Real or Fake Hiatt Darby's · OnlyCuffs Archive Search

t-m-c 23 Jul 2011

Hi there,

I am new to the forum and to collecting handcuffs. I have managed to pick up a couple of decent pairs recently. However, I made a rash purchase today and thought I would show you all some pictures. My thought was that they were Hiatt Darby Adjustable Handcuffs. However, the more I look into that pair of handcuffs I am realizing that there are many many reproductions and fakes. Do you have any thoughts on these? Thanks so much.

Thomas

Thomas

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Ron Spitz 23 Jul 2011

#2

Sorry Thomas, enjoy your FAKES. Hope you did not pay a lot for them.

Ron

t-m-c 23 Jul 2011

#3

Thanks, I had a bad feeling about these. Should have listened to my gut. It is only a $30 lesson.

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axylon 23 Jul 2011

#4

The easiest test, is to look at the angle of the key entry to the lock tube. If its 90 degrees, they are always reproductions. If the manufacturers of these reproductions ever learn to make the key entry to the lock tube at an angle, like genuine derbies, it will be much harder to detect the reproductions from a photograph. There are also more subtle details that show them to be reproductions, but that needs a clear photo.

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amazing01 23 Jul 2011

#5

Thomas, you only over paid by about $10.00, I wouldn't be too disappointed. I have a pair of these and I love them; I think I paid $25.00 for them plus shipping almost 20 years ago. I knew they were not real Hiatt 115's but I wanted them anyway....there was no handcuff forum or eBay (not for me anyway) back then and this style of cuff was a lot harder to come by. Have fun with them. =)

Cheers, Mike D~C/

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Nils 23 Jul 2011

#6

I think one of the biggest weaknesses of these cuffs are the keys: the threading gets ruined real easily. Some time ago, I had my share of "Alcatraz Prison" andwhattheyrecalled. I got rid of most of them. For the price, if you're looking for something to put on the wall of your western bar or restaurant, sure.

Nils

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Ron Spitz 23 Jul 2011

#7

Andrew you are correct in your method of identification, however, the old cuffs made under British rule are made the same way but are usually heaver and better construction. These cuffs do have some value to collectors but they are easily mistaken for the modern copies.

Ron

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Thomas 23 Jul 2011

#8

Well, I had a bad feeling about these and instantly regretted it. Oh well, it least it is not a huge amount of money. I am a new collector and have quite a bit to learn.

In terms of good news, I did find a pair of Mattatucks that I was able to get for $50.00. It is missing a key and the middle link needs to be fixed, but other than that, I am happy. Here are some pics.

Thanks again.

Thomas

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Mark Lyons 23 Jul 2011

#9

Thomas,

Welcome to cuff collecting.
I am sorry that you ended up with a non-authentic darby cuff.
I have written several articles that helps prospective buyers know what they are about to purchase before they pay out too much cash for an item that in not what they think they are about to get.

Please try to use this web-site when considering any other purchases that you are unsure of.

In my opinion the Mattatuck may not have been wise purchase. I believe that had you invested another $40 to $60 you could have acquired a superior example of the same cuff with a working key and would be much more desirable to a greater number of the collecting community if you deceided to sell or trade it.

I believe you will experience some difficulty if trading or selling the one you posted.

If you are good a metal working or know someone who can repair this cuff inexpensively and make the repair undetectable, than perhaps it was a good choice.

I am not trying to make you feel bad about your recent purchases, It is my desire to see you end up with a nice collection at the right price, as will all of us here.

We are here to help you and hope you will stick around and build up a nice collection.

Best

mark
O--O

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Thomas 23 Jul 2011

#10

Thanks Mark,

I appreciate the kind words. As with all new collectors - you learn as you go. I am hoping to find a hey for these but unless someone out there has an easy (i.e. inexpensive) fix for the middle link, I will probably leave them as is. The fun part is learning and handling these amazing antiques.

One of these days, I will stumble across a decent pair at a reasonable price.

Thanks.

Thomas

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ChuckII 23 Jul 2011

#11

I don't think you got burned paying $30 or so for those cuffs. They will make a good addition to your collection. Had they been antique Hiatts or whatever, they probably would have cost well over $100.

Keep them, and place them proudly on exhibit!

~Chuck

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axylon 24 Jul 2011

#12

Hi Ron,

I did suspect that some antique derbies might have the design characteristic now associated with repros (the key entry surface perpendicular to the lock tube). I thought that, because I bought a derby collar years ago, before the modern repros became known, with that design characteristic This collar is also steel, in contrast to the usual plated-brass of the repros produced now. So I can easily believe that it is a genuine antique, produced in some remote part of the British empire, using local engineering.

Is there evidence for other antique derbies with this style?

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dancingcane 24 Jul 2011

#13

Hello from Germany,

why is so much bought what is broken, or where the key is missing? It'll be paid twice!

best regards

Jens

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Ron Spitz 24 Jul 2011

#14

Andrew--The best person to answer this question is Joe Lauher. On his collection pagehttp://handcuffs.org/gallery/gallery_i-m.html several types of Indian cuffs are shown. The dating is late 1900's. I don't know if he is referring to the "good" cuffs or the modern repos.

In general, the repos have been poor quality, very rusty and the links poorly sealed.

The older ones I have seen are heaver, better construction and little rust, but the rust is real not put there to look old.

Maybe Joe or other British collectors could shed more information on the older cuffs from India.

Ron

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dancingcane 24 Jul 2011

#15

Hello from Germany,

thx for hyperlink.... I've never look of indians. It's to dangerous for my moneybag . I not the big expert of this cuffs.

best regards

Jens

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