Bar Cuff UK

Hi, does anyone know the actual history of this cuff (that is, did own it or does own it?)
I can see joints at some of the corners which you wouldn't expect in a cast item, as the other three bar cuffs I know of are made. The edges aren't rounded and the keyhole appears to neat and not 'bulleted'.

Any thoughts from anyone in the know??

I had the chance to buy this before it was on ebay.I sent john some pictures and found out its a repro made about 1980 so i did not buy it.

Hi, does anyone know the actual history of this cuff (that is, did own it or does own it?)
I can see joints at some of the corners which you wouldn't expect in a cast item, as the other three bar cuffs I know of are made. The edges aren't rounded and the keyhole appears to neat and not 'bulleted'.

Any thoughts from anyone in the know??

Click to expand...

Hi George, nice to see you back and buying again. Good to hear you have settled up with everyone.
What did the seller say about the cuff to you??
Ian

Hi, does anyone know the actual history of this cuff (that is, did own it or does own it?)
I can see joints at some of the corners which you wouldn't expect in a cast item, as the other three bar cuffs I know of are made. The edges aren't rounded and the keyhole appears to neat and not 'bulleted'.

Any thoughts from anyone in the know??

Click to expand...

Hi Ian well im working on paul right now but other them that.The seller dident really tell me to much and the price i was going to pay was really noth worth it.I called john and asked him his thoughts sent him pictures and that what he said made around 1980 just a repro.Not a cool one like i sold joshua.I hope who ever buys it doesnt pay an arm and a leg.John might have some more information you should send him a quick email..take care Ian

Hi, does anyone know the actual history of this cuff (that is, did own it or does own it?)
I can see joints at some of the corners which you wouldn't expect in a cast item, as the other three bar cuffs I know of are made. The edges aren't rounded and the keyhole appears to neat and not 'bulleted'.

Any thoughts from anyone in the know??

Click to expand...

It has the makers stamp of W Polfreman and also stamped Worksop Parish 1816.
The makers stamp is a single stamp whereas 'Worksop Parish' appears to be single letters stamping the ownership of the cuff.

The maker, William Palfreman was a Whitesmith and Bellhanger at Retford 10km from Worksop.
The earliest professional record I have of him is the 1832 Retford, Nottinghamshire Directory listing under Whitesmiths &c (and the like) William Palfreman Junior at Cooke's Yard, and his brother Robert Palfreman (b1800 to d????) at Grove St in Retford.

William Junior was born May 1795, died 1875, so if the numbers on the cuff is actually the date 1816, then he was about 20 years old when it was made. What I do not know is if William Palfreman Senior was also in the same profession, but it would stand to reason if both sons are. I suspect that the father William (1762-????) made it in 1816 OR maybe his apprentice son. In the 1841 Census William Palfreman Jnr is listed at St John Street, Retford.

Don't be concerned that the stamp says Polfreman instead of Palfreman, spelling was rather fluid at that time ie Palframan/Polfreman/Palfreyman/Palfreeman etc

The cuff appears poorer quality than the Hiatt and Griffin Bar Cuffs but it was not Palfreman's specialty and may be a one-off. I believe it was made at a time when these things were not mass produced but made locally by the blacksmith, whitesmith or locksmith based on other known designs ie Griffin or Hiatt.

The seller is at Doncaster, just north of the area where it was made. It was owned by his grandparents and has been in the family as long as he can recall - pre 1974.

Palfreman appears to be a minor player in the making of cuffs, but is one of the earliest known UK makers with enough pride to put his name on it.

Paul Davies