comprised of antique cuffs dangling above the counter? - Giant keys are cool, but giant cuffs are even cooler, eh?

Best regards,
--Vince

Mark Lyons 12 Jul 2011

#36

Vince,
I used to have a jail door from the original San Diego Police Station/Jail. That used to get some looks and comments.
Right now all I have is a new set of Master Padlock Street Cuffs on the wall for purchase and sooooooo many people comment on that.
I could probably tell them that they are ancient leg shackles from a Georgetown Plantation and triple my money.
Thanks for the comment. The nice thing about my display is that I can let someone pick the key up if they are inquisitive about its weight. But not too long as cable will still be turning around and create a snarl.

Ron,
Here is a pic of the other key. It was hard to find a place for it that would not get in the way of anything or cover up any valuable sales area.
Employee Robert hopes I secured it to the wall with some very good screws....or else.
The Locksmith Sign was from the 1920's or 30's. I modified it to get its power from the track light adjacent to it.

mark
O--O

amazing01 12 Jul 2011

#37

I spy, with my little eye, a Tower Double Lock handcuff hanging on the wall with the key blanks! No Locksmith shop would be complete without at least one antique cuff laying around.

Cheers, Mike D~C/

Mark Lyons 12 Jul 2011

#38

Oh yes....very good.
Eagle Eye is your new name.
I forgot that I had that.
It is a POS that a customer dropped off for me to make a key.
I told him to go buy a nice pair on the bay for $100 and have a nice working set. He just wants this one handed rust bucket to have a key.
Go figure!

mark
O--O

amazing01 12 Jul 2011

#39

The customer is always right! So make him a key and leave the $100.00 set on eBay for a real collector.

Cheers, Mike D~C/

handboeienfreak 12 Jul 2011

#40

Hi

Nice find Mark

and do you have the matching handcuffs with this key???

best

patrick