Thum Cuff mystery

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

While I don't doubt Joe's information, I can tell you that I've handled several of the Thum Cuff Thumbcuffs over the years, and they all had locking mechanisms. Even on one that is in working order the only thing visible is the ratchet pawl. The condition of your piece would tell me that it probobally is just broken. You can try removing the screws to take the body apart, and making ratchet pawls to fit. I think that the pawl and a spring are the only parts. The patent drawing should give some details.
Stan

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Hi Stan,

thank you for the answer. It would not help, taking my piece apart, because there is nothing inside – no ratchets pawls, nothing – it is completely hollow. Please have a look at the right picture – it shows the Thum Cuff standing on the smaller side (with markings upside down) and both bows open -> you can see through it. So I guess, somebody had taken the restraint apart and removed all intestines, if no versions were sold this way.

Regards,
Guenter

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Atame: The "Thumcuff" that I have is a real working thumbcuff. Yes,it has always been my belief that they were made strictly made "for magicians"(as was the so-called "Peerless Thumcuff"--The Peerless Handcuff Co. never made a thumcuff).
As Stan stated, your "Thumcuff" is broken/the locking mechanism was removed...they were not sold that way for "escape" purposes.

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Hi Atame, I agree with Stan and Joe. The screws have probably been removed and the guts lost.

I made a reproduction pair many years ago and screwed it together the same way and always thought the design was lacking in security for that reason.

I could make you new guts for it if you like.

Ian

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

I don't think the Thum Cuff was made exclsively for magicians, but it might've been marketed to them at one time. I say that only because the pair I have came with a leather case with a belt loop, and the case was definitely made just for the cuff. Why would a magician need the case?
Stan

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

I dunno guys, I think he should leave them as they are. Making them all new again just kind of takes away the nostalgia. Thumb cuffs are so easy to come by these days -- in what ever design you prefer -- so re-making them just to use them in your show doesn't really make sense. I like the idea of leaving them "original".

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Hi Chance, it's the inner parts which are missing and no harm would come to outside, so they would look the same but work.

If I had a T model Ford that didn't work, I'd call it junk but restored I'd call it MINE.

Ian

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Hi Ian,

I'll see your Model T Ford, and raise you a 1956 T-Bird!

Restoring the cuff was one point I made, but the other was how easy they are to find. Finding working thumb cuffs in no need of repair, is like finding dead leaves in November (May for you guys Down Under )

If this type of cuff was rare, then I might be persuaded to change my opinion -- especially by Ian "Model T Ford" McColl!

Come on Ian, admit it: Work is slow down there and you need the extra work, right?! ))

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Send me a bushel basket of "Thum Cuff" Thumbcuffs please.
This is a fairly rare thumbcuff.

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Stan is right. The "Thum Cuff" is a rare one. You may notice that my gallery does not show one. However, I do now have one and I paid quite a bit for it.

Joe

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

I am very sure that Ian would (once again) do an excellent job in repairing this thumb cuff, but I decided to leave it like it is. So it is a nice conversation piece in a kind of "original altered condition". Otherwise it would be a half old / half new item, as we are not talking about just a broken spring or something like this.

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Hi Atame, either way you cuff is still a cuff.

A repair would remind me of my grand fathers hammer. He left it to me when he died. It's my favorite tool but the handle broke, so I replaced it. Years later the hammer head flew off and was lost, so I replaced it and fitted it to the handle I had left.

All in all, it's my grand father's hammer and it nice to have as a talking point.

Ian

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

HI all,
I have one of these Thum Cuffs. Can anyone tell me the value?
It's not something I'm particularly attached to, so if anyone wants to make an offer? Just email me. I'll send a scan. Overall Good to Very Good condition. Several small dents around two of the screws. Caused by what??? I don't know. Cuff works great. John

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

I am in a split dicision about this. I think it would be great to have them in a working order, but also feel that they would not be original then.

Joe - I see that you do not have a picture of a set of South African Handcuffs made in Pretoria either.You do have a set from South Africa, but, not the ones being used by security gaurds at the moment (Police use S&W).
Would you like a picture of them? If you want to get a set, please email me.

Regards
Wolflock

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Wolflock

Nice to hear from you.

I do have some modern South African cuffs, although I would like to see your picture just to see if they are the same. The reason they are not pictured on my site is my arbitrary 1970 cut off. I don't have modern Smith & Wesson, Peerless or Hiatt pictured either. There are a few exceptions of particular collector's interest, but generally I do not want the site to be overrun by modern cuffs.

Joe

<img src=http://www.atame.info/Sonst/thum_cuff.jpg>

Dear fellow collectors,

recently I purchased a "Thum Cuff" from an American seller. I was very astonished after I received the item, because there is no locking mechanism in it. The mechanism is not broken, it simply is not there! If you open both sides you can look right through the restraint. So I googled to find information about this restraint and the only side were I saw another "Thum Cuff" was Yossie's (as a "guest" item from Joseph Fox's collection). Yossie wrote in the description: "Believed to have been made/sold for magicians". And he told me that there are thumb cuffs available that work and are intended for use. Fox one and the one I have appear to be made for escape tricks and not "official" use. He suggested to post a question on the handcuffs.org online forum, what I herewith do.

Does anyone have more information about the "Thum Cuff" (with or without locking mechanism). Maybe even the examples with locks were made for the escapism marked. The escape artist could use the locking one for examination purpose and afterwards exchanges it with an identically looking gimmicked version (without lock).

Regards,
Guenter aka Atame

Click to expand...

Ah, I see.

I have emailed you the pictures Joe. Hope you like them.

Regards
Wolflock